Best Sleep Trackers of 2024: Data That Matters

Numbers don’t lie. 

You’ve probably heard this applied to business or sports, but it’s becoming increasingly relevant to sleep thanks to emerging technology found in sleep trackers.

With a sleep tracker, you can get a clear look at the quantity and quality of your sleep on a nightly basis, and it can also help identify sleep problems. Many include built-in coaching to improve your sleep habits and can also track progress to see how well different strategies work over time.

Sleep trackers vary based on a number of different factors, from the technology they use to the sensors that monitor your sleep. Our testing team took dozens of them for a spin to see which ones offered the usability and features worthy of a spot on our list of the best trackers of 2024.

Best Sleep Trackers Video

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

What Is a Sleep Tracker?

A sleep tracker is a device that gathers information related to how much or how well you sleep. 

Because sleep is complex, there’s no single measurement that perfectly reflects whether or not you’re getting a good night’s sleep. To address that, sleep trackers first collect raw data and then use an algorithm to interpret what the data says about your sleep.

For example, a sleep tracker might measure how much physical movement you have during the night. If it detects that you were out running a 5k at 4 a.m., it can easily calculate that your sleep was lacking.

Of course, the reality is much more nuanced. Depending on the type of tracker and its sensors, it may monitor:

• Breathing rate
• Heart rate
• Oxygen levels in your blood
• Body movements
• Noise, including from snoring
• Bedroom temperature

Sleep trackers can be a wearable device like a bracelet or ring. They can also be non-wearable sensors that sit on your bedside table or under your mattress. 

Unlike mobile phones and GPS devices, a sleep tracker is engineered specifically to deliver sleep-related insights. Although other devices may collect some similar data, they lack the detail and depth of information offered by a sleep tracker.

Who Should Use a Sleep Tracker? 

You should use a sleep tracker if you’re curious about how well you’re sleeping and are looking for ways to get better sleep. Most trackers come with tools to visualize and understand the data and often provide actionable steps to enhance sleep habits.

If you are having difficulty sleeping, a sleep tracker can be a source of relevant information to share with your doctor. Sleep trackers can also help if you have an irregular work schedule and want to keep an eye on the quantity and quality of your sleep. 

Sleep trackers are also extremely popular among people who like to measure and optimize different aspects of their lives. For example, athletes and fitness enthusiasts frequently take advantage of insights from sleep trackers to boost their performance and overall health.

Who Shouldn’t Use a Sleep Tracker?

You shouldn’t use a sleep tracker if you’re someone who gets anxious or obsessive about daily health measurements. Worrying too much about “hitting your sleep numbers” can generate stress, which is known to harm sleep. 

You also shouldn’t use a sleep tracker as a way to avoid seeing a doctor about serious sleep problems, such as insomnia or constantly dozing off during the day. If you have sleep concerns, a sleep tracker may help, but it should be used in conjunction with advice from a trained health professional.

Are Sleep Trackers Accurate? 

Sleep trackers can provide meaningful data, but they aren’t perfectly accurate. Technology in sleep trackers has come a long way, but even sleep experts can’t say exactly how well they measure sleep. 

To assess accuracy, a tracker should be compared head-to-head with a home sleep test or a formal sleep study, which takes place overnight in a specialized lab. This type of comparison is not always practical, though, especially since sleep trackers are constantly being updated with new features and technology. 

Just remember that your sleep tracker’s findings are not the end-all, be-all. Instead, use the tracker to identify patterns in your sleep and potential areas for improvement while also accounting for things that the tracker doesn’t monitor, like how well-rested you feel when you wake up and how energetic you are throughout the day.

How To Choose a Sleep Tracker

If you want to learn more about your sleep, you have plenty of sleep trackers to choose from. Knowing about the types of trackers and the different features and benefits can help you find a model that will be easy for you to use and give you the information you’re looking for. 

Type of Tracker

While we use the term sleep tracker broadly, there are many different types of devices available.

• Wearables for your hand or wrist: This popular category includes rings, wristbands, and advanced smartwatches. They tend to be lightweight, and many can collect health data throughout the day instead of just during sleep. 
• Wearables for your head: Headbands and eye masks are the most common sleep trackers that you wear on your head. They are typically meant just for use during sleep. Many have the potential to measure brain activity, which can be a valuable source of data about sleep.
• Under-mattress sensors: These non-wearable trackers go underneath your mattress and collect data over the course of the night. They are an effective and affordable option if you find it bothersome to wear a tracker. 
• Smart mattresses: Some technologically advanced mattresses have sensors in the cover that can track sleep. This type of tracker may be a compelling choice if you are also in the market for a new mattress and don’t need daytime activity tracking.
• Smartphone apps: Apps are generally less robust than other sleep trackers because the range of data they collect is limited. However, some apps can provide meaningful data or integrate information from other sources, including wearables.

When deciding which type of tracker is right for you, think about the type of data you want, including whether you want information about your daytime activity or fitness. Also consider whether you’ll be comfortable wearing a device on your head, hand, or wrist while you sleep. 

Sleep Data Collected

Make sure to look for a sleep tracker that has sensors to collect the data that’s most important to you. For instance, if you’re concerned about your breathing at night, you’ll want a tracker that measures respiration. Before making a purchase, look closely at exactly what a tracker monitors.

Sleep Analytics and Coaching

Every sleep tracker collects data, but there can be a lot of variation in how that data is analyzed and presented to you. 

With some sleep trackers, you’ll get an overall sleep score or charts that help visualize your sleep quantity or quality. Keep in mind, though, that the data analysis is based on the company’s own algorithm, which will have some margin for error. Even the most advanced sleep trackers may not accurately identify sleep stages.

Think about the kind of analytics that would be most meaningful for you, and also consider whether you want a tracker that proactively offers you sleep tips. Make sure that whatever model you buy offers the type of information you need.

Comfort

If you’re like most sleepers, comfort is paramount. You’ll need the tracker to monitor your sleep over many hours, so don’t pick a device that will be a nuisance for you to use or wear. 

Battery Life

Most wearable trackers need to be recharged at least once every few days. More frequent charging is usually needed if you want to track daytime activity or workouts. 

In contrast, non-wearables can often be plugged in while you sleep, eliminating the need to charge them. 

Not sure how much battery life matters to you? Think about your mobile phone and how sensitive you are to whether it’s charged. If it drives you crazy to see the battery drain quickly, look for a sleep tracker with extended battery life.

Display & Apps

For sleep tracking to benefit you, you need to be able to easily understand the information presented to you. Most sleep trackers use a website or app to share sleep analytics, so look for one that has an interface that appeals to you.

Most companies that sell sleep trackers will have screenshots of their user interface on their website. You can look in the Apple or Android App Store for reviews and screenshots of the companion apps of different sleep trackers.

Other Features and Functions

You can narrow down your sleep tracker options if you know that you want one or more specific features, such as:

• Smart alarms or a built-in sunrise alarm clock
• Fitness tracking
• GPS functionality
• Health coaching and motivation

Price

Sleep trackers often cost between $100 and $400, but comparing prices can be challenging because many sleep trackers require you to have a monthly subscription. When thinking about your budget, make sure to take into account whether it’s a one-time or recurring cost.

How to Shop for a Sleep Tracker

Once you’ve narrowed down your options and are choosing among a few sleep trackers, a few factors may help guide your decision: 

• Tech compatibility: It can be easy to overlook when thinking about other features, but you want to ensure that the sleep tracker and any companion app are compatible with your computer or mobile phone.
• Verified reviews: Reading reviews from real customers can often provide input about a specific feature or usability issue that may be especially relevant to you.
• Brand reputation: If all else is equal, opt for a brand with a history of building quality products and providing good service to their customers.
• Warranty: A warranty can help protect your investment. While warranty length is obviously important, it’s also worth looking at the warranty terms to understand what is really covered.
• Returns: If you’re on the fence, try to pick a sleep tracker that comes with a trial period allowing free returns if you aren’t satisfied with the product.

In-Store vs. Online Shopping?

For sleep trackers, it’s usually better to shop online. The selection in brick-and-mortar stores is often limited, and some brands of sleep trackers are only sold online. 

Shopping online lets you browse at your own pace, research the different options, and make a decision when you’re ready. In most cases, you’ll also get the best price by comparison shopping online.

The main reason to consider going to a retail store is that you can see how a wearable device actually feels in real life. That said, if you buy online with free returns, you’ll have a much longer period to test out a sleep tracker for yourself. 

How We Test

To test sleep trackers, we use a detailed methodology that combines data points from multiple sources. In our Test Lab in Seattle, we take sleep trackers out of the box and give them a spin. We see how well they work and look carefully at their app or web interface.

We consult with field testers and other people experienced in evaluating consumer technology. Then we cross-check their reports with verified product reviews.

Our testing team incorporates all of this information into our final recommendations for the best sleep trackers in multiple different categories.

In-Depth Sleep Tracker Guides