Headphones are great for listening to tunes while on the go, working out, or even relaxing at home. But there’s a subset of headphones that are growing in popularity: sleep headphones. Ones with built-in mics can be used for chatting as well in between daytime naps. And wireless sleep headphones eliminate wires, allowing for full freedom of movement for tossers and turners.
At the heart, sleep headphones block out ambient sounds that could be distracting while trying to fall asleep. Some also work with an app or Bluetooth connection to a smartphone to play soothing sounds and music. Others even come with built-in eye masks.
Bose SleepBuds II
The Bose SleepBuds II are specifically designed to be worn to sleep. They look like standard true wireless earbuds but are made to be comfortably worn all night. Connect them with the app and set soothing sounds to help lull the wearer to sleep. Sounds range from rain to a crackling fire, rustling leaves, or even busy city traffic.
Set a timer, so the sounds only play for a specific duration of time and wake up calm and refreshed. Along with playing the audio if desired, they also mask noise similarly to earplugs. With up to 10 hours per charge along with three more charges from the included case, they’ll last several nights before needing a recharge.
QuietOn 3
The QuietOn 3 are true wireless earbuds designed specifically for use when sleeping as well. The latest OS update 3.1 offers enhanced noise-canceling, allowing wearers to switch the noise-canceling on and off as needed (off to hear a bump in the night, for example, without having to remove them.)
Made with comfortable foam tips, the up to 28 hours of battery life per charge will last for several nights while listening to some of the best Netflix shows to fall asleep to. Use the included charging case for three more charges. These don’t play any audio but are simply an amped-up version of basic earplugs.
Kokoon Nightbuds
Touted as being ideal for side sleepers, the Kokoon Nightbuds are ultra-thin, fitting snugly in the ears. The buds come with a library of sleep meditations, soundscapes, or even the listener’s favorite content to fall asleep to, like podcasts.
They feature a smart fade-out function that can sense once the wearer drifts off to sleep and fade the audio out while continuing to mask disturbances with white noise. There is a cost to access the content but the buds come with a 30-day trial. Note that these aren’t wireless, but this is because they work alongside the sensor that monitors sleep to adapt the audio accordingly. Thus, the main piece sits at the back of the head while the two buds reach the ears via comfortable wires.
CozyBand Wireless Headphones
Unlike some of the others on this list, the Cozyband Wireless Headphones are built into a soft, fabric headband that can be worn around the head, covering the eyes as well. This helps block not only sound but also light.
Ideal for naptimes, wearers can listen to music, audiobooks, podcasts, or meditations while getting power naps. The material is soft and stretchy to fit different head sizes, and with a 12-hour battery life per charge, they’ll last for a full night’s sleep or a few daytime naps. There’s also a built-in microphone for answering calls if needed. Remove the electronics and wash the band as needed.
DubsLabs Bedphones Sleep Headphones
The DubsLabs Bedphones are sleep headphones that go on the ear versus in them. They are fully adjustable for a comfortable fit and have a wire that goes around the back of the head.
Each headphone is ¼-inch thin and covered in soft foam, employing a patented design that the company says lies flat enough so as not to disrupt sleep. The ear hooks, meanwhile, are made from a rubber-coated memory wire that can be tightened using the cable slider. There’s an inline mic and single-button remote for answering important calls as well as controlling music or other audio playback without having to rummage around in the dark for the phone.
AcousticSheep SleepPhones Wireless Sleep Headphones
Employing a headband style that goes around the head like a sweatband, the AcousticSheep SleepPhones are designed to be comfortable for all types of sleepers, including side sleepers. The headband is made from the company’s exclusive SheepCloud fabrics and contains thin, padded, removable speakers.
Play any content desired from a smartphone, which can be connected via Bluetooth. The headband itself is washable once the electronics are removed as well as hypoallergenic for those with sensitive skin.
Hoomband Headband
Helping wearers fall asleep to the sound of whispering stories, the Hoomband Headband consists of a comfortable fabric headband and an app with not only stories but also guided meditations, soundscapes, white noises, and even ASMR relaxing sounds.
The best part is that wearers have access to unlimited audio content, with new content added all the time to keep things fresh and exciting. There’s no need to stay up late binge-watching the best movies about dreams in order to fall asleep. The earphones inside are flat, making it easy to fall asleep, even on the side. The washable fabric is elastic to fit and ventilated so wearers don’t overheat. The sounds rely on progressive relaxation techniques that include breathing, cardiac coherence, body scan, and stimulation of all five senses.
Watotgafer Music Sleep Mask
As an eye mask first, the Watotgafer Music Sleep Mask is the perfect way to catch some ZZZs while keeping the eyes covered as well, to fully shut down for the evening, or for a quick daytime nap when the lights are still on.
They come with adjustable stereo speakers and a microphone, making them perfect for long flights as well. Available in a variety of colors, connect them wirelessly to a smartphone using Bluetooth then drift off to soothing sounds or a calming playlist. The mask can be hand washed in warm water and is made from a breathable memory sponge and smooth fabric for a comfortable fit.
Maxrock Sleep Earplugs
These sleeping earbuds look like regular wired earbuds, but the Maxrock Sleep Earplugs have a unique twist: they feature a silicone insert that fits neatly in the ear without falling out while still being comfortable to wear all night. Use them paired with an Apple Watch app for sleep tracking to confirm they’re actually helping improve sleep duration and quality.
Dubbed great for all types of sleepers, including side sleepers, note that they must connect to a device via a 3.5mm jack. This means the phone still needs to be close by and for some of the latest phones, it might require a separately purchased adapter. These won’t be great for those who toss and turn all night either. But for naps or sound sleepers who tend not to fidget a lot at night, these could be an affordable option.
Panasonic ErgoFit In-Ear Earbud Headphones
The Panasonic ErgoFit Wired Earbuds aren’t specifically designed for sleeping, but they could theoretically be worn overnight thanks to the extra-long 3.6-foot cord. It comes with three sets of earpads in different sizes and are designed to perfectly conform to the ear canal.
With an integrated mic and call remote, these are perfect for wearing during the daytime, too. They come in a variety of color options to fit different personalities and styles. They will, however, require a 3.5mm jack or the use of an optional adapter.