The best sleep tracker for 2026, tested and reviewed

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The best sleep tracker for 2026, tested and reviewed

Understanding your sleep patterns is the first step to waking up feeling rested.

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Aly Walansky

Updated

Fri, January 2, 2026 at 7:10 PM UTC

Every night when you sleep, you go through four distinct sleep stages in roughly 90-minute cycles, each of which plays an important role in health, recovery and even memory retention. But if you're regularly waking up feeling fatigued, moody and unfocused, chances are you're not getting enough rest. Whether it's due to a lack of total hours logged or a problem with the quality of your sleep, failing to catch your z's won't do you any favors. If you're in a chronic cycle of sleep deprivation, you may be wondering how to get yourself back on track. The answer might just lie in sleep trackers.

Quick Overview

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According to the experts we interviewed for this article, understanding your sleep patterns is essential to improving them. Sleep trackers that you wear on your body or place on your bed can reveal how long you sleep, how much deep sleep you get and can help identify what interrupts your rest, such as late-night exercise or heavy meals, says Dr. Jan Stritzke, medical director of Lanserhof Sylt and an expert in sleep medicine and biorhythms.

That said, while these devices can provide interesting information you can use to make informed decisions about your sleep habits and hygiene, it's important to understand that the information they provide is only an estimate. "Most devices track the time you're inactive and use this data in proprietary algorithms with other information, such as heart rate and body temperature as a surrogate marker for sleep," says Dr. Audrey Wells, a sleep medicine adviser at cpap.com.

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"Sleep trackers help bring attention to your sleep habits, enabling you to make more conscious choices about your sleep health," Wells says. So, if you choose to enlist the help of a sleep tracker, it's important to think of the information the tracker provides as a way to monitor sleep habits over time rather than as infallible data. These tools can help you establish a baseline to better understand your sleep patterns, enabling you to make changes to improve your nighttime routine.

But, how do you choose the right tracker when the market has exploded with options ranging from wearable rings to mattress pads? Dr. Joel Warsh, pediatrician and author of Parenting at Your Child's Pace says, "When selecting a sleep monitoring device, factors such as comfort, user friendliness and the specific data you wish to monitor should be taken into account." After all, if you don't like the sleep tracker you're using, you won't keep using it.

To help our readers, Yahoo Life explored the effectiveness of sleep trackers by interviewing six experts, including medical professionals, sleep scientists and authors. We then conducted thorough research on wearable and non-wearable options. Ultimately, we tested 13 of the most popular and reputable products to see how they worked, the metrics they tracked and whether they were comfortable and easy to use. The goal was to understand the full scope of the sleep tracker market and to bring you the best sleep trackers available.

Related: For more ideas to improve your sleep hygiene, check out our lists of the best blackout curtains and shades and the best sleep masks to cut down on ambient light in your sleeping space. If sound is more your concern, take a look at our roundups of the best headphones for sleeping, the best white noise machines and the best earplugs for sleeping. If you want to try one of the best sleep aids you can take without a prescription, we have a list for that too. We've also rounded up lists of the best alarm clocks and the best sunrise alarm clocks to help you wake up more naturally.

Best sleep tracker overall

OURA

Best overall

Oura Ring Gen3 Horizon

Type: Wearable tracker ring | Sensors: Infrared photoplethysmography sensors (PPG) for heart rate and respiration, sensor for body temperature, 3D accelerometer for movement | Sleep metrics tracked: Total sleep, REM sleep and deep sleep, heart rate when sleeping | Battery life: Charge lasts about a week | Water resistant: Yes

The Oura Ring is like having a sleep coach on your finger. It tracks everything from your time in bed to total sleep, sleep efficiency, resting heart rate and even the time spent in different sleep stages. It provides detailed insights into how light or deep your sleep is and offers graphs to monitor trends weekly or monthly. It's no wonder the Oura Ring is so popular — it's comfortable, lightweight and packed with data.

However, this ring isn't something you can use straight out of the box. First, you need to use a sizing kit to ensure the perfect fit, which takes about a day. Once your ring arrives a few days later, it takes a few weeks of tracking before the app starts delivering a detailed analysis. This might not be the best option if you're after immediate results. That said, once the data starts rolling in, it’s as good as it gets and we're excited to continue using it long-term.

Setting it up is simple: Download the Oura app, create your profile and set up your subscription. The app asks detailed questions about your sleep patterns, goals and what you want to track, including heart rate, oxygen levels and even menstruation patterns, all of which can affect sleep quality. Once that's done, you just put the ring on and wear it day and night.

As someone who travels frequently, I noticed the ring does get uncomfortable if my fingers swell from flying or from other common triggers, like eating salty foods or drinking cocktails, but that's true with any ring. Still, it excels at tracking your activity no matter where you are. The app even sends motivational reminders to wind down before bedtime, so it's like having a sleep coach right on your finger. It's impressive how much data this tiny ring can track.

"The Oura Ring is the minimalist's dream sleep tracker," says Dr. Dylan Petkus, host of the Optimal Circadian Health YouTube channel, which focuses on sleep apnea. "What sets it apart is its ability to track your sleep with near clinical precision while being almost unnoticeable on your finger. It's perfect for those who want top-tier sleep insights without the bulk of a wristband or watch," he adds.

Pros

• Easy to wear, looks like jewelry
• Tracks an array of data
• Expert recommended
• Accurate data tracking

Cons

• Paid subscription needed to use some features
• Expensive
• Takes a few weeks to start getting detailed results

More sleep trackers we like for 2026

TicWatch

Best wristband

TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro Smartwatch for Men

Type: Wristband | Sensors: Accelerometer, gyro sensor, HD PPG heart rate sensor, SpO2 sensor, skin temperature sensor, low latency off-body sensor, barometer, compass | Sleep metrics tracked: Sleep stages, snore recording, heart rate, blood oxygen, respiratory rate, temperature | Battery life: Over 90 hours in Smart Mode and up to 45 days in Essential Mode | Water resistant: 5 ATM water resistance

There are plenty of wristband-style sleep trackers on the market, but the best ones do more than just track sleep — they double as a full-fledged smartwatch. After all, who wants to clutter their arm with multiple devices when one can do it all? The ideal smartwatch should capture everything from your sleep patterns to your daily activity, all while being stylish and functional.

One standout feature we loved while testing the TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro is that it auto-detects when you fall asleep and even includes "snoring detection." If you're concerned you might have sleep apnea, tracking this data can be particularly helpful when sharing your concerns with your doctor, as snoring is one common symptom of the condition. We also loved its ability to sync with third-party fitness apps like Adidas Running or Nike Run Club.

And let's talk about the battery life — this thing powers through for days without needing a charge. It's perfect for those who want a reliable device that transitions seamlessly from day to night.

Although this smartwatch has a higher price tag, its value and features make it worth the investment.

"The TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro is built for the rugged adventurer who doesn't want to sacrifice sleep quality," says Petkus. "It's a robust smartwatch that tracks your sleep stages and integrates that data with your daily activity levels, making it a great tool for those who live an active lifestyle. It's like having a tough, no-nonsense trainer who's just as focused on your recovery as your performance."

Pros

• Fantastic battery life
• Can sync with various fitness apps
• Offers snoring detection

Cons

• Rather bulky
• Limited color options

Withings

Best budget mattress sensor

Withings Sleep Tracker Mat

Type: Under mattress | Sensors: Sleep cycles, continuous heart rate & snore detection.| Sleep metrics tracked: Heart rate, light, deep and REM sleep stages, how frequently you wake up throughout the night and total time asleep | Battery life: Plugs in | Water resistant: no

If you want sleep lab-quality tracking without the hassle of wearing a device, an under-mattress sensor is a good solution. This one from Withings is easy to set up and offers an array of valuable insights.

The Withings Sleep Tracking Mat monitors everything from your sleep patterns to your heart rate, and it even detects snoring and breath rates throughout the night.

When we began testing, we knew it might not offer the same level of detail as a ring or wristband, but the convenience is unbeatable. Setting it up was a breeze. You just slide the mat under your mattress and forget about it — no need to remember to put on or check the charge of your wearable each night. 

It's also enjoyable to monitor your sleep insights through the app, which we found easy to navigate and use. However, because the product isn't a wearable device, its sensitivity can sometimes be off. For instance, if you're lying in bed scrolling through your phone, it might think you're asleep. Likewise, if you're sharing your bed with a partner or pet, their movements and data could interfere with what the mat tracks. 

That said, for nonintrusive sleep tracking, the value of this mat is hard to beat. "It's like having a dedicated sleep expert living under your bed, quietly collecting data while you sleep, and it's ideal for anyone who wants to avoid the hassle of wearing a device overnight," says Petkus.

Pros

• Comprehensive tracker
• No need to wear a device
• No batteries or charging required
• Easy to set up

Cons

• Won't work for couples
• Mat may confuse lying in bed with sleeping

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Whoop

Most comfortable

Whoop

Type: Wearable wristband | Sensors: Blood oxygen, body temperature, heart rate | Sleep metrics tracked: Time in bed, total hours asleep, time in sleep stages, wake events, respiratory rate, sleep consistency | Battery life: 14+ days | Water resistant: Yes

While this device excels in many areas — from sleep tracking to health and fitness analytics — its standout feature is ultimate comfort. The Whoop's lightweight, woven wristband is so comfortable that you'll forget you're even wearing it. In fact, I found myself unintentionally wearing it to formal events because it blended seamlessly with my outfit (and I sort of forgot I had it on).

Its ability to measure the four stages of sleep and track your sleep performance is impressive. It even assesses how much sleep your body needs and offers personalized sleep recommendations based on that data. While you're awake, it monitors your heart rate, daily activities and calorie intake, and it can sync with other fitness apps for a comprehensive view of your health.

As such, the Whoop is a particularly good option for serious athletes and fitness enthusiasts who are aiming to optimize every aspect of their recovery. "Unlike most sleep trackers, it's all about the data — monitoring your sleep debt, strain and recovery to provide actionable insights. It's like having a high-performance coach constantly analyzing your sleep to help you squeeze out that extra 1% in performance," says Petkus. It's not just tracking sleep; it's turning that data into a plan for peak recovery and performance.

Pros

• Comfortable to wear
• Great value for many features and functions
• Offers sleep coaching for optimum performance recovery

Cons

• App's interface has a steep learning curve
• Subscription is expensive

Nanit

Best for babies

Nanit Pro with Flex Stand

Type: Baby monitor | Sensors: Breathing band, temperature and humidity sensors, movement detection | Sleep metrics tracked: Movement, sound and breathing (with included breathing band) | Battery life: Plugs in | Water resistant: No

It's marketed as a baby monitor, but the Nanit Pro Camera is far more than that. It's the go-to for parents who want to ensure their baby sleeps well. "It's not just a camera; it's a smart monitor that tracks your baby's sleep patterns, breathing and movements, providing parents with peace of mind. It's like having a vigilant night nurse on duty, giving you detailed reports so you can make adjustments to improve your little one's sleep," says Petkus.

Since I don't have any babies at home, I enlisted one of my best friends who recently welcomed a baby boy. She found the Nanit to be like a high-tech security camera specifically designed for the unique needs of a newborn. It detects every movement in the crib, notes sleep, breathing or sound irregularities, and even allows you to adjust sensitivity settings to accommodate the constant wiggles and noises babies make.

The Nanit Pro makes everything in the baby's room feel a little smarter and more organized. It excels at sleep tracking by providing a complete picture of your baby's sleep patterns and offers alerts if something seems off. This can help improve a parent's peace of mind while also making the first few months of life — when a newborn's sleep patterns and needs can feel confusing — a little less overwhelming. 

Pros

• Great tracking features for baby, even monitors breathing
• Tons of base options

Cons

• Most important feature requires a subscription
• Expensive

Rise

Best app

Rise App

Type: App | Sensors: Not applicable | Sleep metrics tracked: Sleep time, grogginess, how much sleep needed | Battery life: Not applicable | Water resistant: Not applicable

Wearables and under-mattress pads aren't everyone's cup of tea when it comes to sleep tracking. But an app? That's as easy as downloading it to your phone, which we all have within arm's reach. When it comes to sleep-tracking apps, this one stands out.

I was initially skeptical about how an app could effectively track my sleep without being synced to something on my wrist or finger. Unlike wearables, this app doesn't monitor your sleep in quite the same way. Think of it more as a digital diary where you input your sleep concerns — like insomnia or anxiety — and goals, including how much sleep you're currently getting versus what you'd like to achieve. You can even sync it with apps like Apple Health to incorporate your health data and history into the app's insights and suggestions.

Once set up, the app is almost hands off. You simply use your phone as usual, set it aside for the night and pick it up in the morning. The assumption is that most people don't use their phones while sleeping, although, if you're like me, you might be guilty of checking it every few hours! Still, research has shown that phone usage can be a surprisingly accurate way to track sleep-wake cycles.

This app differs from other sleep-tracking apps because it doesn't just focus on how much sleep you're getting. Instead, it looks at how you spend your energy throughout the day. "It tells you when, based on your circadian rhythm, you're at your highest and lowest peaks of energy potential. Rise is a digital coach whose goal is not just improving your sleep but your entire daily lifestyle and whose care extends well beyond the bedroom," says Petkus. It's perfect for anyone tired of that mid-afternoon slump and who can't afford to miss out on life. "The app delivers an innovative and science-backed approach to raising your energy levels throughout the day, making it a unique and powerful player in the sleep app world," he adds.

Pros

• Easy to use and set up
• Affordable
• Syncs with other health apps

Cons

• Limited tracking capabilities

Elemind Tech

Best headband

Elemind

Type: Headband | Sensors: EEG brain signals | Sleep metrics tracked: Sleep cycles, sleep efficiency, restlessness, time to fall asleep, total time asleep | Battery life: Must be charged daily | Water resistant: Yes

Unlike other entries on our list, Elemind measures electroencephalography (EEG) to compile sleep data. In other words, it measures your brain waves. More specifically, Elemind measures your alpha brain waves, which occur when you are in a relaxed but alert state, much like when you're drifting off to sleep.

Beyond the EEG tech, Elemind also helps users get to sleep with the help of sleep sounds. However, instead of integrating headphones, Elemind delivers sound in the form of pink noise via bone conduction on the forehead. Ultimately, Elemind senses your brain waves and creates custom-tailored acoustic feedback that helps put your brain to sleep. The best way to describe the noise is a distant sound of marching band drums layered over rain sounds, peppered with old-school TV static. However, I'll add that while the pink noise may sound similar, the timing is unique to the individual, as it's based on your specific alpha waves.

Setting up the Elemind headband was quite easy. You download the app, connect your device and the app walks you through it all. I'm not particularly tech-savvy, but at no point did I feel lost or confused. The headband itself is lightweight and quite comfortable. I didn't feel any discomfort throughout the night on my forehead, behind my ears or while sleeping on my side. To get started each night, you simply tap the "Start Session" button on the app or double-tap the action button on the headband itself. Sleep sessions (pink noise) run in 30-minute increments, and, of course, you can initiate additional sessions if you're not asleep by the time the first 30 minutes ends.

All in all, the Elemind headband is quite user-friendly, and I found myself enjoying the pink noise. As someone who tends to overthink at bedtime, I found myself focusing on the pink noise rather than my running to-do list, which I thought was helpful.

In the morning, it's easy to check your sleep stats by simply opening the app and tapping the "data" button. Much like other sleep trackers, the app reports how long it took you to fall asleep as well as how long you spent in REM sleep, light sleep and deep sleep. Additionally, the app will show your total time spent asleep, your sleep efficiency (time in bed versus your time asleep) and how many restless bouts you had per hour.

While it's hard to corroborate the information (as with any sleep tracking device), the Elemind headband looks promising. From what we can tell, it may deliver more accurate sleep stats because they're based on EEG brain waves as opposed to heart rate, oxygen levels and movement. It would certainly be interesting to use this headband continuously to track the results over time.

Pros

• User-friendly setup and functionality
• Works well for side sleepers
• Custom-tailored pink noise

Cons

• Needs a full charge every night
• Expensive

Eight Sleep

Best Splurge

Eight Sleep Pod 4

Type: Mattress pad | Sensors: Biometric and environmental sensors that track heart rate, heart rate variability (HRV), respiratory rate, snore detection, room temperature and humidity | Sleep metrics tracked: Sleep stages, snoring, sleep latency (time to fall asleep), and wake-up times | Battery life: Plugs in | Waterproof: Yes

We were excited to test the Eight Sleep Pod 4 because, in addition to being a nonwearable sleep tracker, this mattress pad also manages temperatures while you sleep. If you're like me, temperature disagreements are a nightly occurrence. At this stage in my life, I need my bed a little cooler, while my husband likes things to be warm and toasty. Testing a device that could track my sleep and help my marriage? That sounded like a good deal. 

First, let's talk about the setup, as it's a bit complicated. Admittedly, the idea of setting up a water-filled hub that's connected to a mattress pad with a hose was a bit concerning. Even before I got started, I was worried my own technical ability would make it more challenging. Fortunately, Eight Sleep makes it super-easy.

Once you open the boxes and scan the QR code inside, instructions follow. In a nutshell, you download the app, enter the activation code and follow the prompts — put the cover over your mattress (much like a fitted sheet) and fill the pod so the water circulates through the tube system — easy enough.

In terms of sleep tracking, the Pod 4 is embedded with sensors that track the usual suspects of sleep biometrics like sleep stages, heart rate and breath rate. With that, the Pod tracks your sleep latency (how long it takes you to fall asleep), your total time asleep and your time spent in deep sleep and REM. Users can also access a snore report (if you've ever pointed the finger at your spouse, you'll now have proof). And each morning, you can easily check your stats on the app and see your overall sleep fitness score as well. According to Eight Sleep, the sensors used in the Pod are clinical-grade and 99% accurate.

Beyond efficient sleep tracking, the Pod 4 offers a dual climate control function, which, as its name implies, heats and cools each side of the bed independently. While setting up the Pod, we noticed that not only does the climate control function have an impressive temperature range (55 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit), but the Pod also automatically adjusts its temperature to help you fall asleep and stay asleep. A gradual thermal change even makes for a more pleasant wake-up in the morning. While this isn't the reason we tested the Pod 4, I will say it's a game changer, folks. Partner disagreements on temperature will be a thing of the past.

Finally, we'll add here that while we tested the Pod 4, Eight Sleep has since released the Pod 5 Core and the Pod 5 Ultra shortly. Some additions include:

• A hydro-powered blanket that connects to and mirrors the temperature of the cover

• A health check report powered by Autopilot that reports deeper health metrics like heart rate irregularities and breathing patterns

• Built-in soundscapes, white noise, and Non Sleep Deep Rest (NSDR) meditations by Dr. Andrew Huberman to give your sleep a power up.

Pros

• Relatively easy to set up
• Syncs with other health apps
• Dual climate control

Cons

• Expensive
• Requires a subscription for access to certain features

Factors to consider when choosing a sleep tracker

According to Dr. Carlos M. Nunez, chief medical officer at ResMed, sleep tracking is gaining popularity globally, with a recent report indicating that 36% of adults surveyed currently track their sleep, and a significant portion of them do so every night or most nights.

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Sleep trackers can be valuable tools for enhancing sleep quality, but choosing the right one requires careful consideration of various factors.

• Type: Sleep trackers generally fall into two categories: wearable and nonwearable devices, with each type offering unique features and benefits.

  • Wearable sleep trackers come in various forms, including headbands, smartwatches, rings and wristbands. Smartwatches, worn on the wrist, offer more than just sleep tracking — they allow you to text, check email, use social media and more. Wristbands, on the other hand, are focused primarily on tracking sleep, fitness and health data. Ring trackers are the most discreet option, similar in size to a wedding band, and can track biometrics throughout the day and night. They are also commonly used for fitness tracking. Headbands are typically geared specifically to sleep tracking and are worn across the forehead. While they often offer more accurate data, they tend to be less popular as some people find them uncomfortable to wear.

  • Bedside or mattress sleep trackers: Since sleep tracking naturally involves the bed, there are many mattress-centric options available. These include smart mattresses, under-mattress tracking mats and bedside tracking devices, all designed to monitor your sleep patterns without the need to wear anything.

• Tracking accuracy: The effectiveness of a sleep tracker depends on the accuracy of the data it collects. "When in the market for a sleep or health tracker, it's useful to do the necessary research into the device you are looking for and what capabilities will satisfy your unique health needs," says Nunez.Many trackers measure a range of data, including total time in bed, sleep latency (how long it takes you to fall asleep after turning off the lights) and sleep efficiency. However, it's important to focus on tracking data relevant to your health goals, which usually means taking a wider focus of the overall results, rather than getting caught up in the nitty-gritty. "Many users aren't tracking the right information and can end up fixating or misinterpreting the data rather than observing the larger trends that these trackers can help to uncover," says Nunez. One thing to keep in mind is that generally, a device needs to be in contact with your body to be able to provide more accurate data. Dr. Alex Dimitriu, a double board-certified expert in psychiatry and sleep medicine, says, "The closer the tracker is to the brain, the more accurate the data. While most people won’t sleep with a head-mounted device, options like mattress pads, watches and rings offer practical and reasonably accurate solutions." He adds that to categorically know what stage of sleep someone is in, EEG or brainwave data is necessary. Most sleep trackers don't offer this information. "For most of these devices, the more sensors, the better, as they are all trying to infer sleep and sleep stages based on non-EEG data — like heart rate, movement, breathing, temperature and heart rate variability," he says.

• Security: When dealing with devices that record, store and share personal data, it's crucial to consider how that information is managed. "As we continue to see the role of emerging technologies like generative AI expand, there is a significant amount of data entering the consumer health and wellness space," says Nunez. Choosing a sleep tracker that's transparent about its data usage and committed to security will ensure your personal information remains safe and allow you to maximize the benefits of the device.

• Comfort and convenience: Comfort and convenience are key factors when selecting a sleep tracker. The device should seamlessly fit into your sleep routine without causing any discomfort or disturbances. For instance, some sleep trackers are designed to be worn on the head, which can be intrusive and may actually interfere with your ability to fall asleep or stay asleep. While they may be more accurate, accuracy becomes less important if you're unlikely to actually use the device. Additionally, if a sleep tracker uses LED lights, the brightness can be disruptive, especially for light-sensitive sleepers.

• Data insights and analysis: Not all sleep trackers track the same metrics or display the data in the same way. Consider the information gathered and provided to you by the device or app as well as any tips or resources the product provides for improving sleep based on your results. For instance, many sleep trackers provide data on the number of hours you spend sleeping, how many times you wake at night (and for how long), your heart rate or blood oxygen saturation, how long it takes you to fall asleep and the time you spend in various sleep stages. Think about which metrics you want to track and make sure the product you're selecting offers this information.

• Features: When considering features, it's essential to decide whether you prefer a watch-like device, a ring or another form of sleep tracker. Each type offers its own set of advantages. "Some sleep trackers have more user-friendly platforms compared to others, and sometimes the tracker is grouped with other functionalities inside one device, such as a watch," says Wells.This means you could have a device that not only tracks your sleep but also monitors other health metrics, like how many steps you take each day or your heart rate variability. The key is to determine what you value most in tracking your sleep quality — whether it's the convenience of an all-in-one device, the unobtrusiveness of a ring or the simplicity of a dedicated sleep tracker.

• Battery life: If you have to charge the device daily or after every use, it may affect how frequently you use it, ultimately impacting its effectiveness in tracking your sleep data. Therefore, it's important to look for a device with a battery life that suits your routine, allowing you to track your sleep consistently without the inconvenience of frequent recharging.

• Price: The ideal price point for a tracker is going to depend on features, value and budget. "People often start with a budget range to narrow the options for a personal sleep tracker," says Wells.

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How we tested the best sleep trackers

We started our research to identify the best sleep trackers by consulting six experts in sleep science, including doctors and sleep researchers. These experts explained which features to look for in a sleep tracker and how to know whether a device is providing high-quality information. We then researched more than 20 popular items, choosing to personally test 10 standout products based on expert input, user reviews and brand reputation.

When evaluating sleep trackers, we focused on analyzing a few key factors: the accuracy and depth of data each tracker provides, any additional features, ease of setup and use, as well as price, overall value and battery life.

FAQs

How accurate are sleep trackers?

The accuracy of a sleep tracker depends on the device itself, the data it's using to estimate sleep metrics and how it's interpreting the data. Generally speaking, sleep trackers that are worn on the forehead and monitor EEG data are more accurate than other options. That said, they tend to be less comfortable so are frequently a less popular choice. Other sleep trackers are calibrated using sleep lab data. "These trackers have a surprisingly high level of accuracy. And they do this with much less effort and cost than a sleep lab test," says Stritzke. The universal applicability of these devices is a major advantage, especially since sleep disorders are quite common but often go undetected until it's too late in clinical settings.

Can sleep trackers diagnose sleep disorders?

Sleep trackers can help identify sleep disorders such as insomnia and sleep apnea, but diagnosis itself should be left to a medical professional. If the sleep data you receive while using a tracker points to frequent wakings, difficulty falling or staying asleep or low levels of oxygen saturation, it's important to address these with your doctor. "Sleep trackers can help to identify these generally under-diagnosed disorders at an earlier stage, allowing patients to receive treatment," says Stritzke.

What can I do with the data from my sleep tracker?

The data from your sleep tracker offers valuable insight into your lifestyle and how it affects your sleep. By analyzing this information, you can make meaningful adjustments to your daily routine that improve both your nighttime rest and daytime energy.

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Stritzke explains that a tracker can help you understand how your body reacts to alcohol, how you sleep after a heavy meal and more. For instance, if you notice you fall asleep more quickly after a night of drinking, but that you wake frequently or have longer periods of wakefulness after initially falling asleep, that could indicate that alcohol is interfering with the overall quality of your sleep. "A good sleep tracker will identify problems and give you tips on how to improve your sleep," he adds. These insights empower you to make informed decisions that can lead to better overall health and well-being.

Other sleep trackers we tested

• Fitbit Charge 6: This was a great wearable and would have been at the top of the class if not in the same testing cycle as the Oura and the Whoop. Strong in its own right, the Fitbit Charge 6 is your all-around wellness tracker. "When it comes to sleep, it's like having a basic but reliable assistant that breaks down your night into sleep stages — light, deep and REM — giving you a snapshot of how well you slept," says Petkus. It's ideal for those who want a straightforward, easy-to-understand overview of their sleep patterns without getting too deep into the weeds.

• Apple Watch Series 9: We already had an Apple Watch in the house, but we hadn't been using it much for sleep tracking — mostly for everything else it offers. While the Apple Watch Series 9 comes with fantastic features like ECG, sleep tracking and temperature sensing, its sleep tracking metrics are actually less detailed and intensive compared to other smartwatches and wearables we reviewed.

• Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen): This was another smart device that we had at home but were not using for this purpose until we started to test sleep trackers. It has a supplemental sleep sensing feature that works based on sound and motion sensors, and it can track sleep data, sleep interruptions and sleep cycles, and even heart rate and breathing data. However, since it's not a wearable, it lacks the detailed sleep insights that some other devices provide. Additionally, if there's more than one person (or pets) near the bed, the results can be skewed.

• Calm app: While not a sleep tracking app in the technical sense, there's no doubt this tool really helps improve quality sleep — and that's the whole point, isn't it? It offers soothing meditations and sounds that are meant to, well, calm. As far as sleep tracking, the app does offer a "sleep check-in" opt-in, which tracks nightly sleep quality and patterns as a way of improving sleep health.

• Evie: We tested the Evie ring because it was designed specifically with women's health in mind. Unfortunately, Evie didn't deliver on many fronts. While it measures your resting heart rate, oxygen levels and heart rate variability to provide sleep data, it doesn't do much beyond that, which is disappointing considering its price tag. As far as its position for women and women's health, the ring requires manual input from the user to make those predictions —a swing and a miss here. And finally, it's only available for iOS devices.

Best sleep tracker specs comparison chart

Meet our experts

• Dr. Alex Dimitriu, double board-certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine

• Dr. Carlos M. Nunez, chief medical officer at ResMed

• Dr. Dylan Petkus, MPH, MS, an expert on sleep apnea

• Dr. Jan Stritzke, medical director of Lanserhof Sylt and an expert in sleep medicine and biorhythms

• Dr. Joel Warsh, pediatrician and author of Parenting at Your Child’s Pace

• Dr. Audrey Wells, sleep medicine adviser at cpap.com

Update, May 12, 2025: We checked all product prices and availability. Our No. 1 pick for best sleep tracker remains unchanged. After additional product testing, we added categories for "best headband" and "best splurge."

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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