Of course, if that pair costs a small fortune, you may want to think about saving up for something better instead. But since finding a pair of sleep-aid headphones can be a little challenging, here is our guide to buying the best sleeping headphones to get a good night’s sleep. But before that, let’s understand the basics of sleep headphones – their purpose, why they exist, how they can help, the different types available, and how to choose one. If you want to jump in directly to our picks of best sleep headphones, click here.
Why Should You Use Sleep Headphones?
This is really a controversial topic for people. Should you use headphones to help you fall asleep? The short answer is yes! A good night’s rest can be greatly improved by using sound technology, and since it makes it easier to relax and sleep, sleep aid headphones are a great way to improve your sleep. Here are some of the benefits of using sleeping headphones:
1. Music can enhance your sleep in both qualitative and quantitative ways
When you listen to music, your brain is more likely to relax and enter the state of consciousness necessary to fall asleep. Music allows you to relax and calm your mind, helping you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. It is comparable to the effect lullabies have on babies, calming them down and helping them fall asleep.
2. Music can help you relax and focus on sleep
It is also known that music has a calming effect on the brain and helps reduce stress levels associated with sleep deprivation. Most of today’s relaxation music has 70 to 80 beats per minute, which is the body’s pulse rate. This helps the body to calm down and even leads to sleep.
3. Music catalyzes the release of magic chemicals
When you listen to music, certain chemicals are released into your brain and body, making you feel more relaxed. This is what is known as the Mozart effect. These substances include dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin, which help rid the brain of the serotonins that can keep us awake. Also, if you listen to the music you like, you are less likely to be interrupted by negative thoughts, which increases the effect.
4. ANC helps you block out all the sounds and helps you relax
Sleep headphones help you sleep better by blocking out noise. This is done with the help of ANC technology, which stands for active noise cancellation. When you use a pair of sleep headphones with this technology, it helps to reduce or completely block out sounds around you so that you can relax and fall asleep more easily.
What Should You Look For in Sleep Headphones?
Now that you know how music can help you relax and fall asleep let us talk about what to look for when buying headphones to help you fall asleep. Some of the most important considerations are the following:
1. Style and Functionality
Look for headphones that provide the most natural and comfortable feeling possible. There are several types of sleep headphones, such as over-ear headphones, in-ear headphones, headbands, and sleep masks. Each of these types of headphones has its own advantages and disadvantages.
I. Over-ear Headphones
Over-ear headphones are bulky and difficult to wear if you are a side sleeper. However, they are ideal for front or back sleepers. They are usually equipped with sophisticated features such as full noise cancelation, high-quality sound, and high fidelity. Are you looking for the best noise-canceling sleep headphones? These are your best bet, but they are not very comfortable.
II. In-ear Headphones
In-ear headphones are more comfortable to wear and have a smaller size. Since they are worn in the ear, they provide better noise isolation. On the other hand, in-ear headphones have a higher risk of ear damage and infection. To avoid ear infections and other complications, you must regularly clean them.
III. Headbands
Headbands are one of the most comfortable types of sleep headphones. They are more comfortable and flexible than earbuds while still allowing movement, making them especially suitable for people who side-sleep. Unfortunately, they do not necessarily have the best sound quality. Since they only consist of ultra-thin speakers, they also have the least noise isolation/noise cancelation of all types.
IV. Sleep Mask
A sleep mask is a sleep headset with eye sockets and nose pads. They are intended for use only during sleep. They block out light and limit the amount of light that enters the eyes so you can fall asleep faster. Sleep masks do not completely prevent the passage of sound but reduce it to the wearer’s taste.
V. Wired Headphones
Wired headphones are connected to the audio device with a cable. The advantage of wired headphones is that they usually provide better sound quality than wireless headphones. However, the cables can be annoying, making them difficult to sleep with.
VI. Wireless Headphones
Wireless headphones use Bluetooth or other wireless technologies to connect to the audio device. The advantage of wireless headphones is that they are much easier to sleep with. However, the sound quality may not be as good as wired headphones. Also, they have limited battery life, so they may not last a whole night.
2. Comfort Level
Since you will be wearing your sleep headphones for several hours, it is important to choose a comfortable pair. If you are someone who tosses and often turns while sleeping, you may want to opt for headbands or sleep masks. If you have sensitive skin, you should look for headphones made of soft and comfortable materials. You should also look for adjustable headphones to find the perfect fit for your head size.
3. Sound Quality
Choosing headphones with good sound quality is important so you can enjoy your music without interruptions. Look for headphones with high-quality drivers and wide frequency response. Also, look for headphones with noise cancelation so that you can block out all outside noise and concentrate fully on your music.
4. Ease of Use
Choose headphones that are easy to use, so you can put them on and take them off easily. Look for headphones that come with a carrying case so you can keep them safe when you are not using them. Also, look for headphones with long battery life, so you do not have to worry about them running out of power in the middle of the night.
5. Build Quality
It’s important to choose headphones that are well-built and durable, so they last a long time. Look for headphones that have a good warranty in case something goes wrong. You should also look for sweat-resistant headphones with a comfortable fit so you can wear them for a long time without discomfort.
6. Price
Choose headphones that fit your budget and offer the features you are looking for. Do not spend more money than necessary on headphones you’ll only use for sleeping. There is a wide selection of sleep headphones at different prices, so make sure you do your research before you buy. As you can see, there are many factors to consider when choosing headphones for sleep support. Before buying a new pair of headphones, do your research and consider all the factors before making your final decision.
7. Other things to consider
There are other factors you should take into consideration as well. For example, the level of background noise and sharp treble spikes can be distracting and make it difficult to fall asleep. Sleep headphones are typically neutral and balanced, with low impedance so they don’t disturb your slumber. They also need to be comfortable, durable, and have a long battery life–you don’t want them to run out of power in the middle of the night! Finally, you want the headphones to remain on your head or in your ears throughout the entire night.
Our Top 5 Picks for the Best Sleep Headphones
1. Fulext Sleep Headphones: The Game Changer For Every Sleep
These are the best wireless sleep headphones with a headband you can buy. Great sound, excellent comfort, and a battery life of more than 10 hours with 2 hours of charging. A favorite among music lovers and sleep enthusiasts. Designed specifically for side sleepers, they provide a great fit and seal without having to lie down and keep you safe while you sleep. The headband material is soft and comfortable, made of a breathable fabric that is very durable and also machine washable. With Bluetooth 5.2 and a built-in microphone, they are perfect for calls and streaming music.
Highlights:
Wireless Bluetooth headphones with built-in mic Comfortable and durable headband material, breathable as well 10+ hours of battery life on 2 hours charge Easy to use control panel
Limitations:
USB-C is not included Poor noise canceling
Price: $19.99
2. Hoomband Headband: Combination of Music And Hypnosis
Hoomband wireless headband is designed to help people sleep and relax. It offers a unique combination of music, targeted hypnosis, and subliminal affirmations that can be accessed through the Hoomband app. The Hoomband app has more than 100 hours of sleep hypnosis, meditation music, and stories curated by professional sleep experts. The material of the headband is ultra-thin and is made of 3D material. It is soft and comfortable and includes an extra layer of foam padding on the speakers for added comfort.
Highlights:
Dedicated Hoomband app for music and hypnosis Ultra-thin and breathable headband material Highest noise reduction in a category Great 10+ hours battery life 3D foam padding adds more comfort
Limitations:
Costlier than other headphones
Price: $79.90 Buy Hoomband Wireless Sleeping Headphone
3. Bose Sleepbuds II: True Sleepbuds
Unlike the headbands mentioned above, the Bose Sleepbuds II are designed as earbuds, so they sit in the ear. Their ergonomic design makes them comfortable for most people to wear. Bose’s noise-masking technology helps you fall asleep faster, and music can only be played through the Bose app. The special sound library contains various genres of sleep music and has been user-tested. The Ni-Hydride batteries last up to 10 hours on a single charge. The soft silicone earbuds fit comfortably, and the bendable fins on the earbuds keep them in place. The Sleepbuds II is really one of the best Sleepbuds, but it is quite expensive.
Highlights:
Small, lightweight, and comfortable Ergonomic design and noise-masking technology Special Bose sleep music library 10 hours battery life on a single charge Music only from Bose app
Limitations:
Expensive and not suitable for everyone Users may experience ear fatigue after prolonged use
Price: $249 Buy Bose Sleepbuds II
4. Perytong Bluetooth Sports Headband: Multipurpose Sleepheadphones
The headband material is stretchy and feels soft to the touch. The battery life of 10 hours is enough for a restful sleep.
Highlights:
Breathable fabric to keep you cool and comfortable Bluetooth 5.2, connectivity up to 33 yards Ultra-thin speakers with optimum sound quality 24 months warranty
Limitations:
A loud beep from the volume control Fragile and may break
Price: $19.99
5. Musicozy Sleepmask Headphones: Unmatched comfort at the best price.
Musicozy wireless sleep mask headphones are made of soft, cozy lycra material that feels incredibly comfortable and fits snugly enough to keep you comfortable all night long. The ergonomic design features eye cutouts that allow you to adjust the fit to your personal comfort, while the high-tech material is breathable and cool. The headphones are Bluetooth-enabled and feature noise-canceling technology that suppresses unwanted noise so you can fall asleep faster. The eye pads block out light so you can fall asleep in peace.
Highlights:
3D ergonomic design for maximum comfort Stretchable and adjustable elastic band Quality sound Zero pressure to eyes
Limitations:
Lycra cloth is slippery
Price: $22.58 Buy MUSICOZY Headphones
Honorable Mention: Amazfit ZenBuds
The Amazfit ZenBuds are a great set of headphones for sleeping. They come with four different-sized silicone eartips, which is one more than the Bose Sleepbuds. Additionally, they use advanced features like sleep tracking – something we had to rely on our Apple Watch for in the past. While they lack advanced features like a timer and sleep detection function, they offer better sound isolation than the Bose Sleepbuds. The Amazfit app also has an interesting sound library that you can explore. However, be aware that the app is not stable and often freezes. The headphones will provide 12 hours of playback on a single charge and the charging case will give you another 56 hours of playback – perfect for when your charger is left behind. As you can see, we don’t have a single Wired or over-the-ear sleep headphone on our list. That’s because we don’t think they are comfortable for most people. Of course, each person is different. And if you are someone who is sure about picking up one of these, we have a couple of options:
Wired Speed Headphones
– MAXROCK Sleep Earplugs
Over-the-ear Sleep Headphones
– Kokoon Sleep headphones Price: $129.99 Buy Amazfit ZenBuds
- Foam Earplugs - If you find that noise keeps you awake, earplugs can be a great way to block out sound. Look for plugs made of foam or silicone, which will form a snug seal in your ears and keep out noise.
- Custom Molded Earplugs - These custom-molded earplugs fit your ears perfectly, and they’re often more comfortable and effective than standard earplugs. But they will be pricier.
- White noise generators - These devices emit a steady stream of white noise, which can help mask other sounds and promote relaxation. You can find white noise generators in many different sizes and styles, from small tabletop models to apps that run on your phone or tablet.
- Bluetooth Smart Pillow speakers - It’s a nice option if you are sleeping alone as they are better than the mono-directional bed-stand speaker.
