Edition of October 17, 2026 · Research phase, testing next
A smartwatch, a membership band and a sleep-only armband. Three very different ways to pay for the same night of data.
No consensus starting point among the sources we have read. The right pick depends on whether you want a full smartwatch, a membership band or a sleep-only device, so compare the costs below.
The iPhone default, with a Sleep Score and an FDA-cleared sleep apnea notification feature.
Good fit if: You already use an iPhone and want one device for the day and the night.
Weigh: Apple states that Sleep Score is not a diagnostic for sleep apnea. Apple Watch User Guide (opens in a new tab)
A screenless band sold through a membership, with sleep feeding recovery and strain.
Good fit if: You want sleep folded into recovery and training metrics.
Weigh: Membership-only cost adds up to $597 to $1,077 over three years (our calculation from Whoop's prices). Whoop membership page (opens in a new tab)
A screenless upper-arm band built only for sleep, tied into Garmin's recovery metrics.
Good fit if: You want a sleep-only device and do not want to wear a watch or ring to bed.
Weigh: Tom's Guide rated it 2.5 out of 5 and called it pricey for a sleep-only device. Tom's Guide review (opens in a new tab)
| Product | Upfront | Ongoing | 3 years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Watch Series 11 | $399 | No subscription cost captured from sources | $399 |
| Whoop 5.0 / MG | Sold via membership: One $199/yr, Peak $239/yr, Life $359/yr (MG) | Membership tiers: One $199/yr, Peak $239/yr, Life $359/yr (MG) | $597 to $1,077 |
| Garmin Index Sleep Monitor | $169.99 | No subscription cost captured from sources | $169.99 |
Three-year figures are our arithmetic on the reported prices cited in each review. They exclude tax, shipping and accessories.
When testing starts, every product here is scored on the same 100-point scorecard, led by accuracy against a sleep diary and a second device (25 points) and overnight comfort (20). Three-year cost counts for 15 points, which is why we show it now.
Not yet covered, so we make no claims about them: Fitbit Charge and Pixel Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch, Garmin Venu and Forerunner.
None yet. This shortlist is built from published sources. We will name picks only after hands-on testing, and say how many nights each product was worn.
On the prices we have captured, Garmin Index Sleep Monitor at $169.99. Device price only as reported by Tom's Guide; no subscription captured from sources.
We only score products we have used ourselves, on a published 100-point scorecard. Ratings from other publications are quoted with attribution, never as ours.