The best sleep tracking app for 2025, tested and reviewed by a certified sleep coach

We’ve all heard that eight hours is the magic number for sleep. But timing isn’t everything — quality is what truly matters. Real rest comes from cycling through all four sleep phases, especially that deep, restorative sleep that leaves you refreshed and ready for your day. The challenge? Knowing if you’re actually getting quality rest. That’s where the best sleep-tracking apps come in.

Quick Overview

These apps can provide valuable info on your sleep quality, stages and disturbances, as well as related factors like your heart and respiratory rate. If you’re skeptical about needing one, consider this: “Most healthy adults can benefit from sleep tracking on some level,” says Carlos Nunez, MD, a sleep and respiratory expert and chief medical officer at ResMed, a medical devices company. Nearly a quarter of people have made positive changes to their sleep habits and environment after tracking their z’s, according to a recent US survey.

Keep in mind, though, that sleep tracking is just one tool in your better sleep toolbox. “Natural sleep patterns may vary, and that’s not necessarily dangerous to your health,” says Sandeep Gupta, MD, pulmonary disease critical care and sleep medicine specialist at Memorial Hermann Health System in Houston, TX. “For example, there is no rule on the number of sleep hours you should get. Some people may be refreshed and very functional with fewer sleep hours.” That’s why it’s important to use these apps as guides, not gospel. While sleep tracking apps provide useful insights into your sleep patterns, overanalyzing your data could increase your anxiety and, ultimately, lead to poorer sleep quality.

The key is finding the right balance. Drawing on my background as a certified sleep science coach, I worked with our team to test eight of the best sleep-tracking apps over the course of a month. We evaluated each on features, user-friendliness and price, and four emerged as clear winners. Here are the best sleep tracking apps, backed by our extensive testing and my professional expertise.

Best overall sleep app

More sleep apps we like for 2025

Factors to consider when selecting a sleep-tracking app

Sleep tracking seems straightforward enough, but there’s a lot that goes into it — and several key features to weigh when choosing the right app for you.

Desired features: You simply cannot become the best sleep tracking app without standout features. Some offer a wide range, like sleep duration, quality and stages, as well as metrics like heart and respiratory rate (you may need to connect to a wearable for these). You can also find sleep alarms, bedtime reminders, dream journals and more. Many apps go beyond basic tracking to include meditation libraries that can help you calm down before bed.

There’s no right or wrong choice when it comes to features — it just comes down to what you’re looking for and what you hope to get out of the app. Consider these expert-recommended features:

• Sleep cycle tracking: “This gives you a sense of just how much time you’re spending in each sleep stage, including deep sleep or REM; both of these are very important in recovery and cognitive functioning,” says Sham Singh, MD, sleep expert and holistic psychiatrist at WINIT Clinic, a personalized health testing and functional medicine platform.

• Sleep quality analysis: A good sleep tracking app can provide an overall score based on your sleep quality, says Dr. Gupta.

• Smart alarms: These are designed to wake you up during a lighter sleep stage to help you feel more refreshed, says Ficken.

• Data integration: Sleep tracking apps that sync with other health apps or wearables can give you a more comprehensive view of your overall health and sleep patterns.

• Relaxation or guided meditations: Meditations or calming sounds can help you fall asleep faster and sleep more deeply.

Budget: Most sleep tracking apps offer a free basic versions, but expect to pay $5 to $15 or more monthly for premium features, with additional costs for access to sleep coaching. Annual plans typically offer better value but require upfront payment. Some apps also offer weekly trials for testing before committing long-term.

Tracking method: Sleep tracking apps use either phone sensors or wearable devices to track your sleep. “When compared to phone sensors, wearables, such as smartwatches or fitness bands, have a tendency to give out more detailed data, like heart rate variability and oxygen levels, which offers a far better picture of your sleep health,” says Singh. Since wearables connect directly to your skin, they’re typically more accurate than phone sensors, which rely on detecting bed movements or sounds.

Device compatibility: While many apps work on both iOS and Android, some are exclusive to one platform or offer advanced features only on one. Check compatibility carefully. For instance, an app might be downloadable on Android but only connect to an Apple Watch, limiting its full functionality.

How we chose

Combining my background as a certified sleep science coach with insights from four more experts, including sleep specialists and a psychiatrist, our team researched the best sleep tracking apps. With their advice and our research, we narrowed the list to eight apps worth testing, from dedicated sleep trackers that monitor specific metrics like sleep quality and stages to calming and meditation apps designed to help you fall asleep faster.

We tested each app over a period of just over a month, using them for 4 to 5 days each. This provided enough time to collect meaningful data and allowed the apps to generate charts showing trends. We evaluated each app based on ease of use, features, customization options and overall effectiveness. In the end, we narrowed the eight finalists down to our top four picks.

FAQs

How accurate are sleep apps?

It depends on what you’re tracking. “Sleep tracking apps can be good at providing a general overview of your sleep, but many are inaccurate at specific details, such as sleep stages or micro-awakenings,” says Singh. That’s because most apps rely on movement or noise detection; they can’t reliably capture the finer details of your sleep cycle. However, these apps can be very helpful at giving you a broader picture of your overall sleep quality and helping you identify trends over time.

Do I need a wearable to use a sleep app effectively?

Wearables like smartwatches and fitness trackers can enhance sleep tracking accuracy, according to Ficken. “These devices typically track heart rate, movement and oxygen levels, offering more detailed insights into your sleep patterns. Phone-based apps use your device’s microphone or motion sensors, so they may not be as precise,” she says.

What are the benefits of tracking my sleep?

Tracking your sleep can offer valuable data, helping you determine whether you’re getting enough rest, sleeping too much or if your sleep quality is lacking. Sleep trackers can also provide insights into potential sleep disorders. “While sleep apps and wearable devices are not FDA-approved to make a diagnosis, they may help a person know when to seek medical attention,” says Dr. Gupta.

Can sleep apps help me diagnose a sleep disorder?

Sleep apps cannot diagnose sleep disorders, but they can help you recognize patterns that might indicate a problem, according to Ficken. “For example, if the app shows that you consistently have poor sleep quality or frequent awakenings, it could be a sign of a sleep disorder, like insomnia or sleep apnea,” she says. For a proper diagnosis, go to your doctor.

How can I improve my sleep hygiene?

There are several ways to improve your sleep hygiene, or the habits that promote better sleep, such as maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, avoiding alcohol or caffeine before bed, skipping naps during the day and turning off electronics at least an hour before bedtime. Sleeping in a dark and cool room is also key. Research suggests 68 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit is the ideal temperature for restful sleep.

Other products we tested

Slumber: Similar to Calm, Slumber has a sleep library of meditations, sleep sounds and music, but there’s no actual metric tracking. We liked that it includes audiobooks, mythology tales and ASMR, but testers preferred the narratives and the interface on Calm.

SleepWatch: SleepWatch is another app geared toward Apple Watch wearers, but the interface wasn’t as user-friendly as Pillow’s. However, it has some interesting features, such as a sound recorder that lets you listen to your nighttime sounds and a white noise generator to help improve your sleep.

SleepScore: While SleepScore has a great interface, presenting data is in a clean, straightforward way, the app recommends products to buy to improve sleep, which made testers skeptical.

BetterSleep: BetterSleep combines sleep tracking with tools for stress and anxiety relief, making it a versatile option for those looking to address both areas. But testers found the app lacked depth, leaving them wanting more detailed sleep tracking. That said, it does feature sound recorders that capture things like snoring, coughing and even passing gas — something testers found hilarious!

Meet our experts

• Sandeep Gupta, MD, pulmonary disease critical care and sleep medicine specialist at Memorial Hermann Health System in Houston, TX

• Carlos Nunez, MD, sleep and respiratory expert and chief medical officer at ResMed

• Sham Singh, MD, sleep expert and holistic psychiatrist at WINIT Clinic

Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.

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