Skip to main content

Do you need a subscription to use Hatch Restore 2?

If you’re looking for a premium smart alarm clock, it’s hard to do better than the Hatch Restore and the new Hatch Restore 2. Offering a variety of sleep sounds, wake-up alarms, and lighting options, the two devices are bound to help your nighttime and morning routines. However, they’re not cheap — and the availability of a premium Hatch Sleep plan only makes them more expensive.

But do you need a Hatch Sleep membership to use your Hatch Restore, or can you start using it right out of the box without dropping more cash? Here’s a closer look at the service and everything it has to offer.

Related Videos

What is Hatch Sleep?

Hatch Sleep is a premium membership option that gives you access to a vast selection of sleep sounds, meditations, stories, music, and other unique content. One of the newest additions to the platform is Wind Down Channels, which pull together a combination of sounds, music, and stories to introduce variety to your nightly routine. Most purchases will include a 30-day free trial of Hatch Sleep. Once this membership expires, you’ll be able to sign up for $50 per year or $5 per month.

Is Hatch Sleep required?

The Hatch Restore glowing purple on a nightstand.

Thankfully, Hatch Sleep is entirely optional and is not required to use Hatch Restore 2 or Hatch Restore. Even if you don’t sign up for the service, you’ll be able to use your smart alarm clock without any issues. However, you won’t have access to nearly as much content. Not only are Wind Down Channels locked behind the subscription, but so are many of the sleep sounds, music, and other wake-up options.

As a non-member, you’ll have access to a handful of sounds and sunrise color options — and that’s about it. In other words, your Hatch Restore 2 will lack a lot of the features that make it such as compelling product. If you can swing the $50 annual payment, you’ll find the smart alarm clock to be a much better purchase (and it’s something we highly recommend).

It’s still worth purchasing a Restore 2 even if you don’t opt for a Hatch Sleep membership, but there’s no doubt that you’ll get the most out of your money by joining the program. That’s especially true if you’re hoping to use it as a sleep aid instead of a standard alarm clock, as there are heaps of great sounds and Wind Down Channels to help you have a restful night.

Not sold on the Hatch Restore or Hatch Restore 2? Be sure to check out our list of the best alarm clocks, which covers all budgets and includes products with a wide variety of features. Most of the items on the list don’t require a subscription — meaning they’re ready to use out of the box without having to worry about dropping even more cash.

Editors' Recommendations

Yale Assure Lock 2 offers a slimmer design and tons of functionality
A person pressing a button on the Assure Lock 2.

Yale is adding several new smart locks to its collection with the premium Assure Lock 2 lineup. The Assure Lock 2 builds on the foundation laid by the original Assure Lock, although it boasts a slim new design, streamlined installation process, and comes in a variety of colors and formats.

One of the big selling points of the Assure Lock 2 is the slim design. Yale says the new designs are up to 30% smaller than the original Assure Lock -- giving your front door a modern look and bringing impressive smart home functionality without taking up much real estate.

Read more
Can you train a parrot to use Alexa, and should you?
Official glimpse of Nothing Phone 1 with a parrot sitting on top of phone.

We’ve talked about the silly things Alexa can be used for, as well as how sometimes very young children can unwittingly use Alexa to cause mischief, including ordering things from Amazon. But what about pets that can talk -- specifically, if you’ve got an inquisitive parrot in your house? Do you have to worry about it activating Alexa and potentially causing havoc?

If you’re a parrot owner, you probably won’t be surprised that this could definitely be a cause for concern. Parrots can learn to speak human language clear enough to activate Alexa on devices like Echos. Here’s everything we know about what these clever birds have managed to do.
Can you train a parrot to use Alexa?
Parrot turns Christmas lights on with Alexa

Read more
Comparing Roomba models: What you need to know
The iRobot Roomba S9+ on a hardwood floor with the Roomba Braava robot mop.

The future of iRobot is getting very interesting now that the Roomba manufacturer has been purchased by Amazon, but for now, they remain a household name for robot vacuums and everything they’re capable of around the home. Buyers, however, have an additional problem: There are a lot of different Roomba models, and the price variations can be very steep. Wondering which one is right for you or if you should consider other brands as well as Roombas? We’re here to help with our overview of the most popular Roomba models, how they differ, and which might be the right fit for you.
What is the difference between the primary Roomba models?
Roomba s9+

Best for: hands-off cleaning with automatic dirt disposal and power carpet cleaning.

Read more