Casper Adjustable Base Max $2,495: This adjustable bed base can raise your foot or head with a simple remote, has a four-zone massage function, and can put each side in a different position if you have a split mattress. The main problem with the Casper Adjustable Base Max (7/10, WIRED Recommended) is its high price, but you can also get a cheaper basic version.
Sleepme Dock Pro $1,149: Sleepme’s Dock Pro combines a Chilisleep pad for your bed with a big, square water-pump unit that controls temperature and pumps water through pipes in the mattress topper. It works well, but it’s noisier and less comfortable than the Eight Sleep cover above. Insights and automatic temperature control require a Sleepme+ membership, which is pricey ($20/month).
Govee Star Projector $180: I thought I’d like this multi-function sleep gadget that combines a planetarium and Bluetooth speaker, but the projection and sound quality are disappointing and it doesn’t come close to the Sega Toys choice above. It also doubles as colored mood lighting, offers some options in the Govee app, and works with Alexa and Google Assistant, but there are better things out there.
Lofty Clock $150According to WIRED reviewer Nena Farrell, the most interesting feature of the Loftie Clock (7/10, WIRED Review) is the ability to create personalized, AI-generated bedtime stories. She also liked the cute design, beautiful soundscapes, and customizable two-stage alarm, but found it pricey, especially when you add in the Loftie+ membership ($5 per month).
Somnox 2 $599With all the same features as the original but in a more compact package, longer battery life, and an improved speaker, the Somnox 2 (6/10, WIRED review) will lull you to sleep. The addition of Bluetooth streaming (currently iOS only) so you can listen to your own content is nice, but the gadget is just too expensive.
Loop Quiet $28: These are our top picks in our guide to the best earplugs for sleeping. They can reduce noise by up to 27 decibels and are made of comfortable, soft silicone that will stay in place all night long.
MindLax Sleeping Mat $499: This padded mat has built-in speakers that play a quirky mix of soundscapes designed to help you relax. It connects to an app on your smartphone using Bluetooth, and you can feel the sounds vibrate throughout your body. It was comfortable to use, but I didn’t find it had any real effect on how quickly I fell asleep, how long I stayed asleep, or the quality of my sleep compared to just lying down with a regular speaker on. It’s too expensive, the app is basic, and the website makes questionable claims about its features and the science behind it.
Sensate 2 for $349: This strange device resembles a large vibrating pebble that you place on your chest for short periods of relaxation (10-30 minutes). The makers claim that the vibrations stimulate the vagus nerve and improve heart rate variability (HRV). I’m skeptical and it seems insanely expensive for what it does, but the vibrations, guided breathing control, and unique soundscapes are very relaxing.
Ice Cube Cool Pillow $90: A blocky, firm memory foam pillow with cooling material. Only effective for side sleepers, and not comfortable with arms under the pillow. I liked the cooling sensation and it felt pretty cool all night, but I would prefer a softer pillow. I also think it’s too expensive, but my oldest son pinches it and loves it.
Jabees Serenity Sleep Mask, $40: The Bluetooth earphones and sleep mask combo is a clever idea, but the mask was too big for me and the earphones were uncomfortable. Your experience may vary. Sound quality is decent, and you can easily stream music, podcasts, and relaxing sounds to the small earphones. The thick mask blocks light effectively. Relatively inexpensive for a sleep gadget.
$100 SleepPhone: If earphones are uncomfortable or you prefer to sleep on your side, this fleece headband with a small built-in speaker might be the solution. Connect via Bluetooth to stream your favorite music, podcasts, or soothing sounds. The headband is machine washable and is unlikely to leak sound to bother your sleeping partner. On the downside, the control unit moves, making it less comfortable for back sleepers, there’s no battery level indicator, and overall quality is lackluster for the price.
Morphee $100: The lovely clockwork wooden music box design makes it a device you’ll want to have by your bedside. It offers a wide variety of sounds and meditations. The children’s version looks like a very cute wooden radio. Both are expensive and I don’t like the Micro USB port for charging or the 20 minute time limit for the sleep sounds.
Embr Wave 2 for $249: This wrist-worn device helps you deal with sensations of hot or cold. It’s recommended for hot flashes, but it’s also said to help improve your sleep quality. It’s comfortable, but too thick to be worn while sleeping. It didn’t have much of an effect on my quality of sleep.