The 6 best sleep headphones of 2025: Earbuds, headbands, and eye masks that are comfortable all night long

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You crave a good night's sleep after a long day — but your noisy neighbors, snoring partner, or early rising roommate make reaching deep sleep feel like running a marathon. White noise or calming music can help quiet racing thoughts and block out noises like snoring or rustling around the bedroom, but regular in-ear and over-head headphones can be bulky and uncomfortable in the night, especially for side sleepers.

Sleep headphones, however, are specifically designed with rest in mind, often incorporating sleep aids like noise blocking, meditations, and custom sleep sounds. The best sleep headphones also allow you to lie on your side without discomfort, unlike your traditional pair of earbuds. They're most commonly available in three forms: earbuds (ergonomically designed in-ear headphones), headbands (flat speakers secured over your ears), and eye masks (on-ear speakers and light blocking).

When it comes to sleep headphones, the most important criteria are comfort and general sound quality. You also don't want them slipping off in the middle of the night. You won't find the same audiophile-worthy specs in sleep headphones that you would in the best headphones on the market, but you'll sleep much more soundly than you would with the bulk and discomfort of a traditional set.

I tested 10 pairs over at least seven nights, both while sleeping and while lounging. The Soundcore Sleep A30 Earbuds emerged as the best sleep headphones overall, due to their winged tip design, long battery life, and ample special features. If a headband style sounds more appealing, the lightweight and machine-washable AcousticSheep SleepPhones Wireless are extremely comfortable. The Manta SOUND Sleep Mask is a great choice for those looking to combine their headphones with a sleep mask.

Our picks of the best sleep headphones

Best overall: Soundcore Sleep A30 Earbuds - See at Amazon

Best upgrade: Ozlo Sleepbuds - See at Amazon

Best on-ear: Bedphones Sleep Headphones - See at DubsLabs

Best headband: AcousticSheep SleepPhones Wireless - See at Amazon

Best sleep mask: Manta SOUND Sleep Mask - See at Manta Sleep

Best budget sleep mask: LC-dolida Sleep Headphones - See at Amazon

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Best overall

The new Soundcore Sleep A30 had such a positive impact on me that I still reach for these earbuds long after testing has ended, just as was the case with Soundcore's previous model, the A20. They stayed firmly in my ears overnight without discomfort, blocked out enough passive noise to quiet anxious thoughts (and let me sleep through my partner getting ready for work), and easily switched from music to sleep mode with a double tap — deeming them the best pair we tested overall. Additionally, they are the only pair we tested with optional active noise cancellation. (Note: Experts caution against using noise cancellation during sleep, as it could prevent you from hearing a potential danger in your home; however, active noise cancellation remains a useful feature for travel, sleeping with a partner, or daytime use.) A custom winged design and adjustable inserts allow for as much comfort as an in-ear pair can seemingly offer, all while being side-sleeper-friendly.

Sound quality is solid, especially when ANC is enabled: You can hear sounds clearly without a distracting bass or tinny quality, which we found were the main necessities for sleeping with sound. Active noise cancellation successfully blocked out a snoring partner and city traffic, but if you'd rather not sleep with ANC enabled, the passive noise cancellation also blocks out background noise, such as snoring or cars driving by but it doesn't completely cancel outside noise). Not to mention, the A30s are chock full of special features: A double-tap on the earbud easily switches from your chosen audio to "sleep mode" (pre-programmed white noise), the built-in alarm is a major plus for commuters or those who don't want to wake a partner as a silent alarm clock, and the "find my device" allows you to easily locate an earbud that's lost in bed. I also found the Bluetooth setup to be the most intuitive of all: The earbuds initially connected to my phone as easily as my daytime headphones did, and since then, they've connected automatically as soon as I open up the case.

The earbuds' nine-hour battery life easily lasts through the night outside the case, and the charging case boasts up to 45 hours of battery life, lasting nearly two full days without needing recharging. While its predecessor, the A20, lacks active noise cancellation, the earlier model boasts even better battery life at a lower price, with up to 14 hours outside of the case and up to 80 hours in the charging case. We tested both pairs and would recommend both equally highly, depending on your budget and needs.

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Best upgrade

Ozlo's Sleepbuds are the priciest pair I tested, and while my experience was generally positive, it's hard to say whether the additional features are worth the steep price tag. Like the Soundcore A30, the Sleepbuds are ergonomically designed to fit comfortably in your ear, and the four adjustable tip options allow for flexibility for most sleepers. The Sleepbuds boast passive noise cancellation, a similar sound quality to daytime earbuds, and Ozlo's paired app with a wide library of nature-like noise masking sounds. Bluetooth pairing was a bit spotty: Connecting the earbuds to my phone was fairly straightforward at first, but sometimes the Ozlo app would incorrectly indicate that the buds were disconnected, even when they were still connected to my device. This seemed to be hit or miss: Sometimes they'd connect to Bluetooth perfectly, and sometimes I'd spend a frustrating extra few minutes connecting the buds to my device and the Ozlo app.

A 10-hour battery life will get you through the night with time to spare, but Ozlo's charging case drains rather quickly, even when the buds are not in use, requiring a full charge every 2-3 days. My executive functioning is at its lowest in the morning, so I often forget to charge the case and found myself frustrated when the Sleepbuds are dead by bedtime. When I remembered to charge the case, the buds charged quickly and were ready to go by evening. The Sleepbuds didn't quite meet my personal sleep needs, but if consistent charging isn't a dealbreaker for you, features like the extensive sleep sound library, sleep mode detection (which automatically replaces your music with nature sounds once sleep is detected), and built-in alarms may make the Sleepbuds worth the investment.

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Best on-ear

BedPhones stood out to me because of their unique design: Their foam-padded speakers sit on top of your ears, but without the added bulk and discomfort of a headband or an eye mask. I'm not one to value high-quality audio when listening to music before bed; a clear enough sound at a loud enough volume is good enough for me. Because of this, I wasn't bothered by the lack of audio features with the BedPhones, but true audio enthusiasts may be. Since the speakers are surrounded by foam, the sound quality diminished in comparison to an in-ear pair. That said, the foam creates a pillow-soft feeling that rests directly on top of the ear, which is ideal for side sleepers or those with extra-sensitive ears.

Beyond the on-ear feature, BedPhones are standard across the board. The battery life is as advertised and has never failed me during testing. The Bluetooth connection is stable and consistent, and the audio quality is decent, provided the speakers are positioned directly over your ears. An external speaker can be shifted more easily overnight, but if you're using headphones to fall asleep (rather than stay asleep), BedPhones get the job done.

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Best headband

SleepPhones pack the utility of Bluetooth headphones into the convenience of a machine-washable, easily packable headband. SleepPhones' battery life clocks in at a whopping 24 hours of active use, making them an excellent choice for a long commute or overnight travel (especially given that the speakers are flat, so the impossible task of sleeping in a car or on a plane becomes actually achievable). The lightweight, stretchable fabric fits most people without discomfort, and the sensation is quite similar to wearing a regular elastic headband. If you don't mind the sensation of wearing a headband while sleeping, SleepPhones might feel more natural than both an in-ear and an on-ear pair of headphones.

While SleepPhones are a clear leader in comfort, their sound quality is average, lacking standout features. You can hear music or narration clearly without muffling, but flat-on-ear speakers are susceptible to being blocked by fabric or shifting off your ears overnight. I'm a side sleeper, and the speaker certainly still swished around a bit overnight as I turned from side to side, but its lightweight and flexible fabric made this a minor inconvenience, rather than a major issue, when I expected to wake up with the speaker in place. That said, out of all the headband styles I tested, SleepPhones had the best ability to stay on securely overnight: Despite speaker swishing, the headband itself never fell off, and the swishing was not disruptive to my sleep.

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Best sleep mask

The Manta SOUND sleep mask combines the light-blocking benefits of the best sleep masks with audio, making it useful for frequent travelers or night shift workers. The new generation sports a more flexible design, a more secure head strap, and the ability to remove the electronics for washing. The most notable upgrade between the two masks is the eye cups: The newer eye cups are much softer and more flexible, reducing the bulk from the original pair. In both masks, the adjustable speakers stay in place overnight, providing comfort for both eyes and ears. Its battery holds up to 24 hours of use, and its $160 price tag falls in the middle of the pack regarding budget.

The Manta SOUND is an excellent choice for those accustomed to using a sleep mask, but the Manta SOUND may not be the best option for those who haven't used a sleep mask before. I don't ordinarily use a sleep mask, and testing the Manta SOUND (and other masks) has taught me that I prefer in-ear or over-ear to a mask. Personal preference aside, Manta delivers on its promise of a 100% blackout. The speakers are thinner due to the mask's design, so while sound quality is not notably bad, it's also not the best you can get. If you prefer to sleep in total darkness, aren't sensitive to having your eyes covered, and would like to fall asleep with the sound of nature, the Manta SOUND may be an excellent fit.

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Best budget sleep mask

This no-frills memory foam sleep mask is well-suited for a cozy and comfortable night. While extra features are few and far between, it's got all the basics at an under $30 price tag. Perhaps its most useful trait is the convenient placement of the volume and power controls at the front of the mask, avoiding the need to reach for your phone in the middle of the night. This can be a game changer for light sleepers like me, as fiddling with headbands and masks to make adjustments in the middle of the night would more likely wake me up.

The LC Dolida Sleep Mask's battery life holds a respectable 10 hours of use, and the sound quality was clear enough to fall asleep to, especially considering the price. The mask stayed securely in place throughout the night, and it wasn't any more obtrusive than an average sleep mask. Overall, it provides everything we'd expect from a budget pick. If you're not ordinarily a sleep mask wearer but are considering one with sound, the LC Dolida is a great starter pair as you learn your sleep style and preferences.

What else we tested

• Hoomband: This sleep headband boasts a wide library of meditations and sleep stories, in a soft and comfortable design. It's a decent choice if you're looking for an adjustable headband with average sound quality.
• Snoozeband 2.0: Another headband option, the Snoozeband 2.0 is comfortable in both fit and budget. Its cooling fabric may be ideal for hot sleepers.
• Hearprotek Wireless Headphones: While the Hearprotek has an excellent battery life and price tag, its in-ear mechanism was not the most comfortable for sleeping.

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What to look for in sleep headphones

Type

Sleep headphones come in four major types. In-ear earbuds are similar to your standard daytime earbuds, but they're more specifically designed to be comfortable while sleeping. Most notably, they don't have bulky outside pieces or stems, so there are fewer materials resting between your ear and the pillow. On-ear earbuds look like the wireless version of the retro pairs you'd find with a Walkman — over-ear, foam-covered earbuds. Headbands and sleep masks are similar to their non-audio-equipped counterparts: Headbands are elastic or velcro with speakers built into the fabric around your ears, and eye masks come with both built-in speakers and a near guarantee of darkness.

Chris Winter, MD, a neurologist, sleep specialist, and host of the Sleep Unplugged podcast, recommends testing pairs for an extended period before committing to one type or another. This is largely because even headphones that feel comfortable at the beginning of the night, he says, may be uncomfortable and painful to wear for hours at a time.

Comfort

Comfort is arguably the most important trait to look for when it comes to sleep headphones. Adjustable features that can be tailored to your body, the ability to feel your ear against the pillow, and your usual sleeping position will all come into play here. One thing's for sure, though: Nearly all earbuds specifically designed for sleep will be much more comfortable than an everyday pair of headphones. Comfort is also key for ear health and sleep hygiene, especially for side sleepers.

Dr. Larissa Tate, a licensed clinical psychologist, sleep specialist, and founder of Momentum Behavioral Health, has noticed that if her clients with insomnia or other behavioral sleep challenges choose to use headphones, they sleep through the night more successfully when they relieve the direct pressure of headphones on their ears, which is more difficult to do with an in-ear pair. Tate's clients who choose to use headphones often position pillows in a specific way or purchase pillows with ear spaces to ensure their ears remain comfortable throughout the night.

Sound quality

While general sound quality is important, specific sound metrics are not as strong a consideration in sleep headphones as they may be for daytime headphone use. That said, key features like passive noise cancellation or the absence of a tinny, muffled sound can elevate a pair from good to great. According to Winter, sleep headphones are well equipped to block lower-frequency sounds, such as snoring. Even a high-quality pair, though, may not block out higher-pitched sounds, such as a TV or a baby crying.

Battery life

Ideally, sleep headphones should last the duration of your sleep, or at least eight hours of continuous use without needing a charge. Passive battery life, or the amount of charge a product can retain while it's shut off, is also a key consideration. Even if a product holds a charge for over eight hours, it can be frustrating if the battery is completely drained during the day.

Bluetooth range and reliability

An easy Bluetooth setup and a consistent connection are the key factors here. Physical range may not matter if you're solely using the headphones to sleep, but it can be important on a case-by-case basis, like when using the bathroom during the night.

Noise isolation or cancellation

Unlike the best headphones, noise cancellation is not recommended for sleep. Tate encourages clients to use sleep headphones that let in enough noise to hear an emergency if need be, but as Winter noted, sleep headphones are not designed to block out higher-pitched noises (like most emergency alarms).

App features

An available library of sleep sounds and meditations, a built-in alarm clock, and sleep analytics are some common features that could make a pair of sleep headphones stand out. All the pairs we tested connect to streaming apps like Spotify or Apple Music, allowing you to listen to music, podcasts, or audiobooks.

Care

Machine washability is a standout feature for a headband or mask, although not required for hygienic use. Consider ease of speaker removal and reinstallation. For earbuds, ensure you clean them regularly and refer to the specific cleaning instructions for each pair.

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How we tested

I tested each pair over at least seven days, considering the comfort of each pair for back and side sleepers, as well as its general sound quality, battery life, connectivity, and ease of use throughout the night. I'm a light sleeper, and I sleep with a partner who wakes up quite early in the morning for work. I happened to move within NYC during the testing period, so I tested each pair in both a quieter residential apartment and a busy loft off a major street. As a sensitive sleeper who often wakes up in the middle of the night, I paid close attention to in-ear pressure or discomfort, speakers shifting in the middle of the night, the ability to hear my partner getting ready in the morning, and the ease of turning products on/off in the middle of the night. I listened to both podcasts and music, as well as white noise or sleep meditations for all pairs that included them. I also consulted with four experts, ranging from sleep doctors to psychologists, about what to look for and how to effectively use sleep headphones.

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Sleep headphones FAQs

Is it safe to sleep with headphones?

In short, yes, but all the experts we consulted recommend trying to sleep in silence or with an external speaker before resorting to headphones. For an extra layer of caution, Elise Robinson, a licensed therapist trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), recommends speaking with a doctor or sleep specialist to learn more about your specific health risks and benefits when using sleep headphones. If you do use headphones, all the experts we consulted recommended listening at a low volume and using a sleep timer to minimize exposure to noise throughout the night.

Can I use regular headphones for sleeping?

Theoretically, yes, but experts recommend consulting a doctor or sleep specialist to confirm the use of your specific pair of headphones for regular use. Much like sleep headphones, a low volume and limited listening time are recommended, and it use advisable to avoid using a corded pair that could lead to accidental strangulation. Winter also notes that regular headphones can become uncomfortable or painful when used for extended periods.

Are sleep headphones good for side sleepers?

Many sleep headphones are well-suited for side sleepers, especially those with flat or headband-style designs. Look for products specifically labeled for side sleepers, and keep in mind that no pair is one-size-fits-all. Both Dr. Tate and licensed psychologist Anne Josephson recommend an on-ear pair (such as a headband) over in-ear headphones for side sleepers, as this will not add any internal pressure between the ear and the pillow. Winter recommends being mindful about selecting a comfortable pillow for side sleeping, and if you often sleep on the same side, he suggests using only one earbud (inside the ear that's not resting on the pillow).

Do sleep headphones block snoring or other noise?

Yes, especially those with good passive noise blocking. Across the board, Winter notes that sleep headphones are typically useful for blocking out lower-frequency sounds like snoring. White noise may also help with snoring, and sleep headphones should not block important noises, such as a fire alarm or a loud knock on the door.

How loud should music be?

While the experts we consulted did not recommend a specific metric, all four unanimously agreed that a lower volume is best for sleep hygiene and ear health. Robinson suggests a volume that's just high enough to shift focus into sleeping but no louder than necessary. Winter recommends trying your best to sleep in silence at first, and if you use headphones, to use them at the quietest volume possible.

What sounds are best for sleep?

According to Tate, the more "boring" a sound may be, the better it is to fall asleep to, as a change in pitch or volume could kick you out of a deep sleep. Tate, Robinson, and Winter all recommend white noise, while Tate and Robinson additionally recommend brown noise and pink noise (all named after their frequency). Both Robinson and Josephson suggest noises that mimic nature. If music or a podcast is preferred, Tate encourages monotone voices and calming sounds. Winter strongly discourages dialogue or repeating sounds, as our brains are more likely to focus on these than random sounds.