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Eight Sleep isn’t just a fancy piece of sleep tech; it literally lets you control the climate of your sleep surface, automates the temperature based on your body’s biometric data throughout the night, and even tracks all the most important aspects of your health while you’re asleep.
(To learn more, read our full review of the Eight Sleep Pod 4.)
Bed air conditioners are nothing new, and the Eight Sleep company’s latest iteration of the Pod is by far the most advanced yet.
But is it truly worth the cost of the upgrade? That’s what we’re going to find out.
Key Differences Between the Eight Sleep Pod 4 and 5
| Compare | Pod 4 | Pod 5 Core | Pod 5 Ultra |
| Base Price (Queen) | $2,649 | $3,049 | $5,049 |
| Available Sizes | Full–Cali King | Full–Cali King | Queen–Cali King |
| Dual Zone Control | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Sleep Tracking | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Vibration/Thermal Alarm | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Newest Technology | No | Yes | Yes |
| Sound Alarm | No | No | Yes |
| Adjustable Base | No | No | Included |
| Snoring Mitigation | No | No | Yes |
| Surround Sound | No | No | Yes |
| Available Add-Ons | Pod Pillow Cover, Adjustable Base | Blanket, Pod Pillow Cover, Adjustable Base | Blanket, Pod Pillow Cover |
The Eight Sleep Pod has come a long way since its first iteration in 2019, and it seems like every new version is only further improving on not only the technology that runs the system, but the features that you didn’t know you needed until they were implemented.
We’ll take a closer look at what both versions of the Pod offer, the upgraded features you’ll get with the Pod 5 models, and which one is the best overall for your needs.
Features: The Eight Sleep Pod 4 and 5 Both Offer
The Eight Sleep Pod provides dual-zone temperature control across the entire surface of your existing mattress so you (and your sleep partner) can make it as cool or warm as you need. Both versions of the Pod use Eight Sleep’s proprietary Autopilot app to self-adjust the temperature throughout the night, based on your biometric data as you’re sleeping and the ambient temperature in the room.
Every morning, you’ll receive a sleep score and all the vital data relating to your rest, so you can see exactly how much sleep you got, how much time you were in each sleep cycle, what your heart rate and breath rates were, and even how much you were snoring.
All that data gives you deeper insight into what’s going on with your body overnight, and the longer you use the Eight Sleep, the better Autopilot works, which means your sleep only improves with time.
The Pod 4 and 5 provide an alarm that wakes you gently by incorporating subtle vibrations alongside a slowly warming bed surface, which signals to your body that it’s time to wake up.
Both versions of the Eight Sleep Pod cover will maintain the feel of your existing mattress, which is something I personally appreciate a lot because I love my memory foam mattress. It feels the same way it always did, only cooler (or warmer) based on how I have my temperature set.
The Eight Sleep Pod 4 and Pod 5 include a mattress cover (Full through California King size) and the hub, which is the computer-like device that controls the entire setup. Warranties on both range from two to five years, based on the Autopilot plan you choose, and both offer a 30-night sleep trial.
If you need temperature control on the surface of your pillow, the Pod Pillow Cover is compatible with any version of the Eight Sleep (including the Pod 4 and Pod 5). It comes with its own hub, but must work in conjunction with any existing Eight Sleep Pod.
And while one of the models we’ll explore next includes the adjustable base, it can be purchased separately (for Queen through Cali King sizes) and is compatible with the Eight Sleep Pod 4.
(Note: The Eight Sleep Adjustable Base is not compatible with the Pod 3 or earlier versions.)
Upgraded Features You’ll Only Get With The Pod 5
Both versions of the Pod 5 (Core and Ultra) run on the most recent Eight Sleep technology, while the Pod 4 does not. But the Pod 5 Ultra offers a lot more functionality, and it’s the most advanced version of the Eight Sleep yet.
Adjustable Zero Gravity Positioning
This model not only comes with a mattress cover and hub, but a base that provides adjustable elevation. If you’ve ever seen an adjustable bed in action, that’s exactly what you’ll get with the Pod 5 Ultra, which works with your existing mattress to offer back pressure relief and the ultimate comfort.
When you need to, you can sleep in a zero-gravity position that removes pressure from your back and joints.
The base (as it comes) does not technically replace your existing bed frame, rather it fits over it. That said, the Pod 5 Ultra base has an optional leg kit available if you’d prefer to use it as a complete bed frame.
Minimize Snoring
Because the base is adjustable, the Pod 5 Ultra has built-in snoring mitigation, which gently elevates the head-end of the bed when snoring is detected to help keep both you and your partner asleep during the night. This is another feature that’s powered by Autopilot, so you’re never aware it’s happening, at least until morning arrives and you see the sleep data from the previous night.
The Sound of Good Sleep
Another particularly awesome upgrade with the Pod 5 Ultra is the surround sound integration, which provides a library of soundscapes that mask ambient noise while lowering heart rate and supporting deeper sleep cycles.
It also includes Non-Sleep Deep Rest (NSDR) sounds developed by Dr. Andrew Huberman to promote body and brain recovery, as well as an optional wake-up audio that works alongside the vibration and thermal alarm, if you use that.
The surround sound that’s built into the Pod 5 Ultra is designed for sleep, so it will not pair with other devices to play music or other types of audio. It only plays content from the Eight Sleep library.
Fully Immersive Climate
The Pod 5, which uses the most recent Eight Sleep technology, works with the optional blanket, which is perfect when you’re looking for fully immersive temperature control.
Available in queen through California King sizes, the Eight Sleep Blanket lets you enjoy the feel of your bed climate above your body, working in perfect harmony with the Pod mattress cover. It syncs to match the temperature on both sides of the bed, automatically, creating a much more immersive climate experience for you and your sleep partner.
A duvet cover is available for the Eight Sleep blanket, too.
Which Version of The Eight Sleep Pod Is the Best?
So it’s pretty clear at this point that the fifth generation of the Eight Sleep Pod is the “best” in terms of functionality and upgrades it offers over previous versions, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best choice for you.
If you’re trying to decide between the Pod 4 or Pod 5 right now, you should closely consider the features you want or need, and of course, your budget.
The Eight Sleep Pod 4 is Best if You:
- Are working with a tighter budget (models range from $2,449/Full to $2,849/Cali King).
- Need climate control (single or dual) for your entire sleep surface without changing the way your mattress feels.
- Want insightful sleep tracking and data.
- Don’t care about having the “latest and greatest” version of the Pod.
- May want the adjustable base or Pod Pillow Cover later on.
The Eight Sleep Pod 5 is Best if You:
- Have a larger budget (models range from $2,849/Full to $3,249/Cali King).
- Need the same type of full-surface climate control for mattress, along with the sleep tracking and data provided by the Eight Sleep App.
- Want the latest iteration of the technology and software.
- Plan to (or think you might) get the Eight Sleep Blanket at some point, as it’s only compatible with the Pod 5 Core or Ultra.
- May want to get the optional pillow cover or adjustable base separately in the future.
The Eight Sleep Pod 5 Ultra is Best if You:
- Aren’t worried about the budget (models range from $5,049/Queen to $5,249/Cali King).
- Want the climate control, sleep tracking, and latest iteration of the Eight Sleep software and technology the Pod 5 Core has, and might plan to get the Eight Sleep Blanket for a more immersive climate experience.
- Want to turn your existing mattress into an adjustable bed.
- Need zero gravity positioning to relieve body pain or joint pressure.
- Experience snoring (either yours or your partner’s) and you’re looking for something that will help manage it automatically each night.
- Have trouble sleeping because of ambient noise, either in the house or outside in the city, and find it easier to fall asleep (or stay asleep) with soundscapes in the background.
The Eight Sleep Pod 5 Ultra offers the most functionality compared to the Pod 4 or Pod 5 Core, so the best model is really going to come down to what you need for your best night of sleep.
Luckily, there are a few ways to get your hands on one.
The Eight Sleep Pod 5 models (Core or Ultra) are available for rent, month-to-month, and the rental fee includes the Autopilot subscription and an ongoing warranty for the term of your rental. (Unfortunately, earlier iterations of the Pod are no longer available for rental.)
If you’d rather purchase an Eight Sleep system, you have the option to buy it outright, finance it over 36 months through Affirm, or pay using HSA or FSA funds if you have either of those at your disposal.
And of course, any Eight Sleep purchase can be returned within 30 days of delivery.
Closing Thoughts
The Eight Sleep Pod 4 was impressive enough on its own, and although the Pod 5 Core and Ultra outshine the previous model, whether the upgrade is “worth it” really comes down to what you need, want, and can afford.
Whether you already have an Eight Sleep Pod and you’re thinking about an upgrade, or you’re brand new to the product and trying to decide which model to purchase, hopefully, all of this information has helped you to figure out which one makes the most sense for you.
Although it’s older, the Pod 4 is still a great option when you need smart sleep features and don’t need the very latest model, but the Pod 5 Core and Ultra both step things up a notch. Neither one is a “bad” pick, so when you choose, you can’t go wrong with the one that fits your sleep and budget the best.