I switched to a $49 sunrise alarm after years of using a $148 wake-up light — here's why I'm never going back

The Dreamegg sunrise alarm on a wooden table. A Presidents' Day deal badge is seen on the top right-hand corner of the image. — (Image credit: Future)

I have been using a sunrise alarm clock for years, and it's been my secret weapon for easier mornings and tackling my SAD symptoms. When my Phillips SmartSleep clock died, I knew I had to replace it. Luckily, I found the Dreamegg Sunrise Alarm Clock, now $49 down from $69.99 at Amazon for a fraction of the price.

As the Phillips Smart Sleep clock is $148 at Amazon, I was wary that the the Dreamegg would be of lower quality due to the lower price. But let me tell you, I was impressed. Although it sits at a cheaper price point, it's one of the best sunrise alarm clocks out there.

How I use the Dreamegg sunrise alarm clock

The Dreamegg sunrise alarm clock is super easy to set up and comes with a handy card and user guide. I set up the clock and my alarm in about 10 minutes.

It works without any accompanying app which I really love as it doesn't mean that when the alarm goes off I have to get out of bed to turn it off. Which is also means that I can't roll over and hit the snooze button, which is actually good for me.

Tom's Guide Deals Writer tests Dreamegg sunrise alarm clock — (Image credit: Future)

There are over 10 different light color options and and and a vast library of sleep sounds. My youngest who bedshares with me, enjoys the lullaby sounds to fall asleep.

I use the sunrise simulation to start my day. You can can choose how long you'd like to the clock to come fully on between. My clock starts waking up around 30 mins before my actual alarm goes off.

I've also been loving the sunset simulation to wind down, and it's been helping me fall asleep easier.

3 sunrise alarm clock alternatives

All in all the Dreamegg Sunrise Alarm clock is standout option, especially now that it's $20 off. If you're looking for more sunrise alarm clock options, check these out...

Alexis recently joined the Tom's Guide Sleep Team as a Deals Writer. She is passionate about helping others get better sleep and even more passionate about finding a great deal, whether that's on some of the top mattress brands out there like Saatva, Nectar and DreamCloud, or on leading sleep tech like smart trackers. She is an experienced writer and editor in the lifestyle industry and has worked on major UK and US publications, including Daily Mail, Space.com, and Black Women Rising Magazine.