Hatch Restore 3 Review | Digital trends

Recommended RRP $170.00

Advantages

• Minimalist design
• Easy to control
• Tons of customization options
• Streamlines sleep and dawn routines.

Cons

• Expensive
• Paid membership feels necessary

Like a fine wine, the Hatch Restore line has improved over time. What started as a great idea with the original Hatch Restore became something more functional with the Shading Restoration 2 – and now, with Hatch Restore 3, it’s one of the best smart alarm clocks money can buy. Hatch Restore 3 makes subtle changes to the design of its predecessor, offering a new button that also doubles as a dial, making controlling the action easier than ever.

However, Hatch Restore 2’s biggest problem returns for Hatch Restore 3: a high price. Many of its best features are also supported by a monthly subscription, which can add up quickly if you plan to keep it on your nightstand for several years. But if you’re looking for a smart alarm clock with top features, an eye-catching design, and plenty of customization options, the Hatch Restore 3 is hard to beat. With the ability to help you wind down at night and wake up refreshed in the morning, it’s a better bed companion than your smartphone, which can be disruptive and significantly impact your sleep schedule.

New and improved design

At its core, Hatch Restore 3 is about optimizing your sleeping and waking habits by creating various routines. For example, at night I have the smart alarm clock play a soft jazz piano soundscape while I read. Once I’m ready to sleep, I can touch a button to activate my sleep routine and change the music to a serene Barcelona nightscape. In the morning, I am greeted by a light that gradually becomes more intense along with a soft alarm. I found it to be a welcome addition to my nightstand and its updated design makes it easier to use than the old Hatch Restore 2.

The Hatch Restore 2 was an attractive device and the Hatch Restore 3 doesn’t alter its form factor too much. It is located on the top of the device and can be pressed or rotated to adjust the volume or jump between different activities. When I’m ready to start my Unwind routine, I can press this button to get started. Then, when I’m done listening to my jazz piano and reading a book, I can press the button again to activate my sleep routine. The button is easy to see and is large enough that you can simply wave your arm over the bed to press it, like you would with the snooze button.

You can also turn the big knob to adjust Hatch Restore 3’s volume levels. It took me a few minutes to adjust to find the right settings, but the big knob makes it easier than ever to quickly customize Restore 3’s performance.

Other buttons include a toggle button that allows you to advance through the steps of your relaxation routine (relaxation routines can include steps for meditations, soundscapes, and more), a pause button, an alarm switch to turn your morning alarm and a light button. which is used to pair with Bluetooth or reset your device. You can also tap the face of the device to reveal the time, which is displayed at the bottom of Restore 3.

All of these physical buttons allow you to quickly adjust your settings or move through your routines without any problems. And since you’ll probably be using Hatch Restore 3 in a dimly lit room, the large buttons are more than welcome.

As customizable as ever

Hatch Restore 3 is packed with features. It can change color to help you relax. You can play soundscapes or music. You can run mediation sessions. It is an adjustable watch. And, of course, it is an alarm. And while it seems like there’s a lot going on with the device, the Hatch Sleep app makes it easy to customize all of these different features.

To be clear, some of these features are more useful than others. For example, I’m not interested in sitting through a meditation session before going to sleep. And some of the soundscapes are a bit irritating rather than relaxing. But each user will have their own preferences and having all of these options ensures that you will find something that suits your needs.

For example, you could start a relaxation routine with relaxing music as you prepare for bed and then move on to a guided meditation. You must use the Hatch Sleep app to create all of these routines, but once created, they can all be activated using Hatch Restore 3 without the need for your smartphone. And that’s a big draw of Restore 3: being able to put away your smartphone before you go to sleep.

If you think all the options will overwhelm you, fear not. When you first launch the smartphone app, you’ll get a list of six steps that will guide you through all of its features. After following these steps (which only take a few minutes), you’ll be an expert.

Some menu screens are bloated and difficult to search, but the selection is incredibly solid. . But once you’ve loaded into this screen, everything will be neatly organized into groups like Soundscapes, Music, ASMR, and Mindfulness.

Dream about a lower price

The Hatch Restore 3 is great. Its price is not. You’ll spend $170 on the device alone and then you’ll want to get a Hatch+ membership to unlock its best features. This costs $5 per month and gives you a growing selection of sounds, meditations, sunrises, and more. Without membership, your catalog is radically reduced. That means you’ll spend an extra $60 each year to use Hatch Restore 3, and it will add up quickly.

Compared to other smart alarm clocks, like the Echo Spot and its $80 price tag, the Restore 3 clearly advertises itself as a premium option. And it certainly is; In fact, I’d say it’s one of the best smart alarm clocks of 2025. But the ongoing fees can add up quickly and it’s hard not to feel like it’s a little more expensive than it should be.

Verdict

If your bedtime and wake-up routines need an update, Hatch Restore 3 is a great option. Yes, it’s expensive and the current Hatch+ membership can be pricey, but anyone with problematic sleeping habits will find the device a great companion. Not only does it look great, it’s easy to use and customize thanks to an improved array of buttons and a simple smartphone app. You may need to browse its catalog for a while to find the best soundscapes, lights and meditations for your preferences, but its impress