Sleep is one of the most important parts of a healthy lifestyle, yet millions of students and professionals in the U.S. and U.K. struggle with it every night. Stress, screen time, and busy schedules often make it difficult to unwind.
The good news? Technology isn’t only a cause of sleepless nights—it can also be the solution. With the right relaxing sounds apps, you can fall asleep faster, improve sleep quality, and wake up feeling more refreshed. Here are the best relaxing sound apps for better sleep in 2025.
1. Calm
Why it’s popular: Calm is one of the most downloaded wellness apps in the U.S. and U.K. It offers soothing sounds, guided meditations, and even celebrity-narrated sleep stories.
Pros:
- Wide selection of soundscapes and sleep music
- Breathing exercises for relaxation
- Works on both iOS and Android
Cons:
- Limited free features
- Premium subscription required for full access
Best for: Anyone who struggles with insomnia or racing thoughts.
2. Headspace
Why it’s trusted: Known for its meditation sessions, Headspace also provides relaxing sleep sounds and “sleepcasts” designed to help you drift off.
Pros:
- High-quality sleep meditations
- Calming background sounds
- Scientifically backed practices
Cons:
- Free version is limited
- Requires consistency for best results
Best for: Students and professionals looking for both mindfulness and sleep support.
3. Insight Timer
Why it stands out: With over 130,000 free tracks, Insight Timer is one of the largest libraries of relaxing sounds and meditations.
Pros:
- Massive free library
- Sleep music, guided relaxation, and ambient sounds
- Active community with live sessions
Cons:
- So much content can feel overwhelming
- Offline downloads only with premium plan
Best for: Users who want variety without paying.
4. Noisli
Why it’s unique: Noisli allows you to create your own mix of relaxing sounds—like rain, wind, or white noise—perfect for falling asleep.
Pros:
- Customizable sound mixes
- Simple and minimalist interface
- Works offline
Cons:
- Limited free plan
- Smaller library compared to Calm or Headspace
Best for: People who want to personalize their bedtime sound environment.
5. Relax Melodies (BetterSleep)
Why it’s effective: Formerly known as Relax Melodies, BetterSleep is designed specifically to improve sleep through custom soundscapes.
Pros:
- Mix and match over 200 sounds
- Includes guided sleep meditations
- Tracks your sleep patterns
Cons:
- Some features behind paywall
- Requires account setup
Best for: Users looking for tailored sleep sound experiences.
6. Harmonía Sound Therapy
Why it’s different: Harmonía Sound Therapy focuses on therapeutic sound packs based on healing frequencies. Unlike typical apps, it offers downloadable sounds you can use anytime—even offline—without subscriptions.
Pros:
- Curated sound packs for deep sleep and relaxation
- One-time downloads (no recurring costs)
- Combines wellness with high-quality sound therapy
Cons:
- Smaller catalog compared to big apps
- Requires downloading files instead of streaming
Best for: Students and professionals who want high-quality sound therapy without paying monthly fees.
Which Relaxing Sounds App Should You Choose?
- For variety: Insight Timer
- For sleep stories: Calm
- For mindfulness + sleep: Headspace
- For customization: Noisli or BetterSleep
- For sound therapy: Harmonía Sound Therapy
If you’re just starting out, try Calm for premium sleep stories or Harmonía Sound Therapy for a unique, subscription-free approach to relaxation.
Falling asleep doesn’t have to be a struggle. With the right relaxing sounds app, you can calm your mind, reduce stress, and get the deep rest you need.
👉 Try one of these apps tonight and experience the difference better sleep can make in your life.