You're just teetering on the edge of sleep when zzzZZHONK — your beloved partner has started snoring up a swarm. Or maybe it's a burst of traffic, or a noisy neighbor practicing karaoke. Whatever the cause, your sleep is ruined. You need a pair of the best sleep headphones.
Sleep earphones are used to either block or mask sound, replacing unwanted noise with soothing soundscapes or sweet silence. But your normal headphones won't do. These earbuds need to sit comfortably even when lying on your side. Otherwise, you'll trade loud noise for ear pain.
Our team of sleep experts and audio editors have tested all the best earphones for sleep, to find an option for every need, whether that's masking snoring or delivering crisp ASMR. And in the monthly sleep and mattress sales, there's an option for every budget.
1. The best sleep headphones overall
Ozlo made a bold choice with the Sleepbuds 2, ditching Active Noise Cancelation (ANC) for noise masking technology. It's a gamble that paid off, in our opinion. The peaceful barrier created by the soundscapes of the Sleepbuds 2 helped our lead tester sleep through everything from yowling cats to snoring husbands.
Ozlo made the switch after deciding noise masking works better than ANC at blocking unpredictable sounds (such as the ones often disturbing us at night.) These noises are built into the ear bud and can be activated phone-free. We like the noise masking but the disadvantage is that if you want total silence, the Sleepbuds 2 won't be for you — try the Soundcore A30's ANC instead.
Beyond noise masking, the Ozlo Sleepbuds 2 also feature integrated sleep tracking. The biometric sensors are relatively basic (they can't quite match the best sleep trackers) but do form a reliable picture of your sleep.
Even better, Ozlo pairs the sleep tracking with environmental tracking. Sensors in the case track light, noise, and temperature which you can pair with your sleep metrics to pinpoint what's waking you up at night. (In other words, definitive proof that loud snoring woke you up at 3 a.m.)
These luxury sleep headphones come with a high price tag, typically selling for $279 from Ozlo. The Soundcore A30's are the more affordable choice but the sound masking and environmental tracking give the Ozlo Sleepbuds 2 the win, in our testers opinion. And the audio quality is excellent which, paired with a 14 hour battery life, makes these good for day-to-day use.
What we like about the Ozlo Sleepbuds...
✅ Noise masking blocks disruptive sounds: The sound barrier formed by Ozlo's noise masking tech covers sudden, unwanted sounds... such as your partner's loud snoring kicking off at 3 a.m.
✅ Sleep and environmental tracking: By combining sleep tracking (built into the earbuds) with environmental tracking (found in the case) the Ozlo Sleepbuds 2 help you both monitor and understand your sleep.
✅ Comfortable design: A super compact build and low profile, alongside a variety of soft tips, help the Sleepbuds 2 stay comfortable during the night. Yes, even when side sleeping.
What we don't like about the Ozlo Sleepbuds...
❌ Expensive: While they're great quality, supremely comfortable and can certainly level up your sleep quality, at $279 MSRP the Ozlo Sleepbuds 2 are a luxury purchase.
❌ No ANC: With no ANC, the Sleepbuds 2 are able to keep a smaller design and a longer battery life. But if you prefer total silence to sleep, you won't get it here. Try the Soundcore A30s instead.
The Ozlo Sleepbuds 2 are the smallest earbuds designed specifically for sleep, making them comfortable for all sleep positions. I sleep on my side and I can comfortably keep the Ozlo’s in all night without feeling my ear painfully squashed against the pillow. Instead of active noise cancelling technology (ANC), they rely on noise masking technology. So rather than my husband’s snoring, I listen to the soothing sound of rainfall. If you’re someone who needs total silence to fall asleep, try the QuietOn or Soundcore A20s. But out of all the tech I’ve tested, the Ozlo’s have become a mainstay on my nightstand.
Read more: Ozlo Sleepbuds 2 review
2. The best budget sleep headphones
An Amazon best-selling sleep gadget, the MUSICOZY Sleep Headphones (or should we say sleep mask) offers exceptional value for money. Literally, you're getting a two-in-one sleep product at a tenth of the cost of other sleep headphones recommended here.
Of course, at this price point, you must forego some luxuries like ANC. But if you're after a cheap noise and light-dimming product to help you sleep in a not-so-sleep-friendly environment, the MUSICOZY is the one for you.
There may be no ANC but the thick material of the mask does introduce some passive noise cancellation. Meanwhile, the padded eye cups block out light and provide a comforting weight on the face.
Back to the audio. You simply can't expect the MUSICOZY to deliver a rich, detailed sound profile comparable to the best wireless earbuds, but that doesn't mean you have to settle for horrid, tinny sounds (that's no way to send you to sleep).
Our reviewer notes the audio quality is best when listening to ambient sounds like white noise, brown noise and pink noise, and ASMR and meditations at low volumes are passable too.
They hold a 14 hour battery life, but with limited functionality through the day, charging isn't a burden. Overall, we enjoyed testing the MUSICOZY Sleep Headphones - they're an excellent budget-friendly choice for travel that double up as a sleep mask. They deserve their 4-star Amazon rating.
What we like about the MUSICOZY Sleep Headphones...
✅ Outstanding value for money: Under $20 now, you won't find cheaper sleep headphones. But that doesn't mean they are low quality. They muffle ambient sound and replace it with decent quality audio.
✅ Two-in-one sleep gadget: With the MUSICOZY, you get sleep sounds built into a sleep mask, saving you money and space on your bedside table while you block out sleep-stealing light and sound.
✅ Satisfactory sound quality: For the price, you can't expect state-of-the-art acoustics, yet for sleep sounds, the MUSICOZY does the job (minus ANC).
What we don't like about the MUSICOZY Sleep Headphones...
❌ Battery longevity is doubted: Some customers complain the eye mask stops charging or struggles to hold battery after frequent use.
❌ Can get warm: Made from a thick fabric, the MUSICOZY can become flustering overnight, especially if you already sleep hot. Plus not everyone likes sleeping in a mask.
I tend to prefer silence when sleeping but the MUSICOZY’s combo of blackout, reassuring pressure and my chosen sleep sounds made for a soothing and immersive wind-down. The sound quality is average and I don’t see the battery holding up to frequent use but for $30, the MUSICOZY is an excellent travel companion and a handy accessory when the neighbors are keeping me awake.
Read more: MUSICOZY Sleep Headphones review
3. The best sleep headphones with ANC
Active noise cancellation? Check. Snore-masking technology? Check. Comfortable and secure fit? Check. Plenty of quality sleep sounds? Check. Good battery life? Check. Honestly, there's little these sleep earbuds don't do well.
Purpose-built with sleeping in mind, the Soundcore Sleep A30 could be game-changing for chronic light sleepers or anyone living with a snoring partner. They're petite and sit flush in your ears, whether you're lying on your side, back or front — no morning ear ache here.
They come with many sizes to help you get the perfect fit and functionality. In the box, you'll find four silicone ear tips, three memory foam tips and three sets of stabilising wings so you can customize your earbuds to suit you.
Soundcore dubs its third-gen sleep earbuds as “the world’s first smart active noise-cancelling sleep earbuds.” And our reviewer, Becca Caddy, reckons they fit that bill. After testing them under our rigorous methodology, she describes them as an "incredibly thoughtful pair of sleep-focused buds" that actually deliver the hush and comfort the brand promise.
They may not deliver the polished audio of Bose and Sony. But, for sleep sounds, the Soundcore Sleep A30 excel. Think warm, clear vocals and soft tracks. Caddy says, "Whisper-based meditation tracks come through beautifully."
So it's top marks so far, but what about battery life and value for money? Honestly, battery power is our only minor complaint about the Soundcore Sleep A30. You can get nine hours from the buds with ANC on. That said, the case packs another 45 hours of charge.
At $179.99, they are slightly pricey for buds you're only meant to wear at night. But they could be the answer to your disrupted sleep, and can you really put a price on better quality sleep? We think not.
What we like about the Soundcore Sleep A30 Earbuds...
✅Super comfortable: Compact and light weight, you can hardly notice these earbuds overnight no matter your sleep position (yes, that includes side sleeping).
✅ Very effective ANC and snore masking: With specialized snore masking and impressive ANC, these are our top pick for victims of a snoring partner or noise pollution.
✅ Focused on sleep: These aren't earbuds you wear by day, meaning they are solely geared towards helping you sleep. This means supreme comfort, exceptional sleep sounds and better quality rest.
What we don't like about the Soundcore Sleep A30 Earbuds...
❌ Battery life could be better: Lasting just nine hours, the Soundcore Sleep A30 aren't as enduring as other specialized sleep buds. By comparison, the much more affordable MUSICOZY headphones last 14 hours on a single charge.
The Soundcore Sleep A30 earbuds are some of the most comfortable sleep earbuds I’ve tested. The flush, low-profile fit is a gift for side sleepers, and the adaptive snore-masking along with solid ANC make a real difference if you’re sick of having your sleep interrupted by a snoring partner or ambient night noise. The sleep features here are genuinely well thought-out, the app is stacked, and the custom soundscapes beat most of the competition. If sleep is a real struggle for you, the A30s are very hard to beat.
Read more: Soundcore Sleep A30 review
4. The best sleep headphones for side sleepers
As its claim to fame is earning the title of "the world's smallest ANC sleep earbud", the QuietOn 4 offers a great design for side sleepers who are fed up with using chunky AirPods as earplugs. In fact, the QuietOn 4 is three times smaller than AirPods and offers soft, foamy tips in different sizes for optimal comfort.
The QuietOn 4's MSRP is $299, which is around $50 cheaper than the Ozlo Sleepbuds, our luxury pick at #3 in this guide. While the QuietOn's cheaper price is impressive considering that the Ozlo Sleepbuds don't contain ANC, it's still a luxury spend and around $70 more than the Soundcore Sleep A30 earbuds (#1) at MSRP.
However, the QuietOn 4's features live up to its premium price tag, with its ANC providing a distraction-free environment. The ANC requires no smart phone, Bluetooth, or apps. Instead, there's an ANC activation window which means, once you take the earbuds out of their portable charging case, you have 15 seconds to place the them in your ears for the ANC to start.
Some may find this 15-second rule annoying, but once the 15 seconds have passed, sounds are instantly silenced. The ANC is excellent and perfect for cancelling out neighborhood noise and city sounds, and it runs on 28 hours of battery life.
Overall, the QuietOn 4 earbuds are our top choice for any side sleepers who just want to block out distracting sounds without hurting their ear canals when they're pressed against a pillow. They're low-tech design will appeal to those who want to keep bedtime screen and Bluetooth free, but those who want more thn ANC from their earbuds should look to the SoundCore Sleep A30 at No 1.
What we like about the QuietOn 4 Earbuds...
✅ Small, non-intrusive design for side sleeping: Three times smaller than the leading ANC earbuds, the QuietOn 4 have soft tips to avoid irritation when sleeping on your side.
✅ Silence-inducing ANC: The ANC is designed to block out low-frequency noises (like heavy snoring or distant traffic), making it perfect for anyone who needs silence to sleep.
✅ Long battery life: The QuietOn 4's battery life is exceptionally long at 28 hours, meaning they only need to be charged twice a week.
What we don't like about the QuietOn 4 Earbuds...
❌ Short ANC activation window: As the QuietOn 4 earbuds don't rely on Bluetooth or apps, you have 15 seconds to put them in your ears after taking them out of their case for ANC.
Before testing the QuietOn 4, I used the low-tech Loop earplugs no ANC — they simply seal up my ear canal — to help me achieve silence for sleep. They worked for the most part, but I needed ANC to block out louder noises. Enter the QuietOn 4. These small but mighty earbuds feel comfortable in my ears even when I'm sleeping on my side (my primary sleep style) and don't require good Bluetooth connectivity to do the job. Some may find the ANC window too short, but I think 15 seconds is plenty of time to set up. However, anyone who wants a variety of sleep sounds or tracking will be disappointed.
Read more: QuietOn 4 Earbuds review
5. The best sleep headphones with a mask
Like other Bluetooth sleep masks, the SilkSound fits two thin speakers into a typical eye mask. But the SilkSound has one big advantage over its competitors; a mulberry silk build. This makes the eye mask lighter and more breathable than most. Even with a control box, wires and speakers, the design avoids a bulky feel.
As a result, our tester was able to use this mask on even warm summer nights. (In contrast, the bulky MUSICOZY was confined to the nightstand from April onwards.) For hot sleepers, you can enjoy the sweat sounds of your favorite white noise without waking up to a forehead covered in sweat.
The lightweight design does have one disadvantage, which is light seepage. While 3D masks such as the MUSICOZY block out all light, a small amount gets in through the nose area of the SilkSound. It's unlikely to cause a disruption but if you're trying to doze in a brightly lit airport, you might notice.
The audio quality is average, overall, with white noise and audiobooks coming through with minimal distortion. Hook the SilkSound up to your favorite playlists, however, and you'll be disappointed. (We noticed the same problem with the MUSICOZY.)
But we wouldn't expect crisp sound in a sleep mask, particularly not at this price. With an MSRP of $49.99 on Amazon, the SilkSound is always affordable, but keep an eye out for discounts.
What we like about the SilkSound Headphones...
✅ Breathable design: Sleep masks packed with speakers can often feel heavy on the face. But this mulberry silk design is surprisingly lightweight, making it comfortable to wear even on warm nights.
✅ The battery can last for several nights: With a built-in timer and a 20+ hour battery life, you can use the SilkSound for several nights in a row without charging. Good news for traveling.
✅ Side sleeper comfort: Thin disk speakers are integrated into the mask and go over the ears. You can move these around so they sit in the right place to ensure no unwelcome pressure, even when lying on your side.
What we don't like about the SilkSound Headphones...
❌ Average sound quality: For white noise and sleep sounds, the SilkSound mask is a decent audio experience. But if you stick on your favorite tunes, you're going to hear some buzz. That's to be expected at this price but upgrade to earbuds like the Soundcore if you want clear, crisp audio.
❌ Not a full blackout: The SilkSound mask isn't molded to the eyes, which means some light can seep in through the base. Our tester didn't have an issue with this but for no light seepage whatsoever, opt for the Musicozy.
I simply can't sleep without an eye mask and during a hot summer, this caused some problems. So I was surprised to find the SilkSound comfortable even in warm weather, as the breathable fabrics prevented my face getting too hot. The speakers are also super thin, adding no extra bulk to the design. And the battery is incredible — I let it run for over 24 hours before conceding defeat. It's a shame about the sound quality but I wouldn't expect strong clarity from a sub-$50 eye mask. And white noise comes through clear enough.
Read more: SilkSound Bluetooth Sleep Mask review
6. The best sleep headphones for ASMR
ASMR is a love it or hate it sleep technique but if you're on team ASMR, there's nothing like click-clacking and finger tapping to send you snoozing. And the Final ZE500 earbuds make it sound like someone's actually in the room with you, rustling a piece of paper next to your ear.
Designed for ASMR and audiobooks, the Final ZE500 creates almost three dimensional sound. Audio moves from one ear to the other with exceptional detail uncovering every layer of your chosen ASMR. With a frequency response range of 5Hz-2-KHz, even the subtlest sounds come through cleanly.
If ASMR isn't your thing, the Final ZE500 earbuds also excel at audio books and guided meditations. The lush sound completely immerses you. If you struggle to keep wandering thoughts from distracting you at bedtime, these earbuds help direct your focus on your sleepy sounds.
A small profile and pressure relieving design keeps the Final ZE500 earbuds comfortable for nighttime usage (even side sleeping). Our lead tester could "barely feel them", but never worried they were going to fall out.
The biggest disadvantage to the Final ZE500 earbuds is battery life. With roughly 4.5 hours of playback, you won't enjoy an entire night of ASMR. And there's no ANC — opt for the Soundcore if that's something you need. But at around $74.99 on Amazon, the Final earbuds are competitively priced and among the most affordable sleep headphones in this guide.
What we like about the Final ZE500 for ASMR Earbuds...
✅ Incredible sound quality for ASMR: It's like "someone is actually whispering right into your ear," according to our review team. Perfect if you enjoy audiobooks, sleep meditations, or doze-inducing ASMR.
✅ Pressure relieving design: The Final ZE500 earbuds have a compact built designed to relieve pressure on the ear, making them comfortable to wear while you're trying to sleep.
✅ Competitive price: These earbuds aren't cheap (you'll need something like the MUSICOZY to really save) but they're a competitive price for a high-quality earbud and among the most affordable headphones for sleep.
What we don't like about the Final ZE300 for ASMR Earbuds...
❌ Short battery life: The Final ZE500 earbuds have only 4.5 hours of playback, which means they won't last you the entire night. This is an earbud to drift off too, not one to mask sound all night long.
❌ Limited day-to-day usage: While the sound quality is excellent all-round, the short batter life means the Final ZE500 earbuds are unlikely to replace your go-to headphones. Try the Ozlo Sleepbuds or Soundcore A30s for a better day-to-day earbud.
ASMR, audiobooks and meditations are great for busy minds at bed time — you can't focus on racing thoughts if you're immersed in the tip-tapping of an influencer. The Final ZE500 earbuds deliver your favorite sleep sounds with such clarity you'll think it's happening next to you. There's no distracting distortion or squeaky noted (unless that's what you're in too, of course.) And the compact design is comfortable, with no pressure on the ears. It's a shame about the battery life but if all you need is 20 minutes of rustling to get you snoozing, these are a winner.
Read more: Final ZE500 for ASMR earbuds review
How we test sleep headphones
Our sleep headphone reviews follow the same rigorous, repeatable testing we use for all audio tech, but with a sleep-first focus. Because bedtime listening has different needs to daytime listening, we combine objective measurements with hands-on, overnight testing from our audio reviewers and sleep specialists. Our goal is to find the models that genuinely help you fall asleep, stay asleep and block out the sounds that keep you awake.
Sound: Unlike traditional headphone testing, for the best sleep earbuds we focus on clarity at whisper levels, especially for spoken word, sleep stories, ASMR and meditations. We test every pair with this low volume content to replicate real bedtime use. Reviewers are looking for clear dialogue, smooth low frequencies and minimal hiss or distortion.
Noise isolation and ANC: Blocking out unwanted sound is one of the main reasons people buy sleep headphones, so we test both passive isolation and ANC performance in real-world conditions, from quiet overnight use to noisy environments, like a running tap or vacuum cleaner. We also watch for unwanted artifacts or pressure sensations.
Comfort: This is the most important factor. We wear each pair for multiple nights, testing how they feel while falling asleep and in different positions. We evaluate fit, weight, low-profile design, head build-up and whether anything digs in or shifts overnight. We also note hygiene factors, like ventilation, water build-up and how easy it is to clean tips or cups.
Ease of use and features: Before bed, simplicity matters. We test how easy controls are to use in low light and whether customization options improve comfort. For wireless models, we run full battery drain tests at 50% volume, with and without ANC, and track standby drain to ensure they last a full night. We also assess sleep specific features, like soundscapes.
Sleep Headphones FAQs
What are the benefits of using sleep headphones?
Sound is hugely disruptive to sleep, as anyone who has shared a bed with a snorer can attest. Not only can noise at night wake you up in the middle of a sleep cycle, but persistent sound when trying to sleep can prevent you from switching off in the first place.
The best sleep earphones are used to either block out noise, or mask it with something more calming. It's a comfortable way to unwind with your favorite sounds. And, if you share a bed, a pair of sleep earbuds means you don't disturb other people with your ASMR.
Sleep headphones can also help those who find racing thoughts stop them from drifting off. Using sleep earphones to listen to audiobooks, meditations, or even white noise helps immerse you in a calmer environment, directing your mind away from stress and toward something sleep inducing.
Are sleep headphones safe to sleep in?
Yes, most sleep headphones are safe to sleep in. But you do need to use them sensibly. Most headphones are designed to be worn for long periods, but it is still important to keep the volume low, choose a design that has good ventilation and make sure nothing digs in or causes irritation. If you use earbuds, clean the tips regularly to avoid buildup.
Are sleep headphones worth it?
You don't necessarily need to buy a special pair of sleep earphones to wear at night. Your average earbuds might be good enough, provided they have a slim enough profile not to press into your ears.
However, there are advantages to investing in a pair of sleep headphones. Primarily, comfort. The best sleep earbuds are slim and lightweight with a design to relieve pressure at the ears. They're also carefully engineered not to fall out when you change position at night.
The best sleep headphones are also typically designed to deliver the best audio quality when listening to sleep sounds. Think white noise, ASMR, and meditations. They won't always hit the high notes (literally) of the best audio equipment, but they'll shine when you start your rainfall playlist.
