# Sleep Cycle vs REM Sleep Tracker

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Sleep Cycle at 40% against REM Sleep Tracker's 0%. Sleep Cycle also leads on rating (4.7 vs 4.2) and ratings volume (32K vs 49). On price, update cadence, 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 REM Sleep Tracker sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per year. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Sleep Cycle holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Sleep Cycle has 32K ratings behind it against 49, 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 0% of REM Sleep Tracker's.

Sleep Cycle ships an update weekly, REM Sleep Tracker every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 12, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Sleep Cycle | REM Sleep Tracker |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (32K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sleep-cycle-tracker-and-sounds/id320606217/reviews)** | [4.2 (49 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rem-sleep-tracker/id6446677275/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **32K** | 49 |
| Positive reviews | **39.6% of reviews** | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 2 weeks |
| Monetization | Freemium | Freemium |
| Best chart rank | **#44** | — |
| Size | 290 MB | 25 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.2 | **16.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Sleep Cycle AB](https://appshunter.io/developer/320606220) | [Nicola Eusebi](https://appshunter.io/developer/737311863) |

## What reviewers say

### Sleep Cycle

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

**Currently charting:** #44 Top Grossing · Health & Fitness, #95 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


### REM Sleep Tracker

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rem-sleep-tracker/id6446677275)

This app analyzes Apple Watch sensor data to provide a sleep quality score. It offers detailed insights into sleep stages, heart rate, and weekly trends, helping users understand and improve their rest habits.

**Highlights:** Sleep quality scoring, Detailed sleep stage analysis (light, deep, REM), Heart rate monitoring, Weekly trend tracking, Sleep bank concept for habit analysis, Apple Health integration

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Sleep Score Premium Yearly | $9.99 | per year |
| Sleep Score Premium Yearly | $29.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Sleep Cycle free?

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

### Is REM Sleep Tracker free?

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

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

Sleep Cycle is rated higher. Sleep Cycle averages 4.7 out of 5 from 32K ratings, while REM Sleep Tracker averages 4.2 from 49 ratings.

### Do Sleep Cycle or REM Sleep Tracker have ads?

Neither Sleep Cycle nor REM Sleep Tracker shows ads.

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

Sleep Cycle ships an update weekly, and REM Sleep Tracker every 2 weeks. Most recently, Sleep Cycle was updated on November 12, 2026 and REM Sleep Tracker on November 3, 2026.

---

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