
If you're a light sleeper, you know the struggle of trying to block out noise. Environmental noise from cars, cities, or transportation can decrease deep sleep and REM sleep, increase your awake time, and negatively impact your health. Luckily, there are many headphones designed to help you sleep. They're made to fit more comfortably in your ears than traditional earbuds and can block out noise. Some of the best options include the Soundcore Sleep A10, Kokoon Nightbuds, SleepPhones, and AirPods Pro Noise Canceling headphones.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Over-ear headband, earbuds, eye mask with headphones |
| Noise-cancelling capabilities | Yes |
| Battery life | 6-28 hours |
| Price | $12 to $300 |
| Volume | Below 85 dB |
| Safety | Medically safe to fall asleep while wearing headphones |
| Use | On-ear or over-ear headphones are preferred over earbuds |
| Cleaning | Reasonably easy to clean |
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What You'll Learn

Headband-style sleep headphones
If you're looking for headband-style sleep headphones, there are a few options to consider. Headband headphones are ideal for those who don't like the feeling of earbuds or earplugs in their ears. They are also a good alternative if you're concerned about potential ear canal damage or wax buildup from long-term earbud use.
Firstly, the AcousticSheep SleepPhones Wireless headband-style sleep headphones are a reliable option. They offer headbands in different sizes and fabrics, ensuring a comfortable fit. The flat, felt-covered speakers produce good sound quality and can be positioned over your ears inside the headband. They are also easy to clean, as the Bluetooth module and speaker drivers can be removed before washing the headband. The battery life is impressive, at up to 24 hours, and the headband is machine-washable. The brand also offers the SleepPhones Effortless model, which now includes induction charging.
Another option is the Manta Sound Sleep Mask, which combines a sleep mask with headphones. The eyecups are spacious, adjustable, and designed to prevent pressure on your eyes. The mask is surprisingly comfortable, and the perforated design prevents overheating. The battery life is up to 20 hours, which will last you a few nights.
While headband-style headphones are a good choice for comfort, they may not block out louder external noise as effectively as earbuds. Additionally, the headband design might interfere with hair bonnets, dental headgear, or nighttime skin treatments.
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$15.18 $19.99

Earbuds
If you're looking for earbuds to help you sleep, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, comfort is key. Look for earbuds with stabilizing ear wings that keep the buds in place without putting pressure on your ears, which can cause soreness and discomfort. Earbuds with customizable ear tips are also ideal for finding the perfect fit to block out unwanted noise.
Some earbuds come with noise-canceling technology, which uses reverse sound waves to block out external noise. This feature can be especially useful if you're trying to block out loud noises like snoring or city traffic. However, noise-canceling earbuds may not be the best option in case of an emergency, as you may not be able to hear important sounds.
Battery life is another important factor. Ideally, you'll want earbuds that can last through the night without needing to be charged. Some earbuds offer up to 20 hours of battery life, while others may only last for 10 hours. Keep in mind that if you're using a charging case, you may be able to get additional charges.
Price is also a consideration. Sleep earbuds can range in price from around $20 to $350. While you may get more features with a higher price tag, there are still some great budget-friendly options available.
Some recommended earbuds for sleeping include the Soundcore Sleep A20, AcousticSheep SleepPhones Wireless, Sleep A10, Kokoon Nightbuds, and Ozlo Sleepbuds. These earbuds offer comfort, noise-blocking capabilities, and decent battery life.
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Noise-cancelling capabilities
The effectiveness of noise cancellation can vary between different headphone models. For example, the AcousticSheep SleepPhones Wireless headband-style headphones received mixed reviews, with some users finding them inadequate for blocking out louder nighttime noises. On the other hand, the Soundcore Sleep A20 and AcousticSheep SleepPhones Wireless earbuds were praised for their noise-blocking capabilities, with cushioned wings that make them comfortable for side sleepers.
The Soundcore Life Q30 headphones are another option that offers good noise cancellation and noise leakage at a budget-friendly price. They provide up to 40 hours of battery life with active noise cancellation and 60 hours with music playback only. Additionally, the accompanying app offers a variety of nature sounds for additional sound blockage and relaxation.
For those seeking an alternative to traditional headphones, the Manta Sound Sleep Mask combines eye cups that block out light with flat headphones that hover over your ears to dampen most sounds. The adjustable design allows for comfortable side sleeping, and the perforated design ensures ventilation to prevent overheating. The battery life of up to 20 hours is also notable.
It is worth noting that while noise-cancelling headphones can be beneficial for blocking out unwanted noise, they may not be suitable for everyone. Some users may prefer quieter options or sleep earplugs, especially if they are concerned about being too disconnected from their surroundings during an emergency. Additionally, the volume level should be kept between 60 and 85 decibels to avoid potential ear damage over time.
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Battery life
When it comes to sleeping headphones, battery life is a crucial consideration. The National Sleep Foundation recommends seven to nine hours of sleep per night, so a good pair of sleeping headphones should offer at least ten hours of battery life to account for winding down before sleep. Some headphones fall short of this, with battery lives of only six or ten hours. However, others far exceed this, with some offering up to 20, 24, 28, 30, 40, or even 60 hours of battery life.
The battery life of your sleeping headphones will depend on various factors, including the presence of additional features, such as active noise cancellation (ANC) or passive noise cancellation (PNC). Headphones with ANC or PNC technology will typically have a reduced battery life compared to those without. For example, the Soundcore Life Q30 headphones offer 40 hours of battery life with ANC and 60 hours without. Similarly, the Apple AirPods Pro 2 offers six hours of battery life with ANC, extendable to 30 hours with the MagSafe case.
The design of the headphones can also impact battery life. Over-ear and on-ear headphones tend to offer longer battery life than in-ear earbuds due to their larger size and capacity for bigger batteries. For example, the Sony WH-1000XM4 over-ear headphones offer 30 hours of battery life, while the Soundcore by Anker Sleep A10 in-ear earbuds offer around ten hours.
Additionally, the volume level can affect battery life. Most headphones will provide a longer battery life when used at a moderate volume. For example, the Musicozy Sleep Headphones offer over 12 hours of battery life at a moderate volume but only ten hours when used at a louder volume.
It's worth noting that some sleeping headphones come with charging cases that can extend the battery life by providing additional charges on the go. For instance, the QuietOn Kokoon Nightbuds offer 28 hours of battery life on a single charge, plus an additional two nights of battery life from the charging case.
When choosing sleeping headphones, consider your personal sleep habits and preferences. If you require noise cancellation or prefer listening at higher volumes, you may need a pair of headphones with a longer battery life or a charging case to ensure they last through the night.
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Price
The price of headphones for sleeping varies depending on the type, quality, and features. Here are some options with their respective prices:
Budget-friendly options
The Musicozy 5.2 Sleep Headphones offer impressive sound quality and adjustable speakers within a comfortable headband. Priced at less than $20, they provide excellent value for money and can be used for various activities besides sleeping.
The Maxrock Sleep Headphones are another affordable option, resembling regular headphones but with smaller and softer earbuds. They offer excellent noise isolation, ensuring your partner hears minimal sound. While they lack Bluetooth and active noise cancellation, their wired design provides a reliable connection. The exact price for these headphones was not found, but they are likely affordable based on their description.
Mid-range options
The Soundcore Life Q30 headphones offer a solid combination of good noise cancellation, noise leakage prevention, and exceptional battery life. With a price tag of around $89 for the wired version and $149 for the Bluetooth version, they provide a budget-friendly alternative to more expensive options without compromising on features.
The AcousticSheep SleepPhones Wireless is a headband-style option with a washable design. It allows you to stream audio content from your phone to block out unwanted noise. While it may not block out louder noises effectively, it is a comfortable choice for side sleepers. The price of this product is not explicitly mentioned, but it is likely in the mid-range category.
Premium options
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are premium noise-cancelling headphones known for their excellent noise cancellation, lightweight and comfortable design, and superb sound quality. However, they carry a high price tag, making them a more expensive option. The exact price is not mentioned, but they are likely to be priced higher than $100.
The Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones are another premium choice, offering superb noise cancellation, impressive microphone clarity, and excellent sound quality. While the price is not specified, they are expected to be on the higher end, similar to the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones.
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Frequently asked questions
Here are some of the best headphones for sleeping:
- Soundcore Sleep A10
- Kokoon Nightbuds
- SleepPhones
- AirPods Pro Noise Canceling headphones
- Soundcore Life Q30
- AcousticSheep SleepPhones Wireless
- Manta Sound Sleep Mask
- Bonamour Sleep System
- Maxrock Sleep Headphones
Noise-cancelling headphones can block out unwanted noise and create a calming environment for better rest. They can also be used to play music, audiobooks, white noise, meditation or ASMR. However, they may not be the best option in the case of an emergency, especially if you are a heavy sleeper. Additionally, some headband-style headphones might interfere with hair bonnets, dental headgear or nighttime skin treatments.
It is medically safe to fall asleep while wearing headphones, but it is recommended to keep the volume below 85 dB. On-ear or over-ear headphones are preferred over earbuds for long-term use since wax buildup and ear canal damage can occur over time with earbud use.
Some alternatives to headphones for sleeping include earplugs or a sleep mask and headphones combination.











































