In this modern era, as the population in cities increases, so does the noise it brings. For some, it can be quite challenging to fall asleep with all the noise coming from the streets. From construction sites to the daily flurry of activities, the noise can seem inescapable and so the invention of sleep headphones comes in handy. This device fits those who have trouble sleeping at night or even those who travel frequently or those who prefer sleep music before bed.
Best Overall Sleep Headphone
(Sleepnowmore's #1 Choice)
- Noise Cancelling Technology
- 4-button remote for good accessibility
- Active EQ and Triport Technology for clear sound
There are a lot of benefits that come with sleeping with headphones on. This is why sleep headphones are getting more and more traction from different companies. Each brand is competing in the market to attract the most buyers. Now, there are even various types of sleep headphones, as well as numerous additional features. Choosing the right one can get overwhelming, and so here is a helpful guide for you.
Among all brands available online, these are the top 10 best sleep headphones:
Best Headphones and Earbuds for Good Sleeping
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Best Sleep Headphones - 10 Sleep Headphones Reviewed
#1. Bose QuietComfort 20 Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones
If you do not mind splurging, then these earbuds may be the one for you. These earbuds give you the option to block out all sounds completely or to hear a little bit of background noise. This is the first in-ear noise cancelling headphones from Bose, but its optional noise cancelling feature is not the only perk to this device.
It has three earbud sizes and comes with a carrying case. This is also compatible with both apple and android devices. Its battery life can last up to 16 hours of playing time with every charge, and there is a light function that indicates the battery’s power status.
Some earbuds can be uncomfortable because they can dig in your ears. But you do not have to worry about that when using this product because of the flexibility and softness of its inner ear tips.
Its StayHear+ tips also physically block out the noise with the help of its Acoustic Noise Cancelling technology; the latter sucks in the remaining noise so you will be able to enjoy the quiet even amidst noisy environments.Lastly, this product can make your life convenient because of its controls.
It has a slider switch on the control module so you can turn the noise cancelling feature on or off. Moreover, the inline microphone or remote provides the Aware mode and call answer/end buttons. This 4-button remote provides accessibility to volume and music control as well as to voice-recognition apps.
For further details about Bose QuietComfort 20 Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones, check this YouTube Video.
#2. AcousticSheep SleepPhones Classic Sleep Headphones
Yes, headbands can now be turned into headphones as well. This product is deemed to be the best among headband sleep headphones. Among its benefits is the level of comfort it brings due to its soft material and wireless feature.
These headphones come in three sizes (small, medium, and large), two types of fabric (fleece and breeze), and six different colors (midnight black, pitch black, quiet lavender, royal blue, soft gray, and sunset pink). The fleece fabric is for those who prefer theirs to be warm and soft, while the breeze fabric is for those who run a little bit hot at night.
Some of its key features are the following: impeccable sound quality, long-lasting battery, great range, and easy to navigate controls. You may control your product using your Bluetooth-enabled devices, and you can go as far as 10 meters or 30 feet and still be able to control your product.
Its battery life lasts up until 3 days before it needs to be recharged, but if you want to maximize your battery life, you may place your smartphone on a sleep timer so the device will shut itself off while you are already sound asleep.
#3. CozyPhones Contour Series Sleep Headphones
Similar with AcousticSheep SleepPhones, this brand is founded by a person who also has trouble sleeping at night. This product, however, is more affordable than the previous one. There is also no need to worry about its battery life because this is a wired pair of headphones.
It has a 52-inch cord, and so it is long enough for you to place your smartphone anywhere around you in bed. Its cord also has a braided cable so you do not need to fret about it getting tangled. The speakers on the headband can be removed so the fabric is washable.
At first, this only came with a fleece material, but now there are numerous designs available, even for children. The company responds well to the demands of its customers, and it has launched countless other types of sleep headphones ever since its first product with the fleece material.
The kid’s collection of the brand comes with different designs for both boys and girls. They have unicorns, kittens, pirates, pandas, frogs, bunnies, and even a Sesame Street collection which includes some of its notable characters like Elmo, the Cookie Monster, and Abby Cadabby.
It is clear that the brand’s goal is to make this interesting for children. There are some headphones that are not suitable for young children, and so their line of products for kids are helpful for those youngsters who have trouble sleeping at night. But there are numerous designs for adults too, and there is even one specifically catered for active people.
So, if you are looking for the perfect headphones to use while exercising, then this is the perfect pair for you. The active design is made out of Lycra, which is the type of fabric used for making sports equipment. It is breathable and absorbs moisture faster.
#4. Panasonic- Rp-hs46e-k Slim Clip On Earphone
This product is deemed to be an affordable clip-on headphone. It is suitable for those who do not want to place their headphones inside their ears. Because of its ear hook, you may adjust it accordingly so it can fit comfortably behind your ear. This is a pair of headphones that everyone can afford.
It is one of the most comfortable headphones because of its separate earpieces. The earpieces themselves are slim and compact, so there is no added pressure or weight on your ears. Since this product is also lightweight, it can be a companion for travelling as well.
For those who work in corporate settings, this may be the most ideal headphones. If you want to take a nap in-between your work, but still want to be able to hear your boss, then this is the perfect pair for you. It also looks like a professional pair of headphones, which will go well inside the office.
#5. MAXROCK Sleep Earplugs
This is considered to be the most versatile sleep headphone. Its design is soft and lightweight, so you will not even be able to feel them plugged into your ears. Because of its silicone material, this pair of earplugs is comfortable to wear even for 24 hours.
Its in-ear noise isolating design is effective when it comes to drowning out any background noise. It also has a microphone installed so you may answer your phone calls while using the earplugs. Considering its price, it has both quality and affordability. This is perfect for travelers, especially for those who have long hours of waiting.
#6. Amazfit PowerBuds True Wireless Earbuds
This pair of wireless earbuds is made for the needs of sleepers. It weighs only 1.78 grams per earbuds, and its compact form is designed to prevent the earbuds from falling out of your ears. If you want to feel like you are relaxing in the middle of a forest, or somewhere with a strong presence of nature, then this product is for you.
This may not be designed for you to play your own music, but its library of built-in relaxing sounds should make up for it. It has numerous tracks that are in tune with nature, relaxation, and meditation. For those who are interested in yoga and meditation, this product also has guided breathing programs so a night of peaceful sleep is guaranteed.
One of its key features is it is able to identify when you have fallen asleep, so it will shut off by itself immediately. This is helpful for your battery life so you will not waste any while you are already sound asleep. But even without this feature, the battery life of this product can last up until 12 hours before you need to charge it again.
Another key feature is it has built-in sensors that can monitor not only your sleep position, but also your sleep quality and heart-rate throughout the night. It has a companion app where you can track all your records; this is very much beneficial for your health as well and can help you identify what your mind and body may be struggling with.
And since you have had a peaceful night of sleep, the device also comes with a built-in alarm function. It will wake you up without disturbing those who may be in the same room as you. So, if you do not mind spending a little bit more of your money, then this state-of-the-art sleep headphone is your perfect new companion.
#7. Soundbot SB210 Wireless Headphone Beanie
If you are a frequent traveler, then this product is for you. This is best for travelling because you both get a hat and wireless headphones all in one. The material is soft, sensible, comfortable, and warm, so it may be used for indoor and outdoor activities.
It has several colors to choose from, such as black, blue, pink, gray, and yellow. The beanie itself is washable because the speakers may be removed from the material. It is also convenient to use because the control buttons are easy to navigate.
Some of its key features are the following: it has a built-in microphone, hands free calling, and it has a wide range as you can go as far away as 33 feet. Aside from being able to control your sound from your smartphone, you may also do so using the beanie itself with its control button attached to the front.
You can use this while sleeping inside a car, train, or plane; you may even pull down your beanie a little so it can also act like a sleeping mask!
#8. WATOTGAFER Music Sleep Mask
This product is specifically catered for people who are bothered by both noises and the light. This mask will not only block the light, but it also has built-in speakers perfect for listening to your music or podcasts. It looks exactly like a sleep mask, but similar with headband sleep headphones, the speakers are placed within the fabric.
This sleep mask is wireless, so you may connect your devices via Bluetooth. There are also buttons on the front part of the mask so you no longer have to remove it when you have to adjust your volume.
It provides more than 8 hours of playing time every time you charge the device. The material is comfortable and breathable as it uses memory sponge and a soft fabric. As an added bonus, this brand is also more affordable than most headband sleep headphones.
#9. Joseche Wireless Sleep Mask
Another wireless sleep mask, this can allow you to drift off to a deep slumber. Again, this can be controlled by connecting your smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth. This brand has a Velcro strap so you will be certain that no light will enter your eyes when you put on this mask. Its battery life can last up until 9 hours of usage with every charge.
There are control buttons at the top of the mask as well so you no longer need to reach out for your smartphone in the middle of the night. There is even a built-in microphone for taking calls. Its fabric is made out of breathable material so you will not sweat while you are sleeping. The fabric is also washable.
#10. Panasonic ErgoFit In-Ear Earbud Headphones
This is one of the most affordable earbuds out there. For less than 10 dollars, this product delivers a satisfactory audio quality. It has a 43-inch long cable and its tips are soft enough that will make your ears feel comfortable. The long cable can make you feel at ease since you have the space needed for movement.
It also comes with fifteen colors, such as red, pink, blue, green, and orange. Most would recommend purchasing this product because of its affordable price and good quality. If you want to test the waters and see if you are more comfortable with headphones on while sleeping, then this is a product that you can try out first.
How To Choose Best Sleep Headphones
Since there are numerous types of sleep headphones to choose from, it is understandable that choosing the right one can be taxing. It will be to your advantage to choose the type of sleep headphones that is most suitable for your needs. You must first determine your sleeping pattern, position, and preferences.
This will help you get a better chance of understanding how each product will affect your sleeping schedule and behavior. Here is a guide of the different types you may stumble upon:
Headphones, Earbuds, or Headband
These are the three types of sleep headphones to choose from, and while they may have the same purpose, they do give different levels of comfort depending on your sleeping pattern and position. For instance, if you sleep on your side, then it is probably best for you to choose earbuds or headband instead.
Since headphones are larger and bulkier than the others, they tend to give better sound quality and noise cancelling assistance because they can cover your ears entirely. But they can get uncomfortable when you sleep on your side because of the added bulk.
If you sleep on your back, on the other hand, then headphones are ideal for you because you will not even notice the bulk on your side. Earbuds are generally more common in terms of use; however, they have their own disadvantages too.
At times, they can dig in comfortably in your ears, especially when you have been using them for hours. Also, if you do not clean your device frequently, then bacteria can start to build up causing for your ear to be at risk for infections.
Earbuds are a great option if you will not wear them constantly and for several hours at a time. If not, then you may opt to purchase a headband type instead. This type is becoming on-demand due to its comfortability.
It is also great if you love to exercise as well, so you do not have to worry about your earphones falling out while you are doing your workouts. You may use this type for both your sleep and your exercise routine. Make sure to look for a material that will not cause for your skin to break out and you will be great.
Passive or Active
One of the defining features of sleep headphones is its noise-cancelling tool. Knowing your noise tolerance can help you choose whether you should purchase one with a passive or active noise-cancelling tool. Most earbuds come with the passive noise-cancelling feature. This is great if say, you want to block out the snores of your partner or roommate.
This is because the soundwaves are being blocked physically from entering your ear. But if you truly want to get rid of any sound, then active noise-cancelling is the better option for you. This gets rid of sound by using electronic signals. It mimics the noises around you and passes that onto you through your device.
What makes this more effective is because this is combined with the passive noise-cancelling tool that already comes with your device. If you want to truly experience quiet, then the latter option is for you.
However, if you are sleeping by yourself, it is more suitable for you to purchase a product with simply the passive noise-cancelling feature. This is so when there are emergencies, you can still hear them and you can still be aware of your environment.
Wired or Wireless
Wireless earphones are becoming trendier these days, and this is because you no longer have to worry about cords getting tangled. The lack of cords can make your listening experience more comfortable, however, you will have to check in on its battery life.
If you want your device to work through the night, then make sure to choose a brand that has the longest number of hours possible for you to consume before you need to charge the device again.
If this feels like too much trouble, then wired earphones are always there as an option. They are typically more affordable since they are more common. Also, you do not need to fuss about charging your device every few days.
Sound Quality or Affordability
Fear not, there are various types of sleep headphones nowadays that do not sacrifice quality for affordability. When it comes down to it, the sound quality is imperative since this determines how peaceful and comfortable your sleep is going to be.
It is also better to purchase a product with great quality that you may use for a long time, instead of having to purchase one every few weeks or months because that will undoubtedly cause you to spend more money. As a consumer, you must consider the clarity of the audio and how well it can block out any noise from your external environment.
It is important to note that there are headphones with affordable prices that come with great quality, while there are those with expensive prices that come with subpar quality. So, make sure to read reviews before making a purchase and do not determine its quality based on its price.
After choosing the right sleep headphones, you may think to yourself: are they really beneficial or are they just risky? And the answer is: it depends on how you use them. Some of the benefits include shutting out unnecessary noise, creating a relaxing environment, providing treatment for those who suffer from insomnia or PTSD, and stimulating serotonin.
Everyone has different sleeping patterns and preferences, and it is quite common for people to have a hard time falling asleep when there is even the slightest bit of sound. And so, sleep headphones come with a lot of benefits for those who simply want a peaceful night of sleep.
Using your headphones, you may even listen to white noise as it is proven that white noise can help you relax and enter a relaxing state of sleep. The sound emanating from white noise helps lower your breathing as well as your heart rate. However, every user must keep in mind a few precautions so as to avoid any mistakes or accidents.
For instance, do not blast your music too loud because this can damage your eardrums. Moreover, loud music can also stimulate your brain, so instead of falling asleep, your mind will increasingly become more awake. If necessary, consult your otolaryngologist. This is so you can avoid having ear infections due to bacteria or irritation.
Conclusion
Hopefully, after reading this article, you now have an inkling of an idea as to what brand and type of sleep headphones you are going to purchase. No matter what, if you want to be able to have a peaceful sleep, then having your own sleep headphones can ease some of your worries away and help you create a relaxing environment for yourself.
There are various products to consider, and so make sure to choose what is the most suitable for you first before deciding.
In addition to headphones and music, you can also do diet changes for good sleep, intake nutrition supplements, and regular exercises for better sleep.