Sunrise alarms come in all shapes and sizes, but surprisingly, it isn’t easy to find one that effectively simulates natural light. If you’ve narrowed down your search to the Hatch Restore and Philips SmartSleep lineup, then you’re on the right track. After all, these are widely considered as among the best of their kind, and at this point, all that’s left is to figure out which to get.
Put simply, the Restore is a sleep device made to help you to not only wake up less groggy but also get some shut-eye. In contrast, the SmartSleep has a stronger focus on gently nudging you awake with a sophisticated lighting system. Needless to say, that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
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Hatch Restore vs Philips SmartSleep Comparison Chart
| Model | Hatch Restore | Philips SmartSleep |
 |  | |
| Price | Check Price at Hatch.co | Check Price at Philips.com |
| Natural Light Simulation | Yes | Yes |
| Relaxation Sounds | Presets, Sleep Library (paid subscription) | HF3670/60: 4 sounds HF3650/60: 3 sounds |
| Alarm Sounds | Presets, Sleep Library (paid subscription) | HF3670/60: 8 sounds HF3650/60: 7 sounds HF3520/60: 5 sounds |
| Audio Input | No | 3.5mm audio cable (only for HF3670/60 and HF3650/60) |
| FM Radio | No | Yes |
| Backup Battery | No | Yes, up to 8 hours |
| App Connected | Yes | Only HF3670/60 |
| Dimensions | 7.5″ x 5.75″ x 2.75″ | HF3670/60 and HF3650/20: 8.8″ x 8.6″ x 4.7″ HF3520/60: 7.55″ x 7.83″ x 5.74″ |
| Weight | 1.18 lbs | HF3670/60: 3.36 lbs HF3650/60: 1.98 lbs HF3520/60: 1.6 lbs |
Design and Lighting
Only the Philips SmartSleep has rechargeable backup batteries, not the Hatch Restore.
The Restore has a half-circle form factor with about a quarter of it covered with fabric going up from its base. In comparison, the SmartSleep HF3520/60 has a similar appearance, but it’s a full circle with a rear that tapers instead. Both the HF3650/60 and HF3670/60 look more or less the same, featuring a concave and a hole near the center. Generally, the SmartSleep models are taller with a larger footprint, so they’ll take up more space on your bedside table.
The lighting on the Restore has customizable colors and an adjustable brightness, which is par for the course. All in all, it makes for a decent sunrise alarm. On the other hand, the SmartSleep is a rarity in its ability to replicate the natural feel of a sunrise and sunset, gradually going from a reddish orange to white. Also, the HF3650/60 and HF3670/60 have a wider brightness range than the HF3520/60, and they automatically adjust brightness based on ambient light.
One unmistakable advantage the SmartSleep range has over the Restore is its devices have integrated backup batteries in case of a power outage. For the record, they can last up to eight hours, which is likely long enough to last until it’s time for you to get up.
Sounds and Features
Whereas the Philips SmartSleep comes out on top in lighting, the Hatch Restore has a wider selection of sounds.
Without a doubt, the Restore is more feature-packed—that is, if you opt for a membership. Signing up for one will allow you to access Hatch’s Sleep Library. For the uninitiated, it contains numerous curated content, including guided meditations and stories. A subscription isn’t required per se, but the experience will be restricted without one. If nothing else, white noise and a couple of nature sounds are free.
In contrast, the SmartSleep’s sound selection is limited. For starters, only the HF3650/60 and the HF3670/60 have sleep-inducing sounds, and even then, they only have three and four choices, respectively. They do have plenty of alarm sounds, so there’s that. Moreover, they have an FM radio, and the higher-end models sport a 3.5mm audio jack for your own sounds. Speaking of, they can also charge your smartphone, and they feature light-guided breathing exercises too.
Of the devices mentioned, only the Restore and the HF3670/60 have app support. While this may not seem that important, this makes using them a whole deal easier. After all, the buttons and touch controls on the machines themselves aren’t exactly the most intuitive.
It’s also worth mentioning that the HF3670/60 has a sensor under the hood that monitors noise, light, humidity and temperature. Based on the info it gathers, which is available via the app, it’ll provide feedback on how to improve your sleeping conditions.
Price and Value
Unlike the Hatch Restore, the Philips SmartSleep doesn’t offer a premium subscription, which potentially makes it the better bang for the buck.
The Restore is easier on the budget than the top-of-the-line SmartSleep, and if you avail the $49.99 annual plan of Hatch Premium, the additional cost won’t factor into the first 30 days of getting it. However, a membership will eventually make it more expensive in the long run. Again, it’s perfectly usable without a subscription, but in that case, it becomes a pricey and bare-bones sleeping machine.
The HF3650/60 and HF3670/60 will cost more at first, but considering it’s a one-time payment for full functionality, they provide better value. Lastly, the HF3520/60 is the most affordable, but to reiterate, it doesn’t have things like relaxation sounds, a 3.5mm jack and guided breathing. It doesn’t support self-adjusting brightness either (not to be mistaken for the gradual brightening inherent to sunrise alarms).
Click here for our Hatch Restore vs. Rest comparison.
Verdict
Any of these devices can aid in your sleep routine, but the Hatch Restore and the Philips SmartSleep have their unique strengths.
In summary, the Hatch Restore has more features, and it’s the whole package for a complete sleep ritual. However, most of what makes it good are locked behind a paid membership, which can get costly down the line. The Philips SmartSleep line offers full functionality right off the bat. While it’s relatively lacking in sounds for sleeping, it’s hard to beat in terms of lighting capabilities.
If money’s no object, then the Restore along with a subscription can go a long way, assuming that the premium features are appealing to you. If you’re after something more straightforward with excellent sunrise simulation, the SmartSleep range is your best bet.
FAQs
Arguably, the Philips SmartSleep HF3670/60 is the sunrise alarm to beat. For starters, it can imitate sunrise and sunset lights well, and it features app support, breathing exercises and a 3.5mm jack that lets it double as a speaker.
Yes, the Hatch Restore has decent lighting and a variety of sounds, such as white noise and nature recordings. However, you’ll need a subscription to get the most out of it.
Yes, the Philips SmartSleep HF3520/60 is regarded as an excellent sunrise alarm clock for first-timers. It may not have relaxation sounds or an app, but it does what it’s made to do well: simulate sunrise and sunset lights.
Yes, the Hatch Restore works even without Hatch Premium, but you won’t get access to the company’s Sleep Library, which includes meditation, breathing exercises and stories.