The Best Sleep Headphones to Help You Get a Good Night's Rest
Some headphones can help you sleep. They make it easier for you to relax and get a good night’s sleep. Some people listen to calm music before bed, while others listen to podcasts.
There are two ways to use headphones to get a good night’s sleep. The best headphones can block out noise and sounds, which is helpful if you have a partner who snores. Alternatively, you can use the best headphones for sleeping to listen to calming music or sounds like ASMR sounds. (you can also try the best ASMR headphones) to help you relax and fall asleep.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of each set of sleep headphones. We will list their pros and cons and explain how to find the right headphones for sleeping.
Quick Picks: The Best Sleep Headphones to Help You Get a Good Night's Rest
Buying Guide: How to Find the Right Headphones for Sleeping
Consider the following factors while selecting the finest headphones for sleeping:
Type of Headphones
There are different types of sleep headphones that you can consider. These include:
- Headband headphones
- Over-the-ear headphones
- On-ear headphones
- In-ear headphones
- Invisible earbuds
The first step in the purchase process is to finalize the type of sleep headphones you want to buy.
Comfort
The second most important factor is comfort. If you feel that traditional headphones such as over-the-ear or on-ear headphones are not comfortable, you are wrong. We’ve included both types of sleep headphones on our list so that you can choose the more comfortable type for you. Even “comfort” is a personal preference.
Some people find invisible earbuds more comfortable, but others find headband headphones more pleased. So it is essential to make a decision that is informed while looking at the comfort provided by different sleep headphones. According to our experts, the DubsLabs Bedphones are the most comfortable headphones for sleeping.
Active Noise Cancelation (ANC)
Do you need headphones to help you sleep better? When looking for headphones, there are a few things to think about. One thing is noise cancelation. It can help you get away from noise or stop other people from hearing your music. Another thing to think about is what type of music you want to listen to. Some people wish for headphones that will completely block out sound, while others just want headphones that cancel out noise. The best noise-canceling Bluetooth headphones for sleeping right now are the Sony WH-1000XM4 Noise-Canceling Headphones.
Connectivity
Do you want to buy headphones to sleep with? Are you wired or wireless? Do you want Bluetooth headphones? Or true wireless earbuds for sleeping?
It is essential to consider your connectivity preference when looking for sleep headphones. You can see this in the list above, where we have different types of sleep headphones. There are wired wireless and true wireless (no wires at all) options.
When buying headphones, there are other things to consider, such as sound quality, durability, bass, and price. However, there are four most important factors: type of headphones, comfort, ANC (active noise cancellation), and connectivity.
Top 10 Headphones for Sleeping Well
1. Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Headphones
If you are looking for a good pair of headphones for deep sleep, the Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Headphones can be significant. They are noise-canceling and very comfortable, perfect for listening to music or podcasts while you relax.
The Bluetooth sleep headphones quickly connect to your device. We did not experience any delay with the sound. You can also personalize your listening experience using the Bose Connect app.
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Headphones have excellent sound quality. They also have three levels of noise cancelation. It means that you can listen to your music without interfering with outside noise. We tested the headphones with ASMR soundscapes and found them very relaxing. They might even help you fall asleep!
These over-ear headphones are comfortable and come with soft cushioning on the ear cups. So, if you fall asleep with the headphones on your head, we bet you won’t wake up again to remove them.
Lastly, the headphones also have some other great features. These include Alexa-enabled voice access, a noise-isolating microphone, and Bose AR. They are currently available in three colors: Black, Silver, and Rose Gold.
Overall, the Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Headphones are very comfortable and practical for helping people fall asleep. They can be worn while sleeping without causing any discomfort.
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Cons
2. Amazon Echo Buds
People usually prefer earbuds for sleeping because they don’t have any wires. Amazon Echo Buds are the best wireless headphones for sleeping.
The earbuds are designed to provide an immersive audio listening experience. They have high-quality drivers that deliver clear, crisp, and dynamic sound. The earbuds are also powered by the Bose Active Noise Reduction Technology, which helps to limit external noises and sounds.
The Echo Buds can be paired with the Alexa to play audiobooks and music, make/receive calls and get directions. Each earbud has three microphones so you can hear us. However, we did experience some problems while using Alexa in a loud environment. The complete Alexa-based experience is hands-free. Using a supported device, you can also access other voice assistants, such as Google Assistant and Siri. Isn’t that exciting?
The earbuds fit in your ear and feel comfortable. They come with three pairs of ear tips to ensure they provide you correctly. If you don’t like in-ear headphones, we suggest you reconsider the Amazon Echo Buds.
Finally, you don’t need to charge the earbuds again and again. With the charging case, you can use them for almost 20 hours. If you are short on time, you can quickly charge them for 15 minutes and enjoy a listening experience for 2 hours without any problems.
Overall, the Amazon Echo Buds are good if you prefer earbuds. They are one of the best invisible earbuds on the market right now. However, they were a bit expensive.
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3. Bose QuietComfort 20 Acoustic Noise-Canceling Headphones
The Bose QuietComfort 20 Acoustic Noise-Canceling Headphones can be suitable for travelers. They have noise-canceling abilities, which we liked. Even though they are wired headphones, we still think they are ideal for travelers.
These headphones are powered by noise-canceling technology from Bose. They’re perfect for plane journeys because they cancel out most of the sound. The best feature of these headphones is the “Aware” mode. You can use the remote to jump in and out of the noise-canceling mode and the Aware mode. The Aware mode lets you hear what’s happening around you when it’s turned on.
The Bose QuietComfort 20 Acoustic Noise-Canceling Headphones are very comfortable in your ears. They have three pairs of StayHear+ tips that fit securely in your ears. So, you can wear them for a long time without any discomfort.
There are two earphones: one for Apple devices and one for Samsung and other Android devices. The Apple-compatible earphones are more expensive than the other type. So, you can pick the type that is compatible with your device.
The sound quality was excellent. The digital-quality sound was clear and dynamic. The in-ear headphones were powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that could provide up to 15 hours of listening on a single charge.
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4. QuietOn Active Noise-Canceling Earbuds
The QuietOn Active Noise-Canceling Earbuds can be a good choice for people who want to block out noise. These earbuds don’t have Bluetooth, so you can’t listen to music with them. But they are award-winning earbuds that are popular in the sleeping headphones space.
The earbuds have excellent noise-canceling functionality. It means they reduce snoring and help you sleep better. They also reduce the noise of a cabin, which is perfect if you often fly. As a result, you’ll be less likely to experience sleep deprivation once you buy these earbuds.
The QuietOn Earbuds are comfortable and durable. They have multiple ear tips to ensure a good fit and reduce noise. We did not experience any discomfort while sleeping with these earbuds. They can be an excellent choice for side sleepers too.
Lastly, we were impressed with the battery life of the earbuds. They can efficiently function for up to 20 hours without any problems, and they don’t have Bluetooth.
Overall, we recommend the QuietOn Active Noise-Canceling Earbuds if you are only interested in sleeping and not listening to music.
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5. AcousticSheep Sleephones Classic
If you use music to help you sleep, the AcousticSheep Sleephones Classic might be a good choice for you. They are fabric headphones that fit comfortably on your head so you can sleep soundly.
The AcousticSheep Sleephones are incredibly comfortable. The headband is made of premium-quality fabric that is breathable and hypoallergenic. It is soft and sweat-resistant. The product is available in two fabrics: Fleece fabric and moisture-wicking Breeze fabric.
The speakers on the headphones are flat and fit well inside the headband. We couldn’t feel them while sleeping with the headband headphones. Even though we tried other comfortable headband headphones, we found that the AcousticSheep Sleephones were the most comfortable headphones for sleeping. They are suitable for any sleep position.
The sleep headband headphones are durable and have a braided cord. They also have a 3.5 mm plug. The inside of the headband is flexible, so you can play, pause, and skip music tracks. The sleep headphones are available in three sizes: small, medium, and large. However, the medium is the most popular size because it fits most people. The headphones are also available in seven colors: Soft Gray, Galaxy Blue, Midnight Black, Pitch Black, Quiet Lavender, Royal Blue, and Sunset Pink.
Overall, the AcousticSheep Sleephones Classic can be an excellent choice for sleeping and traveling. You can also use them while doing meditation and yoga. A family doctor invented the product to help her patients beat insomnia and stress.
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6. AcousticSheep Sleephones Wireless
The AcousticSheep Sleephones Wireless are Bluetooth-enabled headphones that deliver excellent sound quality.
The AcousticSheep Sleephones Wireless can easily connect to your devices from 5 to 10 feet. We didn’t encounter any glitches or delays in terms of sound transmission.
The Bluetooth wireless receiver module is also embedded in the multilayer headband. We couldn’t feel the speakers or the receiver while sleeping with the AcousticSheep Sleephones Wireless.
The Wireless variant is available in three sizes and seven colors. It is more expensive than the Classic variant, but it provides more comfort.
You can buy the AcousticSheep Sleephones Wireless if you find cords annoying. This product allows you to relax and play music without accessing your device.
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7. Dubslabs Bedphones
The Bedphones are headphones designed for a good night’s sleep. They are thin and flat, so they won’t bother you if you sleep on your side.
The audio quality is excellent on these headphones. We did not experience any sound distortion. The headphones deliver clear and dynamic sound. However, these headphones are not noise-canceling, so they will not block out all outside noise.
The Bedphones are one of the thinnest headphones on the market right now. The speakers are embedded inside flat discs that are covered by superior-quality foam. Since they simply sit on your ears, they are comfortable to wear while sleeping.
The headphones will not fall out while changing sides or rolling from one end of the bed to the other. The brand has made ear hooks out of soft, rubber-coated memory wire. You can turn and twist the ear hooks to fit your convenience. You can also wear the cable in the front or back and use the slider to ensure they do well.
Bedphones come in two types- wired and wireless. The wired type has a microphone so you can talk on the phone without having to pick it up and a remote to control your music. The wireless type also has a microphone and a remote. However, it’s not wireless because you still have to plug it into your phone or computer.
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8. CozyPhones Sleep Headphones
The Cozyphones Sleep Headphones are the best headphones for the price on our list. They are perfect for people who are on a budget. You don’t need to be on a budget to buy the Cozyphones Sleep Headphones; they offer great features at an easily affordable price.
The headphones are comfortable to wear while you sleep. They are made of premium-quality fleece, which makes them soft and luxurious. They are durable and lightweight, and the contour shape fits perfectly around the ears to provide an accurate fit. The headphones are available in three colors: Black, Gray, and Violet.
The headphones are thin and well-cushioned, so you don’t experience any discomfort while sleeping. The mesh lining keeps them in place when you’re tossing and turning. They also have a 52-inch braided cord and 3.5 mm plug, which are signs of durability.
The sound quality of the headphones is good. They do not have excellent noise cancelation, but they block out some external noise.
The Cozyphones Sleep Headphones can be used with most Android and iOS devices. You can wear them while you sleep, do yoga, meditate, or work out. When you are not listening to music, you can pull down the headband and use it as a sleep mask.
The Cozyphones Sleep Headphones are a great option if you are looking for comfortable, durable, and affordable headphones. The material is soft and velvety, making them an excellent alternative for those seeking good quality at a reasonable price.
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9. Sony WH-1000XM4 Noise-Canceling Headphones
Many people agree that sleeping with a snorer is a big problem. Snoring can ruin marriages! We have created a separate category of headphones for people who want to sleep without being disturbed by a snorer.
If you are having trouble sleeping because your partner snores, we suggest that you buy the Sony WH-1000XM4 Noise-Canceling Headphones. They are comfortable and robust and provide brilliant noise cancelation.
The Sony WH-1000XM4 Noise-Canceling Headphones have two microphones in each ear cup. It helps to capture any external noise or sound. Then the noise-canceling processor will get rid of the noise. This way, you won’t have to listen to anyone snoring anymore.
The headphones are comfortable for sleeping. The ear cups are cushioned and sweat-resistant. They won’t hurt your ears when you sleep with them on.
The Sony WH-1000XM4 Headphones have excellent audio quality. Audiophiles love them because they are versatile, and the bass is powerful. You will genuinely enjoy ASMR soundscapes on these headphones. The battery life is excellent, and we did not experience any Bluetooth connectivity issues with the headphones.
Overall, the Sony WH-1000XM4 Headphones are an excellent value for the money. You won’t regret buying them. They are suitable for sleeping and for canceling noise. We recommend you buy them without thinking twice.
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10. Little Crowns NYC Premium Kids Headband Headphones
Even though kids don’t need headphones to sleep, sometimes you have to use them. Especially for working moms, it can be hard to put kids to sleep. The Little Crowns NYC Premium Kids Headband Headphones are volume-limiting headphones that have been designed for kids. They don’t have volume adjustment options, but they are perfect for kids.
Cotton and spandex are mixed to make the Little Crowns NYC Premium Kids Headband Headphones. This material is different from other headband headphones because it lets air in and is easy on the skin. The Velcro closure lets you change the size. The headphones have a 3.5 mm plug that works with most devices with that input. You can use the headphones with the best lightning to 3.5 mm jack adapter if you have an Apple device.
The headband headphones have a good sound quality and thin speakers to make them comfortable. We urge parents to buy them if they find it difficult to put their kids to sleep. You can play lullabies to make young kids sleep or audiobooks to entertain the older ones.
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Learn more: How to Make Sleeping Together Suck Less
The Best Sleep Headphones
Sleep headphones can help you sleep better. These headphones help you relax and fall asleep faster. They work by playing calm music that will soothe your mind and help you drift off to sleep.
There is a unique relationship between sounds and sleep. High-pitched noises can cut people’s trips to dreamland short. However, several studies have proven that music can help people sleep.
The good news is that you can get the benefits of noise reduction and relaxing music in one device – sleep headphones.
Sleep headphones help you sleep by blocking out noise and letting you listen to calming music simultaneously.
Sleep headphones are fabulous, but buying them can be difficult. Sleeping headphones can be hard to find. That’s because it’s not natural to sleep with headphones on. Even if you buy headphones designed for sleep, it may take time to get used to them.
Before buying sleep headphones, there are a few things you should consider. The design, build quality, and features are important factors.
KOKOON RELAX SLEEP HEADPHONES
The Kokoon Relax headphones are expensive, but they are worth the price. They contain a lot of qualities that make them a good option for people. One of the best features is the active noise cancellation, which means you can sleep through any noise.
With the Kokoon app, you can track how well you sleep, learn about your sleeping patterns, and relax with various meditative sessions. You can even use the app for stress relief during the day.
It takes some time to get used to the Kokoon Relax Sleep headphones. Those who sleep on their sides may find it uncomfortable unless they have a very soft pillow. But they are still a calming part of your routine for getting a good night’s sleep.
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KOKOON NIGHTBUDS
Kokoon’s Nightbuds are close to perfect. People who sleep on their side will like them. They’re ideal for folks who want to sleep on their sides. And they will stay in place even if you move around a lot at night. However, the silicon ear tips tend to stay in your ears when you remove them. So be careful when taking them out.
The other problem with the audio quality is that it is not very good for listening to music. You can hide the noise with the help of passive noise cancellation. The Nightbirds have sensors that track how you sleep and adjust the volume to match. But it’s not too loud to hear. As a result, these are preferable for utilizing the MyKokoon app or listening to white or pink noise to fall asleep.
They are great for helping you sleep better, but they aren’t as helpful as we’d like. In our review, find out more about the Kokoon Nightbuds. Compare them to the Kokoon Relax Sleep over-ear headphones in our Kokoon Nightbuds vs. Kokoon Relax Sleep headphone showdown.
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SLEEPPHONES EFFORTLESS
The SleepPhones Effortless comes in third place because they are suitable for both side and back sleepers. The headband is thin and comfortable, so you will not notice wearing them.
SleepPhones cost more than some other similar products, but they have some advantages. It is made from hypoallergenic material, and they have Bluetooth connectivity for cable-free convenience. They also come with induction charging base, which can be awkward but is ultimately reasonably practical.
You won’t get tied up in a 3.5mm wire while sleeping. You can charge the headband in the morning by placing it back on its base. Additional characteristics include ten-hour battery life and a ten-meter range. The biggest problem is that you won’t be able to use it as a stand-alone solution. Instead, you’ll have to add it to your meditation or sleep routine.
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QUINTON 3 SLEEP EARBUDS
The QuietOn 3 sleep earbuds are not headphones but fancy earplugs with active noise cancellation. They work very well to block out noise so you can sleep or get some peace.
QuietOn released a new type of noise-canceling headphones in 2015. These are the latest version that will be released in 2022. They fit perfectly in your ear, and they help block out noise from people walking around, televisions turned on, and snoring partners. However, some people may not like that there is no sound when wearing them. If you value peace at any price, these headphones might be worth the investment.
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SLEEPPHONES CLASSIC
If you want a SleepPhones headband that is easy to use, then the SleepPhones Effortless would be good. However, working with a limited budget, the SleepPhones Classic may be better. It is similar to the Effortless model, but it is wired instead of wireless.
So, you’re not getting Bluetooth connectivity or wireless charging, but you are paying much less. You don’t need to worry about the 3.5mm audio cable. It has a flexible cord that is four feet long to let you stay connected to your phone without needing it to be close to you. Unlike Effortless, there aren’t many features here, but that’s not a deal-breaker if you don’t mind wired.
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LCDOLIDA SLEEP EYE MASK WIRELESS HEADPHONES
Unknown brands on Amazon may not be the most trustworthy, but LCDolida’s wireless sleep headphones have received good reviews. They are cheap but surprisingly feature-rich. The headphones have Bluetooth and a battery life of more than 10 hours, and you can adjust a headband and an eye mask that blocks out all light.
These headphones are an excellent way to sleep. They are not too expensive, and they have some fantastic features. The speakers don’t have any padding, which can be uncomfortable. Although the sound quality isn’t excellent, these headphones are a great way to sleep.
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MOONBOW BY DUDSLABS BEDPHONES
If you don’t like wearing headbands, you might want to try ear hook headphones. They are more likely to stay on your head if you get hot when you sleep. The Dudslabs Bedphones are a great choice because they are affordable and come with extras like an eye mask and a bag or pouch for traveling.
The Bedphones have memory wire ear hooks. It helps them to fit the shape of your ears over time. The Bedphones also help relieve tinnitus. They come with a sleep sounds playlist, too. You can choose whether you want the wired or wireless model. The on-ear design allows them lay flat between your ears and your pillow.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Best Sleep Headphones
You damage your ear if you listen to too loud music for an extended period. Most headphones have a volume limit of 85-110 decibels. It is safe to listen to them at this level for up to 8 hours per day.
Although the effect of sleeping in headphones has not been well-studied, experts believe that it is generally safe. It is because headphones usually don’t have a lot of noise, and they are placed on your ears loosely.
You don’t want to get tangled up in cords when you’re sleeping. You also don’t want to turn the volume up too high accidentally. Wireless over-the-ear headphones are a good option because they are more comfortable and won’t block your ear canal.
The AirPods may be pushed against your ear if you sleep on your side. You’ll have a stormy night’s sleep in the best case because it feels uncomfortable. But sometimes, it could stop blood flow to your ears. You might lose them in your bed.
Prolonged use of earphones can wear out the skin inside the ear canal. When this happens, the ear loses its ability to keep water and other fluids from getting in. It can also prevent the ear from producing ear wax, protecting it from microbes.
Do noise-canceling headphones work for snoring? Yes, they do. Noise-canceling headphones are very good at eliminating any outside noises, including snoring. The sound of music can help to cover up the noise, and the headphones have very effective noise-canceling foam.
Almost any type of headphones or earbuds can be comfortable to sleep with. However, suppose you are a side sleeper. In that case, you may have found it difficult to sleep with over-ear headphones and uncomfortable with most earbuds and in-ear headphones.
If the noise-canceling headphones are Bluetooth earphones, they do not have any wires. You can wear them safely when you sleep without worrying about the cables getting tangled up.
These wireless earbuds are slim enough that even side sleepers should find minimal protrusion and pressure when lying against a pillow.
There are health risks associated with sleeping with headphones while listening to music. Studies have shown that this could cause permanent damage, such as hearing loss, skin necrosis, and earwax build-up.
Apple’s Airpods Pro is a good choice for noise-canceling earbuds if you want something that can play music and podcasts. They are smaller and more comfortable to lie on than most of the competition, and the noise cancelation is pretty good.
Noise-canceling headphones can help to block out noise, including snoring. It is done by playing music and having noise-canceling foam.