2024 Smart Sleep Awards: Top Sheets, Pillows, Apps, and Earplugs for Your Best Sleep Ever

1. Oura

While many sleep trackers can feel a bit practical, Oura stands out with its sleek design. In fact, I’ve received compliments from people who mistook it for a stylish ring. Like other trackers, it features a sensor to monitor blood oxygen, heart rate, body temperature, and more. Using the accompanying app (available for both iOS and Android), you can check details like how long you spent in bed, how much time was actually spent sleeping, and the duration of each sleep cycle stage. While it's not a dedicated fitness tracker, Oura can count steps and track your activity during basic workouts as well.

2. Garmin Venu 3S

Usually, when choosing a smartwatch like the Google Pixel or Apple Watch, it must be compatible with your phone, meaning you’re committed to either Team Android or Team iOS. However, the Garmin Venu 3S and its free app work seamlessly with both operating systems. It includes all the essentials like text alerts and exercise tracking, plus the Sleep Coach feature, which calculates your sleep needs based on your last night’s rest, today's activity, naps, and biometrics. “It even helps me unwind before bed with guided breathing exercises,” shares Creative Director Phoebe Flynn Rich.

3. WHOOP

“Whoop is simply a tracker, and I absolutely love it,” says Executive Editor Lisa Freedman. Unlike smartwatches, you won’t receive notifications on your wrist. The device is just a fabric band with a sensor that transmits data to an app (available for iOS and Android), where you can view details such as how long you slept and whether those hours were restorative. While Whoop is aimed at fitness enthusiasts (it urges you to “strain” and suggests ideal bed and wake times to optimize your workouts), even our less active team members found it valuable, as it motivated them to walk a bit more each day.

4. Calm

Calm (iOS and Android) is a comprehensive app offering activities to guide you into a peaceful sleep. Engage in deep-breathing exercises, explore relaxation sessions led by Jay Shetty, or enjoy bedtime stories narrated by celebrities. (Who wouldn’t want to drift off to the soothing voices of Idris Elba or Jennifer Garner?) You can also monitor your sleep directly in the app, alongside tracking your pre-bedtime habits. “Filling out the daily questionnaire each morning helped me identify which habits were working and which ones weren’t,” says Lisa.

5. Soundcore Sleep A10

These are earplugs, a sound machine, and a sleep tracker—all rolled into one incredible device! Pair the Soundcore Sleep A10 with the free app (iOS and Android), select your preferred sound—whether it’s white noise, rain, or soothing instrumental music—and track your sleep data. “I keep checking to see if my snoring husband is still in bed!” says one tester, who wished to remain anonymous to avoid upsetting the snorer.

6. Loop Quiet

“To my surprise, these block out just as much sound as my pricey noise-canceling headphones,” says Senior Home Editor Leslie Corona. That’s high praise for a simple pair of silicone earplugs with no fancy features. (Other testers had similar feedback!) Soft and flexible, the Loop Earplugs come with four different tip sizes, so you can choose the one that fits your ears most comfortably.

7. Portal

The charm of Portal is in its simplicity. Open the app (iOS only) and choose whether you want to improve focus, prepare for bed, or simply take a mental break. For instance, selecting “Sleep” will transport you to a Brazilian rainforest with the sound of distant thunder and a calming video of rain softly falling on leaves. “For a moment, I forgot I was in noisy New York City,” says Senior Editor Keydra Manns. Testers also appreciated that the app can sync with smart bulbs, like Nanoleaf, to enhance the atmosphere.

8. Thuma Linen Sheet Set

It’s a fact: Poor-quality linen sheets can feel unbearably scratchy. These, however, are fantastic. Our testers universally agreed that the sheets felt soft and lived-in (in the best possible way) right from the start. After washing, they became even softer. “The quality is outstanding, and I can say that after years of trying out linen sheets,” says Senior Home Editor Hannah Baker. These Thuma sheets are a perfect year-round choice, particularly for those who tend to run warm and need something light and breathable against their skin. Available in three versatile neutral shades.

9. Slumbercloud Performance Sheet Set

High-end resorts are known for their luxurious bedding, and you can bring that same indulgence into your home with these viscose-lyocell sheets our team couldn’t stop raving about. Contributing Senior Research Editor Maya Kukes shares, “I adore them so much that one night, I swapped my sheets just to put these back on—even though it was 11 p.m. That’s how badly I wanted to sleep on them!”

10. Manta Sleep Mask

To ensure an undisturbed night’s rest, experts suggest blocking out as much light as possible. Enter this blackout mask. Editor in Chief Lauren Iannotti, a light sleeper who tends to wake up with the first rays of sunlight, swears by this ultra-comfortable, adjustable mask that feels weightless against her eyes. “It does exactly what it promises,” she says. “I’ve been sleeping so well—even after having too much red wine!”

11. Puredown Ultra Lightweight Down Blanket

Snuggling up with a comforter is an indulgence everyone deserves—even those who tend to get warm during the night. This all-season blanket from Puredown strikes the perfect balance. Testers were impressed, commenting that it’s light enough to prevent overheating, yet cozy enough for the colder months. “I’m keeping this on my bed year-round,” says Editorial Production Director Filomena Guzzardi.

12. Purple Harmony

“This is the ultimate pillow,” says Managing Editor Tara Cox. What makes it so perfect? The perfect balance between cushion and support. If a pillow is too soft, you risk waking up with a stiff neck; too firm, and it feels like you’re resting on a rock. This pillow strikes the ideal middle ground. “It’s not too firm, it has just the right amount of softness, and it still provides support,” Tara explains. The added bonus? It’s designed to keep you cool all night. A ventilated latex core sits beneath Purple's unique honeycomb GelFlex grid to promote airflow, and the cover is crafted from moisture-wicking, breathable material. Choose from low, medium, or tall heights, each suited for different sleeping positions.

13. Sensate

There’s been a lot of talk in the mental health community about the vagus nerve. If you're not familiar, it’s a part of the nervous system that connects the brain and the gut. New studies suggest that stimulating it can help reduce stress and promote calmness. Enter this pebble-shaped device from Sensate, which rests on your chest and delivers gentle vibrations. Paired with the app (available for iOS and Android), you can control the intensity of the vibrations and play soothing background music. (The basic app is free, but for $50 a year, you can upgrade to Sensate Plus for more tracks.) As someone who tends to fidget during meditation, I was surprised that my eyes became heavy within minutes of using it.

14. Sleep Number True Temp Blanket

“I loved the lightness, the crisp comforter feel, and how it was large enough to cover the sides of my king-sized bed,” says Features Director Amy Maclin, praising this excellent alternative to traditional feather-filled comforters. Some testers even layered another blanket on top during particularly cold nights—and reported no sweating or chills. We also appreciate Sleep Number’s generous return policy: If you're not satisfied with their bedding after 100 nights, you can return or exchange it without hassle. No sweat!