Sleep Cycle review
Smart alarm that wakes you in your lightest sleep
- Sleep Cycle AB
- Free + paid plans
- iPhone & iPad, Android
Does it deserve #9?
The verdict
Sleep Cycle listens to your sleep through your phone's microphone and wakes you during a light phase within a window you choose, so mornings feel less jarring. It also detects snoring and sleep talking and charts trends over time. The free version covers the basics, while Premium adds detailed stats and sleep sounds. Phone-based tracking is less precise than a wearable, and it works best with your phone charging overnight.
- Smart wake-up window
- Snore and sleep talk detection
- Long-term sleep trends
- Sleep aid sounds
Score breakdown
Overall = features 30% · design 20% · speed 20% · value 15% · privacy 15%. Why these weights?
What we like
- Smart alarm makes waking up noticeably gentler
- No wearable needed, just your phone
- Snore detection with audio clips
What could be better
- Less accurate than wearable sleep trackers
- Best insights require Premium
Light sleepers who hate harsh alarms and want simple sleep trends
you already track sleep with a smartwatch or smart ring
Questions about Sleep Cycle
Is Sleep Cycle free?
Sleep Cycle has a free version with the smart alarm and basic sleep tracking. Premium adds detailed statistics, long-term trends and sleep aid sounds.
Does Sleep Cycle need a smartwatch?
No. It tracks sleep using your phone's microphone, so you just place your phone near your bed before you sleep.
What are the best alternatives to Sleep Cycle?
The closest alternatives are Calm, Headspace and Waking Up. See all of them ranked on our Sleep Cycle alternatives page.
Where does Sleep Cycle rank?
Sleep Cycle ranks #9 of 9 in our Mind & Focus ranking, with an overall score of 8.0 out of 10.