# Sleep Cycle vs Pillow

The clearest difference is rating: Sleep Cycle at 4.7 against Pillow's 4.4. Sleep Cycle also leads on chart position (#56 vs #186). On price, review sentiment, ratings volume and update cadence there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Sleep Cycle sells 9 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month and Pillow sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $19.99 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 4.4. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 32K and 96K respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 40% of Sleep Cycle's written reviews are positive against 42% of Pillow's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Sleep Cycle ships an update weekly, Pillow every 9 days. Both last shipped on November 12, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Sleep Cycle | Pillow |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (32K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sleep-cycle-tracker-and-sounds/id320606217/reviews)** | [4.4 (96K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pillow-sleep-tracker/id878691772/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 32K | **96K** |
| Positive reviews | 39.6% of reviews | **41.8% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 9 days |
| Monetization | Freemium | Freemium |
| Best chart rank | **#56** | #186 |
| Size | 306 MB | 691 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.2** | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Sleep Cycle AB](https://appshunter.io/developer/320606220) | [Neybox Digital Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/624507369) |

## What reviewers say

### Sleep Cycle

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

**Currently charting:** #56 Top Grossing · Health & Fitness, #76 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


### Pillow

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pillow-sleep-tracker/id878691772)

**Currently charting:** #186 Top Grossing · Health & Fitness (US App Store)

This app analyzes your sleep cycles automatically using your Apple Watch, iPhone, or iPad. It functions as a smart alarm to wake you at your lightest sleep stage and records audio events like snoring. Explore sleep trends and compare your quality with Apple Health metrics.

**Highlights:** Automatic sleep tracking, Smart alarm clock, Snore and sound recording, Sleep cycle analysis, Heart rate analysis, Personalized sleep tips, Sleep aid library

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

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pillow Premium - Monthly | $19.99 | per month |
| Premium Sleep Tracking | $39.99 | per year |
| Pillow Premium - Annual | $39.99 | per year |
| Pillow Premium - Annual | $39.99 | per year |
| Pillow Premium - Quarterly | $59.99 | per 3 months |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Helpful for tracking sleep patterns
- 🚀 Automatic sleep detection
- 🎨 Colorful and intuitive interface
- 📊 Detailed sleep data and analysis
- 🔊 Audio recording of sleep sounds

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Inaccurate sleep tracking
- 🔒 Paywall for basic features
- 🔋 High battery consumption
- 🤔 Confusing alarm and nap features
- 🤷‍♀️ Inconsistent sync between watch and phone

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes or freezes
- Sleep data not syncing properly
- Audio recording issues
- Alarm not working as expected

**Requested features**

- Ability to edit sleep sessions and data
- Sleep cycle trends and insights
- Dream journal integration
- More customization options for alarms and sounds


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Sleep Cycle free?

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

### Is Pillow free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Sleep Cycle or Pillow?

Sleep Cycle is rated higher. Sleep Cycle averages 4.7 out of 5 from 32K ratings, while Pillow averages 4.4 from 96K ratings.

### Do Sleep Cycle or Pillow have ads?

Neither Sleep Cycle nor Pillow shows ads.

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

Sleep Cycle ships an update weekly, and Pillow every 9 days. Most recently, Sleep Cycle was updated on November 12, 2026 and Pillow on November 12, 2026.

### Which is more popular, Sleep Cycle or Pillow?

Sleep Cycle currently peaks at #56 in the App Store charts, and Pillow at #186. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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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.*