The best Waking Up alternatives in 2026
Waking Up scores 8.9 and ranks #1 in Mind & Focus. It's not for everyone: skip it if you mainly want sleep sounds or short calming sessions. Here's every alternative we rank, and exactly where each one is stronger or weaker.
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- Better value +1.6
- Fewer features -1.0
- More private +0.6
Best for: Anyone who wants to understand their moods without paying or oversharing
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- Better value +1.5
- Less private -1.1
- Slower -0.7
- Weaker design -0.5
Best for: Meditators who want endless free variety and a good silent timer
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- Better value +1.3
- Fewer features -1.2
- More private +0.8
- Slower -0.7
Best for: iPhone users who keep turning off their own app limits
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- Less private -1.3
- Worse value -0.6
Best for: Beginners who want short, structured lessons and a friendly daily habit
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- Fewer features -0.8
- Weaker design -0.7
- Slower -0.7
- More private +0.7
Best for: Habitual scrollers who want a nudge, not a hard block, before opening apps
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- Less private -1.0
- Slower -0.5
- Fewer features -0.4
Best for: People with ADHD or anyone who struggles to feel time passing
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- Less private -2.0
- Worse value -0.9
Best for: Light sleepers and anxious minds who want help winding down each night
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- Less private -1.6
- Fewer features -1.0
- Slower -0.5
Best for: Students and procrastinators who respond to playful, visual rewards
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- Less private -1.8
- Slower -1.3
- Worse value -1.3
- Fewer features -0.4
Best for: Phone users who want firm, scheduled limits on distracting apps
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- Less private -2.0
- Slower -1.3
- Worse value -0.9
- Fewer features -0.6
Best for: Light sleepers who hate harsh alarms and want simple sleep trends
Still deciding on Waking Up?Read our full review, pros and cons.