If you’re anything like us, you struggle to sleep with the faintest of sounds at night. A creaky floor, a single bark, or basically any background noise interrupts your precious sleep. Recently, we stumbled upon purpose-built headphones for sleeping while doing some research on snoring. We tested many duds before finding a few pairs that worked okay. We did even more testing and landed on what would be described as the best headphones for sleeping – the difference was night and day.
Runner Up
Dublabs Bedphones
Winner
Bose Sleepbuds™ II
Runner Up
AcousticSheep SleepPhones
To be fair, what one considers the best headphones for sleeping is subjective. Every individual has different shaped ears, noise tolerance, and levels of comfort. With this in mind, our aim today is to highlight not 1 but 4 pairs of sleep headphones. These headphones meet functional requirements while having features varied enough to satisfy individual preferences.
Best Headphones for Sleeping
- Best Headphones for Sleeping – Bose Sleepbuds™ II »
- Best Ear Muffs for Sleeping – Dublabs Bedphones »
- Most Comfortable Headphones for Sleeping – AcousticSheep SleepPhones »
- Most Affordable Sleep Headphones – CozyPhones »
How to Choose the Best Headphones for Sleeping
A great pair of sleep headphones should be comfortable enough to use throughout the night while doing its job of shutting out ambient noise. Sounds like a simple requirement, but there are lots more to it. To pick a pair that’s right for you, ask yourself these 4 questions:
How do you sleep at night?
Are you a back, side, or stomach sleeper? Sleep position plays a huge role in determining the style of headphones for you.
Will you be using it all night?
You may require a pair of sleep headphones with long battery life if you plan to use them throughout your sleep.
What’s your level of comfort?
Are you more comfortable with headphones that sit over your ear as opposed to earbuds that fit in the ear canal?
What’s your budget?
They come with various features and prices but the best headphones for sleeping should not burn a hole in your pocket.
Top 4 Sleep Headphones Compared
| Brand | Type | Ear Tip or Ear Muff Material | Wired or Wireless? | How Long Does It Stay Charged? | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Bose Sleepbuds™ II | In-Ear | Silicone ear tips | Wireless. Bluetooth enabled. | 10-hour battery life | |
 Dublabs Bedphones | Over-the-Ear | Soft foam earcups, rubber-coated ear hooks | Choose wired or wireless options | 13+ hrs battery life | |
 AcousticSheep SleepPhones | Over-the-Ear | Fleece headband | Choose wired or wireless options | Up to 12 hours of battery | |
 CozyPhones | Over-the-Ear | Fleece headband | Wired | No battery |
Best Headphones For Sleeping Reviewed
1. Best Headphones for Sleeping – Bose Sleepbuds™ II
Bose Sleepbuds™ II
Bose Sleepbuds fit any sleeping position with flexible ear tips and deliver relaxing noise-masking sounds all night long. Clinically proven to help you fall asleep faster, with the help of an app with a vast sound library, personal alarm, and long battery life.
Highlights:
- Noise isolation, BlueTooth compatible headphones
- Storage case doubles up as a charger
- 3 sizes of ear tips and pliable fins that fit in the ear
- Comes with a companion app with 40 different soundscapes
Bose Sleepbuds™ are top-tier in-ear wireless earbuds for sleeping. Their noise-masking technology prevents traffic, snoring, or conversation noises from reaching your ear, while the design itself acts as a passive noise blocker. Silicone ear tips come in three sizes, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit, even if you toss and turn during the night.
The simple app offers you an extensive choice of soundscapes to help you fall asleep faster. With a 10-hour battery life and an aluminum case with three full charges, you can charge them on the go. Bose Sleepbuds™ are BlueTooth compatible and works with iOS and Android devices.
Pros and Cons of the Bose Sleepbuds™ II:
Pros
- Firm seal around the ear canal makes for solid passive noise blocking. Coupled with soundscapes from the app, it eliminates most if not all background noise.
- Bose is a trustworthy and reliable manufacturer of audio equipment.
- Soft silicone ear tips are comfy and pliable in-ear fins help them stay put throughout the night.
- 90-day trial period.
Cons
- The Bose Sleepbuds™ comes at a high cost. If you’re undecided, take advantage of the 90-day trial.
- The fins took a few days to get used to.
Bose knows their way around sound, so it’s natural they came up with the best wireless headphones for sleeping. And with a 90-day trial, it’s convenient to check them out!
2. Best Ear Muffs for Sleeping – Dublabs Bedphones
Dublabs Bedphones
Dublabs Bedphones are the smallest, most convenient ear muffs for sleeping. Made with a soft foam cover and memory wire, they fit comfortably over the ear in any sleeping position. The sound quality is outstanding, and adjustments are easy with the built-in remote control.
Highlights:
- Passive noise blocking for situational awareness
- Soft foam ear covers and rubber-coated ear hooks
- Inline microphone included
- USB rechargeable battery
Dublabs Bedphones are an excellent choice for those who prefer over-the-ear sleeping headphones. Designed to fit any sleeping position-even side sleepers, since they lay flat on the ear and don’t cause any pressure. The rubber-coated memory wire helps secure them in place, with minimal shifting during your sleep. With a 13-hours life battery, they got you covered the entire night. Dublabs Bedphones are proven to be especially helpful in users with tinnitus.
The inline microphone and remote make them fabulous day headphones too. The earmuffs for sleeping come in a wired or wireless version. The only downside is some users have reported durability problems.
Pros and Cons of the Dublabs Bedphones:
Pros
- Thinly designed earmuffs designed to lay flat. Decent for side sleeping.
- Good sound quality. Can be doubled up as an everyday pair of headphones.
- Long-lasting battery. No concerns about it dying overnight.
- 30-day return policy.
Cons
- They shift around a bit through the night so if you’re a combination sleeper, this might not be ideal.
- Concerns about durability.
Get your hands on a versatile pair of earphones perfect for sleeping, working out, or traveling. If you’re dissatisfied, you get a full refund in the first 30 days!
3. Most Comfortable Headphones for Sleeping – AcousticSheep SleepPhones
AcousticSheep SleepPhones
AcousticSheep SleepPhones are classic sleep headphones fitted in a headband for the ultimate hands-free experience. Featuring two headband materials to choose from, lead-free electronics and BlueTooth control. Eliminates ambient, conversation, and traffic noise up to 12-hours at a time.
Highlights:
- BlueTooth compatible noise-blocking headphones
- USB rechargeable battery
- 3 headband sizes
- Lead-free speakers
AcousticSheep SleepPhones are one of a kind, awarded sleep headband headphones that come in three different sizes. You can choose a Fleece headband for a soft, warm, and luxurious feel or a Breeze headband, which is moisture-wicking and suitable for hot sleepers. Maintenance is simple, the speakers are removable, and the headband is machine washable.
These sleeping headphones are BlueTooth compatible, the connection is simple, and you can distance yourself 15 to 30 feet from your device. They don’t cause any pressure or rubbing on your ear. The battery lasts up to 12-hours at a time, so you’re covered the whole night.
Pros and Cons of the AcousticSheep SleepPhones:
Pros
- Better than expected sound quality.
- Rechargeable battery lasts 10+ hours which is more than adequate to last the night.
- If you’ve concerns about sleeping warm, you can choose the ‘Breeze’ headband. It’s made to be moisture-wicking.
- Pretty comfortable pair of headphones overall.
Cons
- High price point puts it out of reach for some.
- Speakers tend to shift around. You may need to reposition it a few times.
More than 1 million people sleep better thanks to the AcousticSheep SleepPhones. They’re innovative, created by a doctor to present you with uninterrupted rest or block out a noisy surrounding.
4. Most Affordable Sleep Headphones – CozyPhones
CozyPhones
CozyPhones sleep headphones are wired headband headphones with a cool mesh lining and contoured design that keeps them in place. They’re lightweight, with adjustable speakers and a durable 52-inches cord. Keep up is simple; just throw the headband in the washer.
Highlights:
- Wired headphones compatible with most phones with audio jack
- Cord is double braided for durability
- Machine washable headband
- Cool mesh lining wicks away any heat
If you’re not keen on investing in pricier sleep headband headphones, the CozyPhones are a great option. They’re remarkably durable, comfortable, and easy to keep up. The cool mesh lining eliminates the chances of sweating during the night, making them great for hot sleepers. Ultra-thin speakers make the headband lightweight and won’t cause any pressure on your outer ear.
The CozyPhones sleep headphones are connected to your device by a stereo plug. Unfortunately, the headband comes in one size and one material only, so it might not be as comfortable for hotter months or might not fit your head perfectly.
Pros and Cons of the CozyPhones:
Pros
- Highly affordable pair of headphones.
- The speakers pop out so you can wash the headband.
- Audio quality is sharp and well-balanced. Decent value for the price.
- Speakers are about ⅛ inches thick – a bonus feature for side sleepers.
Cons
- Only comes in one size. The headband may not fit everyone.
- Fleece headband may be too hot over the summer months.
You don’t have to pay a hefty price for fabulous headphones. The CozyPhones sleeping headphones come with exceptional features at an amazingly affordable price!
Choosing the Best Headphones for Sleeping
How do you sleep at night?
Will you be using it all night?
It’s easy to damage your headphones during your sleep, so avoid those with delicate elements or low-quality plastic. Headphones’ material needs to be comfortable and high quality so you won’t have to replace them sooner rather than later.
What’s your level of comfort?
The headphones’ design can make them or break them, so brands keep on improving each model. Breathable, durable, and lightweight materials are used in producing the ear cups. More brands offer cushioned headbands and earcups instead of bare plastic.
What’s your budget?
The best headphones for sleeping don’t have to break the bank; there are pretty great budget options. But if you plan on using them daily, consider a more significant investment. Pricier models from reputable brands come with an extended warranty that has you covered for the first couple of years. You can try them before you buy them since many offer up to a 90-days free trial period.
FAQ
Is It Bad To Sleep With Headphones On?
Sleeping with headphones is safe overall with the exception of two situations. Listening to a high volume sound for an extended time can damage your hearing. If using the headphones all night your sound volume must be under 85 dB. Children and toddlers are not encouraged to use headphones for sleeping. Wired headphones can get tangled around them during the night; while earbuds themselves represent a choking hazard.
What Are The Best Headphones For Sleeping?
The best overall are Bose Sleepbuds™ II. Designed to suit any sleeping position, stay in place, and block out noise. They also come with relaxation programs and a wake-up alarm function, eliminating the need for an alarm clock or a white noise machine. However, you should choose the best headphones for sleeping, led by your preferences. Consider our four purchase criteria and decide on a model that best suits your needs. And if you need to level-up, noise cancelling headphones for sleeping might just be your thing.