Designed in Copenhagen, the Habity bedside clock aims to break the habit of nighttime phone use with a gentle, distraction-free alarm clock that features an eye-friendly e-paper screen and a library of offline sleep sounds.
- Eye-friendly e-paper display reduces blue light exposure
- Offline sleep sounds and gentle wake-up tones included
- Simple design meant to replace phones on the nightstand
What happened
The Copenhagen-based company Habity has developed a bedside alarm clock designed to minimize phone usage before sleep and upon waking. Unlike typical smart devices, this clock uses an e-paper display similar to e-readers, which consumes power only when the display updates. It includes a small library of soothing sounds like rain and ocean waves, all stored locally and running entirely offline without requiring apps, accounts, or subscriptions.
Priced around $150, the clock also features gentle wake-up tones, a sunrise-style light to gradually brighten the room before the alarm, and a built-in nightlight. While Wi-Fi connectivity is available, it is primarily used for syncing time and smart home light integration. Early units faced some minor production issues, but these were quickly resolved through firmware updates and replacements.
Why it feels good
This alarm clock taps into the growing desire to reduce screen time before bed and to avoid the stress of sleep tracking or gamified sleep apps, which can sometimes worsen sleep anxiety. Instead, the clock gently encourages healthier habits by providing a calm and distraction-free experience, helping people wind down naturally without the allure of their phones.
The combination of tactile design, soft wake sounds, and a clear, eye-friendly display creates a soothing atmosphere for bedtime and wake-up routines. By replacing the phone on your nightstand, the clock helps users break the cycle of late-night scrolling, improving sleep quality and mental wellbeing.
What to enjoy or watch next
The Habity bedside clock has already won recognition, including a Monocle Design Award in 2026, and early customer feedback highlights its calming presence and user-friendly design. Those interested can pre-order the clock now following a successful Kickstarter campaign, with deliveries underway since its initial release a month and a half ago.
As the trend towards minimal, distraction-free technology grows, devices like Habity’s clock join other innovative products, such as flip phones and feature phones, designed to help reclaim focus and reduce digital fatigue. Future updates to the clock’s firmware and potential integrations with smart home ecosystem devices promise to enhance its functionality without compromising its simple charm.