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Best Headphones for Sleeping – Top Picks and Buyer’s Guide

Written by Tuck Staff

Quick Overview

Most people have a hard time sleeping in noisy environments. Headphones are a popular remedy because many of today’s models are designed to block disruptive outside noises. Listening to calm music, white noise, and other soothing sounds can also lower one’s heart rate and help them relax before falling asleep.

A wide range of headphones are available. These include styles that are designed to fit into the sleeper’s ear (also known as earbuds), as well as over-ear and on-ear (or headband) varieties. Most headphones have connective wires, but wireless models are also widely sold. Costs range from less than $30 to more than $250, but most shoppers can find reasonable options that cost less than $100.

This guide will discuss different styles and functions of headphones, as well as tips for first-time buyers. Below you’ll find our picks for the best headphones for sleeping sold today. Our choices are based on verified customer and owner experiences, as well as intensive product research and analysis.

Best Headphones for Sleeping

Best Headphones for Sleeping – Reviewed

Best OverallMoonbow Bedphones Sleep Headphones

Best Overall – Moonbow Bedphones Sleep Headphones

Highlights

  • Extremely thin on-ear design
  • Wireless with 13-hour battery life
  • Adjustable
  • Free shipping and 1-year warranty
The Moonbow Bedphones Sleep Headphones are available to Our readers at the lowest price
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Best OverallMoonbow Bedphones Sleep Headphones

dubslabs.com

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While earbuds can be painful and over-ear headphones too clunky, the DubsLabs Bedphones’ subtle on-ear design manages to solve both of these problems.

These soft foam-covered headphones are less then ¼” thick and mounted on adjustable memory wire, making them a comfortable option regardless of sleeper position or ear shape. Further, they are completely wireless and have a battery life of 13 hours.

In terms of sound quality, the Bedphones offer a full-range sound and effectively block out noise, making them ideal for drowning out snoring with your music, audiobooks or podcasts.

Additionally, they come with a carrying pouch for travel, a complementary eye mask, a USB charging cable and a set of replacement foams. The Bedphones are backed by a 1-year warranty and a 30-day guarantee.

Good for:

  • Those who have trouble sleeping with earbuds or over-ear headphones
  • People who like to watch movies in bed while their partner sleeps
  • People with larger ears

Best ValueCozyPhones Sleep Headphones

Best Value – CozyPhones Sleep Headphones

Highlights

  • Headband style
  • Wired
  • Comfortable and versatile
  • Money back guarantee
The CozyPhones Sleep Headphones are available to Our readers at the lowest price
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Best ValueCozyPhones Sleep Headphones

Walmart.com

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Good headphones for sleeping don’t need to drain your checking account. For example, the CozyPhones Sleep Headphones are widely available for less than $20. However, these headphones offer the same effective noise-blocking and enjoyable listening experience as many of their higher-end competitors.

The CozyPhones consist of two over-ear headphones encased within a mesh headband. The durable cord stretches 1.5 meters in length. They are over-ear headphones, which many find more comfortable for sleeping than earbuds.

Because they are so lightweight (less than two ounces) and portable, the CozyPhones Sleep Headphones may also be suitable for running and other athletic activities. The headband style also offers an immersive listening experience that blocks most outside noise very effectively. The CozyPhones Sleep Headphones are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee.

Good for:

  • Listeners who prefer over-ear/headband headphones
  • Wired headphone users
  • Those who enjoy listening to music while running

Best Earbud HeadphonesShure SE215 Sound Isolating Earphones

Best Earbud Headphones – Shure SE215 Sound Isolating Earphones

Highlights

  • Earbud style
  • Wired and wireless options
  • Excellent noise-blocking potential
  • 2-year warranty
The Shure SE215 Sound Isolating Earphones are available to Our readers at the lowest price
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Best Earbud HeadphonesShure SE215 Sound Isolating Earphones

Walmart.com

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The best headphones for sleeping are lightweight and capable of blocking a fair amount of noise. The SE215 Sound Isolating Headphones from Shure meet both of these criteria: they weigh less than five ounces, yet can block up to 37 decibels of outside noise.

For those who like falling asleep to music, the SE215 headphones feature high-definition drivers and provide enhanced bass for a more balanced listening experience. These headphones are available as wired headphones that connect to stereos or smart devices, as well as a wireless design that is Bluetooth-compatible.

The buds should fit snugly inside the user’s ear; small, medium, and large sizes are available to accommodate different listeners. The connector also snaps into place, allowing 360 degrees of rotation for added comfort. The Shure SE215 Sound Isolating Headphones are backed by a two-year warranty.

Good for:

  • Listeners who prefer earbud headphones
  • Wired or wireless headphone users
  • Those who sleep in exceptionally loud environments

Best Over-Ear Headphonesbeyerdynamic DT 770 Pro Studio Headphones

Best Over-Ear Headphones – beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro Studio Headphones

Highlights

  • Over-ear style
  • Wired
  • Professional-quality sound playback
  • 2-year warranty
The beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro Studio Headphones are available to Our readers at the lowest price
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Best Over-Ear Headphonesbeyerdynamic DT 770 Pro Studio Headphones

Walmart.com

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Over-ear headphones tend to be the heaviest and bulkiest options, making them suitable for those who don’t mind the extra weight. The DT 770 Pro Studio Headphones from beyerdynamic are a standout due to their excellent craftsmanship.

These headphones are hand-assembled in Germany; they cancel outside noise very effectively and deliver crisp, balanced audio playback. The DT 770 Pro Studio Headphones are sold in three sizes based on audio output. The smallest size, 32 ohms, is ideal for sleeping.

The connecting cable is 1.6 meters in length. The soft, velour ear pads are replaceable as needed; they cushion the ears, allowing listeners to use the headphones for hours without discomfort.

The flexible headband can also be adjusted to accommodate users with different head sizes. The beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro Studio Headphones are backed by a two-year warranty.

Good for:

  • Listeners who prefer over-ear headphones
  • Wired headphone users
  • Those who sleep in exceptionally loud environments

Best Headband HeadphonesSleepPhones Wireless Bluetooth Sleep Headphones

Best Headband Headphones – SleepPhones Wireless Bluetooth Sleep Headphones

Highlights

  • Headband style
  • Wired and wireless options
  • Flexible design and 30-ft. wireless range
  • 1-year warranty
The AcousticSheep SleepPhones are available to Our readers at the lowest price
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Best Headband HeadphonesSleepPhones Wireless Bluetooth Sleep Headphones

sleepphones.com

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The Wireless Bluetooth Sleep Headphones from SleepPhones come in wired and wireless designs. The wired style features a stereo jack with four-foot cord, while the Bluetooth-compatible wireless headphones offer a range of up to 30 feet and a rechargeable battery that lasts up to 10 hours.

These high-tech headphones are also exceptionally comfortable, thanks to the soft fleece construction, and may double as a sleep mask in bright sleeping environments. The flat headphone speakers can block outside noise at the same rate as high-performance earplugs.

Three sizes are available: small, medium, and large. All three options are very lightweight, and may be suitable to travel and athletic activities as well as sleeping. Owners can download the SleepPhones sleep app to access free, downloadable recordings of ambient sounds, white noise, and other sleep aids. The Wireless Bluetooth Sleep Headphones are backed by a 1-year warranty.

Good for:

  • Listeners who prefer headband headphones
  • Wired or wireless headphone users
  • Frequent travelers

Most Innovative HeadphonesPerytong Bluetooth Sleeping Eye Mask Headphones

Most Innovative Headphones – Perytong Bluetooth Sleeping Eye Mask Headphones

Highlights

  • Eye mask with built-in headphone speakers
  • Wireless
  • Comfortable fit and high-quality playback
  • Bluetooth-compatible
The Perytong Bluetooth Sleeping Eye Mask Headphones are available to Our readers at the lowest price
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Most Innovative HeadphonesPerytong Bluetooth Sleeping Eye Mask Headphones

Walmart.com

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The Bluetooth Sleeping Eye Mask Headphones cut down on audio and visual sleep disruption. The eye mask is constructed from velvet and elastic cotton for a stretchy, comfortable fit night after night.

The built-in headphone speakers not only offer good sound quality and noise cancellation, but also adjustable positioning; users can move them around to find the right angle for their head and ears.

The wireless headphones will play up to 15 hours before needing to be recharged, and offer 60 hours of backup time. They will connect to any Bluetooth phone or portable device, and can also be used for hands-free calls. And unlike many other headphone models, the

Bluetooth Sleeping Eye Mask Headphones are washable; simply remove the speakers to spot clean the eye mask. These headphones are widely available for less than $25, making them a high-value option, as well.

Good for:

  • Listeners who prefer headband-style headphones
  • Wireless headphone users
  • Those who awaken easily due to light disturbance

Best LuxuryQuietOn 3 sleep earbuds

Best Luxury – QuietOn 3 sleep earbuds

Highlights

  • In-ear earbud style
  • Wireless with 28-hour battery life
  • Changeable eartips
  • International shipping and 1-year warranty
Tuck readers can get QuietOn products for 10% off with code Tuck10
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Best LuxuryQuietOn 3 sleep earbuds

Quieton.com

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The QuietOn 3 sleep earbuds are in-ear, wireless models with a sleek design that makes them suitable for any sleep position. The headphones use soft eartips to provide significant noise cancelling and keep the earbuds comfortably in place through the night.

If you find you prefer a different feel for eartips, QuietOn sells eartip variations using memory foam and other materials to alter the performance and feel of the headphones. The earbuds are fully wireless with a battery life of 28 hours.

While they are designed to be comfortable for use while sleeping, the earbuds work just as well for everyday listening thanks to their excellent noise-cancelling capabilities. They are especially well suited for loud work environments and public transportation.

The earbuds come with sets of extra small, small, medium, and large eartips that can be swapped out as needed to better fit your ears, as well as a durable, portable charging case. The QuietOn Earbuds are backed by a 30-day return window as well as a 1-year warranty.

Good for:

  • Listeners who prefer earbud style headphones
  • Wireless headphone users
  • All kinds of sleepers (side, back, stomach)

Buying Guide – How to Shop for Sleeping Headphones

Many sleepers rely on headphones that play music or soothing sounds as they wind down for bed. Listening to headphones can alleviate stress and lower one’s heart rate, allowing them to feel more relaxed as they prepare to fall asleep.

A wide range of sleep-friendly wired and wireless headphone designs are available. Some sleepers prefer designs that fit around, on, or inside the ear, while others enjoy headbands or sleep masks outfitted with audio speakers that rest snugly over their face. Sleeping headphones priced at $30 or lower are widely available, as are more expensive models for those with a larger budget.

This guide will look at some of the most popular sleeping headphones designs, as well as potential safety concerns, shopping considerations, and our picks for the best lower- and higher-cost headphones for sleeping.

Headphones for Sleeping: Common Designs and Characteristics

Like headphones designed for everyday use, sleeping headphones play music or sounds directly into the listener’s ear. What sets sleeping headphones apart from regular models is nightlong comfort; they are designed to remain in the listener’s ears for up to eight hours without causing soreness or irritation in the ears.

Some commonplace designs for sleeping headphones include:

  • Over-ear: ‘Over-ear’ refers to traditional headphones that mold around the outer ear for a close, snug fit. These models tend to be on the larger side, with headphones that are connected by a solid band that fits around the top of the head.
  • On-ear: Also known as clip-on headphones, these are essentially smaller versions of the over-ear models that rest on the outside of the ear without entering the ear canal. On-ear headphones may be a suitable alternative for people who find over-ear headphones too bulky for sleeping.
  • In-ear: In-ear headphones — commonly called earbuds — fit snugly into the ear canal. The sound quality with in-ear headphones is usually above-average, but some sleepers find that they cause discomfort if worn for prolonged periods of time.
  • Headbands and sleep masks: A more recent design, some sleep masks and headbands come with built-in audio speakers, rather than headphones that fit around, on, or in the ear. These models provide a layer of cushioning between the headphones and the sleeper’s pillow, which may make them more conducive for side-sleepers.

Additionally, sleeping headphones may be wired, meaning that cords connect them to music players, or wireless, meaning they play music without a physical connection by receiving signals from the speaker or music-playing device.

In terms of sound playback, many sleeping headphones are ‘noise-cancelling.’ This means they eliminate — or significantly reduce — outside noise by fitting snugly into or around the ear.

Additionally, some sleep-friendly headphones are designed to provide high-quality white noise and autonomous sensory meridian response, or ASMR, sounds. White noise refers to random sound signals that produce soothing, ambient sounds that block outside noises. ASMR sounds, on the other hand, produce a tingling sensation in the ears that can help listeners relax and fall asleep more easily. Headphones designed for ASMR playback typically have high-quality microphones that reduce crackling or popping sounds.

Volume controls for most sleeping headphones are comparable to those of everyday headphones. However, it is considered unhealthy and potentially damaging to listen to music at a volume higher than 60 decibels (dB) for prolonged periods of time.

Are Headphones Safe for Sleeping?

Although sleeping with headphones can improve sleep quality for some, there are certain health risks associated with using these devices. These risks include:

  • Earwax buildup: Some headphones — earbuds in particular — form a tight seal over the ear canal that can reduce circulation. This can cause earwax to accumulate around the eardrum; excessive buildup can be painful, and necessitate a doctor’s visit.
  • Otitis externa: Headphones that protrude deeply the ear canal can cause this condition, which occurs when the skin in the ear canal becomes irritated and fluid begins to leak. Listening to music at an excessive volume can also lead to otitis externa.
  • Hearing problems: In addition to otitis externa, listening to music at a high volume can also cause hearing impairment or loss. Most experts agree that listening at a volume higher than 60 decibels (dB) for excessive lengths of time can cause hearing damage.
  • Strangulation hazard: Wired headphones pose a risk of wrapping around the listener’s throat while they sleep. This can significantly block the airway, causing the individual to asphyxiate.
  • Distraction: Headphones that effectively block outside noise pose a risk to sleepers who may not hear other sounds in their home. This can be dangerous if an emergency situation occurs, such as a fire, home invasion, or medical issue involving a family member or roommate.

Despite these potential risks, it’s important to note that serious injuries involving sleeping headphones is extremely rare. By listening to music or sounds at a reasonable volume, removing headphones when discomfort occurs, and monitoring wire placement, you can greatly mitigate these risks and sleep in peace.

Considerations for Sleeping Headphones Shoppers

Next let’s look at some important factors to keep in mind when shopping for sleeping headphones and comparing different brands and models:

  • How much do they cost? A new pair of sleeping headphones may cost anywhere from less than $10 to more than $200. Generally, high-tech models with multiple functions have the highest price-points, while simpler earbuds and clip-on models are the least expensive.
  • How do they feel? The choice between over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, and headband/sleep mask headphones comes down to personal preference. Some people find earbuds or headbands/sleep masks too snug or invasive, while others find over-ear and clip-on styles too bulky.
  • How much do they weigh? This is typically a comfort preference. Over-ear headphones can weigh up to one and a half pounds, while the other sleeping headphone types usually weigh six ounces or less.
  • What is your preferred size? Some headphones are available in different sizes. Some headphones sizes are based on their electrical resistance (measured in ohms), while other model sizes are based on physical measurements and specifications.
  • What is your preferred sleep position? Those who sleep on their back or stomach typically feel comfortable using any type of sleeping headphones, but side-sleepers may prefer headband or sleep mask models because over-ear, on-ear, and in-ear designs can cause discomfort when they come between your ear and the pillow.
  • Do you toss and turn? Constant movement throughout the night can put a strain on headphones, and models with thin wires and more delicate parts may wear out more quickly if the user tends to toss and turn.
  • Are they wired or wireless? If wired, then it’s important to sleep in a position that reduces the risk of strangulation. If wireless, then a wireless speaker or music playback device is usually also required.
  • What is the cord length? The length of the cord used to connect wired headphones to the playback device may be an important factor, depending on the layout of your bedroom.
  • What sizes are available? Many sleeping headphones are designed as one-size-fits-all, but some are available in multiple sizes.
  • What is the product warranty length? The warranty length of sleeping headphones is highly variable. Some models offer a lifetime warranty, while others do not have a warranty at all. On average, expect one to two years of coverage from models that offer a warranty.

Additional Accessories for Blocking Nighttime Noise

If headphones aren’t enough to help you fall asleep or you prefer not to wear them in bed, you may want to consider additional strategies for blocking out distracting noises during the night. Alternatives to sleeping headphones may include the following:

Conventional and custom earplugs: Conventional foam earplugs are an inexpensive alternative to sleeping headphones. Users simply twist them until they will fit into the ear canal; once in place, they will expand to create a tight, noise-blocking seal. Foam earplugs can usually be bought in bulk; a box of 100 pairs may cost as little as $10.

Additionally, earplug molding kits are available; these allow owners to create customized shapes for their earplugs based on the unique curves and contours of their ear canal. Expect to pay $10 to $20 for a molding kit that yields one pair of customized earplugs. Most kits feature how-to guides with step-by-step instructions.

White noise machines: Many sleepers rely on machines that produce white noise when they go to bed. These machines may produce other noise colors, as well. Pink noise, for example — which many listeners prefer over white noise — gradually decreases in volume per octave, which creates a balanced listening experience compared to the constant volume-per-octave of white noise. Other options include blue, red, and brown noise.

Most white noise machine models are equipped with speakers, as well as headphone jacks for more private listening. These machines typically cost less than $100, and are widely available through brick-and-mortar and online retailers. To learn more, please visit out White Noise Machine Reviews guide.

Apps: In lieu of a full machine, some sleepers enjoy white noise from downloadable apps that are compatible with smartphones, tablets, and other portable devices. These apps are often free, but rarely cost more than $2, and usually come with a wide variety of noise and ambient sound options to accommodate sleepers with different preferences. Some of the most popular white noise apps priced at $2 or less include:

ASMR YouTube videos: Those who find ASMR sounds soothing are in luck — YouTube offers an extensive collection of videos, playlists, and channel that offer ASMR programs. These are free to use, per the terms of the site, but there is one notable downside: most do not exceed one hour in length, making them less than ideal for those who prefer to listen to ASMR sounds all night long. Additionally, ASMR apps like Tingles and Love ASMR are available for smart devices.

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