Best Headphones for Sleeping

Many people struggle to fall asleep and/or stay asleep if there are sounds such as a partner snoring or traffic noises. While you might not be able to prevent these interferences, headphones for sleeping can block them out to help you get the quality rest you need.

You may be tempted to use your favorite pair of headphones for sleeping, but keep in mind that normal headphones are not built for this purpose. In most cases, they won’t work properly and carry potential risks. Luckily, there is a wide range of headphone options and styles designed specifically for sleep. While high-end sleep headphones can cost more than $250, you’ll also find budget-friendly options priced at less than $100.

This guide will discuss our picks for the best headphones for sleeping and what makes them stand out. We’ll also share other important tips to help you decide whether a set of headphones for sleeping is right for you.

In-Depth Reviews

How to Choose Headphones for Sleeping

When buying headphones for sleeping, quality and comfort are among the most important attributes. Since comfort is subjective, however, selecting the best option for you may require some research and consideration. Below, we’ll detail some of the factors that differ between headphones such as style, wiring, price, and performance.

Style

A headphone’s style refers to its shape and how it fits onto or into your ears. Sleepers may find some styles more comfortable than others based on their personal preferences and sleep position.

Over-ear
Over-ear is a more traditional style. The headphones mold around the outside of the ear for a snug fit, while a solid band wraps around the top of the head to hold the speakers in place. Because this design tends to be bulky, it is not common in headphones for sleeping.

On-ear
On-ear headphones are a lot like over-ear styles in that they rest outside of the ear. However, on-ear headphones tend to be a bit smaller and are positioned on the ear itself instead of cupping it. Because they are a bit more compact, they may be better suited to sleeping than over-ear models.

In-ear
Often called earbuds, in-ear headphones sit in the ear canal. They are compact and can accommodate all sleep positions. However, some sleepers may not like the sensation of the headphones resting in their ear canal.

Headband
Headband and sleep mask headphones typically contain speakers encased in a swath of fabric that the sleeper can wear like a conventional garment. Since many of these models have extra padding around the ear, they can be exceptionally comfortable for side sleeping.

Wired or Wireless

Shoppers can select between wired and wireless headphones, and each carries potential benefits and drawbacks.

Wired headphones connect to a smartphone, tablet, or other device using a cord. The cord could pose a strangulation risk, and it might be uncomfortable for sleepers who change positions frequently during the night. However, owners shouldn’t need to charge the headphones, and they’re compatible with most devices. Wired headphones also tend to be more budget-friendly.

Wireless headphones do not connect directly to a device to play sound. Instead, they typically use Bluetooth. The term “wireless” may be deceptive, however, since some of these headphones still have a wire connecting the earpieces to each other. Still, sleepers are much less likely to get tangled in the cord. Wireless headphones will need to be charged regularly and must be used with a compatible device.

Budget

The price-point of sleep headphones starts at less than $20 and can exceed $200. This large variation in price is determined largely on their technology.

Budget-friendly options typically get the job done, but they may not be as durable or advanced. The higher-priced options should have better sound clarity and balance. Some of the options with heftier price tags also have enhanced noise-blocking technology. The extra expense of high-end headphones may be justified for listeners who want exceptional audio quality and those who struggle to sleep due to ambient noise.

Other Factors

Sleep position
Stomach and back sleepers may be able to use virtually any style of headphones comfortably, though their sleep position will likely affect whether they prefer to place the cord of wired headphones in front of or behind their heads. Side sleepers typically have stronger preferences since the force of the pillow on the headphones could be uncomfortable with larger, bulkier models. Because of this, most side sleepers favor headbands, sleep masks, or other low-profile designs that don’t put too much pressure on their ears.

Weight
Sleepers typically prefer lightweight earphones. Heavier models may be more noticeable and less comfortable, especially when changing positions.

Cord length
With wired models, the cord length may be critical. A longer cord will allow you to put more space between the headphones and your device, but it also leaves more length that you could get tangled up in should you toss and turn.

Sizes
While some headphones come in just one size, many have multiple sizing options to accommodate different head and ear shapes. Finding the right fit can help your earphones stay put without sacrificing comfort.

Warranty
A warranty policy adds an extra layer of protection if defects arise. Some sleep headphones have warranty policies while others do not. Most headphone warranties offer one to two years of protection.

Care
Most headphones require regular cleaning, but the instructions for how to clean the headphones vary between manufacturers. Headbands and sleep masks are often washable after the speakers and other electronic parts have been removed. Others may be wiped down with an appropriate cleaning solution. Following the manufacturer’s care instructions can help you keep your sleep headphones hygienic without damaging them.

Is it Safe to Sleep with Headphones On?

Headphones can improve sleep quality and minimize disruptions during the night. However, sleeping with headphones does have some potential drawbacks. Serious injury is extremely rare, but being aware of the risks can help you take steps to mitigate them.

Hearing impairment and/or loss: Loud noises can affect your hearing, so listening to music on a high volume could be problematic.

Otitis externa: Also known as “swimmer’s ear,” this condition occurs when the external ear canal becomes inflamed. Loud music and headphones protruding into the ear canal can cause otitis externa.

Earwax buildup: If the earphones form a tight seal over the ear canal, there may not be sufficient circulation for earwax to dissipate. This is especially common with earbuds. Over time, earwax could collect around the eardrum, which may be uncomfortable and, in some cases, require medical attention and treatment.

Distraction: While blocking out noise is often the goal of wearing earphones, it can also be a potential hazard since sleepers may be less likely to notice if there is an emergency.

Strangulation: Many sleep headphones use wires to connect to a device or to tether the earpieces to each other. These wires could wrap around the sleeper’s throat and block the airway.

Using headphones designed for sleeping can help limit these risks. Always be aware of their placement and remove them if you notice any discomfort. When in doubt, talk to your doctor to determine whether sleep headphones are a safe option for you.

Other Options for Reducing Nighttime Noise

While sleep headphones can help block noises that interfere with your slumber, they aren’t the only solution. Other options can also limit nighttime noises.

Earplugs: Earplugs have long been a popular solution for noisy situations. While sleepers won’t be able to listen to music, meditations, or sleep sounds, earplugs can be a convenient and cost-effective way to block out common disturbances, like snoring. Some models are also designed specifically for sleepers. High-end earplugs can be nearly as expensive as earphones, but budget-friendly options cost just pennies. However, keep in mind that some of the health issues associated with headphones – such as swimmer’s ear and earwax buildup – can also apply to earplugs.

White noise machines: White noise machines help drown out ambient noise by producing a sound many liken to radio or television static. Since white noise machines often have headphone jacks, many can be used with headphones.

Sound apps: Sound apps may feature sleep sounds, stories, meditations, and/or songs designed to help listeners relax and unwind. These sounds can also distract from some external noises, like cars passing. You can typically play sound apps through your device’s speaker, a separate speaker, or headphones.

Room modifications: While they’re a low-tech solution to reducing nighttime noise, simple room modifications can also be highly effective. Adding carpets and curtains can help muffle sounds for a more peaceful bedroom environment.