Models like the CozyPhones Sleep Headphones may very well be some of the most comfortable headphones available and offer a barely-there all night fit, but unfortunately aren’t wireless. For that convenience, you’ll want to take a look at the AcousticSheep Bluetooth SleepPhones. If you’re looking for more ways to study the metrics of your sleep cycle, make sure to take a look at our best apple watch apps for tracking sleep before you nod off to our collection of the best headphones for sleep. The multi-purpose button makes it easy to answer calls and, more importantly, to pause, play and skip tracks without having to flail around for your phone in the dark. The headphones come in a small range of colors and are surprisingly durable for the price, with strong silicone earbuds that can handle plenty of abuse. They do a good job of blocking outside noise and barely protrude outside the ear canal when inserted, making them more comfortable to lie on than most earphones. As usual with this type of headphone, the 1/4” drivers are better for spoken word or ambient sounds than music with thumping bass. The headphones come with extra tips — surprising at this price point — and they’re small and light enough to easily drop in a pocket or overnight bag as needed. Available in a range of colors, there’s little not to like about these great, low-cost sleep aids. The passive noise cancellation isn’t the only thing going for these sleep aids. They also play soothing sounds that are engineered specifically to mask noises that can distract from sleep and encourage relaxation. If you’re on the fence, these tiny but mighty earbuds are backed by a Bose sleep study that showed that participants with difficulties falling and staying asleep actually ended up having an easier time getting to sleep and noted better sleep quality overall. As for interacting with this sleeping accessory, everything is done through the companion app, including choosing and loading new sounds, setting alarms, and connecting and turning them on. The case conveniently charges the earbuds and turns them off for battery conservation, and you can expect up to 30 hours from a fully charged case or up to 10 hours from the Sleepbuds alone. The flat drivers clip over each ear, and while you’ll still notice them when lying on your side, the low profile makes them more comfortable than you’d expect. Some side-sleepers just place a single earphone between their ear and the pillow rather than clipping it on, so they can roll away after falling asleep. Fairly durable for the price, the headphones come with a four-foot cable. As with many of the other inexpensive models listed here, they come with a standard 3.5mm plug. With minimal noise-cancelation, these work better in relatively quiet environments. There’s a reasonable amount of sound leakage as well, so you may need to turn the volume down if you’re alongside a light sleeper. While wireless headphones have the downside of needing regular charging, the lack of cable does avoid getting tangled up in the night. The company promises enough battery life to get you through the night, charging via micro-USB or on the highest-end model, an induction charger similar to an electric toothbrush or smartwatch. The flat speakers are comfortable to lie on for extended periods, and being able to choose your size (small, medium or large) and fabric (fleece or a lighter, more-breathable fabric) makes them appropriate for a wider range of wearers. You can also choose between models with or without a microphone. As with all headband-style earphones like these, the SleepPhones do double-duty as an eye mask as well, so bright lights and sunrise won’t disturb your slumber.
What to Look For in Headphones for Sleeping
Style
Sleeping headphones come in two predominant styles: Earbuds and headbands. Headbands can be better for side sleepers and stomach sleepers, though some earbuds are designed to be small enough to work well even if you’re sleeping on them. It’s important to take your sleep position into account — and what’s comfortable for you — before purchasing a pair.
Music vs. White Noise
Do you want to fall asleep to music but have it turn off after an hour? Or do you want to listen to white noise all night? Some headphones only allow preloaded white noise, while others will play select songs off your playlists. Figuring out the kind of noise you need — as well as how long you want it to last — will help you narrow down your headphone selection.
Noise Level
It’s hard to drown out street noise (and almost impossible to mute a loud snorer), so take that into account when you’re choosing your headphones. Different kinds of white noise will be effective on varying types of sounds, so you may want to choose a pair of headphones with multiple options.
