# Sleep Cycle vs PHC

The clearest difference is update cadence: Sleep Cycle at weekly against PHC's every 3 weeks. Sleep Cycle also leads on chart position (#46 vs unranked). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Sleep Cycle sells 9 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month and PHC sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Sleep Cycle ships an update weekly, PHC every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 29, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Sleep Cycle | PHC |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (31K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sleep-cycle-tracker-and-sounds/id320606217/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **31K** | — |
| Positive reviews | 39.5% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Best chart rank | **#46** | — |
| Size | 293 MB | 21 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.2** | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Sleep Cycle AB](https://appshunter.io/developer/320606220) | [Xiao Chen](https://appshunter.io/developer/1887453592) |

## What reviewers say

### Sleep Cycle

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

**Currently charting:** #46 Top Grossing · Health & Fitness, #90 Top Free · Health & Fitness (US App Store)

This app uses sound analysis to track sleep patterns, identify potential issues, and build healthier sleep routines. It features an AI sleep coach, a smart alarm to wake you gently, and tools to record snoring and sleep talking.

**Highlights:** AI sleep coach, Smart Alarm clock, Sleep pattern tracking, Snore and cough detection, Sleep sounds library, Sleep 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


### PHC

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/phc/id6761038339)

**Features:** Apple Watch app

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| PHC Pro | $2.99 | per month |
| PHC Pro | $29.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Sleep Cycle free?

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

### Is PHC free?

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

### Do Sleep Cycle or PHC have ads?

Neither Sleep Cycle nor PHC shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Sleep Cycle or PHC?

Sleep Cycle ships an update weekly, and PHC every 3 weeks. Most recently, Sleep Cycle was updated on October 29, 2026 and PHC on October 25, 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.*