Best Sleep Apps in the UK (2026): Tracking, Relaxation & Meditation
Sleep apps are at their best when they do one of these jobs really well:
- Track your sleep and wake you at a better time (often via phone sensors or a wearable)
- Help you downshift (relaxation, breathwork, soundscapes, sleep stories)
- Support insomnia recovery with structured, evidence-based programmes (CBT-I)
If you regularly wake up gasping, have loud snoring plus daytime sleepiness, or insomnia that’s lasting weeks, it’s worth speaking to a GP—apps can support habits, but they don’t diagnose conditions.
Quick shortlist (works well in the UK)
| Goal | App | Why it’s on the list | Typical UK pricing (varies by plan/promos) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sleep tracking + smart alarm | Sleep Cycle | Strong “wake me gently” focus + detailed trends | In-app purchases shown in the UK App Store include options like £34.99 / £38.99 among others (App Store) |
| Sleep tracking (no wearable needed) | SleepScore | Uses phone-based approach + coaching | UK App Store shows £8.99/mo and ~£44.99–£45.99/yr options (App Store) |
| Apple Watch sleep tracking (one-off) | AutoSleep | Popular Apple Watch companion with a one-time fee | UK App Store reviews reference £2.99 one-off (App Store) |
| Guided sleep + meditation | Headspace | Broad library + strong beginner experience | UK App Store shows £9.99/mo and £49.99/yr (App Store) |
| Sleep stories + soundscapes | Calm | Deep catalogue of sleep content and soundscapes | UK App Store shows multiple price points (often ~£39.99–£49.99) (App Store) |
| Insomnia programme (CBT-I) | Sleepio | Structured CBT programme; availability can be NHS-funded in some areas | NHS Inform notes postcode-based access in Scotland; Big Health notes NHS availability in Scotland and some of England (NHS inform) |
| Snoring insights | SnoreLab | Records and scores snoring; helps test what changes help | App + Play Store emphasise tracking/snore scoring over time (Google Play) |
| Free (actually free) sleep + meditation | Medito | Nonprofit, no subscription | “Always free” messaging on official listings (Google Play) |
| Huge free library | Insight Timer | Large free catalogue; optional paid tier | Official help centre: core library is free (Insight Timer Support) |
| Customisable noise (no subscription style) | myNoise | Highly configurable soundscapes + offline | App Store positioning: 300+ customisable soundscapes, no subscription (App Store) |
best sleep apps UK 2026 sleep tracking relaxation meditation apps sleep UK
1) Best for sleep tracking (and waking up at the “right” time)
Sleep Cycle (iOS/Android)
If you like data and a smarter alarm, Sleep Cycle is a dependable place to start. The UK App Store listing shows multiple in-app purchase options (often around the mid-£30s, depending on plan/promotions). (App Store)
Good for: light sleepers, routine builders, people who want trend charts and smart alarms.
Watch-outs: any phone-based tracker can be thrown off by pets/partners/room noise.
SleepScore (iOS/Android)
SleepScore positions itself around science-led coaching and a phone-based approach (no wearable required). UK iOS pricing commonly shows ~£8.99/month and ~£44.99–£45.99/year options. (App Store)
Good for: people who want coaching + tracking without buying a ring/watch.
Pillow (iOS/Apple Watch)
A strong Apple ecosystem option; UK App Store pricing commonly shows £39.99/year and £9.99/month options (among others). (App Store)
Good for: Apple Watch owners who want tidy reports and Apple Health integration.
AutoSleep (Apple Watch, one-off)
If subscriptions annoy you, AutoSleep is notable for being a one-time purchase (UK App Store reviews reference £2.99). (App Store)
Good for: Apple Watch users who want “buy once, use for years.”
Sleep as Android (Android)
A long-running Android favourite built around smart alarms and sleep tracking, with a free-to-try model then optional upgrade. (Google Play)
Good for: Android power users who want deep customisation and integrations.
2) Best for relaxation, meditation, and falling asleep faster
Headspace
Best when you want a guided path (beginner-friendly) and a broad library. UK App Store pricing shows £9.99/month and £49.99/year. (App Store)
Try first: a short wind-down meditation + a consistent “same time every night” routine.
Calm
If your brain settles better with sleep stories and soundscapes, Calm is often the easiest win. UK pricing on iOS varies by plan/promotion (multiple UK price points are listed). (App Store)
Try first: a 10–20 minute Sleep Story and keep your phone face-down.
Medito (free)
A genuinely free, nonprofit option with sleep content and guided sessions. (Google Play)
Try first: a short breathing session if anxiety is the main blocker.
Insight Timer (huge free library)
If you want variety without paying upfront, Insight Timer’s free library is the headline feature, with an optional premium tier. (Insight Timer Support)
Try first: search for “Yoga Nidra” or “NSDR” for deep relaxation.
myNoise (soundscapes you can tune)
Ideal when you know exactly what helps you sleep (rain + low hum + less treble, etc.). The App Store listing leans hard into customisable soundscapes and no subscription approach. (App Store)
3) Best for insomnia support (structured programmes)
Sleepio (CBT-I programme)
If your issue is persistent insomnia (not just occasional bad nights), structured CBT-I is the gold standard. NHS Inform highlights access in Scotland via postcode sign-up, and Big Health notes it can be free on the NHS in Scotland and some parts of England. (NHS inform)
Good for: people who want a step-by-step programme rather than endless content.
Note: availability and funding can vary by location—check what applies to you.
4) Best for snoring and noisy nights (insights + experiments)
SnoreLab
SnoreLab focuses on recording, measuring, and tracking snoring over time—useful if you want to test whether changes (side sleeping, reducing alcohol, nasal strips, humidifier) actually move the needle. (Google Play)
UK top sleep apps 2026 reviews best apps for sleep UK
Here’s the most practical way to choose without downloading five apps and abandoning four:
If you want one app to start tonight
- Headspace if you want guidance and a calmer routine (great for beginners). (App Store)
- Calm if you want sleep stories and soundscapes as your main “off switch.” (Sleep Foundation)
If your priority is better mornings
- Sleep Cycle for smart alarms + trend insights (solid all-round tracker). (App Store)
- Sleep as Android if you’re on Android and want maximum control. (Google Play)
If your priority is sleep quality without buying a wearable
- SleepScore for phone-based tracking + coaching (UK pricing is clear on iOS). (App Store)
If your priority is insomnia recovery
- Sleepio for a structured CBT programme (check NHS eligibility/availability). (NHS inform)
If your priority is snoring
- SnoreLab for recording + scoring + tracking improvements over time. (Google Play)
If your priority is budget
- Medito (free, nonprofit) (Google Play)
- Insight Timer (large free catalogue) (Insight Timer Support)
A simple “best results” setup (5 minutes)
- Pick one tracking app or one wind-down app (not both at first).
- Set a fixed wake time for weekdays.
- Use the app for 7 nights, then decide: keep, swap, or upgrade.
If you want a quick sanity check on what’s popular right now, recent roundups for 2025–2026 often surface the same core names (Headspace, Calm, Sleep Cycle, Pillow, SnoreLab, Rise). (Woman & Home)