Sleep tracking has been one of the most requested Apple Watch features since the wearable device was first released. However, it took until watchOS 7 for Apple to unveil the Sleep app and its comprehensive Apple Watch sleep-tracking features.
While the Apple Watch’s built-in sleep-tracking functionality is robust, you may prefer a third-party app with additional functionality or a different interface. We’ve gathered the best third-party sleep-tracking apps to help you get the rest you need.
Best Basic Sleep Tracking: Sleep++
Sleep++ is a no-frills sleep tracker. The app is simple and clear, providing basic reports and visuals that are easy to understand.
Simple and clear with basic reports and visuals.
Doesn’t take up much room on your device.
Not as feature-full as some other apps on this list.
You’ll need to upgrade to a $1.99 version for an ad-free experience.
The app shows you a start button, a stop button, and a little blue chart to display your sleep patterns. Like AutoSleep, it can sync your data to Apple Health and will automatically log sleep when activated on the iPhone app.
The app is free to download and use. You can upgrade to a $1.99 version for an ad-free experience.
Best Interface: Pillow
Averaging 4.3 out of 5 stars with impressive reviews, Pillow is a favorite among third-party iOS sleep trackers. The user interface is easy to use and aesthetically pleasing, allowing users plenty of options to track and analyze their sleep.
Options for automatic or manual sleep tracking.
Includes detailed sleep reports, heart rate analyses, and audio recordings.
Integrating with the Apple Health app requires the premium version.
Can consume Apple Watch battery life.
Pillow provides options for automatic or manual sleep tracking. The manual option means you can track sleep without having to wear (or even own) an Apple Watch.
Pillow also includes detailed sleep reports, heart rate analyses, and audio recordings (for those who think they don’t snore).
Pillow is free to download and use, but you’ll need to upgrade to a paid version for premium features. A monthly subscription is $6.99, and an annual subscription is $39.99.
Easiest to Use: AutoSleep Tracker for Watch
AutoSleep helps you automatically track your sleep from the Apple Watch. The app has two options, depending on if you like to sleep while wearing your watch. If you wear your watch to sleep, you don’t have to do anything to track your sleep. If you don’t wear your watch to sleep, place it on the charger when you go to bed and put it back on your wrist when you get up.
Sleep Rings help you track your sleep goals visually.
AutoSleep analyzes your sleep quality, detailing time asleep, restlessness, and heart rate.
There’s not a free version.
Extensive functionality can be complex to figure out.
The app includes Sleep Rings, which are similar to the Activity Rings on your watch. They help you visually track your sleep goals. The AutoSleep function will analyze your sleep quality, detailing your time asleep, restlessness, time awake, and heart rate to score your quality of sleep (assuming you wear your watch to bed).
AutoSleep costs $4.99, and there are no additional subscriptions or hidden charges.
Smartest Sleep Tracker: SleepWatch
SleepWatch is another excellent third-party sleep-tracking option. It takes your stats and uses artificial intelligence to make recommendations for improving your sleep. The premium app option also includes access to an online community to compare statistics and get recommendations from others.
Personalized insights recommend better habits.
Automatically syncs to the Apple Health app.
You’ll need to upgrade to a paid version to unlock the most compelling features.
Subscriptions are pricey.
The app is free to download and use, but you’ll need to upgrade to a paid version ($4.99 monthly) or subscription (starting at $29.99) to unlock most features.
Best for Heart Analysis: HeartWatch
HeartWatch is primarily an app for tracking your heart rate data, alerting you to any out-of-the-ordinary activity. However, it does offer sleep-tracking functionality, tracking your sleep and mapping your heart-rate data to your sleep habits. This allows you to compare your sleeping and waking heart rates.
Solid accuracy in sleep tracking.
Easily view Heart badges on your Apple Watch.
App interface can be crowded.
This is a larger app that takes up considerable device space.
The app aims to give users a more complete picture of their health data with comprehensive metrics and reports.
HeartWatch costs $4.99; there are no additional in-app purchases or subscriptions required.
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