Thinking about getting a sleep tracker but not sure where to start? We’ve outlined a few key things to consider, plus how Hatch Sleep Clock compares to other sleep trackers, including Oura Ring 5 and Apple Watch Series 11.

What does a sleep tracker do?

Sleep trackers use sensors to collect information about your body and movement while you sleep. Using that data, they estimate when you fall asleep, how long you sleep, when you wake up, and how much time you spend in different sleep stages. 

Wearable sleep trackers vs. contactless sleep trackers

Wearable sleep trackers are worn on the wrist, finger, or another part of the body while you sleep. In general, these devices use movement, skin conductivity, pulse rate, and other body signals to estimate when you’re asleep and which sleep stage you’re in.

Alternatively, contactless sleep trackers work by detecting the characteristic physiological patterns (e.g., movement, respiration rate) associated with each sleep stage. Contactless sleep trackers, like Hatch Sleep Clock, detect your sleep using a motion sensor and don't require you to wear a device. They then use an algorithm to infer whether you're asleep and which sleep stage you're in. 

What’s the benefit of using a sleep tracker?

Sleep data provided by a sleep tracker can offer helpful insight about your sleep patterns, including how long you sleep, when you wake up, and how your sleep changes from night to night. However, data alone doesn’t necessarily improve sleep. Look for a tracker that turns your sleep information into actionable insights or recommendations that can help you build healthier sleep habits. 

Hatch Sleep Clock vs. other sleep trackers

When comparing sleep trackers, consider not only the upfront cost, but also included features and how much value you’ll get from the information the tracker provides. 

The biggest difference between Hatch Sleep Clock and other sleep trackers is that it's designed to help people learn more about their sleep *and* use those learnings to change what happens next. It does so by combining personalized sleep insights with immersive light, premium functional audio, and bedtime routines, all rooted in CBT-I principles.

See below for a helpful comparison chart between Hatch Sleep Clock, Oura Ring 5, and Apple Watch Series 11.

Based on publicly available specs and pricing, excluding promos or sales, as of July 20, 2026

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