Most of us agree that mornings suck—especially if you have to get up before the sun rises. Humans shouldn’t have to wake up before the sun.
Unfortunately, we got stuff to do, which requires us to roll out of bed at some point. A jarring alarm only makes mornings worse, unless you enjoy waking up in an abrupt panic. Wake up gently with one of these alarm apps instead and you too could hate mornings slightly less.
Android Clock
By far one of the best alarms for Android users is the app that comes included with all devices. This app allows you to set several different alarms, choose your volume, and the days you want it to repeat.
However, the best feature is the “Smart Alarm” function. With it, you can set the volume to build up slowly between 1 to 30 minutes and can choose tones that are peaceful enough to wake you up gently. You won't have to start your day with a heart attack when you choose the Android clock.
For iPhone users who want in on the Android fun:
¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Just kidding! You'll want to check out the…
Yocto Alarm Clock
The Yocto Alarm Clock has several features that are perfect for Apple devices. Like the Android clock, you can set it to increase the volume slowly until you turn it off. Additionally, it has various white noise sounds that can help you fall asleep distraction-free.
It may not be the most beautiful app in the world, but it’s completely customizable, and the best part about this app is that it’s 100% free and contains no ads.
Pandora
Most of us know of Pandora as a music streaming site, but few probably realize that it has an alarm implemented into its app as well. This feature lets you choose one of your stations, set your wake-up time, decide on snooze options, and adjust the starting volume. There’s no “smart alarm” option, but if you choose a peaceful station or your favorite music, your mornings are going to be a lot better than with a traditional, screaming alarm clock.
AlarMe
Mornings are even more stressful when the weather isn’t cooperating. How has science not perfected weather control yet?
Whether it’s snowing or raining like the end of the world is coming, you sometimes have to accommodate and get up earlier than usual. But how are you supposed to know if it’s going to snow in the middle of the night? Well, AlarMe is designed to check the weather and keep an eye on the forecast, so you can wake up at the right time.
No more getting to work late!
Sleep Cycle
Scientists believe that the best way to get a good night's rest has to do with the five stages of sleep. By successfully making your way through these cycles and avoiding rising in between phases, you’ll wake up well-rested and feeling much better than your average morning.
The Sleep Cycle alarm clock tracks these stages to wake you up when you’re in the lightest sleep phase—allowing you to feel rested and relaxed. There are 15 alarm options already loaded on the app, or you can wake up to your own music.
This scientific breakthrough almost makes up for our lack of weather control.
Waky
For something with a bit of a human touch, consider downloading Waky. This “human alarm clock” (not as creepy as it sounds) wakes you up each morning with a smiling face and a friendly voice in the most comfortable way possible.
Okay, so it's a little creepy.
There are a dozen alarm choices you can hear for free, and there are additional options that you can purchase as well. Pick a voice, set your alarm, and you’re ready to be politely greeted during the worst time of the day. Mornings are stressful, but there’s no reason for your alarm to be. The only downfall is that this app is only available on Apple devices.