When it comes to achieving a good night’s sleep, the battle against disruptive sounds can be relentless. From noisy neighbors and snoring partners to the constant hum of traffic and late-night parties, the list of sleep-interrupting noises seems almost endless. It’s particularly frustrating when you find yourself wide awake at 3 a.m., tormented by the sounds that surround you.
Sleep is a fundamental aspect of life, yet it is often taken for granted. A night of poor sleep can lead to a day filled with lethargy and sluggishness. Unfortunately, creating the perfect sleep environment can be challenging, and personal concerns and health issues can further disrupt our sleep.
This is one of the reasons why many people turn to smartwatches for sleep tracking, and some even invest in dedicated sleep. Given this growing interest in sleep monitoring and improvement, it’s no surprise that there are earbuds designed specifically for sleep.
True wireless earbuds are an excellent choice for this purpose, as they can help drown out external noises and create a cozy atmosphere conducive to sleep. However, not all earbuds are suitable for this task. Therefore, here is a selection of some of the best wireless earbuds for sleep.
In this article, you will find a list of the best earbuds for sleeping in 2023.
4 Best Earbuds for Sleeping
1. Soundcore Sleep A10
Anker’s Soundcore brand, known for producing high-quality and reasonably priced audio equipment, has made its foray into the realm of earbuds specifically designed for sleep with the introduction of the Sleep A10.
These earbuds employ noise isolation, similar to earplugs, without incorporating active noise cancellation technology. The passive noise isolation works effectively, provided you choose the right-sized tips for your ears.
Soundcore Sleep A10 excels is in terms of comfort. They are among the smallest earbuds available and fit comfortably in average-sized ears. This design makes them especially comfortable for side sleepers, allowing the ear to rest on the pillow without discomfort.
The package includes four silicone tips and three wings to ensure a secure fit, and they have proven to stay in place throughout the night, without falling out. These earbuds are standard Bluetooth-enabled, allowing you to stream music, audiobooks, or other content to help you fall asleep directly from your phone. Additionally, the Soundcore app offers an ambient noise feature, with an expanding selection of tracks.
For listening to podcasts during sleep, the Soundcore Sleep A10 earbuds deliver an impressive performance. It can be used them in various settings, from quiet suburban streets with morning bird chatter to lively inner-city neighborhoods on Friday nights, and I enjoyed uninterrupted sleep each time.
The battery life is commendable, offering a bit over eight hours when playing ambient sounds. While streaming audio continuously from your phone may reduce this to 6-7 hours, it’s more than sufficient for most users who usually fall asleep long before the battery depletes. The audio quality is suitable for the purpose, although it may not meet audiophile standards. Due to their compact size, do not expect thunderous bass or crystal-clear treble. However, for a good night’s sleep, the Soundcore Sleep A10 earbuds are a delightful choice.
Pros:
- Exceptionally comfortable, even for side sleepers
- Bluetooth-enabled
- Good battery life
Cons:
- Lacks active noise cancellation
- Audio quality is decent but not exceptional
2. CozyPhones
If you’re drawn to the concept of sleep headbands but find the Bluetooth versions from SleepPhones a bit expensive, there are alternatives on the market that offer wired options at a more affordable price, and CozyPhones is a prime example. Priced at approximately half the cost of SleepPhones, CozyPhones come in various fabric options, colors, and designs. With a 52-inch braided cord, they offer slightly more cord length than SleepPhones.
These headbands house two small, flat speakers that can be adjusted within the headband and easily removed before washing. CozyPhones include a convenient travel bag for on-the-go storage.
It offers different adult-sized versions and child-friendly sizes with various designs and a volume limit. Licensed versions featuring characters from franchises like Paw Patrol and Batman are also available.
One common issue associated with sleeping with wired earbuds applies to CozyPhones as well. The cord may become entangled during the night, which can lead to a loose connection or cable damage over time. If you tend to move a lot in your sleep, wireless options are a better choice.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Doubles as an eye mask
- Available in various colors and designs
Cons:
- Only one size
- Risk of cord tangling during the night, which may lead to cable wear
- No noise cancellation or sound isolation
- Sound quality is not exceptional
3. Apple AirPods Pro (Gen 2)
Selecting wireless earbuds for sleep involves various trade-offs, as you’ll need to compromise in some aspects. You can prioritize small size, extended battery life, effective noise cancellation, or superior comfort. Unfortunately, achieving all these qualities in a single product is challenging.
For those who seek multipurpose wireless earbuds, the second generation of Apple’s AirPods Pro is the best choice. They are relatively smaller and more comfortable for lying on your side compared to their direct competitors, and they offer effective noise cancellation.
Apple’s AirPods Pro have earned a prominent place among true wireless earbuds since their release, often appearing at the top of various best-of lists.
With a maximum of six hours of battery life, they fell short of lasting through an entire night. Furthermore, they would audibly notify of their low battery with a loud tone, often waking the person up just in time to recharge them.
Pros:
- Effective noise cancellation
- High-quality sound
- Relatively small and comfortable
- Excellent for general-purpose wireless earbuds
Cons:
- Inadequate battery life to last the entire night
4. SleepPhones
The SleepPhones, produced by Acoustic Sheep, offer a convenient solution for those who want to enjoy music or white noise while drifting off to sleep without bothering others. They come in both wired and wireless versions, each with its own set of advantages. The wired version is cost-effective and doesn’t require recharging, while the wireless version offers freedom of movement during sleep.
SleepPhones feature a headband that holds flat speakers, which can be adjusted to align with your ears for comfort. This design is particularly suitable for side and front sleepers and can also be pulled down to cover your eyes and block out light. You can choose from two fabric options: fleece for added comfort and moisture-wicking for hot climates. They are available in various sizes and colors.
The Bluetooth module, which is flat and rubberized, is positioned inside the headband, aligned with your forehead. Surprisingly, it stays in place throughout the night. It has a battery life of up to 24 hours and can be recharged by sliding it out of the band and connecting a charging cable. Although it works well, the use of a micro-USB socket for charging may seem a bit outdated.
While the wired SleepPhones are preferred by some due to the absence of the need for daily charging, the wireless version offers convenience for many users. The small flat speakers prioritize comfort over audio quality, making them suitable for podcasts and ambient music. However, they may not provide significant noise isolation, so they are better suited for quieter environments. You might need to increase the volume in noisier surroundings, but this could potentially disrupt your sleep.
Pros:
- Good battery life
- Very comfortable
- Available in various sizes, fabrics, and colors
- Can double as an eye mask
Cons:
- Charging process can be a bit fussy
- Limited noise cancellation and sound isolation
- Speaker alignment is crucial for optimal audio quality.
Factors to consider When selecting the best earbuds for sleep
When it comes to choosing sleep earbuds, there are several factors to consider, as sleep-focused earbuds have unique requirements and features. Here are some key factors to look for when selecting sleep earbuds:
1. Noise Blocking
Noise-canceling earbuds are effective at reducing external sounds and are ideal for noisy environments.
Noise isolation earbuds create a physical barrier to block out noise and are more affordable and comfortable for some users.
Earbuds that sit on the ears provide the least noise blocking.
2. Comfort
Comfort is crucial for sleep earbuds, as they may be worn for extended periods. The choice of ear tips and materials affects comfort, and a snug fit is essential to avoid discomfort during sleep.
3. Fit
A secure fit is essential to prevent earbuds from falling out during sleep.
Look for earbuds with a good range of silicone tips, headbands that fit firmly, or memory wires that can be adjusted for a custom fit.
4. Connection Type
Consider the connection type, such as Bluetooth, physical cables, or no connection at all.
Bluetooth provides wireless connectivity but may have limited battery life.
Some earbuds use Bluetooth to load ambient sounds while saving battery life by not allowing music streaming.
Wired options are cheaper and don’t require worrying about battery life.
Some models are designed only for noise cancellation without audio playback.
5. Audio Quality
Sleep-focused earbuds may have small drivers, so don’t expect high-quality sound.
Basic audio quality is generally sufficient for sleep purposes.
Noise cancellation can be a more critical feature than audio quality.
6. Battery Life
Many sleep earbuds have limited battery life, and they may not last through an entire night.
Manufacturers use various approaches to extend battery life, such as limiting volume or reducing connectivity options.
Wired earbuds eliminate battery concerns but come with cable-related drawbacks.
