With the introduction of Amazon’s Echo Dot, it’s easy to wonder if there is anything that Alexa can’t do. This voice-enabled clock functioned well with the basics of setting timers and alarms, which thankfully do not require stretching an arm out to adjust (simply call for help). The LED display utilizes embedded lights to show not just the time but also, when asked, the weather, any song titles currently playing, and more. To snooze, it will make you work for it, though: Just tap the top of the device to procrastinate on your wake-up.
Like other devices from the ‘Zon, the Dot is compatible with many other smart devices in your home, meaning that you can control everything from the television to the temperature sleep settings easily and all in one place. The newest version has pretty great speaker quality for music and meditations, as well as uploadable content to keep things fresh. The compatibility functions make this a no-brainer for anyone who relies on that Amazon Prime account for everything under the sun and wants to control their media usage, temperature controls, wake ups, and more all in one place.
The Best Multi-Hyphenate Alarm Clock: Hatch Restore
Alarm Style: Sound and light
App Control: Yes
Backup Battery: Yes
Sleeping soundly is as much of a practice as it is a necessity, and the Hatch alarm clock aims to help on all fronts, which is why it earned a nod in this year’s GQ Home Awards as the hardest-working nightstand essential. By combining the ever-practical alarm clock with a sunrise alarm, smart light, sound machine, and [checks notes] meditation app, this device does the absolute most in one multi-tasking device. The sunrise alarm comes with up to 10 different sunrise color settings from Morning in Prague (more of a pastel purplish pink color scheme) to a Portland Lighthouse option that transports you to the West Coast, complete with the sound of seagulls and crashing waves.
A variety of ambient tones like pink noise can be used to block out noisy roommates and street traffic, while soothing sounds like birdsong, flutes, bells, or chimes can delicately coax you awake. There are even some retro alarms if you’re feeling nostalgic for the standard rounded alarm clock of yore. Among the music, dreamscapes, and sleep stories offered, the narrative tales about beekeeping and melodic soundscapes that feature underwater sounds from around the world were perfect for enjoying a capital E “Experience” while being lulled to sleep.
One downside here is that while a Hatch alarm clock will get you in the door, the best features are locked within Hatch’s annual sleep subscription of soothing meditations, musical overtures, and curated channels (free for the first six months, then $49). The subscription acts as your daily wind-down partner to help you get to sleep faster, but even if you’re just coasting on the free tools at your disposal, the Hatch Restore has more than enough features to get you up in the morning.
The Best Budget Sunrise Alarm Clock: Homelabs Sunrise Simulator
Alarm Style: Sound and light
App Control: No
Backup Battery: Yes
The most gentle way to start the day is undoubtedly with the light of the rising sun. While not everyone has the luxury of an east-facing window, the Homelabs Sunrise Simulator is a budget-friendly way to simulate more sunlight in your face in the morning via warm LED lights. With eight color settings at your disposal, three brightness levels to beam you up, ambient nature sounds to tuck you in, and even a sunset setting if you’re prone to disco napping in the afternoon, this clock is hard to beat. It’s not as sleek as the Philips alarm clock, and it certainly has fewer features, but it’s a great entry-level model to help you decide if sunrise alarm clocks are even your thing.