Sleep Headphones That Stay Put All Night
For most people, the Soundcore Sleep A10 are the best sleep headphones because they combine a secure in-ear fit with active noise cancellation and a comfortable, low-profile design that works for side sleepers. Their main advantage is the comprehensive sleep tracking features that sync with the Soundcore app, but they are not ideal for those who prefer over-ear styles.
Falling asleep with music or white noise can be a game changer for restless nights. But regular earbuds can hurt your ears when you roll over, and bulky headphones are impossible to sleep in. That’s why dedicated sleep headphones exist: they are designed to be comfortable for all-night wear, even if you sleep on your side.
We compared the most sought-after sleep headphones on the market, looking at fit, battery life, sound quality, and extra features. Whether you need to block a snoring partner or just want to drift off to a podcast, these picks cover a range of needs and budgets.
How to pick the right one
The best picks, ranked
Soundcore Sleep A10
The Soundcore Sleep A10 earbuds are designed specifically for sleep with a low-profile, wing-tip shape that doesn’t protrude and won’t cause pressure points. They offer dual noise reduction, combining passive isolation with active noise cancellation to mask ambient sounds. Owners report they stay comfortable all night, even on their side. The companion app provides detailed sleep tracking and can automatically stop audio when you fall asleep.
Pros
- Secure fit for side sleepers
- Effective noise masking
- Sleep tracking and smart features
Cons
- Small buds may not fit all ear shapes
- App required for full features
Bose Sleepbuds II
Bose Sleepbuds II are tiny in-ear devices that do not play music or podcasts; they play only pre-loaded soothing sounds designed to mask disruptive noises. They are exceptionally comfortable and stay in place through the night. Their battery lasts about 10 hours, and the charging case provides extra charges. Owners say they are excellent at muffling snoring and street noise, but they are not for audio streaming.
Pros
- Extremely comfortable for side sleepers
- Effective at masking snoring
- No audio streaming, so no distractions
Cons
- Cannot play your own music or podcasts
- Premium price point
AcousticSheep SleepPhones
The SleepPhones by AcousticSheep are a soft, washable headband with ultra-thin speakers sewn inside. They are designed for all sleep positions and are especially popular with back and stomach sleepers. The headband is made of breathable fabric and the speakers can be removed for washing. Owners appreciate the low-profile design and the ability to connect to any audio device via a standard audio jack.
Pros
- Comfortable for all sleeping positions
- Machine washable
- Simple, wired connection
Cons
- Wired connection can tangle
- No noise cancellation, just light isolation
Musicozy Sleep Headphones
Musicozy Sleep Headphones are a wireless headband with thin Bluetooth speakers that let you listen to music, audiobooks, or white noise without any wires. The headband is adjustable and comfortable, and the speakers are flat and flexible. Owners mention they are great for travel and for side sleepers who find earbuds uncomfortable. The battery lasts around 10 hours, and the headband can be hand washed after removing the speakers.
Pros
- Wireless convenience
- Lightweight and breathable fabric
- Good for side sleepers
Cons
- Sound quality is average
- May shift during the night for some
Anker Soundcore Sleep A20
The Anker Soundcore Sleep A20 are the newest addition to Soundcore’s sleep line, offering improved active noise cancellation and a more secure fit. They play your own audio or sleep sounds from the app, and they come with a smart alarm that wakes you gently. Owners report that the ANC effectively masks office noise and snoring, and the ear tips are soft and comfortable for all-night wear.
Pros
- Powerful ANC
- Long battery life
- Smart alarm feature
Cons
- Price may be high for some
- Bulkier than other sleep buds
Maxrock Sleep Headphones
Maxrock Sleep Headphones offer a low-cost wireless headband solution that still delivers comfortable listening. The speakers are thin and flexible, and the headband is made of soft fabric. Owners say it is a great entry-level option for trying sleep headphones, though the sound quality is not as polished as premium models. The battery lasts about 10 hours and it connects via Bluetooth 5.0.
Pros
- Affordable
- Comfortable for side sleepers
- Easy Bluetooth pairing
Cons
- Sound quality is basic
- No noise isolation
Bedphones by SleepPhones
Bedphones from the makers of SleepPhones are ultra-thin over-ear headphones with a flexible memory wire that stays in place without a headband. They are specifically designed for side sleepers: the speaker cushions are soft and thin enough to not press painfully into your ear. They connect via a standard audio cable, so they work with any device that has a headphone jack. Owners appreciate their simplicity and comfort.
Pros
- No ear canal intrusion
- Flexible wire fits any ear
- Comfortable for side sleepers
Cons
- Wired connection
- Not for those who toss a lot
Side by side
| # | Model | Battery | Best for | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Soundcore Sleep A10 | Up to 10 hours per charge | Side sleepers who want sleep tracking | 9.4 | Check price |
| 2 | Bose Sleepbuds II | 10 hours per charge | Blocking noise with pure masking | 9.0 | Check price |
| 3 | AcousticSheep SleepPhones | Wired headband | Headband lovers who want simplicity | 8.8 | Check price |
| 4 | Musicozy Sleep Headphones | Bluetooth 5.0 | Wireless headband with Bluetooth | 8.7 | Check price |
| 5 | Anker Soundcore Sleep A20 | Up to 14 hours (ANC off) | Sleepers wanting advanced ANC and sound | 9.1 | Check price |
| 6 | Maxrock Sleep Headphones | Bluetooth 5.0 | Budget-friendly wireless headband | 8.2 | Check price |
| 7 | Bedphones by SleepPhones | Over-ear, ultra-thin | Ultra-thin over-ear for side sleepers | 8.5 | Check price |
Questions worth asking
Are sleep headphones safe to wear all night?
Yes, when used as intended. They are designed to be comfortable and safe for extended wear. However, it is important to keep the volume at a moderate level to protect your hearing. Also, some people may experience ear discomfort if the fit is not right, so it is crucial to choose a design that suits your sleeping position.
Can I listen to my own music or podcasts with sleep headphones?
Most sleep headphones allow you to stream audio from your phone via Bluetooth or a wired connection. The exception is the Bose Sleepbuds II, which only play pre-loaded soothing sounds. Check the product specifications to see if it supports your preferred audio source.
What is the difference between sleep headphones and regular earbuds?
Sleep headphones are specifically engineered for comfort during sleep. They are typically lower profile, softer, and more flexible than regular earbuds. Many are designed to be worn when lying on your side without causing pain. Regular earbuds often have hard plastic shells that can dig into your ear when pressure is applied.
How do I clean sleep headphones?
Cleaning instructions vary by product. Headband-style headphones usually allow you to remove the speakers and wash the fabric band. In-ear buds can be wiped with a soft, dry cloth. Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid damaging the electronics.
Will sleep headphones block out a snoring partner?
Yes, many sleep headphones are effective at masking snoring. Models with active noise cancellation, like the Soundcore Sleep A10 or A20, can significantly reduce snoring sounds. Others that play white noise or nature sounds can also cover up snoring. However, individual results may vary depending on the volume of the snoring and the fit of the headphones.
Can side sleepers wear sleep headphones comfortably?
Yes, many sleep headphones are specifically designed for side sleepers. Look for low-profile in-ear buds like the Soundcore Sleep A10 or the Bose Sleepbuds II, or ultra-thin over-ear designs like Bedphones. Headbands can also work if they are soft and not too thick. It is crucial to try different options to find what feels best for you.
Are there wireless sleep headphones with long battery life?
Yes, many wireless sleep headphones have a battery life of 10 hours or more. The Anker Soundcore Sleep A20 offers up to 14 hours with ANC off. Some headband models like Musicozy also provide around 10 hours. Ensure the battery can last through your typical sleep duration.
Do sleep headphones have a microphone for calls?
Most sleep headphones do not have a built-in microphone because they are designed for one-way audio. However, some wireless models may have a mic for taking calls. If that feature is important to you, check the product description. Generally, sleep headphones prioritize comfort and sound isolation over call quality.
Can I use sleep headphones with an audio cable?
Yes, some sleep headphones are wired. For example, the AcousticSheep SleepPhones and Bedphones use a standard 3.5mm audio jack. This can be beneficial if you want a simple connection without worrying about battery life. However, the wire can be cumbersome for some sleepers.
What should I do if the ear tips feel uncomfortable?
Try different sizes of ear tips. Most in-ear sleep headphones come with multiple sizes to ensure a proper fit. If the material is not comfortable, consider models with memory foam tips, which conform to your ear shape. Also, ensure you are inserting them correctly. If discomfort persists, you may prefer a headband style that does not enter the ear canal.
Our pick
For the majority of sleepers, the Soundcore Sleep A10 are the best pick due to their secure fit, effective noise cancellation, and sleep tracking features. If you want the ultimate in noise masking without streaming audio, the Bose Sleepbuds II are a great alternative. For a budget-friendly wireless headband, the Musicozy Sleep Headphones offer good value. We recommend starting with the Soundcore Sleep A10 because they combine comfort, functionality, and battery life in a way that suits most needs.
