Hatch Restore 3 smart sunrise alarm clock: how it works
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- Hatch Restore 3. Best for: People who want sunrise light, sleep sounds and a bedside light in one device. See options on Amazon
- Sunrise alarm clock with on-device buttons and no app. Best for: People who want a sunrise alarm without Wi-Fi or a phone. See options on Amazon
- Sunrise alarm with FM radio or nature sounds. Best for: People who want a traditional clock with a gentle light wake. See options on Amazon
- Separate sound machine plus simple wake-up light. Best for: People who already own a sound machine they like. See options on Amazon
What the Restore 3 is
The Restore 3 combines three things in one device: a sunrise alarm, a sleep sound machine, and a bedside light for winding down. Hatch's help center says its sunrise alarm pairs a light, which shows sunrise-like colors and gradually brightens over the duration you choose, with a sound that starts at your alarm time.
It is designed to be set up from your phone and then used with your phone put away. For how sunrise alarms work in general, and what the research shows, see our sunrise alarm clock guide.
Specs and setup requirements
| Item | Per Hatch's support pages |
|---|---|
| Size | 7.5 x 2.75 x 5.75 inches |
| Weight | 19 ounces |
| Materials | ABS plastic, LED lights and fabric |
| Internet | Requires 2.4GHz Wi-Fi |
| Phone | A Bluetooth-enabled device and the free Hatch Sleep app for iOS or Android |
The Wi-Fi requirement matters. If your router offers more than one band, connect the Restore 3 to the 2.4GHz network.
Setting a sunrise alarm
- Connect the Restore 3 in the Hatch Sleep app.
- Under Sunrise Alarm, tap Add alarm.
- Choose a light color, or turn the light off.
- Choose a sound, or turn the sound off. The sound starts at the alarm time, not during the sunrise.
- Set the time, repeat days, brightness, sunrise duration and sunrise volume, then save.
To make a one-time alarm, deselect all days; it goes off once and then deletes itself.
In the morning: a quick tap of the Big Button on top snoozes for 9 minutes, and pressing and holding it turns the alarm off. If you do nothing, Hatch says the alarm sound runs for one hour. A side Alarm Toggle turns all alarms on or off at once.
Tip: not sure how long to set the sunrise? Our sunrise alarm guide covers the timing used in dawn simulation research.
What is included and what needs Hatch+
Hatch lists what the Restore 3 includes on its own and what its Hatch+ subscription adds:
| Feature | Included | With Hatch+ |
|---|---|---|
| Alarms | A set of alarm sounds and sunrises | A longer list of featured alarms |
| Sleep sounds | Nature, color noise and ambient sounds | Featured sleep sounds, more nature sounds, destination soundscapes |
| Unwind | 5 unwind sounds | Many more, including stories, meditations and podcasts |
| Routines | Up to three routines, one step each | Up to three routines, up to five steps each |
| Cue to Unwind | 6 cue sounds and cue lights | More cue sounds |
Sunrise alarms and sleep sounds work without the subscription, per this list. Decide whether you need the extra content before you subscribe.
Who it suits, and who might want something else
- Good fit: people who want a sunrise alarm, sound machine and bedside light in one, and are comfortable with an app for setup.
- Maybe not: anyone without reliable 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, or who wants to set alarms on the device itself. Hatch describes creating alarms in the app.
- Maybe not: people who only need white noise. A dedicated white noise machine is simpler.
What to look for when you buy
Hatch Restore 3
Best for: People who want sunrise light, sleep sounds and a bedside light in one device
Hatch lists adjustable sunrise duration, color and brightness, a 9-minute snooze on the top button, and included alarm and sleep sounds.
Watch out: Requires 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and the app to create alarms, and some content needs Hatch+.
See options on AmazonSunrise alarm clock with on-device buttons and no app
Best for: People who want a sunrise alarm without Wi-Fi or a phone
Setting time, sunrise length and brightness on the clock itself avoids app setup and works anywhere with an outlet.
Watch out: Fewer sound and color options, and menus on small screens can be fiddly.
See options on AmazonSunrise alarm with FM radio or nature sounds
Best for: People who want a traditional clock with a gentle light wake
A built-in sound library or radio gives a backup if light alone does not wake you, with no subscription.
Watch out: Check that the display dims fully at night.
See options on AmazonSeparate sound machine plus simple wake-up light
Best for: People who already own a sound machine they like
Pairing a basic wake-up light with your existing sound machine keeps each device simple and replaceable.
Watch out: Two devices on the nightstand and two sets of controls.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- Does the Hatch Restore 3 need Wi-Fi?
- Yes. Hatch's technical specifications say it requires 2.4GHz wireless internet, along with a Bluetooth-enabled device and the free Hatch Sleep app.
- Can you use the Hatch Restore 3 without a subscription?
- Yes. Hatch says the Restore 3 includes a set of alarm sounds and sunrises plus nature, color noise and ambient sleep sounds. Hatch+ adds more content.
- How long is the snooze on the Hatch Restore 3?
- A quick tap of the Big Button snoozes the alarm for 9 minutes. Press and hold it to turn the alarm off.
- Can the Restore 3 wake me with light only?
- Yes. When you set an alarm you can toggle the sound off and keep the sunrise light, or the reverse.
Sources
- Sunrise Alarms (help.hatch.co), Hatch Support
- Restore 3 Alarm Guide (help.hatch.co), Hatch Support
- Restore 3 Technical Specifications (help.hatch.co), Hatch Support
- What do I get with Hatch+? What do I get for free? (help.hatch.co), Hatch Support