I test gadgets for a living — here's the 3 that actually make my days better

Philips SmartSleep HF3651 wake-up light with illuminated control panel.
(Image credit: Future)

As a tech reviewer, I cover a lot of devices — from the best wireless earbuds to the best air fryers. There are a lot of products that I test, and while I like a great deal of them, some of them don’t hit the mark. But now and again, I come across a device that I know will become a favorite.

Until I sat down and really thought about it, I didn’t realize how much tech I used in my morning routine. But each one of these products sets my day up perfectly, and I actually couldn’t start my day without them. From sunrise alarm clocks to sleep trackers, these are the products I use every single morning without fail.

Philips SmartSleep Sleep and Wake-Up Light

The image shows the Philips SmartSleep Sleep and Wake-Up on a bedside table in a dimly lit room

(Image credit: Philips)

If you’re a night owl like me, the Philips SmartSleep Sleep and Wake-Up Light is a serious game changer. If I don’t get to sleep early enough, I end up feeling lethargic all next day, and when I have important tasks to take care of, that is the last thing I want.

With the Philips light, I can wind down for the night with a sunset simulation, but we’re talking about the morning here, right? Well, in the morning, the light simulates a sunrise. This gently wakes you, much like if you were camping under the stars.

Since using the light, my mornings have been a lot smoother, and it’s especially useful as we get closer to the winter months, when it is far more tempting to stay curled up under the covers with the curtains drawn.

Philips SmartSleep Sleep and Wake-Up Light
Philips SmartSleep Sleep and Wake-Up Light: $179 at Amazon

The Philips SmartSleep is an investment, but it’s one that will ensure you get up in the morning while getting enough rest. In the winter, when darker mornings want to keep you in bed, sunlight simulation can help you spring back. This device is a must for anyone looking to switch up their routine.

Oral-B iO Series 3

Oral-B iO Series 3

(Image credit: Oral B)

As I like to brag about whenever I can, my dentist always tells me I have perfect teeth, and I put that down to this toothbrush. The Oral-B iO Series 3 has been a staple in my routine for years now, and although it’s not as advanced as later models, all of the speed settings are more than enough to get a perfect clean.

The iO brush heads are a little expensive when they need to be replaced, but I can get a deep clean all the way to the back of my mouth with ease. Having that clean feeling first thing in the morning is the best way to start the day, and having one of the best electric toothbrushes makes it simple.

Oral-B iO Series 3
Oral-B iO Series 3: was $79 now $69 at Amazon

The Oral-B iO Series 3 is the electric toothbrush I keep going back to, no matter how many I test. It gives me a super clean feeling thanks to the oscillating round brush head. It's far more stripped back than later models in the iO Series, but still cleans like a dream.

Oura Ring 3

Oura Ring Generation 3.

(Image credit: Future)

I check my Oura Ring 3 every single morning. It’s the best way for me to check out if my body needs a little extra rest or if I can take on some tougher tasks. It gives me actionable feedback every morning, and I can even check out what has been impacting my sleep recently.

When I wake up, I add tags relating to how I feel, how I slept, and what I did the day before, making sure any activity is logged. By doing this, I have been able to find out what helps me sleep better and keep my sleep and readiness scores consistent.

Oura Ring Gen3 Heritage
Oura Ring Gen3 Heritage: was $217 now $199 at Amazon

The Oura Ring Gen 3 has helped me to regulate my irregular sleep patterns by giving daily feedback on metrics. The ring also tracks workouts and daily activity, all bundled into actionable insights to help you feel your best.

Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button.

More from Tom's Guide

TOPICS
Ashley Thieme
Staff writer, Reviews

Ashley is a staff writer on the the Reviews team at Tom’s Guide. She has a master’s degree in Magazine Journalism from Cardiff University and a BA in Journalism, Media and Sociology. She has written for titles including Women’s Health UK, writing health and wellness stories, and Virgin Radio UK, specializing in entertainment news and celebrity interviews. She has reported on a variety of topics including music, literature, motorsport, entertainment and health, and has her own bookish newsletter, Ashley’s Reading Nook.She has previously reviewed live music events, books, and wellness products but finding the best way to listen to new music releases is essential for Ashley, so discovering the top audio equipment on the market is what she does best.When she is not testing out the latest tech, you can find her either curled up with a cup of tea and a good fantasy novel or out hiking.

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.