Philips SmartSleep Sleep and Wake-Up Light, Simulated Sunrise and Sunset, Multiple Lights and Sounds, RelaxBreathe to Sleep, AMZ Exclusive, HF3650/60

I definitely think I have some PTSD from loud blaring alarms. Fed up, I got this after researching alarm alternatives. Yes, it's expensive but so so worth it! I work from home and don't have a set time I "punch in" but like to wake up around the same time everyday. This gently wakes me up each morning with one of the sounds provided, the bird chirping.I set the volume not too loud or low so it sounds like actual birds outside. That plus the alarm mimicking the sun, it really feels like the most "natural" way to wake up. I use to only use it during the winter time when the sun comes up later but I find myself using it all the time now now that I have room darkening curtains. I got the one without the app as I felt I didn't need it because once I set the alarm up, I don't need to do anything else unless I need to change the alarm time. The alarm turns off by itself but you can also turn it off manually as well. It's as simple as it gets.

The basic function of this alarm clock is pretty straight forward and well described. It simulates the sunrise with gradual, increasing light beginning about 5-10 minutes before the actual set ‘alarm’ sound goes off. I love the soothing included sounds for the alarm. Nothing about this alarm is abrasive or pardon the pun, alarming.The unit was much larger then I expected, but since I only keep a light and a clock on my bed side table, the size isn’t an issue for me. The whole overall look is sleek, modern and minimalist. Although it sometimes feels as though I’m looking at an outer space wormhole next to my bed!The main display is dimly lit which is perfect for people who are bothered by or find any kind of light disturbing while trying to sleep. I found that the set up and menu to be intuitive and easy to navigate. The touch display is nice. I had it set with all my preferences and alarm, literally within minutes. In the morning once the light has come on and the alarm is sounding you simply, lightly touch the top of the unit and the light goes off and then tap the bell symbol/icon on the display to silence the alarm. Yes, it’s a two step process. Which works for me, since I HAVE to physically get out of bed to do this and it keeps me from snuggling back in to doze off again.I’m really pleased with this straight forward yet unique alarm clock. I haven’t tried or have a need for the relaxation/wind down function. And since setting the alarm is so simple, I’m not too concerned if it does or doesn’t have a second alarm function.The price? Well... it’s pricey. I feel it’s definitely a luxury item. But I guess there’s plenty of us who say it’s too expensive but purchased it anyways!

I bought the non-app enabled version and this is my breakdown:Useability: From my perspective, this was really easy to use and quite intuitive. I was expecting to keep the manual on hand because it might get confusing, but my boyfriend and I went through the whole setup without even looking at the manual. I haven't had any problem navigating since then. I assume the buttons can be more confusing for some people because there might be a learning curve if this type of product is new for them.Sunrise: There are 7 natural sounds for the sunrise, in addition to the radio and no sound option, which I was surprised about. I was easily able to pick a sound I liked from the lineup. The light works, what more can I say. Perhaps because I'm taking melatonin right now, I didn't wake up to the light on my first night, but the sound did. I chose Nepal Bowls. The sound was a little loud, so it was a bit joltier than expected. Nothing changing the volume can't fix, but what surprised me was how I felt. After a few more minutes of snooze, I got up and just looked at the light and around my room. I was getting more energy just chilling there and forgot to turn on my electric fireplace when I got up. I never forget that, because it's the first light I wake up to. Not anymore.Sunset: This area I was looking forward to the most and was a bit disappointed. Ever since starting school up again, I've had insomnia for 3 months now. I didn't have a lamp in my room before this and wanted something that could help my night routines. I thought the sunrise sounds could also be used for sunset, but this is not the case. The sound choices are only 2 nature sounds, radio, no sound and aux. You only get Soft Rain and Ocean Waves, which is not enough options in my opinion. Most people don't have mp3 players or phones with aux ports anymore, so this severely limits what people can listen to when it comes to sleep music. I understand the frustration with not having Bluetooth, but for me, the point of having an alarm clock is to have the phone OUT OF THE BEDROOM!I initially did not realize that this clock enabled aux music, which was a pleasant surprise, for me at least. I am lucky enough to have a DAP (Digital Audio Player) already loaded with sleep music and other such. This limits screen use and blue light exposure, so I was able to listen to my preferred crackling fire sound. When I listen to the radio, I exclusively listen to 88.7, the classical channel. With these two options, the clock more than makes up for the lack of sleep sounds. Unfortunately, this is an outdated feature.While I make this work with my DAP, I'm very disappointed in the sunset sound options. I believe there needs to be more built-in options to encourage people to not bring their phone into the bedroom. I don't own a smartphone, so this was very important to me.RelaxBreathe: This one also falls REALLY short. The light mimicking breathe patterns is actually really good. Watching the light as I breathe does a good job of keeping me focused on the actual act of breathing, because I usually get stuck in my head and get distracted. The light gives me something to focus on. The sound though, is no good. There is no point in turning on sounds with the program, because YOU ONLY GET 1 SOUND. Your choice is no sound or Ocean Waves. I was really expecting a breathing sound or something, but no. I don't think this is a big deal though. The main focus is to breathe, and I think just the light is good for that. This feature is also part of the Unwind program, so it counts for bedtime too.Overall, these features are the most important to mention. The biggest problem I have is the sunset options. IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A SOUND MACHINE ALARM CLOCK, THIS IS NOT IT. While the aux function should be replaced by Bluetooth to accommodate most people, the problem is that phone usage is encouraged by not having enough nature sounds. The aux port proves no problem for me, so my sunsets are calming, and sunrises are very invigorating. Just ask yourself whether you need sunrise or a sound machine, then figure out whether the product will work for your lifestyle. Fun fact: I was actually looking for a sound machine alarm clock, but this clock works for my lifestyle, so I'm glad I got this one.