10 Best Sleep Headphones: Top Picks for Comfort & Quality

Sleep headphones have become essential for many who struggle with a restful night’s sleep due to noise disturbances or prefer a soothing audio backdrop for drifting off. Unlike traditional headphones, sleep headphones are designed to remain comfortable and secure throughout the night, catering to both side and back sleepers. Whether it’s white noise, calming soundscapes, or favorite audiobooks, the best sleep headphones can help mask disruptive sounds, easing falling asleep and improving sleep quality.

Best Sleep Headphones of 2024: Top Picks for Comfort and Sound

1. Ozlo Sleepbuds: Best Overall for Side Sleepers

The Ozlo Sleepbuds are a premium solution crafted with side sleepers in mind. Unlike standard earbuds, these are designed to be slim and soft enough for those who sleep on their sides, preventing any uncomfortable ear pressure. What sets the Ozlo apart is its noise-masking technology, which subtly emits white noise to block out unwanted sounds like traffic, loud neighbors, or snoring.

This feature is handy for light sleepers who need some form of audio buffer to sleep but don’t necessarily want a full noise-canceling effect. The Sleepbuds also have a unique independence from phones, allowing basic features to function without needing a smartphone connection. This simplicity, combined with their comfort, makes them a top choice for those who want something dependable and easy to use.

Battery Life: The Sleepbuds’ impressive battery life of up to 12 hours allows them to easily cover an entire night’s sleep without recharging.
Pros: The Ozlo Sleepbuds offer an ergonomic design that supports side-sleeping without discomfort, effective noise-masking that filters but doesn’t entirely cancel ambient sound, and a streamlined user experience that doesn’t rely on external devices.
Cons: Despite being premium, the Ozlo Sleepbuds have limited sleep-tracking capabilities, and users may experience occasional connectivity issues with the app.
Price: At $300, the price may also be prohibitive for some.

Who It’s Best For: If you’re looking for a high-end sleep aid that is both comfortable and practical for various sleeping positions, the Ozlo Sleepbuds offer reliable performance and quality.

2. Soundcore by Anker Sleep A20 Earbuds: Best Mid-Range Option

The Soundcore Sleep A20 earbuds deliver impressive functionality and affordability. They come with a unique “Find My Earbuds” feature, ideal for those who might misplace them during the night. Designed to be lightweight, the Sleep A20 earbuds include adjustable ear tips for a personalized fit, ensuring comfort and a snug seal for noise masking.

Although they don’t offer complete noise cancellation, they perform well in relatively quiet settings, making them ideal for those needing light sound filtering. Another standout feature is the long battery life, up to 14 hours on a single charge, which allows for more than a whole night’s use.

Battery Life: Up to 14 hours, providing lasting performance throughout the night.
Pros: It offers high-quality battery life, customizable ear tips for a comfortable and secure fit, mid-range affordability, and user-friendly features like “Find My Earbuds.”
Cons: The cons are limited performance in noisy environments, as the earbuds are designed for noise masking rather than blocking louder sounds.
Price: $150, offering solid value for those who want quality without high costs.

Who It’s Best For: The Sleep A20 earbuds are perfect for individuals in quieter environments who are looking for a comfortable, mid-range earbud with good performance without a high price tag.

3. LC-Dolida Sleep Mask and Headphones: Best Combo of Mask and Headphones

A versatile and affordable option, the LC-Dolida sleep mask integrates headphones into a soft, light-blocking sleep mask. This product is excellent for people who need to block noise and light, eliminating two major distractions for restful sleep. The mask is crafted from a plush, breathable material, making it comfortable even in warmer settings. Inside the mask are flat speakers that rest against the ears without adding pressure.

The Bluetooth connection allows users to play calming audio like white noise, sleep meditations, or favorite tunes. Its compact and travel-friendly design makes it convenient for trips where unfamiliar sounds and lights might disrupt sleep.

Battery Life: Approximately 10 hours, enough to last through most of the night.
Pros: Multi-functionality with noise and light blocking, an affordable price, a soft and comfortable fit, and Bluetooth compatibility for personalized sound.
Cons: For those who prefer louder sound, the speakers may need more volume, and the mask’s fit may be too loose for some users, which can cause the speakers to shift.
Price: Around $20, making it a budget-friendly option for users seeking dual functionality.

Who It’s Best For: Ideal for light-sensitive or noise-sensitive people, the LC-Dolida mask is a good choice for anyone needing both sound and light control in a simple, affordable solution.

4. Bedphones Wireless: Best Wireless Headphones for Side Sleepers

The Bedphones Wireless headphones were engineered explicitly for side sleepers. They feature ultra-thin, flat speakers less than a quarter-inch thick. The speakers are padded with soft foam and attached with memory wire ear hooks, which help them remain stable while you sleep.

The memory wire can be adjusted for the perfect fit, ensuring comfort even if you move around during the night. Bedphones Wireless also includes an optional wire clip for added stability, making these ideal for active sleepers. Bluetooth compatibility allows users to listen to white noise, guided meditation, or calming music throughout the night.

Battery Life: With up to 13 hours, these headphones will last through the night.
Pros: The ultra-thin, foam-padded speakers are incredibly comfortable for side sleepers. The memory wire ensures stability, and the long battery life means you won’t need to recharge daily.
Cons: They have a slightly higher price point than similar models and lack an auto-off feature, which can lead to battery drainage if left on by mistake.
Price: $149, which aligns with the specialized design and quality.

Who It’s Best For: These headphones are best for side sleepers who need a slim, comfortable fit that stays securely in place all night. They’re also ideal for those who move frequently in their sleep.

5. Perytong Sleep Headphones Headband: Best Budget-Friendly Option

For those on a budget, the Perytong Sleep Headphones Headband offers an affordable and versatile way to experience sleep audio. Made from soft, breathable fabric, this headband can also be worn as a headwrap for workouts or relaxation exercises. Its thin, flat speakers rest comfortably over the ears, delivering clear sound without the bulk of traditional headphones.

Bluetooth connectivity allows users to stream their favorite audio from any device, while the headband itself is machine washable, making it easy to clean after extended use. Its simple yet effective design makes it suitable for casual use or sleep.

Battery Life: Provides up to 10 hours, which should be adequate for a night’s use.
Pros: Budget-friendly price, machine-washable material, comfortable fit, and multi-functional for various uses, from sleep to fitness.
Cons: Its noise reduction capabilities are limited, so it may not be ideal for louder environments, and it lacks an auto-off feature.
Price: Approximately $20, making it accessible to many users.

Who It’s Best For: The Perytong headband is great for those seeking an affordable, comfortable, and versatile headband that can double as a sleep aid and fitness accessory.

6. QuietTune Soundscape Headband: Best for Meditation and Relaxation

Designed for relaxation, the QuietTune Soundscape Headband delivers pre-programmed soundscapes and guided meditations to help users unwind before bed. Made from a soft, ultra-flexible fabric, the headband sits comfortably against the head without causing discomfort.

Inside, thin speakers provide clear, soothing sounds, whether natural sounds, white noise, or guided meditations. Ideal for people who practice relaxation techniques, this headband offers both quality sound and a comfortable, stable fit.

Battery Life: Lasts up to 12 hours, allowing for a whole night’s use.
Pros: High-quality soundscapes designed for relaxation, soft fabric that feels comfortable against the skin, and Bluetooth compatibility.
Cons: Limited audio customization options and headband size may be too large for some users.
Price: Around $30, providing good value for those interested in meditation-based audio.

Who It’s Best For: This headband is ideal for individuals who use meditation and relaxation techniques to enhance their sleep quality.

7. DreamBeats Wireless Earbuds: Best True Wireless Option

DreamBeats are compact, true wireless earbuds with noise-canceling capabilities. They are excellent for those who prefer a wireless, cord-free experience. They fit securely and comfortably and are designed for prolonged use through the night.

Battery Life: 8 hours, with an additional 24 hours in the charging case.
Pros: Completely wireless, noise-canceling, long-lasting battery with case.
Cons: The DreamBeats Wireless Earbuds have limited noise isolation in noisy environments, shorter battery life for extended use, and may not comfortably fit all ear shapes.
Price: $129.99, though the cost may vary depending on the retailer and any ongoing promotions or discounts.

8. SleepPhones Wireless: Best for Comfort and Lightweight Design

SleepPhones are soft, fleece-covered headphones that rest within a headband, ideal for comfort. They connect wirelessly to your devices, ensuring no tangled cords disrupt your sleep. The lightweight design and breathable fabric make them perfect for warmer climates.

Battery Life: Up to 10 hours of playback, which is perfect for overnight use.
Pros: SleepPhones offer ultimate comfort with a soft, fleece-covered headband, wireless design, and machine-washable fabric, perfect for restful sleep.
Cons: They provide limited sound isolation in noisy environments, may shift for side sleepers, and may not meet the expectations of audiophiles seeking premium sound.
Price: Around $39.95.

9. Sound Oasis Bluetooth Headband: Best for White Noise Lovers

Sound Oasis offers pre-programmed white noise and nature sounds, perfect for anyone who finds these sounds soothing. The thin speakers are embedded in a soft headband, ensuring they sleep comfortably, especially on your side.

Battery Life: 8 hours.
Pros: The Sound Oasis Bluetooth Headband provides soothing white noise and nature sounds with a comfortable, side-sleeper-friendly design.
Cons: The sound quality may not match higher-end headphones, and the headband may feel bulky for some users.
Price: Approximately $39.99.

10. Kokoon Sleep Headphones: Best for Active Noise-Canceling

Kokoon headphones have advanced active noise-canceling and EEG technology for tracking sleep patterns. These headphones are larger than earbuds but offer unparalleled noise-blocking capabilities and detailed sleep insights for tech lovers.

Battery Life: 12 hours.
Pros: Active noise canceling, sleep tracking, detailed sleep analytics
Cons: The larger size may be uncomfortable for side sleepers, and the price is higher compared to other sleep headphones.
Price: $299.99.

Key Features to Consider When Choosing Sleep Headphones

Consider these essential features when choosing sleep headphones:

1. Battery Life

Having a sufficient battery life is key for uninterrupted sleep. Top-tier sleep headphones like the Soundcore A20 boast 14 hours of continuous playback, ensuring they won’t run out in the middle of the night. Cheaper models often provide around 8-10 hours, which can suffice for a typical night’s sleep, but premium models are recommended for more extended battery capacity.

2. Comfort and Fit

Since sleep headphones are worn for extended periods, comfort is paramount. Over-ear designs like Bedphones Wireless provide a padded, memory foam fit that minimizes ear discomfort, while earbud styles like Ozlo Sleepbuds cater to side sleepers. Headband options such as Perytong are also popular for offering a flexible, wraparound style hidden for all sleeping positions.

3. Noise Canceling or Masking Capabilities

Noise-canceling headphones use active technology to block out ambient sounds. This can benefit noisy environments but may feel overly isolated in quieter spaces. Noise-masking headphones, like the Ozlo Sleepbuds, offer white noise or ambient soundscapes that help mute background noise, making them a gentle alternative for sensitive sleepers.

4. Sound Quality and Control

Sound quality should be suited to sleep purposes rather than high-fidelity audio. Quality sleep headphones focus on providing soft, consistent soundscapes instead of booming bass or clear treble, which can be disruptive during rest. Customizable sound settings, like those in the Ozlo app, allow users to control volume, sleep timers, and even set alarms without needing to connect to an external device.

5. Additional Features

Many of the newer sleep headphones offer added features like sleep tracking, which is especially beneficial for those who want insights into their sleep patterns. The Soundcore A20’s find-my-earbuds functionality helps prevent loss if the earbuds dislodge overnight. Meanwhile, features like the LC-Dolida sleep mask’s eye cups for light-blocking add convenience for those who need help shutting out light and sound.

Find the Perfect Sleep Headphones for Restful Nights

Investing in the right sleep headphones can transform your bedtime routine. Whether you’re looking to block out noise with a premium set like the Ozlo Sleepbuds, find a budget-friendly solution like Perytong, or enjoy the dual benefits of a mask and headphones with LC-Dolida, sleep headphones are now tailored to meet a wide array of needs. By focusing on comfort, battery life, noise-blocking capabilities, and fit, you can choose sleep headphones that provide a restful, rejuvenating night’s sleep tailored to your specific sleeping style and environment.