We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more.
Sleep Products
Wake up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated with these top headphones for sleeping.
ByShannon Ullman
Updated on January 09, 2024
Medically reviewed byMichael Menna, DO
Fact checked byRich Scherr
Unlike your regular earbuds, sleeping headphones are designed specifically for bedtime. Some people take comfort in the dead-of-night silence, and others can't stand it. If you're in the latter camp, you might find that your need for noise isn't always compatible with your partner's. To make sure everyone gets a good night's sleep—experts recommend you consider investing in a high-quality set of sleeping headphones. According to Shelby Harris, PsyD, clinical psychologist and director of sleep health at Sleepopolis, sleeping headphones are often made of soft materials and have a low-profile build that's more comfortable for longer wear. Many will also have active noise cancellation (ANC) technology so you can listen to your favorite tunes or calming sounds without external disturbances. But with so many options available, how do you know which ones are worth your money? Don't worry—we've got you covered. By consulting with sleep experts and combing through dozens of the internet's top-rated options, we've found the eight best headphones for sleeping. Our Top Picks Best Budget: Best Wired: Best Hook Style: Best Noise-Canceling: Best for Side Sleepers: Best Smart: Best With Mask: In This Article Our Picks Where We Stand How We Selected What to Look For FAQ Why Trust Verywell Health Pros Affordable Long battery life Multiple color options Cons No auto shutoff Type: Wireless headband | Connectivity: Bluetooth | Battery Life: 10 hours | Noise Canceling: No When it comes to comfortable design and a price that won't break the bank, it doesn't get much better than Perytong Sleep Headphones. The soft, stretchy headband is made of breathable, sweat-absorbing fabric, and the speakers are thin enough that even side sleepers won't notice them.The headphones are also stylish and comfortable enough to wear during activities other than sleeping, such as hiking or running. But where these sleep headphones shine lies in their battery life. With a whopping 10 hours of playtime on one charge, you'll never have to worry about your headphones dying in the middle of the night. Plus, the charge time is just two hours so you can top up the battery during your nighttime routine. They're easy to clean, too: Just remove the earbuds from the headband and throw the band in the washing machine. The headphones don’t have an auto-shutoff feature, so if you plan on using them every night, you'll have to charge them during the day. Pros Affordable Great for side sleepers In-line remote Cons Not long-lasting Type: Wired earbuds | Connectivity: C-plug | Battery Life: No battery | Noise Canceling: No Technically, the Hearprotek Sleep Earbuds are more expensive than the Perytong Sleep Headphones, but you get two pairs for the price of one. So, if you know you're prone to losing small items (like headphones), it could be worth investing in this affordable pair. This is especially true if you struggle to find earbuds that are the right fit for sleeping. These earbuds were ergonomically designed to lay flat inside your ear, which is a must if you roll around at night or sleep on your side. They also have an in-line remote for easy control and can be used as regular headphones during the day. The wire is durable enough to withstand even the most violent tossing and turning at night, and we love how lightweight the earbuds are at just .37 ounces per pair. These headphones aren't the most durable and probably won't stand the test of time, but with a price of two pairs for under $30, that may not be a deal-breaker. Pros Affordable Great for side sleepers Adjustable speaker position Cons Size isn’t adjustable Speakers move around Type: Wired headband | Connectivity: 3.5 mm stereo plug | Battery Life: No battery | Noise Canceling: No If remembering to charge yet another device is too much to handle, CozyPhones Sleep Headphones are a good alternative to wireless headphones. Not only are they affordable, but they're also made with a super-soft fleece material and mesh lining that make them perfect for sleeping in any position. The fleece outer material provides a plush and cozy sleeping experience, while the mesh lining adds breathability for all-night comfort. Their stand-out feature, though, is the adjustable and removable speakers that allow you to position them wherever feels most comfortable to you. This is a great benefit if you have trouble getting the perfect fit with other fixed-position headband earbuds. They also feature an extra-long 52-inch braided cord, so you won't have to worry about coming unplugged if you roll around a lot at night. The speakers can move around or even fall out of place during sleep. We also wish the headband was adjustable or at least stretchy enough to fit all head sizes. Pros Adjustable design Long battery life Available wired or wireless Cons Expensive Type: Wired or wireless earbuds | Connectivity: Bluetooth or 3.5mm headphone jack | Battery Life: 13 hours | Noise Canceling: No If you prefer hook-style headphones for sleeping, the Bedphones from Dubs Labs are a solid choice. We love the fact that they're "infinitely adjustable" thanks to the memory-wire design that allows you to bend them into the perfect shape for your ears. The thin memory wire ear hooks have a barely-there feel that's perfect for the most sensitive sleepers. The wireless version has a 13-hour battery life, which is at the top of the line for sleep headphones. But if you don't want to worry about charging them, the wired option is just as good (and a little cheaper). The headphones also feature an inline remote that allows you to easily control volume and tracks, as well as a convenient cable slider to ensure a perfect fit. While they'll last you a lot longer than most, the price point may be too steep for some. Pros Adjustable noise-canceling modes Long battery life Personalized audio settings Cons Expensive Not ideal for side sleepers Type: Wireless headphones | Connectivity: Bluetooth | Battery Life: 22 hours | Noise Canceling: Yes If you want to tune out the world and listen to your own audio, the Bose QuietComfort 45 are your best bet. With multiple noise-canceling modes, these headphones can block out all external sound or let some ambient noise seep in, depending on your preference. The adjustable EQ lets you set the bass, mid-range, and treble levels to your liking. But sound quality isn't all these headphones have to offer. The impressive 22-hour-long battery life means you're set for multiple nights. If you use the headphones during the day as well, you'll love the 15-minute quick charge option, which provides three hours of listening time. The compact design and durable carrying case make it easy to bring the headphones with you during travel, so you can sleep soundly when you're away from your comfort zone. Because they're over-the-ear headphones, they may not be ideal for side-sleepers who need a flat surface to rest their ear on. They're also a lot pricier than many options on our list. Pros Compatible app Adjustable headband Adjustable speaker position Cons Expensive No volume control on device Type: Wireless headband | Connectivity: Bluetooth | Battery Life: 10 hours | Noise Canceling: No When it comes to sleep headphones, side snoozers need one thing: thin speakers. The HoomBand have that covered with ultra-slender 4-millimeter earphones that are tucked underneath a layer of thermoformed phone—perfect for those who sleep on their side. You can adjust and position them however you like, and the breathable mesh fabric keeps you cool and comfortable through the night. Speaking of adjustable design, this headband is also designed with a large velcro strip so that it can fit any head size comfortably. While it's compatible with all your standard audio apps, the HoomBand also has a library of its own, featuring over 100 hours of soothing stories created by sleep specialists.If you prefer hands-free control of your audio, you'll love that the earbuds can connect to most Bluetooth devices. You can't adjust the volume on the device itself—you can only do so on your phone. Pros Great for side sleepers Adaptive adjustment Compatible app Cons Expensive Type: Wireless earbuds | Connectivity: Bluetooth | Battery Life: 10 hours | Noise Canceling: No While the auto shut-off features most sleep headphones have are great for preserving battery life, Kokoon Nightbuds take that to another level. These smart over-the-earbuds monitor your movements and detect when you're falling asleep so the audio gradually fades out. They also do a pretty good job of helping you fall asleep thanks to its accompanying app, which is loaded with soundscapes. Aside from the smart audio, these earbuds are as comfy as they come. The thin design and soft silicone material make them a great choice for anyone who likes to sleep on their side. The app is also easy to use and features an extensive library of guided meditation, sleep sounds, and relaxing music. If you like tracking your sleep, you'll also appreciate the app's ability to log your sleep data, including when you fall asleep and how many hours of shut-eye you get each night. They're more expensive than some wireless earbuds, but that's to be expected from a set of buds with smart audio technology. Pros Affordable Adjustable speaker position Multiple color options Cons No memory volume Type: Wireless eye mask | Connectivity: Bluetooth | Battery Life: 8–10 hours | Noise Canceling: No The only thing that could make sleep headphones better? Make them into a sleep mask. The LC-dolida Sleep Mask's ultra-thin speakers are built into the eye mask, making it possible to block out light and sound all at once. The mask is perfect for light sleepers or anyone who needs complete darkness to drift off. The ergonomic design makes it easy to adjust them to your liking, and the contoured eye area ensures you won't feel any unpleasant pressure while you sleep. The sleep mask's design has covered all the bases when it comes to sound sleep. The high-quality speakers are adjustable, giving you control over where they sit on your ears, and the thin design makes it easy to sleep in any position. Plus, you can choose from multiple colors, including navy blue, black, and pink. And did we mention they're wireless? They can pair with any Bluetooth device within 45 feet. Unlike most Bluetooth devices that remember the volume you last set them to, these headphones start at their highest level every time, which isn't an ideal start to the night. After thorough research, it's clear that the Perytong Sleep Headphones are a winner for their comfort, sound quality, and battery life. We continue to review new products that hit the market and will update our recommendations if we come across any new sleep headphones that top the charts. Choosing the best headphones for sleeping wasn't a task we took lightly. Our team researched various options, taking into consideration important factors such as: Is it safe to sleep with headphones on? According to Dr. Harris, sleeping with headphones is generally safe, but is not recommended to do every night. Can you use noise-canceling headphones for sleeping? Yes, but don’t forget to clean them regularly to avoid wax build-up, and be sure to set the volume low. Is it OK to sleep with headphones on every night? According to Dr. Harris, it is not recommended to sleep with headphones on every night. What headphones won’t fall out while I’m sleeping? Headband-style headphones won’t fall out while you’re sleeping. Can kids wear headphones while sleeping? According to Dr. Harris, kids should avoid sleeping with headphones in. Shannon is a health and wellness writer focusing on sleep, fitness, and self-care. She’s a former editor for Healthline and Medical News Today, and has bylines on Mattress Nerd and Insider articles relating to sleep.:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/VWH-best-headphones-for-sleeping-6281091-47cf160edaaf4ddba7c2b638daf5f942.jpg "These Headphones for Sleeping Will Play Calming Sounds All Night Long (1)")
Key Specs
Why We Recommend It
Keep in Mind
Key Specs
Why We Recommend It
Keep in Mind
Key Specs
Why We Recommend It
Keep in Mind
Key Specs
Why We Recommend It
Keep in Mind
Best Noise-Canceling
Bose QuietComfort 45 Headphones
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/bose-quietcomfort-45-bluetooth-wireless-noise-cancelling-headphones-99a98525d1b04d9fa22b8040b09f796a.jpg "These Headphones for Sleeping Will Play Calming Sounds All Night Long (6)")
Key Specs
Why We Recommend It
Keep in Mind
Best for Side Sleepers
HoomBand Bluetooth Sleep Headphones
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/HoomBand-Bluetooth-Sleep-Headphones-8b5b52aa37d24794be2927e6e3d47e8b.jpg "These Headphones for Sleeping Will Play Calming Sounds All Night Long (7)")
Key Specs
Why We Recommend It
Keep in Mind
Key Specs
Why We Recommend It
Keep in Mind
Key Specs
Why We Recommend It
Keep in Mind
Where We Stand
How We Selected the Best Headphones
What to Look for When Shopping for Headphones for Sleeping
Our Experts
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Trust Verywell Health
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/perytong-bluetooth-wireless-headband-headphones-3f064af1669b44b2ad874bf828e68a7d.jpg "These Headphones for Sleeping Will Play Calming Sounds All Night Long (2)")
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Hearprotek-Sleep-Earbuds-9bbefd19f4634d6dbc785aaa78421926.jpg "These Headphones for Sleeping Will Play Calming Sounds All Night Long (3)")
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/CozyPhones-Sleep-Headphones-63f016d4930c4713af5cf545b6a273c4.jpg "These Headphones for Sleeping Will Play Calming Sounds All Night Long (4)")
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Bedphones-Wireless-Sleep-Headphones-bc02748d2181471380083d55758b2e63.jpg "These Headphones for Sleeping Will Play Calming Sounds All Night Long (5)")
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Kokoon-Ergonomic-Better-Sleep-Earbuds-e975c0b7232b4e299619563ca71a52da.jpg "These Headphones for Sleeping Will Play Calming Sounds All Night Long (8)")
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/LC-dolida-3D-Wireless-Eye-Mask-fecb935ca1e640a78aaf8a12902a10cf.jpg "These Headphones for Sleeping Will Play Calming Sounds All Night Long (9)")
