The Hatch Restore 3 serves as an excellent bedside companion. Primarily functioning as a smart alarm clock, it also offers music playback to help you relax at night and simulates a sunrise to gently ease you into waking. Our review highlighted it as one of the top smart alarm options available, but how does it stack up against its predecessor, the Hatch Restore 2? More importantly, should those who own the Hatch Restore 2 consider upgrading?
This overview of the Hatch Restore 3 and Hatch Restore 2 will assist you in determining whether the newer model is a worthwhile investment.
Pricing and Availability
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Both models are priced at $170, and they both support the Hatch+ membership plan, which is available for $5 per month. This subscription unlocks exclusive routines, including new meditations, soundscapes, and music. However, as the Hatch Restore 2 is now solely available through third-party retailers, it’s simpler to purchase the Hatch Restore 3 directly from the Hatch website.
Winner: Hatch Restore 3
Design and Buttons
Hatch
The Hatch Restore 3 sports a design similar to its predecessor but includes several enhancements for improved usability. Notably, it introduces a “Big Button” on the top. This versatile feature allows you to initiate and navigate through your Unwind routines, silence and snooze your alarms, and even serves as a rotating dial to adjust volume levels.
Other controls on the Restore 3 include a Swap button to cycle through your Unwind routine, a Pause button, an alarm toggle to disable alarms, and a Light button that can reset the device or sync via Bluetooth.
In contrast, the Hatch Restore 2 is limited to just two buttons and an alarm toggle, making it somewhat cumbersome to operate, particularly in low-light settings.
Winner: Hatch Restore 3
Features
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Both devices come equipped with virtually identical features. Here’s a quick summary of their notable capabilities:
Set alarms
Play meditations, soundscapes, and other audio to enhance your morning and sleep rituals
Illuminate their faces with various colors to mimic a sunrise
While the Hatch Sleep app features slightly different interfaces (for instance, the Restore 2 has a Morning Moment feature, which is supplanted by a two-step sunrise routine on the Restore 3), both effectively achieve similar outcomes. Many users may find the Restore 3 offers slightly more customization, though the Restore 2 remains quite functional.
Ultimately, both devices can seamlessly play various soundscapes to help you relax and simulate a sunrise in the morning, providing a gentle wake-up experience.
Winner: Tie
Verdict
With its revamped design and added buttons, the Hatch Restore 3 is a clear advancement over the Hatch Restore 2. Maintaining the same price of $170 is certainly a plus, minimizing concerns about inflation despite significant enhancements.
If you don’t already own a Hatch device, opting for the Hatch Restore 3 is undoubtedly the way to go. However, for current Restore 2 users, there’s probably no immediate need to rush into an upgrade. While the Restore 3 offers slight customization improvements and user-friendliness, it may not justify the $170 expense if you’re satisfied with your current model. Consider maximizing the use of your Restore 2, and when you’re finally ready for an upgrade, the Restore 3 will be a fantastic choice.
The Hatch Restore 3 stands out as one of the top smart alarm clocks, combining an array of helpful features with an aesthetically pleasing design that fits perfectly on any bedside table. In addition to guiding you through meditation sessions, playing calming music for relaxation, and illuminating its face with various colors to replicate a sunrise, its primary function is that of a conventional alarm clock.
Fortunately, managing the alarm function is straightforward, despite the myriad of additional features it offers. The Hatch Restore 3 provides several methods to control its alarm settings, allowing you to easily turn alarms on or off whether you’re at home or away. If you’re unsure how it works, this guide will help you navigate the process of turning off alarms on the Hatch Restore 3.
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Turn Off Alarms Using the Alarm Switch
If you’re about to leave for a vacation and want to completely disable your alarms, the Restore 3 makes it a breeze. Simply locate the Alarm switch on the back of the device. Slide it backward, and your alarms will be deactivated. You can confirm it’s in the correct position by checking for a small red indicator.
To turn your alarms back on, just slide the switch forward. The red indicator will vanish, signaling that the alarms are active again. This method is the quickest and easiest way to manage the alarm settings on your Hatch Restore 3.
In case you realize you’ve forgotten to turn off your alarms after stepping out for a while, there’s also an alternative option provided by Hatch.
Turn Off Alarms Using the Hatch Sleep App
You can conveniently disable your Hatch Restore 3 alarms remotely through the Hatch Sleep mobile application. This is the same app utilized to set your alarms and manage your various routines. To deactivate alarms from the Hatch Sleep app, simply follow these steps:
Step 1: Launch the Hatch Sleep app.
Step 2: Navigate to the Wake Up section.
Step 3: Locate the alarm you wish to turn off.
Step 4: Toggle it to the Off position. An indicator will then show that you have No Active Alarms.
Step 5: To turn your alarms back on, tap the Show Disabled Alarms message, find your alarm, and move the toggle back to the On position.
Step 6: You’re all set! Just make sure to keep the app open until the “Saving” notification disappears — closing it prematurely may cause your changes not to save.
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Snoozing and Stopping the Hatch Restore 3 Alarm
In addition to turning alarms on and off, the Hatch Restore 3 features a large button on its top that acts as a snooze control. When your alarm goes off in the morning, simply tap this button for a snooze, or press and hold it to turn the alarm off completely. You can also touch the front face of the Restore 3 to quickly check the current time, giving you the chance to decide whether to hit snooze or start your day early.
Hatch Restore 3 Review: Achieving Deeper Sleep and Brighter Mornings
Price $170.00
“Hatch Restore 3 introduces small enhancements that elevate it to one of the top smart alarm clocks available today.”
Advantages
Sleek, minimalist design
User-friendly controls
Abundance of customization features
Enhances sleep and sunrise routines
Disadvantages
High price point
Essential features require a paid membership
The Hatch Restore family has evolved impressively over time. The original device introduced a solid concept, and the second iteration provided added functionality. Now, with the Hatch Restore 3, it stands as one of the premier smart alarm clocks you can purchase. This model brings small improvements to its forerunner’s design, including a new button that doubles as a dial, streamlining control for users.
However, the most significant drawback from the previous model persists—its steep price. Many of the best features come with a recurring subscription fee, which could quickly accumulate if you plan to use it as your bedside clock for the long haul. Nevertheless, if you’re in the market for a smart alarm clock that offers a beautiful design, extensive customization options, and impressive functions, the Hatch Restore 3 is a hard contender to overlook. Designed to help you wind down at night and wake up rejuvenated in the morning, it surpasses the disruptive nature of a smartphone for sleep management.
Revamped Design
Hatch
The essence of the Hatch Restore 3 lies in enhancing sleep and wake efficacy through tailored Routines. For instance, at night, I can set it to play a smooth jazz piano melody while reading. When it’s time for bed, a simple tap initiates my Sleep Routine, transitioning the music to a soothing Barcelona Nightscape. In the morning, the gradual increase of light along with a gentle alarm ushers in the new day. I’ve found this device an enriching addition to my bedside table, made even more user-friendly by its revamped design compared to its predecessor.
The Hatch Restore 2 was visually appealing, and the Hatch Restore 3 maintains that aesthetic without significant alteration. The most pronounced update is the introduction of the Big Button, located at the top of the device. This button can be pressed or rotated, allowing adjustments to volume or navigation through different features. When I’m ready to start my Unwind routine, I simply press this button. Once I’ve finished my soothing jazz and reading, a second press activates my Sleep Routine. It’s large enough that I can easily swipe my arm across the bed to reach it, much like a Snooze button.
Additionally, by rotating the Big Button, I can modify the volume levels. It took a few trials for me to find the right settings, but this feature has simplified the experience of adjusting the Hatch Restore 3’s performance.
Other buttons include a Swap Button for navigating through steps in your Unwind routine (which can feature activities like meditations and soundscapes), a Pause button, an Alarm Toggle for activating or deactivating your morning reminder, and a Light Button for syncing via Bluetooth or resetting the device. You can also tap the device’s face to display the time, conveniently positioned towards the bottom of the Hatch Restore 3.
These physical controls allow for swift adjustments or navigation through Routines, making it user-friendly, especially in a dim environment where larger buttons are welcomed.
Customization at Its Best
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The Hatch Restore 3 is packed with features. It can alter its color to promote relaxation, play your choice of soundscapes or music, facilitate meditation sessions, serve as a dimmable clock, and function as an alarm. Despite the variety, the Hatch Sleep app streamlines the customization process for these different functions.
It’s important to note that not all features suit everyone’s tastes. Personally, I’m not keen on engaging in a meditation session before sleep, and some soundscapes might not provide the relaxing ambiance they aim for. However, with a wide range of options available, every user is likely to find something appealing.
Moreover, you can customize individual Routines. For example, an Unwind Routine can commence with calming music as you prepare for sleep, followed by a guided meditation. While setting up these routines requires the Hatch Sleep app, once they are created, you can activate them using the Hatch Restore 3 without needing your phone. This is a notable advantage—allowing you to set aside your smartphone before bedtime.
If you fear feeling overwhelmed by choices, there’s no reason to worry. The app provides an introductory guide featuring six steps to familiarize you with its capabilities. Completing this brief tutorial only takes a few minutes, after which you’ll be proficient in using its features.
While some menus may seem cluttered, offering a wealth of content to explore, it’s important to note that the selection is impressively comprehensive. A minor issue is that some sections require extra scrolling through various options before accessing a “See More” button, which loads the entire library. However, once in that section, everything is neatly categorized into groups such as Soundscapes, Music, ASMR, and Mindfulness.
Wishing for a More Affordable Price
Hatch
The Hatch Restore 3 is an impressive product, but its price tag raises some eyebrows. The initial cost is $170, and to access its full array of features, you’re likely to want a Hatch+ membership as well. This will set you back an additional $5 monthly, unlocking an expanding library of sounds, meditations, sunrise simulations, and more. For those who opt out of the membership, the available features are significantly limited, leading to an additional $60 annual cost for the benefit of using your Hatch Restore 3.
When compared to other smart alarm clocks, like the Echo Spot priced at $80, the Hatch Restore 3 clearly positions itself as a luxury option. While it undeniably excels in many respects, it can feel a bit pricey, especially with the extra fees over time.
Conclusion
If you’re on the search for a device to enhance your sleep and wake rituals, the Hatch Restore 3 stands out as an exceptional option. While it does come with a high price and a costly Hatch+ membership, those struggling with sleep patterns will find it to be a valuable companion. Not only boasting an appealing design, but it also offers user-friendly controls and extensive customization options, thanks to an improved set of buttons and a straightforward app. While you may need to explore its offerings to pinpoint the ideal soundscapes, lights, and meditations for your preferences, the Hatch Restore 3’s superb content and elegant design position it as the premier smart alarm clock available today.
