The best Eight Sleep alternative: Top options to consider
Discover the closest Eight Sleep alternative and other highly rated products that can help you and your partner enjoy more restful sleep.
January 1, 2025
Approved by numerous celebrities, including Bryan Johnson and Elon Musk, Eight Sleep is an “intelligent” sleep system that has gathered a large fanbase over the last few years. The reason for this popularity is clear — Eight Sleep is the most advanced sleep aid available, offering everything from automatic temperature control to sleep quality reports.
Still, even its most loyal customers agree that Eight Sleep has limitations. By far, the most notable one is its price — the system will set you back well over $4,000 if you want to access all of its features.
While Eight Sleep has no direct alternatives, some products come close, offering features such as temperature control, snoring mitigation, and/or sleep tracking. In this article, we’ll reveal our top picks for the best Eight Sleep alternative and familiarize you with their pricing, ease of use, and other key aspects.
You’ll also learn how genetics can affect your sleep and how a DNA test like Nucleus Premium can help you understand and improve your sleeping habits.
Why should you consider alternatives to Eight Sleep?
Eight Sleep was designed to prevent night sweats, snoring, and unwanted waking and help you and your partner sleep better. The company claims its product has a solid scientific background and has conducted a few studies confirming its efficacy. Its advisory board includes experts like Andrew Huberman and Peter Attia.
Source: Eight Sleep
Still, Eight Sleep is not the ideal option for everyone. For one, it can be a significant expense, requiring you to set aside thousands of dollars. While you can pay less by opting for the older Pod 3, this model is noisier, less comfortable, and lacks many key features of the latest Pod 4 Ultra. Regardless of the model you choose, you’ll also need to pay a monthly subscription to access the Autopilot feature.
As for Eight Sleep’s efficacy, user opinions are mostly positive, but some customers found that the benefits weren’t significant enough to justify the cost. Others were bothered by the issues they experienced while installing or using the product, such as:
Lack of compatibility with their existing bed setup
The Cover changes the feel of the mattress
Technical difficulties, such as leaks and pump malfunction
Being unable to reach or get help from customer support
5 best Eight Sleep alternatives: From complex sleep systems to simple cooling mattresses
While they can’t match the number of features of the Pod 4 Ultra, the following Eight Sleep alternatives serve as effective sleep aids for many people. Check out a brief rundown of their main characteristics before we analyze them in greater detail:
Bonus read — If you’re looking to improve other aspects of your life besides sleep, you may find these guides helpful:
1. Sleepme Chilipad Dock Pro
Sleepme’s Chilipad Dock Pro is the closest alternative to Eight Sleep, offering all of the same features except elevation and snoring prevention. The Chilipad works similarly to the Pod — it comprises a control unit and mattress topper with hydro-powered warming and cooling.
Source: Sleepme
You can control your Chilipad on the unit or via the app. If you also purchase the Sleep Tracker, your Chilipad will adjust the temperature automatically based on your biofeedback. Like Eight Sleep, Chilipad’s tracker can monitor your vitals, such as your heart and respiration rate, and generate sleep scores and reports.
Still, note that the Chilipad Dock Pro is comparable to the Pod 3, which is a significantly inferior model to the Pod 4 Ultra. Besides a similar price, these two products entail the same problems, with customers reporting that they’re:
Noisy
Uncomfortable
Prone to leaking
While the Chilipad Dock Pro has a simpler setup process, users share that it’s more maintenance-intensive than Eight Sleep. For example, you’ll need to buy a specific cleaning solution, add it to your control unit each month, and flush the system every six months.
2. BedJet Ultimate Climate Comfort + Adjustable Frame
Like Eight Sleep, BedJet offers temperature regulation, but it uses an air-based rather than water-based system. Instead of a mattress topper, it features a nozzle and unit that you can secure to the lower edge of your bed. The unit then blows air below your comforter.
Although a simpler system with lower cooling power than Eight Sleep, some users prefer BedJet because it can pull moisture and eliminate body sweat.
If you add the PowerLayer Frame, BedJet will also let you modify the elevation of your feet and head. Still, BedJet can’t automatically lift your head to stop snoring as it doesn’t have tracking sensors. For that reason, it also can’t adjust the temperature based on biofeedback. Instead, you can create a personalized program that switches the settings at scheduled points.
Source: BedJet
User reviews indicate that BedJet is easier to install and maintain and less likely to have technical issues than Eight Sleep. BedJet is also compatible with any bed, so you can easily switch out any part of your setup and continue using the device as usual. Still, while BedJet allows you to keep the feel and comfort of your original mattress, some users found its fan too noisy and unpleasant for the skin or eyes.
Cost-wise, BedJet is not a significantly cheaper alternative to Eight Sleep as the dual system with the frame costs over $3,000. The company does offer refurbished units for those on a tight budget, though.
3. Sleep Number’s smart beds
Sleep Number’s signature “smart beds” offer temperature control, sleep tracking, and adjustable firmness. The company offers various “smart beds” to cater to different users’ needs and budgets, so we couldn’t single out a specific product. Instead, we’ve highlighted the most notable series, ranging from cheapest to most expensive:
Classic: The simplest and most affordable option, Classic beds come with a ceramic gel layer that draws heat and ensures breathability.
Innovation: Beds from this series are made from high-pressure relief foam with a four-ply ceramic gel layer that produces a cooling effect.
ClimateCool: These beds also come with a ceramic gel layer and an airflow system that pulls heat and reduces temperature by up to 15°C.
Climate360: This series includes the most premium and expensive beds, with an active cooling and warming system with a 30°C range.
Source: Sleep Number
Sleep Number also sells FlexFit adjustable bases, which offer three options with varying features. Still, unlike with Eight Sleep, you’ll have to change the elevation manually if you or your partner snore.
Depending on the model you select, Sleep Number can be significantly more expensive than Eight Sleep. While many users swear by their purchase, others reported design and technical issues that made the product less effective and, in some cases, even disrupted sleep.
4. Perfectly Snug
If you’re looking for a cheaper Eight Sleep alternative without a subscription and don’t mind the lower cooling power, Perfectly Snug can be a great choice. Another fan-based system, Perfectly Snug is a mattress topper that provides mild cooling and heating. It’s effective at room temperatures below 26°C, so you may need to use it with an AC during warmer months.
Perfectly Snug is lightweight and has no control unit that takes up space and potentially overheats. The device is maintenance-free and simple to set up as you only need to place it on your mattress and plug it in. It’s also compatible with adjustable bases, though the company doesn’t sell them.
You can use the app or physical buttons on the topper to control the temperature. Similar to Eight Sleep, Perfectly Snug has sensors that measure your body temperature and adjust the settings automatically, but it doesn’t monitor other markers.
Source: Perfectly Snug
5. Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling
While it’s far from Eight Sleep’s “intelligent” system, numerous Reddit users named the Aurora Luxe Cooling the best cooling mattress. Learn about the elements that comprise its cooling system:
GlacioTex cover: This layer consists of tech fibers that remove excess heat and are cool to the touch.
Infused foam: A clinically proven cooling method, this layer includes fibers that absorb heat and release it back as needed.
Hybrid airflow: The mattress uses a combination of foam and coils designed with open-cell technology, which keeps it breathable.
Brooklyn Bedding offers memory foam and latex pillows, tencel or bamboo sheets, and even open-knit weighted blankets for an additional cooling effect. The company also sells different adjustable bases to help you reduce or stop snoring.
While the Aurora Luxe Cooling is expensive, it’s much more affordable than Eight Sleep. It’s also one of the highest-quality mattresses and comes with a 10-year warranty.
Source: Brooklyn Bedding
Bonus read: Aurora Luxe Cooling doesn’t have sleep tracking, so you may need to purchase an additional device. If you need guidance on buying wearables, check out our list of Oura Ring alternatives and a comparison of the Oura Ring and Whoop.
Final thoughts on sleep improvement
While products such as Eight Sleep can enhance your sleep environment, some sleep issues may require a more holistic and thorough approach. To overcome them effectively, you should first figure out their cause.
The truth is — various factors can affect your sleep quality and habits, though the latest research suggests genetics may play a big part. The most common sleep disorder, insomnia, was found to be up to 45% genetically inheritable. Understanding how you fare in this regard can inform your treatment and sleep improvement strategies.
With DNA tests like Nucleus Premium, analyzing your genes and learning about your predispositions has never been easier and more accessible.
Nucleus allows you to buy the test for only $399 and take it anywhere in minutes. By analyzing nearly all of your genome, Nucleus can accurately estimate your risk for insomnia and numerous other diseases and conditions that can disrupt your sleep.
You’ll receive a detailed report explaining your genetic and non-genetic influences and personalized recommendations for transforming your sleep and life.
Discover the relationship between your genes, sleep, and health with Nucleus
Your unique genetic makeup carries valuable insights about your sleep problems and their potential origins — Nucleus lets you access them with a single test. The platform screens for insomnia and many other diseases and conditions that can affect the quality of your sleep, including:
Neurological conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease
Mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia
Various cancers, including breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer
Nucleus will also provide a custom analysis that considers your lifestyle factors, such as your BMI and blood pressure, which can greatly affect your sleep and health. Your results will be easy to understand and provide actionable advice to ensure better sleep and a healthier, happier, and longer life.
Since Nucleus partners with SteadyMD, it can offer physician-approved tests and even connect you with a genetic counselor if you need additional input on the findings. You can also bring your results to a sleep specialist or another expert for guidance on suitable treatments and therapies.
Genetic insights you can trust
Nucleus is a clinical-grade platform offering one of the most advanced DNA analyses available.
The platform uses state-of-the-art whole-genome sequencing technology to analyze nearly 100% of your genome. This includes rare genetic variants (your DNA’s unique differences) that can majorly impact your life but are often overlooked by other tests. Because of this thorough approach, Nucleus can determine your genetic risks with 99.9% accuracy.
It’s also worth noting that Nucleus works with certified U.S. labs. They follow strict standards for accuracy and will handle your sample and results with utmost professionalism.
Choose Nucleus for a more restful and healthier future
While most whole-genome tests cost thousands, Nucleus Premium is only $399 and accepts HSA/FSA payments. The price includes the kit with all the necessary equipment and every health and trait report. You can also get regular updates as the platform, genetic science, and your lifestyle factors evolve.
Your all-in-one insights are only a few steps away — all you need to do is:
Provide your personal information
Order your test kit
Once you get your kit, set aside a few minutes to swab your cheeks and mail the sample to the lab (shipping is free both ways). Your results will be available in your online account within six to eight weeks.
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Featured image source: Ketut Subiyanto