Overall Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.6/5
In this Hatch Restore 3 review, we cover the sunrise alarm, sound machine library, smart bedside light, and phone-free routines so you know who this model suits best. You will find design notes, setup and app details, physical controls, wake performance, value with Hatch+, pros and cons, and who should skip it.
Design & Build Quality — 4.7/5
The Restore 3 has a warm, fabric-fronted look that blends with most bedrooms and comes in neutral shades like Greige, Putty, and Cocoa, plus a limited Rosy run. It feels solid, the backlight is even, and brightness is easy to adjust for a barely-there glow at night. The footprint is modest, so it replaces a separate clock, night light, and sound machine without hogging the nightstand.
Setup & App Experience — 4.4/5
Initial setup happens in the Hatch Sleep app, then you can run most of your routine without your phone. You build a simple stack like Unwind → Sleep → Sunrise, choosing lights and sounds for each step. There is an optional Hatch+ subscription that adds more stories, meditations, and soundscapes. The free tier still covers the basics well, but the best content sits behind Hatch+.
Physical Controls & Everyday Use — 4.8/5
This is where the Restore 3 jumps ahead of earlier models. You get a larger top button for starting bedtime, snoozing, or pausing, plus extra physical buttons to swap unwind options and control the bedside light and alarm toggle. You can start, pause, or change parts of your routine on the device, which means fewer phone grabs at night. It is a noticeably better bedside companion than older versions.
Sunrise Alarm & Wake Performance — 4.6/5
The sunrise simulation ramps from soft amber to brighter daylight hues over a window you choose. It is bright enough to wake most sleepers gently, and reviewers call it an effective circadian nudge compared with a sudden alarm blast. You can add a subtle audio cue near the end so you wake to light first, then sound.
Sound Machine & Sleep Content — 4.5/5
You get a generous library of white noise, colored noise, nature, and ambient options. Audio quality is improved over older Hatch models, so rain, surf, and hums sound fuller and less tinny. If you spring for Hatch+, you unlock guided wind-downs, meditations, and sleep stories to build a dependable routine.
Bedside Light & Reading Use — 4.2/5
As a night light the Restore 3 is excellent. As a bright reading lamp it is fine for softer reading sessions, though some reviewers still prefer a dedicated task lamp if you want very bright pages. Color temperature control is a plus for winding down.
Value for Money — 4.4/5
At around $169.99, the Restore 3 consolidates a sunrise alarm, sound machine, and smart light into one device. The optional subscription can nudge the long-term cost up, so it is best value if you will actually use routines most nights. If better sleep and kinder mornings are the goal, it earns its keep quickly.
Who It’s For
- Parents who want a phone-free night routine and a gentler morning
- Light-sensitive sleepers who prefer gradual light over loud alarms
- Anyone building consistent sleep habits with guided content and timed routines
Who Should Skip
- Budget shoppers who do not want an optional content subscription
- People who need a very bright task lamp from the bedside light
Pros ✅
- Excellent sunrise simulation with effective brightness ramp
- Physical controls make it truly usable without your phone
- Improved audio and a broad sound library
- Clean design fits modern bedrooms, multiple colors including Greige
- Routines stack nicely for unwind → sleep → wake flow
Cons ❌
- Best content sits behind Hatch+ subscription
- Bedside light is cozy, not a high-output reading lamp
- Requires the app for setup, which adds first-time friction
FAQ.
Do I need the Hatch+ subscription to use Restore 3?
No. The free tier includes the core sunrise alarm, bedside light, timers, and a solid set of sounds. Hatch+ adds extra stories, meditations, and soundscapes, but routines work without a subscription.
Can I use Restore 3 without my phone after setup?
Yes. You do the initial pairing in the app, then you can start bedtime, snooze, toggle the alarm, and adjust the light and volume with the on-device buttons. Scheduled alarms and routines run from the clock.
Will the sunrise light wake heavy sleepers?
Brightness and sunrise duration are adjustable. You can also add a gentle sound near the end of the light ramp or set a louder backup tone. Most people find a higher brightness and a longer ramp improves wake-ups.
Final Thoughts
The Hatch Restore 3 nails the two things that matter most for better sleep habits. It reduces friction at night with simple, phone-free controls and soothing content, and it replaces jolting alarms with a convincing sunrise that gets you up in a better mood. If you want a calmer routine and a more human wake-up, this is the best Hatch yet.
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