Waking up can be a struggle, especially if you’re a heavy sleeper who hits snooze multiple times. While both iOS and Android come with built-in alarm clock features – Apple’s Bedtime and Google Clock – they don’t offer the variety or customization many need for an effective wake-up. From gentle sounds to active participation, these default alarms may not cut it for those who need a little extra push in the morning. Thankfully, there are several third-party alarm clock apps designed specifically to help you wake up, even if you’re the deepest of sleepers.
In this guide, we’ll dive into some of the most popular and innovative alarm clock apps available for Android and iOS. Whether you need to complete a puzzle, walk a certain number of steps, or receive a call from a stranger, these apps offer unique solutions to ensure you start your day on time.
Best Alarm Clock Apps for Heavy Sleepers
1. Alarmy
Alarmy, often referred to as “Sleep If U Can,” is one of the most effective alarm apps available, known for its challenging wake-up methods. This app offers various modes designed to make sure you don’t sleep through your alarm.
How it wakes you up:
- Photo Mode: You need to take a photo of a designated object to turn the alarm off.
- Shake Mode: Shake your phone 50 times to silence the alarm.
- Math Problem Mode: Solve math problems to stop the alarm.
Alarmy is perfect for heavy sleepers who need to physically or mentally engage with their alarm to stop it. While the math problems might be too simple for some, the photo and shake modes offer a more active approach to waking up.
Download Alarmy (iOS, Android)
2. Wakie Community
Wakie takes a unique, social approach to waking up. This app connects you with strangers worldwide, allowing you to request a wake-up call from someone in the community.
How it wakes you up:
- Request a wake-up call from a random person or a bot if no one is available.
This method is surprisingly effective because it adds a human element to your wake-up routine. The feeling of engaging with another person is often enough to help you snap out of sleep.
Download Wakie (iOS, Android)
3. Sleep Better
Sleep Better takes a scientific approach to sleep tracking. This app monitors your sleep patterns and wakes you up during a light sleep cycle, ensuring you feel more rested and energized.
How it wakes you up:
- Tracks your sleep cycles and wakes you up during a light sleep phase.
The app also offers insights into your sleep habits, allowing you to improve your overall sleep quality. The experience of waking up from a light sleep phase may make you feel more refreshed and alert.
Download Sleep Better (iOS, Android)
4. Walk Me Up!
Walk Me Up! is an alarm clock app that forces you to get out of bed and walk to dismiss the alarm. This pedometer-based alarm makes sure you’re fully awake and moving before you can go back to sleep.
How it wakes you up:
- Requires you to walk a certain number of steps before the alarm stops.
With its “evil mode,” which doesn’t allow you to snooze the alarm until you’ve walked the set number of steps, Walk Me Up ensures that you get your body moving first thing in the morning.
Download Walk Me Up (iOS, Android)
5. Sleep As Android
Sleep As Android is a comprehensive sleep tracker and alarm app designed for Android users. The app integrates with wearables and tracks your sleep quality, REM cycles, and more. It also includes several alarm modes to help you wake up.
How it wakes you up:
- Use CAPTCHA, QR codes, or NFC tags.
- Plays bedtime lullabies or nature sounds to help you fall asleep.
This app excels in sleep tracking, providing insights into your sleep stages, which can improve your overall sleep health.
Download Sleep As Android (Android)
6. I Can’t Wake Up
This alarm app offers a variety of wake-up tasks, ranging from math problems to barcode scanning. The tasks are customizable, and if you fail to complete them, the alarm will restart.
How it wakes you up:
- Includes math problems, shaking the phone, scanning barcodes, and memory games.
With so many options, I Can’t Wake Up provides a balance of mental and physical tasks, making it a great option for those who need more than a standard alarm.
Download I Can’t Wake Up (iOS, Android)
7. MoneyAlarm 2
MoneyAlarm 2 is the most extreme alarm app on this list. If you don’t wake up and confirm that you’re awake, the app will deduct money from your account. It uses in-app purchases to ensure that your money is on the line if you don’t get up.
How it wakes you up:
- If you don’t confirm you’re awake, the app deducts money from your account.
While this approach may seem a little extreme, it might be the perfect solution for someone who needs financial motivation to get out of bed.
Download MoneyAlarm 2 (iOS) | For Android: Time Is Money
8. WakeMe Social Alarm Clock
WakeMe allows you to set alarms that are triggered by videos from friends or family members. Instead of the typical alarm sound, you get a personalized video message to motivate you to wake up.
How it wakes you up:
- Plays personalized video messages from friends or family members.
This social approach can make waking up feel more personal and motivating, as seeing a loved one’s face can give you the encouragement you need.
Download WakeMe Social Alarm Clock (Android)
9. Beditations
Beditations is a unique alarm clock that uses guided meditations to wake you up gently. It also plays soothing sounds at night to help you fall asleep.
How it wakes you up:
- Gentle guided meditations wake you up instead of loud alarms.

This app is ideal for those who prefer a calm and peaceful wake-up experience.
Download Beditations (iOS, Android)
Conclusion
Finding the perfect alarm clock app can make a world of difference for heavy sleepers. Whether you need to solve a math problem, walk a few steps, or receive a personalized wake-up call, there’s an app that can help you wake up more effectively. The variety of features offered by these apps ensures that there’s something for everyone, whether you prefer mental challenges, physical activity, or social interaction. By choosing the right alarm, you can finally stop hitting snooze and start your day with energy and motivation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which is the best alarm clock app for heavy sleepers?
The best alarm clock app depends on personal preferences, but Alarmy and Walk Me Up are particularly effective for heavy sleepers due to their active wake-up methods.
2. Can I track my sleep with these alarm clock apps?
Yes, apps like Sleep As Android and Sleep Better offer comprehensive sleep tracking features to monitor your sleep quality and cycles.
3. Are these alarm apps free to use?
Most of the apps mentioned offer free versions with some premium features available through in-app purchases. For instance, Sleep As Android offers basic alarms for free, but sleep tracking requires a paid upgrade.
4. Can I use these alarm apps with wearables?
Yes, apps like Sleep As Android integrate with popular wearable devices to provide deeper sleep insights.
5. Can I set a specific wake-up task in these apps?
Yes, many of the apps, such as I Can’t Wake Up, let you set customized wake-up tasks ranging from math problems to barcode scanning or even walking.