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Some days, you wake up refreshed. Others, it feels like you barely slept at all. What separates the good nights from the bad isn’t always clear, but a sleep tracker can provide valuable insight. It monitors your sleep patterns for a clearer picture of how much quality sleep you’re getting. You can use this information to help optimize your sleep experience.

While lab-based sleep tests generally track patterns directly through brain activity, sleep trackers rely on sensors to detect other physical signs, like heart rate and body movement. Wearable devices remain on the sleeper throughout the night to measure data. Other trackers may rest on the mattress, under the mattress, or next to the bed to collect information unobtrusively. Virtually all sleep trackers upload this data to a device that runs it through an algorithm to analyze and display the results.

We’ll highlight some of our favorite sleep trackers and share what makes them stand out. We’ll go on to explain what to consider while you shop and answer common questions about sleep trackers.

Spoiler Alert – Here’s Our Pick for Best Sleep Tracker

Don’t let the Oura Ring fool you — despite its lightweight design, this wearable device captures an impressive range of sleep data metrics. We also like this tracker for its guided meditation and sleep coaching programs, healthy battery life, and relatively affordable subscriptions.

Best Sleep Trackers Video

Watch the video below to learn more about our recommendations for the best sleep trackers.

In-Depth Reviews

  • Who it’s best for

    1. Shoppers seeking a device that tracks both sleep and exercise

    2. Sleepers who need an unobtrusive wearable device

    3. People hoping to improve their sleep quality

  • Highlights

    1. Lightweight wearable design comes in four color options

    2. Sensors measure heart rate, body temperature, and blood oxygen levels

    3. Long battery life

Sleep Tracker Type

wearable – ring

The Oura Ring Generation 3 is a wearable sleep tracker that monitors an impressive array of metrics to evaluate your sleep and daytime activity. The sleek, lightweight design makes it one of the most attractive wearable sleep trackers you’ll find on the market.

The ring is equipped with sensors that measure your heart rate, body temperature, and blood oxygen levels throughout the day and night. The ring translates this data into three scores – a sleep score, activity score, and readiness score – to assess the quality of your sleep, rest, and daily physical activity. The ring also serves as a fitness tracker, measuring data such as steps taken, calories expended, and periods of inactivity. Based on your data, the Oura offers recommendations for improving sleep habits. The ring also provides 50 audio sessions to guide you through activities like meditation, sleep, and better focus.

The ring is available in four colors – silver, black, stealth, and gold. The battery lasts for 4 to 7 days, which is an above-average battery life compared to other trackers. In order to fully access the Oura’s features, you must download the Oura app and purchase a monthly membership. The membership is complimentary for 6 months, after which it costs $5.99 per month.

Oura delivers rings for $15 throughout all 50 states. Customers may try out the ring for 30 days, during which they can return the ring for a full refund minus shipping charges. The ring is backed by a 1-year warranty.

  • Who it’s best for

    1. Physically active individuals

    2. Those who prefer wearable trackers

    3. Shoppers looking for a device with long battery life

  • Highlights

    1. Next-gen design tracks heart rate, skin temperature, and other fitness metrics

    2. Haptic alarm gently vibrates when it's time to wake up

    3. Wide selection of wristband color options

Sleep Tracker Type

wearable – wristband

The WHOOP 4.0 builds on its predecessor with a lighter, more compact design and more enhanced tracking capabilities. One of the most innovative changes is the addition of Any-Wear Technology. While the WHOOP tracker is designed with a wearable wristband, the sensor can be detached from the band and used with different garments such as sports bras, compression tops, leggings, athletic boxers, and intimates. Each of these items features a small pocket to secure the sensor while you work out or sleep.

The tracker monitors metrics such as active and resting heart rate, respiratory rate, blood oxygen levels, and skin temperature. Users can also program a haptic alarm that produces gentle vibrations when it’s time to get up, which many sleepers prefer to loud beeps first thing in the morning. The alarm also tracks breathing patterns in order to vibrate at the tail end of your sleep cycle, so you should wake up feeling refreshed with little to no grogginess. A strong battery allows you to use the tracker for up to five days before a recharge is needed. The sensor is also water-resistant, so you won’t need to remove your tracker while you’re in the shower or doing the dishes.

WHOOP is a subscription-based tracker. To join, first choose your wristband. A total of 21 single-color and two-tone options are available, and you can add custom engraving for a small surcharge. Customers can select annual, monthly, or 24-month subscription plans. You can also opt for the WHOOP Pro plan, for which subscribers are entitled to 20% discounts when they purchase other WHOOP products.

Those who aren’t satisfied with their WHOOP 4.0 can return the device within 30 days of the delivery date for a full refund minus any applicable shipping charges. WHOOP also backs each order with a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty that covers defects in the tracker.

  • Who it’s best for

    1. Sleepers who prefer a discreet tracker

    2. Those who don't own wearable sleep-tracking devices

    3. Customers seeking habit and lifestyle recommendations

  • Highlights

    1. Tracks sleep debt and recommends routines to reduce it

    2. Compatible with wearable devices

    3. Subscription-based app that is free to download in the Apple and Google Play stores

Sleep Tracker Type

Monthly, yearly

The Rise Science Sleep Tracker is an app that can be used with wearable devices or on its own. Rise connects with health apps on your phone to track your sleep debt and circadian rhythm to help optimize your sleep duration.

Rise specifically tracks your hours spent asleep to provide you with a sleep debt score. The app will then recommend habits and routines to lower your score and improve your overall sleep quality, whether it’s suggesting an optimal time to get ready for bed or advising a cut-off time for your last cup of coffee. Sleepers touch their phones right before bed and after waking up, and the app pulls this data along with phone movement and steps data to provide accurate sleep and wake times. Throughout the day, the app will send you notifications to indicate how your energy is peaking and dipping.

If using Rise on its own, you do not have to rest the phone on the bed like other sleep tracking apps. You can use your phone like normal and keep it beside the bed. The app is free to download on the Apple and Google Play stores. Following a free 14-day trial period, customers pay a yearly subscription fee to access all features.

  • Who it’s best for

    1. Sleepers who want in-depth health and sleep data

    2. Shoppers looking for a ring-style tracker

    3. Value seekers

  • Highlights

    1. Wearable silicone ring weighs 6 grams

    2. Alerts sleepers of abnormal heart and oxygen levels

    3. Provides data for nearly ten different metrics

Sleep Tracker Type

wearable – ring

The Go2sleep Tracker from Sleepon offers a wide array of data for its price-point. It provides a significant amount of valuable information for shoppers who want to learn more about their sleep and overall health.

The tracker is a silicone ring that syncs with your phone to provide sleep data you can access on its accompanying mobile app. Before bed, you sync the ring with your phone and it monitors almost ten different health metrics while you sleep.

In addition to sleep duration and quality, the Go2Sleep Tracker measures your heart rate, blood oxygen level, and sleep stage status, along with other health metrics. It also alerts you if it senses that your blood oxygen saturation level is abnormal. The tracker’s alarm clock uses your sleep patterns to wake you up during your lightest sleep phase.

The Sleepon app is available to Apple, Android, Windows, and Mac users and syncs automatically with the iOS Health app for Apple product users. The app also allows users to keep track of habits that may be influencing their sleep duration or quality. The ring requires regular charging and all charging accessories are included. Shoppers have a 30-day window for returns and exchanges in which they can receive a full refund. Customers are responsible for shipping charges both ways. Sleepon backs its tracker with a 1-year limited warranty.

  • Who it’s best for

    1. Shift workers and other people who need or prefer to sleep during the day

    2. People who struggle to get enough deep sleep

    3. Those seeking a subscription-free tracker

  • Highlights

    1. Neurofeedback intended to promote a healthy sleep cycle throughout the night

    2. Full blackout mask blocks all light

    3. Open-cell foam feels soft and retains little heat

Sleep Tracker Type

wearable – sleep mask

Anyone can benefit from a sleep mask that prevents light from keeping you awake, but the Bía Smart Sleep Mask takes this design to unparalleled levels. The mask serves its core purpose of helping you stay asleep in the absence of complete darkness, with a full blackout effect to ensure no light whatsoever, but this function is just the tip of the iceberg. 

Sensors embedded in the mask also deliver neurofeedback to help you get the requisite amount of rest in each stage of your sleep cycle, including the deep and REM phases. These sensors also track your sleep cycle and other data points, which you can review daily on the Bía companion app. Additionally, built-in speakers let you listen to relaxing music as you nod off. The mask is Bluetooth-compatible, so you can stream your own tunes. Music automatically pauses once the mask detects you’ve fallen asleep.

Although the mask is larger than most competing models, an elastic strap provides a snug, comfortable fit without using buckles or zippers. Open-cell foam gently cushions the area around your eyes but shouldn’t trap too much heat. The mask is particularly handy for frequent flyers and other people who travel between time zones on a regular basis.

While the Bía is fairly expensive even compared to other tracking devices, each purchase includes a lifetime subscription with no renewal requirement. The standard “Early Bird” package includes one mask in black or grey, free shipping, and a 60-night trial. You can bump up to more premium packages for extra perks like beta-testing options, additional colors, personalized sleep coaching, and “meet-and-greet” opportunities with Bía’s founding team.

  • Who it’s best for

    1. Those seeking to learn or improve their meditation routine

    2. People looking to improve their sleep quality

    3. Shoppers who prefer sleeper trackers that are wearable

  • Highlights

    1. Sensors track brain activity to quantify amount of deep sleep

    2. Monitors sleep movement, heart rate, and breathing to assess quality of sleep and meditation

    3. App offers access to over 500 guided meditations

Sleep Tracker Type

wearable – headband

The Muse S Headband Sleep Tracker is a wearable device that tracks an impressive number of sleep metrics. Where the tracker really stands out is its use of biometric data to improve meditation. If you purchase the Muse app, you’ll also receive access to instructional meditation programs and hundreds of guided meditations.

The headband is designed with sensors that measure brain activity to gauge the amount of time you spend in light, deep, and REM stages of sleep. The device is also equipped with an accelerometer and gyroscope to track your movements, as well as sensors that monitor heart rate and breathing. The Muse S synthesizes the data to assess your sleep quality and offer sleep improvement insights.

Unlike other sleep trackers that measure data solely to improve sleep, the Muse S Headband uses the data to also gauge the quality of your meditation. By tracking your brain activity, it detects when your mind is drifting and sends audio cues to encourage you to focus. It uses your heart rate, breathing, and body movement data to improve your meditation breathwork and postures. Purchase of the annual Muse app subscription includes access to more than 500 guided meditations and the ability to pair the headband with other meditation apps or music.

Muse offers a 30-day return policy so that you can try out the device at home. Shipping is free to addresses in the contiguous U.S. You’ll receive a 1-year warranty with your purchase.

  • Who it’s best for

    1. Sleepers who want an unobtrusive tracker

    2. Budget shoppers

    3. Those who suspect they may have sleep apnea, but are hesitant to take an in-lab test

  • Highlights

    1. Under-mattress design

    2. Analyzes heart rate, snoring, and other data

    3. Generates a printable PDF to share with your doctor

Sleep Tracker Type

non-wearable

The low profile of the Withings Sleep allows it to unobtrusively collect data on your sleep experience from underneath your mattress. Sensors in the device detect heart rate, breathing, and movement. This data is processed to produce reports on your sleep cycle, heart rate, and breathing, with an overall sleep score.

The device also detects snoring and interruptions in breathing. It is designed to look for some of the signs of sleep apnea. Paired with the app, the Withings Sleep assesses cardiac and thoracic activity that may be indicative of the condition. This could help you identify if this is a potential issue to address with your doctor.

The device communicates with the associated app via Wi-Fi, and it automatically syncs to the app to transfer data when you get out of bed in the morning. The app produces a daily report with a quick overview of your sleep. You can also generate a PDF report to share with your doctor.

Since the Withings Sleep plugs into the wall, it does not require charging. The Withings Sleep is compatible with other smart devices. If This Then That (IFTTT) integration allows you to link it to light controls, thermostats, Amazon’s Alexa, and other devices. By connecting these smart devices, you can set up your lights and room temperature to change when you get into or out of bed.

The Withings Sleep is compatible with most common mattress types, including innerspring, foam, and latex. It has been tested with models between 4 inches and 15 inches thick. The app must be installed on a phone or tablet for use, as the system cannot be set up from a computer. It is compatible with iOS 10 and higher and Android 8.0 and higher. It comes with a 1-year warranty.

In-Depth Sleep Tracker Guides

What is a Sleep Tracker?

A sleep tracker is a device that monitors one or more aspects that reflect your sleep patterns, habits, stages, quality, and/or duration. This measurement is indirect, relying on more easily detectable physical signals of sleep, rather than basing it on brain activity and eye movement as they do in some formal medical tests.

Most sleep trackers look at heart rate and respiration rate, which are closely linked to sleep stages. Additionally, tracking respiration can help show potential breathing issues, like snoring and sleep apnea. Many trackers also use a small built-in movement-detecting device called an accelerometer to assess how much you move while sleeping, thereby analyzing sleep time and quality.

Some sleep trackers may use a microphone to pick up snoring, movement noise, and ambient noise to judge how well you’re sleeping. Others contain a thermometer to provide data on how room temperature may affect your sleep.

Wearable and non-wearable sleep trackers are available. While they’re usually similar in what sort of data they collect, they may use different methods to do so. Since a wearable device touches the body, it can monitor heart rate, respiration, and movement more directly. Many non-wearable devices rest on or under the mattress and monitor vibrations to gather data. As long as they’re well-calibrated, either device should capture valuable information.

Once collected, tracking devices typically process sleep data through an algorithm and display it in an app so that users can easily review their history, assess how well they’re sleeping, and look for areas of improvement. Some apps may also provide suggestions on how to improve sleep quality based on their findings.

How to Choose a Sleep Tracker

Each sleep tracker has different features and potential benefits, so which option is right for you will depend on your personal needs, preferences, and intended uses. Focusing on specific criteria may make it easier to weigh your options.

What to Consider When Purchasing a Sleep Tracker

We’ll break down some of the top things to look for when purchasing a sleep tracker. While all of these factors matter to a certain extent, some may not be high priorities for you. Assessing what you want in a tracker can help you hone in on the most important aspects.

Sleep Tracking: Sleep trackers capture an array of data that may include heart rate, heart rate variability, respiration, snoring, time awake, time sleeping, sleep interruptions, and body temperature. Some may also monitor room temperature, humidity, noise level, and light. Since trackers vary in what sleep-related factors they detect, shoppers should pay attention to the specific product details to find an option that collects the information that interests them most.

Sleep Analytics: Sleep analytics use the data from sleep tracking to delve more deeply into sleep quality and patterns. They may provide detailed charts to show you how your sleep has changed over time, overlay multiple sets of data to show you how different factors are linked, and provide you with a daily sleep score. Wearable trackers can also link your daily activity levels to the quality and duration of your sleep.

Value: The overall value of a sleep tracker takes into account more than the price-point. It also depends on its usability, features, comfort, and how it affects your life. For instance, an expensive sleep tracker that provides useful insight to help you sleep better may be a better value than a more affordable option that gives limited, unactionable information. When assessing the price, shoppers should also take into account whether the tracker is a one-time purchase or whether they’ll incur monthly costs. Many trackers come with free apps, making them a one-time expense. Others require a monthly subscription, which could cost more if you plan to continue using a sleep tracker in the long run.

Smart Alarm: Waking from deep sleep is typically more difficult than waking from light sleep. Smart alarms allow you to set a designated window during which you need to wake up. The tracker then analyzes your sleep data and assesses when you’re sleeping lightly to wake you at the right moment. Wearable devices can also have a silent alarm that vibrates rather than making a loud noise, which may be ideal for partners who have to wake up at different times.

Comfort: For most sleepers, comfort is paramount. This is especially relevant with wearable devices since they generally make direct contact with the skin. Most wearable trackers come in different sizes, so paying attention to fit should help you ensure your wearable is neither too tight nor too loose. Devices that rest on or under the mattress are usually quite thin, so you’re unlikely to notice them. However, if you’re prone to feeling even the slightest lump on your sleep surface, you may want to consider the device’s dimensions to find the thinnest option possible.

Battery Life: If you plan to use your sleep tracker only for sleep, battery life may not be an essential consideration since most are designed to last at least through the night. However, if you plan to wear a device around-the-clock for activity monitoring, it may be important to assess how long it can go between charges. Most fitness trackers and watches need to be charged every few days. Shoppers should also be aware that bedside trackers and those that rest on or under the mattress typically operate through an external power source, meaning they may need to be plugged in during the night.

Display & Apps: Most sleep trackers use an app to upload, analyze, and display data. Before purchasing a tracker, shoppers should ensure that the app is compatible with their phone, tablet, or other device. Since the app is an integral part of the sleep tracking experience, you may also want to look at the description and reviews in the App Store or Google Play to decide if you’ll like the interface.

Other Features: Sleep trackers often come with additional features, like fitness tracking, GPS, coaching, and integrations with other apps. These components may make your device more versatile, insightful, or convenient, but they can also increase the price-point.

Which Type of Sleep Tracker Should I Choose?

There are several factors to consider when choosing a sleep tracker, and each type has potential benefits and drawbacks. The best type of sleep tracker for you will be whichever most closely meets your goals, needs, and preferences. Several styles are available:

  • Watches: Two styles of sleep tracker use a watch-like design: smartwatches and wristbands. Smartwatches usually have a wider array of capabilities, including receiving notifications and alerts, checking apps, and placing or taking a call. Wristbands also fit around the wrist like a watch, but they may or may not have a built-in display. Both watches and wristbands also typically have fitness tracking features.
  • Rings: Sleep tracking rings have sensors embedded on the inside to collect data unobtrusively while you sleep. Most ring-style trackers can also be used to monitor physical activity.
  • Other Wearables: While watches, wristbands, and rings are the most common styles for wearable sleep trackers, other options are also available. These include headband and eye mask designs, some of which have advanced technology not found in other wearables, like monitoring brain activity or eye movements.
  • Under Mattress: Under-the-mattress tracking devices infer sleep data based on vibrations. These are typically thin and unobtrusive, making them appropriate for individuals who want to monitor their sleep without wearing a device to bed. Most under-mattress options work with the majority of mattresses on the market, though they may not be compatible with exceptionally thick models or waterbeds.
  • Smart Mattresses: Some smart mattresses include sleep tracking technology. These advanced beds also usually have other features that may help optimize the sleep experience, like adjustable firmness and temperature control.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Trackers

How accurate are sleep trackers?

Each sleep tracker is unique, and the accuracy varies based on the design and technology. For most consumers, sleep trackers can help promote general wellbeing and better sleep hygiene. How accurate they are is somewhat undecided within the scientific community, though more sophisticated hardware and software could provide reliable feedback. It should also be noted that a sleep tracker is not a replacement for medical evaluation, especially for older patients and those with chronic medical conditions.Technology has come a long way in the last few years. While there is a lack of supporting evidence for the widespread accuracy of trackers, research so far is promising. For instance, some data suggests that a multi-sensor tracker can provide insight that is fairly close to that of a polysomnography (PSG) test.To find the most accurate sleep tracker, shoppers may want to look for manufacturer information on how the device was validated. Many trackers are compared directly against lab-based sleep tests, which are the gold standard in sleep monitoring. These options may be more accurate than those that undergo less extensive testing.

How do smartwatches track sleep?

Smartwatches typically track sleep by collecting information from built-in sensors and interpreting the data through an algorithm. They usually rely primarily on movement and heart rate for their assessments, so smartwatches are often more limited in their sleep tracking capabilities than devices engineered specifically for sleep. More advanced sleep trackers often collect other pertinent data, including respiration and snoring. Some also detect room temperatures, noise levels, and additional factors that could impact sleep quality.

How do I clean my sleep tracker?

How to clean your sleep tracker will depend on its materials and construction, so it is important to follow the manufacturer's care instructions. Some sleep trackers have removable covers that can be washed, while others can simply be wiped down with a damp cloth or cleaned carefully with rubbing alcohol. Following the manufacturer's instructions can help avoid damage to the sensors that could jeopardize the accuracy of the results.

Still have questions?

Our product experts have extensive experience testing just about every sleep product on the market.

Send an email to [email protected] with your questions and we’ll help you find exactly what you’re looking for.

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