# Sleep Cycle vs Sleep Tracker, Recorder

The clearest difference is monetization model: Sleep Cycle at freemium against Sleep Tracker, Recorder's subscription. Sleep Cycle also leads on ratings volume (32K vs 1.1K) and review sentiment (40% vs 24%). Sleep Tracker, Recorder's advantage is iOS requirement (12.0 vs 16.2). On price, rating, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Sleep Cycle sells 9 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month and Sleep Tracker, Recorder sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Sleep Cycle holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Sleep Cycle has 32K ratings behind it against 1.1K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 40% of Sleep Cycle's written reviews are positive against 24% of Sleep Tracker, Recorder's.

Sleep Cycle ships an update weekly, Sleep Tracker, Recorder fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on November 12, 2026 and November 11, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Sleep Cycle | Sleep Tracker, Recorder |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (32K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sleep-cycle-tracker-and-sounds/id320606217/reviews)** | [4.5 (1.1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sleep-tracker-recorder/id1560960220/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **32K** | 1.1K |
| Positive reviews | **39.6% of reviews** | 24.4% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Fortnightly |
| Monetization | **Freemium** | Subscription |
| Best chart rank | **#49** | — |
| Size | 290 MB | 199 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.2 | **12.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Sleep Cycle AB](https://appshunter.io/developer/320606220) | [Healive Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1560960222) |

## What reviewers say

### Sleep Cycle

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sleep-cycle-tracker-and-sounds/id320606217)

**Currently charting:** #49 Top Grossing · Health & Fitness, #53 Top Free · Health & Fitness (US App Store)

This app uses sound analysis to track sleep patterns and improve rest. It features an AI sleep coach, a smart alarm that wakes you during light sleep, and tools to identify issues like snoring. Gain insights into your sleep and build healthier habits for more energized days.

**Highlights:** AI sleep coach, Smart Alarm clock, Sound-based sleep tracking, Snoring and cough detection, Sleep sounds library, Long-term sleep pattern analysis

**Features:** Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support, iPhone Duo support

**In-app purchases (9)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Sleep Cycle Premium | $2.99 | per month |
| Premium | $9.99 | per year |
| Premium | $11.99 | per year |
| Premium | $19.99 | per year |
| Sleep Cycle Premium | $19.99 | per year |
| Premium | $29.99 | per year |
| Premium | $34.99 | per year |
| Premium: Unlock all features | $39.99 | per year |
| Sleep Cycle Premium | $57.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Accurate sleep tracking
- 👍 Gentle alarm wakes you up during light sleep
- 📊 Detailed sleep data and insights
- 🌙 Soothing sleep aid sounds

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Alarm not always reliable, sometimes doesn't go off
- 🔋 High battery drain, especially on Apple Watch
- 💰 Expensive subscription model, limited free features
- 📉 Inaccurate sleep tracking in some cases

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes or stops recording sleep randomly
- Inconsistent time zone handling, causing alarm issues
- Microphone issues, unable to detect certain sounds

**Requested features**

- Ability to edit sleep data and notes
- Nap tracking and power nap functionality
- More customization options for alarms and sleep aid
- Improved integration with Apple Health and other devices


### Sleep Tracker, Recorder

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sleep-tracker-recorder/id1560960220)

This app helps you fall asleep faster with soothing soundscapes and meditations. It also tracks your sleep quality, records snoring, and features a smart alarm to wake you gently. Analyze your sleep patterns to improve rest and daytime focus.

**Highlights:** White noise and sleep meditations, Soundscapes for focus and relaxation, Snoring and sleep disturbance recording, Offline sleep analysis, Smart alarm for gentle wake-ups, Sleep quality monitoring

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1-Month Premium | $9.99 | per month |
| 1-Year Premium | $29.99 | per year |
| 1-Year Premium（Limited Offer） | $29.99 | per year |
| 7-Day Free Premium | $59.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 💤 Sleep tracking
- 🎵 Music and audiobooks
- 📊 Sleep data reporting

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Expensive subscription
- 🔇 Limited free features
- 🔴 Inaccurate sleep tracking
- 🔍 Poor customer support
- 🚫 Difficult to cancel subscription

**Reported bugs**

- Alarm issues
- Inconsistent data recording
- Subscription billing problems

**Requested features**

- Improved sleep tracking accuracy
- More affordable pricing options
- Better customer support and refund policy


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Sleep Cycle free?

Sleep Cycle is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Sleep Tracker, Recorder free?

Sleep Tracker, Recorder is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Sleep Cycle or Sleep Tracker, Recorder?

Sleep Cycle is rated higher. Sleep Cycle averages 4.7 out of 5 from 32K ratings, while Sleep Tracker, Recorder averages 4.5 from 1.1K ratings.

### Do Sleep Cycle or Sleep Tracker, Recorder have ads?

Neither Sleep Cycle nor Sleep Tracker, Recorder shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Sleep Cycle or Sleep Tracker, Recorder?

Sleep Cycle ships an update weekly, and Sleep Tracker, Recorder fortnightly. Most recently, Sleep Cycle was updated on November 12, 2026 and Sleep Tracker, Recorder on November 11, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*