Sunrise alarm clocks offer a more gradual alternative, using light that slowly increases before the chosen wake time to recreate some of the transition between darkness and daylight.
Many then introduce sound at the end of the light sequence, rather than relying on noise alone. The concept is particularly appealing during British autumn and winter, when waking before sunrise can make even a reasonable morning alarm feel premature. A good wake up light does not promise to transform sleep itself, but it can make the transition from a dark bedroom to the beginning of the day feel considerably less abrupt.
The category has also become more versatile. Premium models such as Philips SmartSleep combine coloured sunrise simulation with sunset routines, natural sounds and an adjustable bedside lamp, while more affordable alternatives add dual alarms, coloured ambient lighting and generous sound libraries. Some incorporate wireless phone charging, allowing one device to replace several objects on a bedside table.
Choosing between them requires more thought than simply comparing the number of functions. Light control, alarm flexibility, ease of use and how intrusive the display feels at night can all matter more after several months of ownership than a long list of additional modes.
Top Picks
The Best Sunrise Alarm Clocks
Best Overall: Philips SmartSleep Wake Up Light
The Philips SmartSleep Wake Up Light is the most established proposition in this selection. Its sunrise sequence gradually moves from red through orange towards brighter yellow light, creating a 30 minute transition before the accompanying alarm sound.
There are seven natural wake up sounds, FM radio, 20 brightness settings and up to 300 lux of light. Sunset simulation reverses the principle in the evening, while the lamp can also function as a reading light. Philips includes two alarm settings and a nine minute tap snooze.
It is best for someone who wants sunrise simulation to be the principal feature rather than one function among many.
Best Multifunctional Choice: Sunrise Alarm Clock with Dual Alarms
The Sunrise Alarm Clock with Dual Alarms offers a broader collection of conventional alarm clock features.
Alongside sunrise simulation, the listed functions include sunset simulation, dual alarms, snooze, FM radio and a bedside night lamp. Dual alarms are particularly useful for couples with different schedules, or for separating weekday and weekend routines where the controls permit it.
This is best suited to someone replacing a traditional digital alarm clock who wants sunrise lighting without giving up familiar functions such as radio and snooze.
Best for Ambient Lighting: RETEYUNG Moon Lamp Sunrise Alarm Clock
The RETEYUNG Moon Lamp Sunrise Alarm Clock places more emphasis on the appearance of the bedside light.
Its moon inspired format and eight atmosphere colours allow it to serve as decorative lighting outside the morning routine. The listed specification also includes two alarms, natural sound options and wake up lighting.
It makes most sense in bedrooms where the alarm clock remains visually prominent throughout the day. Those who enjoy changing the atmosphere of a room in the evening may find the coloured lighting more useful than additional radio or connectivity functions.
Best for Sound Choice: Sunrise Alarm Clock with 25 Soothing Sounds
For light sleepers who find repetitive alarm tones particularly unpleasant, the Sunrise Alarm Clock with 25 Soothing Sounds takes a more sound focused approach.
Its listed features include 25 soothing sounds, sunrise lighting, a night lamp, nine minute snooze and separate weekday and weekend alarm settings. The latter is especially practical because it reduces the need to alter an alarm every Friday evening and Sunday night.
It is best for people who want their bedside clock to contribute to both evening relaxation and the morning routine.
Best Bedside Multitasker: Sunrise Alarm Clock with Wireless Charger
The Sunrise Alarm Clock with Wireless Charger addresses a different problem: the collection of electronics that tends to accumulate beside the bed.
Combining sunrise lighting and an alarm clock with wireless charging can remove the need for a separate charging pad and its associated cable. This is particularly useful on smaller bedside tables where a phone, lamp, clock and charger quickly consume the available space.
It is best for someone who values consolidation. Check that your phone supports the charger’s wireless charging standard before making this feature central to the decision.
Best Simple Choice: LIORQUE Wake Up Light
The LIORQUE Wake Up Light is the option for those who prefer their alarm clock to remain relatively straightforward.
The model is built around sunrise simulation and touch control, keeping the central concept of a wake up light easy to access. LIORQUE’s wake up light range also includes adjustable brightness, alarm sounds and night lighting, although specifications vary between individual models.
It is best for buyers interested primarily in replacing a harsh audible alarm with a more gradual morning routine rather than adding another highly connected device to the bedroom.
Buying Guide: How to Choose a Sunrise Alarm Clock
Consider the Sunrise Function
Start with the sunrise function itself. Adjustable brightness is valuable because sensitivity to morning light varies considerably. A gradual transition also matters more than decorative coloured lighting if waking is the principal objective.
Think About Your Routine
Next consider your routine. Dual alarms are useful for couples and changing schedules, while separate weekday and weekend settings can prevent unnecessary early alarms. Sunset simulation may appeal if you want the device to form part of an evening routine as well.
Pay Attention to Controls
Pay attention to controls. An alarm clock is often operated while half awake, so frequently used functions such as snooze and brightness should be immediately accessible. Also consider whether the clock display can be dimmed sufficiently for a dark bedroom.
Decide Which Extras You Will Actually Use
Finally, decide whether extras genuinely replace another device. FM radio, wireless charging and reading lights can be useful, but only if you would otherwise use them.
Sunrise Alarm Clock FAQ
What is a sunrise alarm clock?
A sunrise alarm clock gradually increases its light before the selected alarm time, imitating the transition towards daylight. Many models add an audible alarm once the light sequence is complete.
Are sunrise alarm clocks useful in winter?
They can be particularly appealing when your normal wake time occurs before natural sunrise, as the room would otherwise remain dark throughout the waking process.
Which sunrise alarm clock is best for a dark bedroom?
The Philips SmartSleep offers 20 brightness settings and reaches up to 300 lux, allowing the light level to be adjusted to individual preference.
Can a sunrise alarm clock help you fall asleep?
Some models include sunset simulation, which gradually reduces light in the evening. This is available on Philips SmartSleep and selected alternatives in this edit.
Do sunrise alarm clocks still make a sound?
Most do. The light begins before the set wake time, followed by a chosen alarm sound. Some models provide natural sounds, radio or a larger library of soothing audio.
Should I replace my phone alarm with one?
A dedicated sunrise clock is worth considering if you dislike waking to an abrupt phone alarm or want to keep your phone away from the bedside. Whether it becomes a complete replacement depends on how reliable and flexible you need your alarm routine to be.
Final Thoughts
The best sunrise alarm clock is the one that fits naturally into both your morning and evening routines. Philips SmartSleep places the greatest emphasis on the light based waking experience, while alternatives with dual alarms, larger sound libraries, ambient lighting or wireless charging may make more sense when versatility is the priority.
Brightness control, accessible controls, alarm flexibility and a sufficiently dim nighttime display are ultimately more important than accumulating additional features. A well chosen wake up light should make the bedside routine simpler rather than introducing another complicated device to manage.
Image credits:
Product images courtesy of the respective retailers and manufacturers.
