I finally found a sleep device that put my nighttime doom scrolling to an end

As a tech reporter, I’ve tested numerous products over the years, but one of my all-time favorites is the Hatch Restore sunrise alarm clock. I originally tested one in 2023 with the Hatch Restore 2, a device that completely changed my morning routine.

So when I had the opportunity to try out the new Hatch Restore 3, I was excited to see if I could sleep even better with the new device.

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What’s new with the Hatch Restore 3 includes improved speakers, a new central button that makes it easy to turn things on and off (which is essential when you’re half asleep), new Unwind routines to help ease you into bed, and a personalized onboarding experience to identify your sleep challenges. Here’s how the new features fared with extensive testing.

To set up the Hatch Restore 3, you’ll need Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi connection, and to download the Hatch app. The app will be able to find your device once you plug it in, and then you’ll answer a series of questions about your sleep habits so you can get the best app experience for your sleep goals. While you have to choose the sounds, lightscapes, and routines through the app, once you do, you literally won’t need to use your phone again unless you want to change a routine. 

This is because of the device’s new design, which allows you to start or swap a routine, pause, snooze, turn off or off your alarms, and turn on a bedside light button (in case you need extra light in the middle of the night).

While the Hatch Restore 2 helped me feel more focused in the morning, the Hatch Restore 3 has helped me focus on my nighttime routine. If you’re like me and often fall into a doom-scrolling black hole every evening, then you, too, may struggle with getting enough sleep. One study from 2022 showed that higher mobile phone usage was significantly associated with poor sleep quality. Hatch says the Restore 3 is meant to replace that phone habit with a new, screen-free nighttime routine. 

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See, my main requests after testing the Hatch Restore 2 last year were more options and shorter meditations. The Hatch Restore 3 checks those boxes. For example, the new app features an Unwind cue that you can customize with a specific time and light sequence to get you into bed. I used this as a reminder to put down my phone and either close my eyes or read a book instead.

The Hatch app’s bedtime rituals are noticeably better than the previous version, and there are a lot more routines to choose from. You can pick a meditation, a bedtime story, ASMR, an in-bed stretching sequence, and even a podcast to set the tone for bedtime. By using these routines, I was able to stop scrolling my phone for a good hour before drifting off to sleep. 

In addition, I’ve successfully replaced my habit of falling asleep to a TV with falling asleep to the lull of a campfire or the buzz of a box fan. The Hatch Restore 3 has allowed me to be more mindful of my pre-sleep routine and habits and how they can significantly affect the quality of my sleep (and, therefore, how the next day will begin).

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In the week that I started consistently using Hatch’s Unwind routines, the sleep scores on my Oura Ring were higher (that’s a good thing). Most notably, I got a bit more deep sleep than usual. My Oura Ring’s readiness scores were also, on average, higher than before implementing these routines.

The Hatch Restore 3 may only have subtle upgrades over the Restore 2, but each change feels intentional and improves the overall experience. The redesigned buttons, in particular, make the device easier to use. That said, I still wish the device was a bit more compact for nightstands and offered a greater variety of “Morning Moments.” Despite these minor drawbacks, the Restore 3 is a noticeable improvement over its predecessor.

ZDNET’s buying advice

If you’re looking to improve your sleep in 2025, the Hatch Restore 3 is a game-changer. While it’s costly at $170 (with an additional $5/month or $50/year membership to get the full app experience), if you’re serious about using your phone less at night and getting a better sleep experience in the morning, this device is the one I consistently recommend.