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I usually begin and end my days the same way: looking at my phone a little longer than I should. There are so many TikToks to watch, so many emails to open, so much doomscrolling to spiral into. Combined with a five-day workweek, it’s not exactly a winning formula. I suspect you, dear reader, are in a similar place.
That’s where the Loftie alarm clock comes in. While the slick, shiny device is technically a smart clock, it’s a refreshingly low-key one. (It has just three buttons, a speaker, and a tiny screen that displays the time.) Loftie positions itself as a barrier between you and your smartphone, helping you get better shut-eye in the process. On top of that, it’s also a white noise machine and a warm, dimmable night light.
What really makes this alarm clock so special is its way of rousing you. The Wi-Fi–enabled device employs a two-phase alarm; the first lulls you out of deep sleep with a soft sound, then the second fully wakes you up nine minutes later with a continuous alarm. It’s no iPhone Radar (bless)—you can choose between three melodious sounds that actually make you want to get up and face the day. (My favorite is Radiance, which sounds like awakening gently during a vacation.) The brand claims that this feature mimics the way people naturally wake up, and it really does help me feel more refreshed each morning.
I’d love my Loftie clock for its alarm alone, but its extras also make getting to bed better. Each device comes preloaded with relaxing nature soundscapes (including rainfall, a campfire, and the ocean) and six different white noise options. There’s also wellness audio such as guided meditations, sound baths, breathwork classes, bedtime stories for kids or adults, and classical music tracks, although I haven’t fully explored all of them. And the brand is constantly updating its library, meaning you won’t run out of new sleep-inducing content.
To be clear, the Loftie alarm clock isn’t perfect—setup can be frustrating, even for people who installed their own router. The button controls are tough to get the hang of, especially if you’re used to the convenience of tapping a screen. The optional app has its flaws, and the (thankfully infrequent) updates take much longer than you’d expect. And of course, the $149 price tag is quite the investment for an alarm clock.
The thoughtful details are what make Loftie live up to the hype, though. Its soothing alarm makes me feel like I got better sleep, and its deep library of sounds helps me to drift off to sleep without requiring an air conditioner or humidifier droning in the background. Its amber light isn’t exactly a reading light, but it’s bright enough to make sure you can get to the bathroom without stubbing your toe on the way. It even has a rechargeable battery that keeps it running in the event of a nighttime power outage. As far as these things go, this clock is pretty much the definition of helpful tech.
You don’t have to be a Luddite to enjoy your device—I’m still known to scroll past my bedtime—but it’s a step in the right direction, away from the anxiety and the blue light associated with your smartphone. It’s so good that I even got my roommate hooked on her own Loftie, and it’s just as popular with other Glamour editors.
If you’re still searching for the right alarm clock or a way to improve your sleep that doesn’t require your phone to stay on your nightstand, you won’t do much better than a Loftie. Trust me, it’s so much better on the other side.
