Expand Table of Contents
Quality sleep is essential for cognitive function, productivity, and overall well being. However, if you’re trying to sleep in a noisy environment or just having trouble relaxing and winding down, it can be difficult to get the deep sleep you need. Investing in some good quality headphones that are ideal for sleeping can help block any extra noise and allow you to enjoy some relaxing tunes.
Not just any headphones will do when it comes to sleeping though. Use this guide to learn more about the best sleep headphones.
Since starting Headphone Critics, we've had the chance to test a ton of different headphones, most of them not at all meant to be worn while sleeping. Sleep headphones are unique, so we went out of our way to get our hands on some of the best of them.
According to our tests, the best headphones for sleeping are the Josche Wireless Headphones. These flat, comfy headphones sit flush against your face like a sleep mask. The material is cooling, and the audio quality is better than you'd probably expect from such a unique style of headphones.
7 Best Headphones For Sleeping
Wireless headphones and mask in one that’s ideal for side sleepers. Perfect for blocking out light and listening to music or talking on the phone.
Wirelessly connect to your phone with Bluetooth for cordless listening. The built-in mask for your eyes makes it easy to sleep even in bright environments.
Memory foam mask with built-in headphones and infrared heating. Infrared technology around the eyes helps to promote deeper sleep and enhance the look of your eyes.
Noise-canceling, stay-in-place earbuds with high-quality audio. Easy button control allows you to answer/end phone calls and activate Aware Mode.
Small, low profile earbuds perfect for comfortably sleeping in. Crystal clear sound quality for music or phone conversations.
Designed specifically for sleeping, these earbuds allow you to comfortably sleep in any position with. For the times you don’t want to listen to music, they work great as earplugs.
Over-the-ear earphones with excellent sound quality and secure fit. They’re able to block up to 37 dB of background noise.
Pros
Cons
Summary:
This is a headphone and mask combo perfect for uninterrupted sleep. The headphones feature true HD high fidelity sound quality perfect for listening to music, podcasts, ebooks or talking on the phone. They also have a built-in microphone for hands-free calls and are Bluetooth compatible so you don’t have to worry about getting wrapped up in wires.
When it comes to the perfect mix of comfort and usability, these headphones are a clear winner. The audio quality is much better than we were expecting, and the bluetooth battery life of up to 9 hours means you can wear them all night if you want. These make for a great pair of headphones for traveling too!
Sleep Headphones Wireless, Perytong Bluetooth Sports Headband Headphones with Ultra-Thin HD Stereo Speakers Perfect for Sleeping,Workout,Jogging,Yoga
Pros
Cons
Summary:
These headphones are perfect for cancelling out noise, listening to music. They’re built into a comfy, adjustable eye mask so you can even fall asleep in brightly lit areas - making them great for travel. You can wirelessly connect them to your smartphone via Bluetooth for clear sound without the hassle of wires.
The volume of the speakers can be adjusted using your phone or with the controls located on the mask. The mask itself is very breathable and doesn’t apply a ton of pressure to the head while remaining secure.
Pros
Cons
Summary:
This is another eye mask with built-in headphones. But what it makes it different is the infrared technology that works to keep your eyes looking young. While you wear the mask, the infrared waves warm and soothe the eye area, which helps to increase circulation around the eyes for deeper sleep and less dark circles. It also helps to improve your sleep quality.
The headphones are Bluetooth compatible and have a built-in microphone, so they’re great for talking on the phone, listening to music or just cancelling out some of the noise around you.
Pros
Cons
Summary:
Bose is known for making the highest quality audio and these are no exception. These earbuds feature Active EQ and Triport Technology for clear, lifelike sound quality. The noise-cancelling design allows you to relax with no distractions and the Stay Hear+ keeps them comfy and secure in your ear, making them perfect for sleeping in.
A built-in microphone allows you to make phone calls and can be easily controlled with the convenient, one-touch button.
ADV. Sleeper Earbuds Flexible Silicone Lightweight Compact Earphones – Perfect for Noise Isolation, Sleep, ASMR, Travel, Meditation & Relaxation, Binaural
Pros
Cons
Summary:
These tiny earbuds were built for the ultimate comfort, which is what you want while sleeping. They’re built ultra-lightweight aluminum to prevent soreness and super compact for sleeping in any position.
The sound quality is crisp and clear and can be controlled with the in-line remote. That same remote can also be used to control the microphone for answering and ending phone calls. The silicone tips fit deep in the ear to help cancel out extra ambient sound so you can fully enjoy your music and fall asleep faster.
Pros
Cons
Summary:
Designed especially for sleeping, these little earbuds also double as earplugs for when you just want some peace. They effectively cancel out ambient noise so you can easily relax and get a restful night's sleep. The 5mm microsphere speakers give you clear, high-quality sound for enjoying music and taking phone calls.
These earbuds are built for comfort and stay snug in your ear all night long, even if you're one of the picky side sleepers.
Pros
Cons
Summary:
Listen to music, block ambient noise and talk on the phone with these over-the-ear earphones. Their noise-cancelling capabilities and secure fit make them ideal for sleeping. Although their small, they still give you powerful, clear sound quality.
One of the best things about these earphones is that you can connect them to your devices in several ways including USB-C, Bluetooth, Lightning, and 3.5mm cord. When you choose the use the cord, you’re also able to use the inline remote to control volume and take phone calls.
How To Choose Headphones For Sleeping
You’ll find that there are many different styles and features out there. Determining which ones are best for you will depend on what exactly you’re looking for. Here are some things to consider when choosing:
Comfort
Since you’re looking for headphones specifically for sleeping, comfort is going to play a huge role. Think about how you prefer to sleep. Do you move around a lot or are you pretty still? Questions like these will help you determine what style of headphones will be most comfortable for you.
In general, look for something that isn’t too bulky or too heavy. Since you’ll be wearing them throughout the night, you can become sore and uncomfortable if they’re too big or heavy.
Wireless or Wired
Ideally, you will at least have the option to use them wirelessly. If you’re rolling around you’ll likely end up pulling them out at some point and this can wake you up and disrupt your sleep cycle. It can also be quite dangerous to sleep with wires and become tangled.
Noise Cancelling
Noise cancelling is not only going to help you relax more because you won’t be distracted by outside noise(like a snoring partner!), but it will also help to improve the sound of the audio. The speakers will come through more crisp and clear so that you don’t have to turn up the volume as much, which is much safer for your ears.
Related Content: Best noise canceling earbuds
More Tips to Avoid Nighttime Noise
Generic or Custom Earplugs
If you just blocking out noise is your main goal, simple earplugs are a great option. All you need to do is twist the ends, insert them into your ear and let the expand. If the generic sized ones are uncomfortable for you, you can also find custom molding kits to customize it specifically to your unique ear.
Noise Machines
Noise machines can be very effective. They’re great if there’s a lot of noise outside of your room or home. Often they’ll have different sounds to choose from - like white noise, blue noise, red noise, ocean sounds, water and more.
Using Headphones While Sleeping: Is It Safe?
As with all headphone use, hearing loss is a risk if you’re listening to loud volumes for long periods. If you do choose to listen to music while going to sleep, be sure to set the volume to a moderate to low level. You might even consider setting a sleep timer on the device or app you’re listening to.
Another risk you take is having earwax build up in your ear canal. This is a concern if you use earbuds that block your ear canal opening. Long periods of continued use can lead to an excessive amount of earwax building up and might even require a visit to the doctor.
Finally, strangulation from wires and cords is also a safety hazard. For that reason, try to find headphones will wireless options such as Bluetooth so you can listen and sleep safely.
Conclusion
When shopping for a pair to use while sleeping, consider your sleeping habits, comfort, noise cancellation, and sound quality. It can be really difficult to get good quality deep sleep in loud environments and headphones can be a great help. You’ll fall asleep much faster and won’t be woken up by distracting noises. You’ll be surprised how something as simple as headphones can impact your sleep, which will ultimately improve your life in general.
