Do you like sleeping with your headphones on? You are not the only one… An increasing number of people are using headphones to block out noise and listen to relaxing music whilst sleeping. Sleeping with headphones seems to help particularly people who are suffering from insomnia. The popularity of sleeping with headphones has even led some companies to produce specialized headphones that are particularly comfortable for sleeping. There are many models currently on the market that include over-ear headphones, earbuds as well as headbands that are advertised as great headphones for sleeping.
However, buying a brand new pair of headphones or earbuds for sleeping can be a tough choice. How can you choose between all these models? Is it possible to know in advance their advantages and disadvantages, so that you will be aware which one fits your needs? In order to help you with this quest, I have gathered for you the top 8 headphones & earbuds for sleeping currently on the market. They have been carefully selected out of dozens of models, and this list provides you with a variety of solutions that can fit any taste and budget. Read on to find out which are the best headphones for sleeping!
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8 Best Headphones & Earbuds For Sleeping
1. Beyerdynamic DT 770
The first choice on this list comes from a well-reputed company in the audio niche, and this pair is a great solution for audiophiles striving for perfection. The Beyerdynamic DT 770 are professional, over-ear headphones that come with particularly soft cushions that allow you to sleep comfortably, besides their large size. In terms of audio quality, they won’t disappoint you as they deliver crisp and crystal clear audio quality along a pretty wide frequency spectrum. In addition to that, their design allows them to block out noise effectively. Their wired connectivity makes sure that they are compatible with all audio devices (as well as smartphones, tablets and computers) and they will never run out of battery while you are sleeping. The only problem is that if you toss and turn a lot in your sleep, their over-ear design might be a bit of discomfort. The price tag of the Beyerdynamic DT 770 is pretty high, which makes them recommended mostly for audiophiles or for people who want a high-quality pair of headphones for sleeping and other activities.
- Great audio quality
- Effective passive noise isolation
- Soft cushions
- Wide compatibility
- The over-ear design is not comfortable for some sleepers
- Pricey
2. Shure SE215
Shure is also a reputable company in the audio niche that puts a lot of effort in manufacturing budget-friendly, high-quality products. The Shure SE215 are popular, high-quality earbuds under 100 dollars that deliver crisp and clear sound performance with enhanced low-end. They are available in two versions, wired and wireless, that let you choose the one you prefer according to your needs. Their design features multiple sound isolating sleeves that provide passive noise isolation that can block up to 37 dB of ambient noise. The package includes three sizes of foam pads (small, medium and large) in order to provide you with a snug and comfortable fit, while they also ship with a carrying case. The cable is replaceable and customizable, adding to the robust build quality that is a characteristic of Shure products. The main drawback of this earbuds is the price tag that might seem a bit too high for many potential buyers. All in all, the Shure SE215 are a model you should absolutely check if you like sleeping with earbuds
- Wireless and wired connection
- Comfortable fit with foam pads of different sizes
- Great sound quality with enhanced bass
- Passive noise isolation
- Quite expensive
3. Bose QuietComfort 20
The Bose QuietComfort 20 are a great choice for those who are having trouble going to sleep because of ambient noise. These earbuds feature active noise cancellation (ANC) that blocks out external noise effectively. The “aware” mode lets you easily disable ANC in case you need to be in touch with your surroundings. In addition to that, they deliver great sound performance that is clear and warm: perfect for going to sleep. They come with soft and flexible ear tips that ensure comfort while you sleep, and the package includes three different sizes so that you can find the perfect fir for you. An included clothing clip allows you to secure them to your clothes so that the wire doesn’t burden you. Their rechargeable lithium-ion battery comes with 16 hours of battery time and needs about 2 hours to fully recharge. Unfortunately, they are pretty expensive, but you get what you pay for, as their noise cancellation is really effective. People with loud neighbors or living close to an airport would definitely benefit from the Bose QuietComfort 20.
- Active noise cancellation
- Great sound quality
- Comfortable fit
- Three sizes of ear tips included
- Very expensive
You may also like best headphones under the budget of $100.
4. CozyPhones Sleep Headphones
The CozyPhones Sleep Headphones have been designed with sleep comfort in mind, and as a result they come with a headbanded design that makes them particularly comfortable (this is especially good if you like to sleep on one side). They are over-ear headphones with a wired connection supported by a 1.5 m long cord. The only downside of this is that if you move around a lot while sleeping, the earphones might move away from your ears. The headband makes them quite stylish, keeping a lightweight and portable design that lets you also use them for exercise. In addition to that, a travel bag is included in the package. They come in multiple colors such as black, blue, pink and white. In terms of sound performance and noise isolation, they perform pretty well considering their low price tag. Maybe the greatest advantage of the CozyPhones is the fact that they are affordable, which makes their stylish and ergonomic design accessible to everyone.
- Affordable
- Comfortable headband style
- Many colours to choose from
- Travel bag included
- Earphones might move away from your ears in your sleep
5. Panasonic RP-HS46E-K
The Panasonic RP-HS46E-K are a great low-budget solution for sleeping headphones, made from a well-known and reputable brand. They come with an on-ear design, incorporating a hook that fixes them on your ears, preventing them from falling out if you toss and turn a lot. They come with wired connectivity that makes them compatible with every device featuring audio input, and you never have to worry that they will run out of battery. Their sound performance is crystal clear and better than what you’d expect in this price range. Their main problem is that you might find that your music is leaking to the environment if you are listening in loud volume (that can become a problem if someone is sleeping next to you). Other than that, their design is slim and pretty comfortable on the ears, if you are familiar with clip-on earphones.
All in all, the Panasonic RP-HS46E-K come at a very low price, which makes them ideal for low-budget buyers that want to enjoy music while sleeping.
- Low-budget solution
- Their design keeps them on your ears
- Better than average sound performance
- Sound leakage that might disturb others
6. SleepPhones AcousticSheep
The SleepPhones AcousticSheep is another nice headband solution for those of you who are side-sleepers. They come with a headband that incorporates flat speakers inside. The headband is washable, it comes in three different sizes (small, medium and large) and in two different fabrics to choose from. The headband can also keep your hair in place or double as a sleep mask, while you can use these headphones for exercise, too. You can also choose whether you prefer wired or wireless connectivity. The latter features Bluetooth connectivity that is compatible with most devices (including smartphones, tablets and computers) and it comes with a battery life of 10 hours. The USB cord is included, while a dedicated app lets you listen to recordings of ambient sounds, white noise, as well as sleep aids. They come in many different colours to choose from. Regarding sound quality, they deliver crystal clear sound performance and they also manage to block ambient sounds. All in all, the SleepPhones AcousticSheep offer a lot of useful features that justify their price, which some of you might find pretty high.
- Different sizes that allow for the perfect fit
- Two options of headband material
- Wired and wireless connectivity
- Dedicated app
- Quite expensive
7. MAXROCK Soft Silicon Earbuds
The MAXROCK Soft Silicon Earbuds are particularly soft earbuds that can be used for sleeping. They come at a very competitive price and their sound quality is pretty good for such affordable earbuds. Their low profile design doesn’t go deep into your ears, allowing you to sleep on the side. They feature wired connection with built-in controls on the cord that allow you to adjust your music without touching your device. The incorporated microphone also allows you to take calls if need be. Their double layering allows for pretty good passive noise isolation that prevents unwanted sounds from disturbing you while you sleep. Regarding sound quality, they are ok for the price, but don’t expect them to be like more high end models. They come with ergonomic design and soft silicone buds that don’t fall off your ears and they are comfortable to wear for long hours. You can also use these headphones for everyday commuting or casual listening to music. To sum up, the MAXROCK Soft Silicon Earbuds are a great solution for those looking for sleeping earbuds on a low budget.
- Bang for the buck
- Soft and comfortable
- Built-in controls
- Effective passive noise isolation
- Sound quality could be better
8. Dubslabs Bedphones
The Dubslabs Bedphones are high-quality headphones with on-ear design that are particularly comfortable for sleeping. They are very thin with ample foam padding, while a rubber hook keeps them on your ears, without letting them fall even if you toss and turn a lot. They come with wireless Bluetooth connectivity that is compatible with every device and their battery life extends up to 13 hours. If you prefer wired connectivity, there is also the option to buy their wired version The earphones are connected together by a cord with adjustable size, that features in-line controls, allowing you to make changes to your music without touching your device. Their package includes a carrying pouch for travel, an eye mask, a USB charging cable as well as a set of replacement foams. Purchasing this set, you also have access to a playlist with soothing sounds that can put you to sleep. On the whole, the Dubslabs Bedphones are a great solution for those who move a lot while sleeping, although they are a little on the pricey side.
- Their design prevents them from falling out of your ears
- Very comfortable design
- Useful extra accessories
- Wired and wireless connectivity.
- Pricey
As you have probably realized by now, there is a great variety of headphones that are recommended for use when you are sleeping. Although all the previously mentioned headphones are high-quality, you should be picky in order to choose the right fit for you. How can you know that? Well, you first need to know what you are looking for in your headphones. For example, if you toss and turn a lot in your sleep, you might want to get headphones with a headband design. On the other hand, if you are a heavy sleeper, maybe you would like to focus on the sound quality.
External noise can also be an issue: if you find it difficult to sleep because of ambient sounds, you might want to consider headphones with active noise isolation. Wired or wireless connectivity is something additional that you have to consider according to what you prefer. Finally, your budget is always a deciding factor, but fortunately you can find a solution for every budget on this list. I hope that this top 8 list has helped you choose a new pair of headphones for sleep and that you will enjoy using them soon!