Whether it’s shutting out early-morning sunshine, battling a partner over the thermostat or rearranging blankets to find the perfect temperature, the quest for quality sleep can seem never-ending. But the Eight Sleep Pod is designed to change all that, with advanced features like AI-driven temperature control, dual-zone customisation and comprehensive sleep tracking.
This smart mattress cover is part of a growing range of smart beds and sleep accessories designed to revolutionise your shut-eye experience. In fact, since reviewing it earlier this year, Eight Sleep have launched the new Pod 5 in three models, including a blanket for top-to-bottom temperature control and surround sound for a more immersive experience.
Eight Sleep Pod 5 models
- Pod 5 Core: Comes with the signature cover and base for dual cooling and heating, sleep tracking and vibrational and thermal alarms.
- From $4098 to $5098 depending on the size (double, queen, king) and which annual Autopilot app subscription you choose.
- Pod 5 Plus: Includes the same features as the Core, plus the new hydro-powered blanket for more immersive heating and cooling.
- From $5498 to $6098 depending on the size (queen, king) and which annual Autopilot app you choose.
- Pod 5 Ultra: Includes the same features as the Plus, as well as a custom base that allows you to adjust your sleeping elevation and positions.
- From $7998 to $8598 depending on the size (queen, king) and which annual Autopilot app subscription you choose.
With a hefty price tag starting at $3799 (usually $3949) for a double bed size, and a minimum $199 mandatory subscription fee for the first year, you might wonder: can it really live up to the hype? Is it worth the investment, or is it just another overpriced piece of tech?
With those questions in my mind, I tested out the Eight Sleep Pod 4 at home to share my experience in this review. We also dive deep into the Eight Sleep Pod’s features, ease of use, and real-world impact on sleep quality to help you decide if it’s the key to better rest or simply too good to be true.
While some of the newer features weren’t available, Eight Sleep’s signature elements of heating and cooling control, sleep-tracking and vibration and temperature alarms remain.
BHG‘s Eight Sleep Pod 4 review verdict
- Our rating: 8/10
- Why we rated it a (8/10): The Eight Sleep Pod 4’s technology is unlike any sleep device I’ve ever tested, and comparably the best on the market based on technology, engineering and comfort. The system not only tracks your sleep but allows you to optimise it.
It has been a game-changer for my sleep quality and is worth the steep investment for someone who loves wellness, wearables and health optimisation. We didn’t rate it a 10, however, given the upfront cost and subscription fees making it out of the question for many people.
Pros
- Effective temperature regulation for all seasons
- Sleep tracking without the need for wearables
- Dual-zone customisation for couples
- Unique features like vibration and temperature change alarms
Cons
- High initial cost and ongoing subscription fees
- Autopilot (app) is required for the first 12 months
- You may already be tracking some aspects of your sleep through wearables
What is the Eight Sleep Pod 4?
The Eight Sleep Pod 4 is a smart mattress cover (the pod) designed to regulate temperature, track sleep, and optimise sleep quality. It uses liquid-based technology, with heating and cooling regulated through a sleek device known as the ‘hub’, and wifi connected through the app.
How does the Eight Sleep Pod 4 work?
The Eight Sleep comes in two boxes; one for the hub and one for the cover. The mattress cover connects to the hob through flexible and thin tubes. To use all the features of the Eight Sleep Pod 4, you need a subscription to the Autopilot app – which is required for at least the first 12 months of owning the pod. A standard subscription costs $25 AUD per month ($299 billed annually). There is also an ‘Enhanced’ subscription costing $42 per month and giving you the extra benefit of a 5-year warranty.
Key features
- Alarm: The Gentle Rise alarm vibrates a section of the mattress topper and can increase the temperature up to 36°C to ensure you wake up without a noisy alarm.
- Temperature control: One of the key features of the Eight Sleep is temperature control. Unlike a normal cooling mattress topper or heated blanket, the Eight Sleep allows for each side of the mattress to be customised exactly how you like it. (This feature has been a game changer throughout those humid summer nights. I set my side to be around 26°C, and sometimes lower, which gradually increases to 27°C and then 28°C for when you wake up.) As it monitors your sleep, Autopilot can automatically adjust the temperature based on sleep patterns and room conditions to ensure you are at the perfect temp all night long.
- Sleep tracking: Built-in sleep tracking sensors
- App insights: Autopilot is incredibly easy to use and intuitive. It gives you great insights like: time slept, sleep quality (how long you were in REM, Light and Deep sleep), health metrics (heart rate, HRV, breath rate), snoring, routine tracking and sleep latency (i.e. how long it took you to sleep and wake up)
Results from our Eight Sleep Pod 4 test
I set up the Eight Sleep Pod 4 at home, where we slept on it for four weeks. We monitored our sleep quality daily, with the pod set up next to our bedside table.
It was incredibly easy to set up and, while I had help, I think you could also do it solo. We loved the Autopilot app’s step by step guidance on setting up the system, which made the whole process really easy. I also liked that there was minimal plastic used but there was a lot of cardboard for your recycling bin.
In terms of comfort, we found it to be enjoyable to sleep on – you don’t feel any tubing or anything hard on your back. In the first week, I was able to achieve a 100 per cent sleep score over a few days. And that was despite the conditions of the silly season – alcohol, late nights and a hot and humid room.
On the flip side, it also tracked my worst night of sleep, maybe ever, which in the long run is helpful for seeing how different sleeping conditions affect sleep.
How much does the Eight Sleep Pod 4 cost?
The Pod 4 (cover and hub) have standard prices of AUD $3949 for a Double (135 x 190cm), $4349 for a Queen (150 x 200cm) and $4749 for a King (180 x 200cm). But you also need a subscription to Autopilot for the first 12 months (at least). This adds $299 to $399 annually for the standard or enhanced subscription respectively.
So, in total you would pay around $4648 for a Queen sized Pod 4 and a standard Autopilot subscription. That’s more than most people pay for a good mattress, but the engineering and technology of this system sets it apart from most other options. It’s also worth noting there is the option to also buy the Pod 4 Ultra and base, which includes position adjustments to elevate parts of your mattress for even more customised comfort. But we didn’t review that this time around.
Is the Eight Sleep cover worth it?
The Eight Sleep Pod 4 has been nothing short of a game-changer in transforming my sleep quality over the past few weeks. And the data doesn’t lie.
As someone in their 30s, I’ve realised that a good night’s sleep is no longer a luxury; it’s an absolute necessity. Sleep impacts everything—motivation, focus, recovery, and overall energy levels. The Pod 4 has not only made me more conscious of the factors that contribute to high-quality rest but has also helped me achieve consistently impressive sleep fitness scores.
One of the standout features is its dynamic temperature control. It’s a level of personalisation that genuinely feels luxurious; no more fumbling with fans or air conditioners in the middle of the night—the Pod 4 handles it all seamlessly.
Another game-changer has been the actionable insights the system provides. After a chaotic festive season that threw my sleep schedule out the window, I’ve made it a priority to stick to a consistent 9:30 pm bedtime to align with my 5:30 am starts. The Pod 4 not only helps enforce this routine with gentle reminders but also ensures my bed is perfectly set for rest, adjusting temperatures to support my sleep schedule.
In short, the Eight Sleep Pod 4 doesn’t just promise better sleep—it delivers. If you’re ready to take your sleep to the next level, the Pod 4 might just be the investment your body (and mind) will thank you for.
Who is the Eight Sleep Pod 4 suited to?
- Sleep-deprived individuals seeking advanced solutions
- Couples with different sleep temperature preferences
- Tech enthusiasts interested in AI-driven optimisation
Who might skip it?
- Budget-conscious shoppers
- People not interested in sleep tracking and optimisation
Note: This article was updated on 15 May 2025 to include details of the new Eight Sleep Pod 5 in the introduction.
