Is There a Free Version of the RISE App?
It is a common misconception that the RISE app offers a permanently free version. The reality, as confirmed by Rise Science, is that a paid subscription (or a free trial) is required to access the app's core content and features. The app's business model is built around its premium features, which include personalized insights into your sleep debt, circadian rhythm prediction, and a comprehensive library of content designed to improve your sleep and energy.
Unlike other apps that offer a limited 'freemium' tier with reduced functionality, RISE requires a financial commitment after the initial trial period ends. This ensures that users who choose to subscribe receive the full, premium experience, but it also means there is no option for long-term free use of the primary sleep tracking service.
How to Get the RISE Free Trial
For new users, the 7-day free trial is the only way to experience the full app for free. This process requires you to enter your credit card information up front, so it is crucial to understand the auto-renewal process. When you start the trial, you gain full access to all premium features, including sleep debt tracking, energy peak and dip predictions, and personalized sleep hygiene recommendations.
Here is a step-by-step guide to starting your trial:
- Download the RISE app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
- Open the app and follow the onboarding prompts, including answering questions about your sleep habits.
- When prompted for payment details, enter your information to begin the 7-day free trial.
- Crucially, set a reminder to cancel your subscription before the trial period is over to avoid being charged.
How to Cancel Your RISE Free Trial to Avoid Charges
To prevent the free trial from automatically converting into a paid subscription, you must manually cancel it before the 7-day period expires. Deleting the app from your phone or deleting your account will not automatically cancel the subscription.
- For subscriptions started in the app store (Apple/Google):
- Go to your Profile within the RISE app.
- Tap 'Subscription'.
- Select 'Cancel Subscription'.
- Alternatively, manage the subscription directly through your device's app store settings.
- For subscriptions started on the RISE website:
- Your subscription is managed directly through Rise Science and will not appear in your app store settings.
- Follow the in-app instructions or visit the Rise Science support page for specific cancellation steps.
Truly Free RISE App Alternatives
If you are not interested in paying for a subscription, several other apps offer sleep-related features for free. While they may not provide the same level of personalized sleep debt analysis as RISE, they can still be valuable tools.
- Medito: This app is completely free and offers guided meditations and sleep-focused content. It operates on a donation-based model, ensuring full access without any paywalls. It is an excellent choice for users whose primary goal is to relax and wind down before bed.
- Sleep Cycle: This popular sleep tracker has a free version that includes core features like the smart alarm and basic sleep tracking. It uses your phone's microphone or accelerometer to analyze your sleep patterns. While the premium version offers more advanced statistics and content, the free tier is perfectly functional for basic use.
- Pillow: The Pillow app offers a free version with basic sleep analysis and smart alarm functionality. It syncs with Apple Health and provides insights into your sleep sessions. The premium version unlocks advanced features like sound recordings, but you can still get valuable data for free.
- Aura: This app offers a free version with access to a portion of its extensive library of meditations and sleep stories. It is a good option if you want a guided sleep aid without a financial commitment, but its free content is limited.
Comparison of RISE Free Trial vs. Free Alternatives
| Feature | RISE (Free Trial) | Sleep Cycle (Free Version) | Medito (Completely Free) | Aura (Free Version) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subscription Required | Yes (after 7 days) | No (for basic features) | No | No (for limited content) |
| Core Function | Tracks sleep debt & circadian rhythm | Basic sleep tracking & smart alarm | Guided meditation & sleep content | Guided meditation & sleep stories |
| Wearable Integration | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Cancellation Required | Yes | No | No | No |
| Content Library | Extensive (during trial) | Limited | Extensive | Limited |
| Sleep Stages Analysis | No (focuses on debt) | Yes (Premium feature) | No | No |
| Personalized Guidance | Yes (during trial) | Limited | No | No |
Other Apps Named "RISE"
It is important to distinguish the Rise Science sleep tracker from other apps that share the same name, as they offer different services and pricing models. For instance, there is a mindset coaching app called RISE, which offers a free introductory membership. Similarly, Rise People provides a free HR mobile app for employees to access their information. Always check the developer and app store listing to ensure you are downloading the correct application.
Conclusion
The short answer to how to use the RISE app for free is that you can't, permanently. The only official free access is through the 7-day free trial, which requires a credit card and will auto-renew into a paid subscription if not canceled manually. While the trial offers a comprehensive look at the app's premium features, many users will need a long-term, no-cost solution. Fortunately, excellent and genuinely free alternatives exist, such as Medito, Sleep Cycle, and Pillow, which provide valuable sleep tracking and wellness content without any financial obligation. For those determined to use RISE, the key is to be proactive and cancel the trial before the billing cycle begins. For an in-depth review comparing RISE to other sleep apps, check out this helpful article.
