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What I tested…
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Hatch Recovery 3 ($169.99)
Why did I test…
How I Tested…
I tested the Hatch Restore 3 for a year and noted its functions, settings, features and effects (if any) on my mood in the morning and evening.
Test results…
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Set up. I was a bit nervous when I noticed the very few buttons on the device. There are no labels or written instructions in the actual device, but you get a basic (and thankfully short) tutorial. To install, all I had to do was plug in the device and download the Hatch app. After connecting and naming the device in the app (I named mine Beyoncé), you can then scroll through a menu of customizable options to create your own sleep and wake routines. The device will flash after connecting so you don’t have to ask any questions. When I created my three-phase routine (wake up, sleep, and wake up) in the app, I was able to set the time of my alarms, the color of the light, what days of the week the routine repeats, the brightness, and the volume.
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Sound effects. In Hatch Recovery 3 has an updated speaker that sounds clear without any static or scratching. There’s no Bluetooth functionality, but the app has dozens of pre-recorded sound effects that you can customize to your routine. My personal favorite? Paris Cafe sounds for when my morning alarm goes off. I may not enjoy waking up, but I do did I enjoy the sweet sound of low faces, birds and clinking ceramic coffee mugs.
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The effect of light. Here lies the genius behind Hatch. Most of the front panel is dedicated to dimming light, which slowly increases in brightness when you wake up. It’s designed to mimic a sunrise, waking you up slowly and naturally. At first I was nervous that I wouldn’t wake up because I’m an extremely heavy sleeper. But every day, without fail, I calmly open my eyes thanks to the bright (but blinding), soothing orange-to-yellow light.
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Design. There are three buttons at the top that allow you to start/stop your routine, change your routine, or simply pause your program, for example if you’re listening to a guided meditation. There is also a side button to turn off the alarm the next day without opening the app. The clock stays on during the day (if you so choose), but overall the design is extremely minimalistic and dare I say, beautiful.
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Silence and awakening. Did this really make me a morning person? Absolutely. While you won’t see me running outside at 6am, you will will I feel less grumpy or excited to get up in the sun because my body feels like I’m waking up on its own. At night, I no longer dread getting into bed because I choose soothing stories, white noise, bedtime podcasts, and nature scenes to quickly (and soundly) put me to sleep. I live with my partner and this device has helped us calm our minds to ensure a peaceful awakening.
Sides…
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While you can use Hatch Restore 3 without your paid subscription Hatch+You will get more options when you subscribe. Without it, you can still create your own relaxation, sleep, and wake-up routines, but you have limited access to a library of more than 80 science-based sleep sounds and more than 100 ambient lighting options.
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You need to be near your device to set up or create your routines. In other words, you can’t update anything through the app if you’re away, which can be annoying.
Good details…
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Hatch Recovery 3 ($169.99)
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You must run the Hatch program through the App Store or Google Play Store to set up your device and create your routines. However, the app is not required to start, stop, or pause your routines while in use.
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With the purchase of Hatch Restore 3, you also get 30 days free of Hatch+, a subscription to their paid apps. After that, it costs $4.99 per month or $49.99 per year, and you can cancel at any time. Already have a Hatch app? You can subscribe within the app.
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Hatch has a 30 day money back guarantee.
