The top sleep-friendly headphones
Updated
Wearing headphones to bed might feel like a bit of a weird thing to do, but there’s some method behind the madness. They can help drown out irritating background noise like snoring or neighbours, can help you to wind down and relax for the night, and also keeps audio private from partners if you don’t want to disturb them.
They often come in one of two designs: either small, silicone-tipped earbuds or as a headband or eye mask with embedded speakers. They are a popular purchase for wearing at home, when on the move, taking overnight flights, and more.
Here are some of our top options for sleep-friendly headphones that promise a restful night’s sleep.
NOTE: Prices are accurate at the time of publishing.
Anker Soundcore Sleep A20
Anker Soundcore Sleep A20 Anker
The Anker Soundcore Sleep A20 are specially designed for overnight wear, alleviating issues like ear pain from side sleeping or short battery life. Their side-profile design, flexible silicone ear wings, and either breathable or sealed tips to create ultimate user comfort.
Instead of battery-depleting active noise cancellation, they use twin-seal ear tips to block out snoring, traffic, or any other noises. With two different modes, you can use Sleep Mode to play stored tracks for up to 14 hours and Bluetooth Mode to stream any audio from your device.
AcousticSheep SleepPhones Wireless
AcousticSheep SleepPhones Wireless AcousticSheep
If you prefer more of a headband style, the AcousticSheep SleepPhones Wireless are a great option as they embed ultra-thin, padded flat speakers inside a soft, machine-washable headband.
With this design, you don’t need to worry about bulky earbuds or rogue plastic digging into your skin, and instead can comfortably enjoy white noise, podcasts, music, and more. For extra light sleepers, it also doubles as an eye mask when pulled down.
Ozlo Sleepbuds 2
Ozlo Sleepbuds 2 Ozlo
These earbuds are praised for their ultra-small, flush-fitting silicone design that sits neatly and comfortably within the ear without pain or discomfort thanks to their flexible ear tips.
Since they use a tight passive seal plus customised masking sounds, you can drown out irritating noises for up to 14 hours. For a seamless sleeping experience, you can stream your own audio and once you drift off, the buds will automatically transition to soothing sleep sounds. Plus, they also feature built-in personal wake-up alarms which ensure you do actually get up on time and without disturbing anyone else.
Laser Sleep Mask with Bluetooth Headphones
Laser Sleep Mask with Bluetooth Headphones Laser
For a more affordable option, the Laser Sleep Mask with Bluetooth Headphones combine blackout coverage with flat, built-in speakers to protect you from any sleep disruption. It is soft and breathable, connects easily to phones or tablets, provides up to 10 hours of continuous playback, and features memory foam padding cushions to keep pressure off the face and eyes.
Manta Sound Sleep Mask
Manta Sound Sleep Mask Manta
The Manta Sound Sleep Mask is a great option for a blackout, distraction-free, and comfortable sleep. Featuring breathable and washable material, ultra-thin Bluetooth speakers, C-shaped eye cups, custom cup and speaker positioning, and a battery that lasts up to 24 hours, this is an excellent sleep companion for those who prefer a mask-like design.
Sony WF-1000XM5 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones
Sony WF-1000XM5 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones Sony
At 25 per cent smaller and 20 per cent lighter than their predecessor, the Sony WF-1000XM5 wireless earbuds are light and compact, but powerful in their active noise cancellation abilities. The polyurethane foam ear tips comfortably mould to your ears to block ambient sounds like snoring or traffic before the ANC even kicks in.
READ MORE: Headphones versus earbuds: what’s worth your money?
