If you want to get out of sleep well in the morning, light alarms should help. These devices simulate the natural sunrise and should be more pleasant to wake up. A particularly high -quality model from this category is the Philips HF3651/01, which comes up with an individually adjustable sunrise simulation, soothing natural sounds and numerous practical functions. Computer Bild has tested whether the light alarm clock actually makes the morning better or whether it is just a nice gimmick.
Design and workmanship: modern but large
The Philips stands out due to its modern and simple design. The round shape and the central light panel create a pleasant, soothing atmosphere in the bedroom. The matte plastic of the housing ensures a high -quality feel and gives the alarm clock a noble look. Overall, the workmanship looks very solid and by no means cheap. A harmonious overall picture results, especially in combination with the seized light.

With its simple, modern look and a solid choice of material, the Philips HF3651/01 acts functional and unobtrusive.
Photo: computer picture
With a diameter of around 22.5 centimeters (cm) and a height of 12 cm, however, the Philips is quite large. So if you have a small bedside table, you should make sure that the space is enough. Nevertheless, the overall design convinced – even if the alarm clock is bulky, it is an eye -catcher.
Wake-up-light-the sunrise in the bedroom
The heart of the Philips Hf3651/01 is that Wake-up-light technology – And I was particularly excited about this function in the test. How does it feel, without a shrill alarm tone, only to be taken out of sleep by light? The answer: surprisingly good. The duration of the light simulation can be adapted flexibly: from at least 5 to a maximum of 40 minutes eight time options available-each in 5-minute steps. In this way, the wake -up course can be individually tailored to your own sleeping habits. The light begins with a gentle red, continues to move over orange and yellow into a light white. The color transitions are fluid and surprisingly realistic in the test – almost like a sunrise at the window. This effect ensures a coherent wake -up experience that is significantly more pleasant than the abrupt clamp of a classic alarm tone.

The light becomes brighter in gentle steps – the transition from darkness to daylight feels, of course.
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With 25 brightness levels the light intensity can be dosed exactly. On some days, a delicate light pulse was sufficient to slowly wake up. On others I wanted to get going faster – that also worked without any problems. This flexibility convinced in everyday life. But it is also clear that if you sleep very deeply, you may not wake up through the light alone. In this case, an alarm tone can also be activated – practical if it really matters.

According to the manufacturer, the Philips Hf3651/01 shines with up to 315 lux light enough to dive the room in strong daylight.
Photo: computer picture
Diverse alarm sounds
In addition to the light function, the Philips offers various acoustic alarm options to make waking up more pleasant:
- Eight pre -installed natural sounds: The options include chirping birds, wave noise and the sound of the forest, which slowly become louder and support a natural waking up process.
- Radio function: If you want to be awakened with music or messages, you can simply activate the radio function.
- Individual sounds: Own wings tones can be imported via the AUX or USB A connection.

On the back, the connections and the speaker are discreetly installed – functional without disturbing the design.
Photo: computer picture
What I particularly liked was the opportunity to choose between different natural noises. Whether twittering birds, wave noise or relaxing forest sound – each of these noises had a calming effect on me. At the beginning they were very quiet and became louder over time, which created a very harmonious experience. I not only woke up slowly and gently – it was almost as if the day would of course begin, accompanied by the sounds of nature. However – as with the light setting – the following also applies here: If you sleep particularly deeply, you could have difficulty being able to be awakened by the gentle sounds alone. But don’t worry: the volume can be readjusted. In this way, the gentle start can be reinforced at will to ensure that the toughest sleeper also wakes up.

The soothing sounds can be individually adjusted via the display.
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At the Sound quality However, the Philips showed weaknesses. The bass sounded rather indicated in the hearing test or was completely missing, which was particularly noticeable in deeper natural noises. Voices and high tones, on the other hand, were reproduced well-without hissing S-sounds or unpleasant heights.
Sleeping aid with sunset simulation
Another interesting aspect of the Philips is the sunset function. This slowly dims down the light and helps to create a relaxed atmosphere. The duration can be in seven stages Set flexible – between at least 5 and a maximum of 60 minutes. In practice, I used this function, especially in the evening. The slow dimming of the light felt very calming and prepared me well for sleep.

The Philips HF3651/01 simulates a natural sunset with warm color gradients.
Photo: computer picture
Relaxbreathe mode for relaxation
A unique selling point is the so -called Relaxbreathe mode. This combines light and sound impulses that calm breathing and relax the body. The effect in the practical test was amazing-depending on the light impulse, I adjusted my breathing and could feel how the tension of the day fell off. The light alarm clock almost had a kind of meditative effect on me. This technology helped me to get to rest faster on strenuous days.

In the relaxing break mode, light impulses specify the breathing rhythm-duration and pace can be adjusted directly on the device.
Photo: computer picture
Beddip: How well does the alarm clock replace a classic lamp?
The light can also be activated manually at any time – for example for reading or getting up at night. A short finger tip is enough to start a subtle night light. The light color is pleasantly warm, if necessary, the full brightness can be continuously regulated. In the test, the maximum light level was easy to read, while the night light remained in red mode. I often used this function in practice, especially at night when I had to get up quickly.

With individually adjustable light, the Philips HF3651/01 fits both as a pleasant reading lamp and as a gentle bedside lamp for a relaxed atmosphere.
Photo: computer picture
The service of the Philips is very intuitive. At first I was a bit skeptical because I am used to controlling the alarm clock using buttons. But the touch display is surprisingly user-friendly and reacts reliably. The most important functions, such as setting the brightness, the alarm tone and the sleep programs, can be reached quickly. The Slumber function Can be activated with a simple touch of the housing, which is particularly practical if you are not yet fully awake in the morning.

The touch display enables intuitive control-all functions can be reached quickly with a few touches.
Photo: computer picture
What is missing: an app control or language integration. Anyone who relies on smart control via smartphone or voice assistant will be disappointed. But if you prefer to work directly on the device, you will find a tidy, uncomplicated solution here.
The Philips shows in the test how functional modern lighting technology can be. With strong light output, natural color dynamics and extras such as the relaxation break mode, it not only supports waking up, but also falling asleep. The operation via touch field works reliably, the design is simple and high quality. App or voice control is missing- the alarm clock convinces with a clear menu navigation and sensibly coordinated functions. If you can do without smart networking, you get a well thought -out device that makes everyday life and sleep rhythm more pleasant.
The Philips Somneo Sleep and Wake-Up Light has been available on stores for a long time and currently from around 160 euros (as of March 2025). Overall, the light alarm clock offers a very good price-performance ratio compared to other devices of this type.