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10 Best Sleep Trackers Ranked: Oura Ring, Whoop, and More

Writer: Annie WoutersAnnie Wouters

Close-up of a person adjusting a smartwatch displaying 5:42, wearing a blue sleeve. Background is blurred, creating a focused atmosphere.

Sleep is a fundamental pillar of health, influencing everything from cognitive function to athletic performance. With the rise of wearable technology, tracking sleep has never been easier. Whether you want to optimize recovery, understand your sleep cycles, or address sleep disturbances, a sleep tracker can provide invaluable insights.


In this article, we rank the 10 best sleep trackers available today, assessing them based on accuracy, features, battery life, comfort, and value for money.


What's your favourite sleep tracker?

  • Oura Ring

  • Apple Watch

  • Whoop

  • Fitbit



1. Oura Ring Gen 3 – Best Overall Sleep Tracker


Pros:

  • Highly accurate sleep tracking

  • Tracks HRV, SpO2, and body temperature trends

  • Lightweight and comfortable

  • Long battery life (4-7 days)


Cons:

  • Expensive (£250+ and a £5.99/month subscription)

  • No screen for real-time data


The Oura Ring Gen 3 is widely regarded as the best sleep tracker available. It uses advanced sensors to track sleep stages, HRV (heart rate variability), and body temperature, providing detailed insights into sleep quality and recovery. Its lightweight design makes it one of the most comfortable trackers, but the lack of a screen means you must rely on the mobile app.


2. Whoop 4.0 – Best for Athletes and Recovery Tracking


Pros:

  • Detailed sleep and recovery analysis

  • Continuous heart rate monitoring

  • No need to charge – battery pack allows uninterrupted wear

  • Personalized insights based on HRV and strain levels


Cons:

  • Subscription-based (£27/month or £229/year)

  • No screen for real-time tracking


The Whoop 4.0 is a top-tier option for athletes who prioritize recovery. With its focus on HRV, strain, and sleep optimization, it provides detailed insights into how well your body is recovering from exercise. The lack of a screen means all data must be accessed through the mobile app.


3. Apple Watch Series 9 – Best for Apple Ecosystem Users


Pros:

  • Advanced sleep tracking with watchOS 9+ updates

  • Integrates seamlessly with Apple Health

  • Additional health monitoring features (ECG, SpO2, HRV)

  • Stylish and multi-functional


Cons:

  • Poor battery life (~18-24 hours)

  • Not as detailed in sleep-stage tracking compared to Oura or Whoop


For Apple users, the Apple Watch Series 9 is an excellent choice. While its sleep tracking is not as advanced as Oura or Whoop, the watch offers a well-rounded experience with additional features like ECG monitoring, SpO2 tracking, and fitness tracking. However, its short battery life requires daily charging.


4. Fitbit Sense 2 – Best for Wellness and Stress Tracking


Pros:

  • Tracks sleep stages, SpO2, HRV, and skin temperature

  • Built-in stress tracking (EDA sensor)

  • Long battery life (6+ days)

  • Affordable compared to premium trackers


Cons:

  • Subscription required for in-depth data (Fitbit Premium - £7.99/month)

  • Less detailed sleep tracking compared to Whoop/Oura


The Fitbit Sense 2 is an all-in-one health tracker with a strong emphasis on wellness. It provides a good balance between affordability and functionality, making it ideal for those looking to track sleep without breaking the bank.


5. Garmin Venu 2 Plus – Best for Outdoor Enthusiasts


Pros:

  • Advanced sleep tracking with Pulse Ox and HRV monitoring

  • Long battery life (up to 11 days)

  • Excellent for fitness and outdoor activities

  • AMOLED display with great readability


Cons:

  • Heavier and bulkier than some competitors

  • Lacks detailed recovery insights compared to Whoop


For those who lead an active lifestyle and want a comprehensive health and fitness tracker, the Garmin Venu 2 Plus is a fantastic option. Its detailed sleep tracking, combined with Pulse Ox and HRV features, offers solid insights into your sleep quality and overall health.


6. Withings ScanWatch – Best Hybrid Tracker for Sleep Apnea Detection


Pros:

  • Detects signs of sleep apnea (SpO2 monitoring)

  • Stylish analog-digital hybrid design

  • Long battery life (30+ days)

  • Tracks HRV, breathing disturbances, and sleep cycles


Cons:

  • Limited smartwatch functionality

  • Small screen for notifications


The Withings ScanWatch is the best option for users who want a sleep tracker with medical-grade health features. It is one of the few wearables capable of detecting sleep apnea risk, making it ideal for those concerned about respiratory health.


7. Polar Vantage V3 – Best for Serious Athletes


Pros:

  • Advanced sleep tracking with Nightly Recharge feature

  • Tracks HRV, SpO2, and body temperature

  • Long battery life (up to 8 days)

  • Excellent for endurance athletes


Cons:

  • Bulky design

  • No third-party app integrations


Polar’s Vantage V3 offers detailed sleep analysis with its Nightly Recharge feature, which assesses recovery and readiness for training. It’s a great choice for serious athletes looking for in-depth training insights.


8. WHOOP Body – Best for 24/7 Wearability


Pros:

  • Can be worn on different parts of the body (clothing-integrated sensor)

  • Continuous biometric tracking

  • Subscription-based model with frequent updates

  • No need to take off for charging


Cons:

  • Requires a Whoop subscription (£27/month)

  • Lacks a traditional screen


The WHOOP Body is a unique take on sleep tracking, allowing users to place sensors in different locations such as a shirt or leggings. This makes it an ideal option for those who don’t like wearing traditional wristbands or rings.


9. Xiaomi Smart Band 8 – Best Budget Sleep Tracker


Pros:

  • Affordable (~£50)

  • Tracks sleep stages, SpO2, and heart rate

  • Lightweight and comfortable

  • 14-day battery life


Cons:

  • Less accurate than premium trackers

  • Limited ecosystem for deeper insights


For those on a budget, the Xiaomi Smart Band 8 offers excellent value. It tracks basic sleep metrics and is perfect for casual users who want an affordable way to monitor their sleep.


10. Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 – Best for Samsung Users


Pros:

  • Advanced sleep coaching and tracking

  • Works seamlessly with Samsung Health

  • Monitors HRV, SpO2, and snoring

  • Stylish design


Cons:

  • Short battery life (~40 hours)

  • Less accurate than Oura/Whoop for deep sleep tracking


The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 provides a well-rounded sleep-tracking experience, with a focus on sleep coaching and actionable insights. It’s the best option for Samsung users looking for a smartwatch with solid health-tracking features.


Conclusion: Which Sleep Tracker is Right for You?

Choosing the best sleep tracker depends on your needs and budget.


If you want the most accurate and detailed sleep data, Oura Ring Gen 3 and Whoop 4.0 are the best choices. If you’re looking for an all-in-one smartwatch, the Apple Watch Series 9 or Fitbit Sense 2 provide solid sleep-tracking capabilities. Meanwhile, budget-conscious users will find value in the Xiaomi Smart Band 8.


Ultimately, the best sleep tracker is the one that fits your lifestyle and helps you optimize your sleep and overall health.

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