Hatch Restore 3 Sunrise Alarm Clock Review (2025)

A blaring phone alarm jolting you awake is a terrible way to start your day.

The Hatch Restore 3 offers something different: a soothing light that gradually brightens from soft red to daylight white, paired with gentle sounds instead of harsh beeps. It’s designed to wake you naturally while also helping you wind down at night without your phone.

For many people, especially those who wake before dawn and anyone trying to break phone-before-bed habits, it creates noticeably better sleep transitions. But does it justify the premium price tag?

This review explores how the Restore 3 sunrise alarm clock performs in real bedrooms for different types of sleepers and if it’s worthy of a place on your night stand.

Check Current Price of the Hatch Restore 3 Sunrise Alarm Clock

Disclosure: This review is reader-supported and contains affiliate links.

Hatch Restore 3: Key Features and Improvements

The Hatch Restore 3 is a bedside device that combines a sunrise alarm clock, sound machine, and reading light to help create more natural sleep and wake transitions.

Practical upgrades from previous model:

• Multiple brightness levels for precise light control
• Smoother light gradients that transition more naturally between colors
• Improved tactile “Big Button” controls for starting routines, adjusting volume, and snoozing
• Complete phone-free operation after initial setup
• Modern design with fabric covering that complements most bedroom decor
• Customizable routines for both evening and morning

Hatch Restore 3: Sunrise Simulation and Sound Machine Quality

The sunrise simulation can be set to run from 5 to 60 minutes, depending on how gradual you want your wake-up to be. Many users find that a 30-minute sunrise works perfectly—the light gradually brightens to the point where you’re naturally awake before any sounds even begin playing.

The color progression moves from a soft red glow through warm amber tones and finally to bright white light. With customizable brightness levels, you can fine-tune exactly how intense your morning light should be.

As a sound machine, the Restore 3 delivers consistent white noise and nature sounds that many find help them stay asleep throughout the night. Without any subscription, you’ll have access to 50+ different sleep sounds and 18 light options—plenty of variety for most people.

The brown noise feature is my personal favorite for easing into sleep each night. The sound quality is surprisingly good for a bedside device, with clear audio that fills the room without distortion.

Hatch Restore 3: Wind Down & Wake Up Routines for Better Sleep

You can set up evening and morning routines that transform how you start and end your day.

For bedtime, you might start with the reading light at a comfortable brightness while you wind down with a book. After about 20 minutes, program the light to begin a sunset simulation, gradually shifting from white to amber to red while playing gentle ocean sounds that fade out as the light dims.

In the morning, your wake-up routine works in reverse.

You can set a sunrise that begins with barely noticeable red light that slowly brightens and warms to daylight over 30 minutes. In the final few minutes, gentle sounds like birdsong fade in, growing just loud enough to wake you without the jarring effect of traditional alarms.

The ability to have different alarm schedules for different days is particularly helpful if your routine varies throughout the week. I’ve always been someone that continuously hits “snooze” on my alarm but ever since using the Hatch Restore 3 sunrise clock, I’ve woken up much more naturally.

Building a Phone Free Bedroom: What You Can Do Without the App

Once you’ve completed the initial setup, you can operate your Hatch Restore 3 without having your phone in the bedroom. The device stores your favorite sounds, light patterns, and alarm settings locally, creating a phone-free sleep environment without distractions when it’s lights out.

This helps avoid exposure to sleep-disrupting blue light from screens that can interfere with your natural melatonin production.

You’ll only need to reach for the app when:

• Creating new custom routines
• Accessing new sounds from the content library
• Making significant changes to brightness patterns
• Troubleshooting connectivity issues

While the Hatch Restore 3 is designed to work reliably, consider having a backup alarm for especially important mornings. Some connectivity issues can occasionally impact performance, and it’s always good to have a safety net for those can’t miss wake up times.

Setting Up Your Hatch Restore 3 Sunrise Alarm Clock: App and WiFi

Setting up your Restore 3 happens through the Hatch Sleep app. This one time setup connects your device to your home WiFi and lets you customize your perfect sleep environment.

To get started:

1. Download the Hatch Sleep app from your app store
2. Create an account or log in
3. Follow the app’s setup wizard to connect your Restore 3 to your WiFi
4. Choose your favorite sounds and light settings
5. Create your first wind down and wake up routines

After this initial configuration, you can enjoy a truly phone free bedroom experience. The Restore 3 stores your routines locally on the device, letting you control everything with the simple physical buttons. The physical controls let you:

• Start your saved wind down or wake up routines
• Adjust brightness levels for your reading light
• Control volume for white noise or nature sounds
• Turn on reading light mode for evening relaxation
• Set and adjust alarm times for tomorrow
• Hit the snooze button for a few extra minutes of sleep

Setup Tip: Most routers support both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks, but the Hatch Restore 3 connects best to 2.4 GHz. Make sure this band is enabled on your router before beginning setup for the smoothest pairing experience.

Is This Wake Up Light Right for Your Sleep Type?

The Hatch Restore 3 is a Great Fit for:

• Light to moderate sleepers who want gentler wake ups
• People committed to creating a phone free bedroom
• Shift workers needing consistent sleep cues despite irregular hours
• Winter sufferers who wake up before natural daylight
• Couples wanting localized light rather than overhead brightness
• Those who want a bedside reading light that is also multi-purpose

Consider alternatives if you:

• Have a strict budget and don’t need all the features
• Strongly prefer devices with zero app or WiFi requirements
• Use complicated WiFi networks (college campus, some apartments)
• Are extremely light sensitive and need a truly dark clock display

Best Sunrise Alarm Settings for Different Sleepers

See Latest Pricing on the Hatch Restore 3 Sunrise Clock Here

Hatch Restore 3 Benefits and Drawbacks

What You’ll Love

The Restore 3 transforms bedrooms into phone-free zones once you’ve completed setup, with many users reporting noticeable improvements in their overall sleep quality.

Winter mornings become noticeably less painful, as the sunrise simulation provides gentle light when it’s still dark outside. The wake-up experience feels natural and gradual, helping you start your day feeling more refreshed and less jarred than with traditional alarms.

Many find the reading light function particularly useful for evening wind-down routines, providing a perfect alternative to harsh bedroom light.

Overall, the device creates a distraction-free sleep environment that helps you disconnect from screens and focus on restful sleep.

What to Consider Before Buying

The Hatch Restore 3 works perfectly fine without paying for extras. You get more than enough sleep sounds, sunrise options, and alarm tones included. The $5/month (or $50/year) Premium subscription adds meditation tracks and bedtime stories, but in my opinion, but they’re nice-to-haves, not necessities.

If you’re super sensitive to light when sleeping, be aware that although dimmable, even the lowest clock display setting might be too bright in a pitch-dark room. Easy fixes include turning the clock face away or draping a small cloth over just the display.

The device needs WiFi for setup and making changes to routines. If you switch internet providers or change your network name, you’ll need to reconnect through the app. Not a dealbreaker, but something to know.

No alarm is 100% foolproof. While the Hatch works reliably for most people, keep a backup alarm on if you can’t afford to sleep in the next day – good advice regardless of which alarm you use.

Comparing Sunrise Alarm Clocks: Alternatives to Consider

After using dozens of sunrise alarms, I’ve found that yes, you can get a basic wake-up light for $30-60 that will gradually brighten your room.

But here’s what those budget options won’t give you: a complete sleep ecosystem. The Hatch Restore 3 combines evening and morning routines in one device with extensive customization, and seamless phone-free operation that truly helps you disconnect.

Subscription Options: What’s Included and What Costs Extra

The Hatch 3 sunrise clock functions well with its included content, but there is an optional subscription service that adds more options for an extra $50-$60 a year.

What works without subscription:

• 50+ different sleep sounds (including white noise, nature sounds, lofi beats, pouring rain, ambient noises, “Around the Home”, “Dreamy Destinations” etc)
• 10-12+ sunrise options
• Over 10 alarm sounds
• Basic wind-down and wake-up routines
• All hardware features and brightness controls

What the subscription adds:

• 150+ total sounds, including premium ones like ASMR, meditations, and podcasts.
• Bedtime stories
• Seasonal and themed sound content

Don’t let the subscription option scare you away – you can absolutely enjoy the Hatch Restore 3 without paying extra monthly fees.

I recommend starting with the free version to set up your basic routines and get comfortable with the device. If you’re curious about the premium features, take advantage of the free trial period to try the extra sounds and features out. Click here for more.

Is the Hatch Restore 3 Worth the Investment?

The Hatch Restore 3 sunrise alarm clock offers a calmer way to end the day and begin the next.

Instead of a sharp ring and a glowing phone, you get light that grows from soft red to warm amber to clear white, plus gentle sound that eases you awake.

With so many included features, you get everything you need even without the subscription: phone free controls, a dimmable bedside clock, adjustable brightness levels, and an amazing sound machine.

Most people will be fine with what is included; if you want more stories and soundscapes, you can try out the 30 day trial to Hatch+ and decide later.

If you’re a sleeper that prefers gentle wake ups, simple routines, and a phone free bedroom then this sunrise clock is for you. Hatch have 30-Night Bedside Trial to help you decide whether this one is a keeper.

For calmer mornings and less screentime at night, this wake up light earns a spot on the shortlist.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use Hatch Restore 3 without a subscription?

Yes, you can use the Hatch Restore 3 without a subscription. The sunrise alarm, basic sound machine, routines, and dimmable clock work without a membership. The subscription only adds extra stories and soundscapes.

How does the Hatch Restore 3 compare to traditional alarm clocks?

The Hatch Restore 3 offers a more natural and customizable wake-up experience compared to traditional alarm clocks. Its sunrise simulation and gradual sound increase are designed to align with the body’s natural circadian rhythms, potentially leading to a more refreshed feeling upon waking.

What does Hatch Restore 3 do?

The Hatch Restore 3 simulates sunrise and sunset, runs wind down and wake up routines, plays white noise and nature sounds, and works as a dimmable bedside clock with phone free controls after setup.

What’s the difference between Hatch 2 and 3?

The difference between the Hatch 2 and 3 is that the Restore 3 focuses on easier bedside use after setup, with refined physical controls, more granular brightness steps, and smoother light gradients. It is built to feel less app dependent day to day.

Is Hatch the best sound machine?

The Hatch is more than a sound machine. If you only want steady white noise, a simpler device may do. If you want sunrise light plus routine building in one unit, Hatch Restore 3 is a strong choice.

Does Hatch Restore 3 have more sounds?

The Hatch Restore 3 includes a solid base library of white noise and nature soundscapes. You can unlock more content with an optional membership if you want added variety.

Can the Hatch Restore 3 help with insomnia?

While not a medical device, many users report that the Hatch Restore 3’s relaxation sounds, guided meditations, and light therapy features have helped improve their sleep quality. However, persistent insomnia should be discussed with a healthcare professional.

Is the Hatch Restore 3 suitable for light sleepers?

Yes, many light sleepers find the Hatch Restore 3 helpful. The customizable sound options can mask disruptive noises, while the gentle wake-up process is often preferred over jarring alarms.

How long does it take to see improvements in sleep quality with the Hatch Restore 3?

Individual experiences vary, but many users report noticing improvements in their sleep quality and wake-up experience within a few weeks of consistent use. It’s important to allow time for your body to adjust to new sleep routines.

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