The Absolute Best Headphones for Sleeping in 2023 — Audiophile ON (2024)

Many people have problems getting to sleep quickly; over the years, you may have tried everything in search of a good night's rest. One method that seems to get good results is listening to music,white noise, or ASMR to help you drift off to sleep.

Sadly, most headphones and earphones are unsuitable for sleeping and can cause significant discomfort. While you can find many comfortable headphones, they might still not work when lying down.

It's common to fall asleep initially but wake up again once they roll onto their side or front. We suggest the headphones below that can work with you to improve your ability to fall asleep and increase sleep quality.

What should you look for when selecting the best headphones for sleeping? I wanted this article to be both a buyer's guide for these types of headphones and a place to discuss other methods and alternatives to headphones that can help you fall asleep.

Below I have listed what is, in my opinion, the best headphones for sleeping to help you rest the whole night. In this list, I include some specialist devices (at various budgets) designed to improve sleep quality.

Review

The Sleepphones are our test winners for the best headphones for sleeping.

The Sleepphones Effortless are the best headphones for sleeping. They are also wireless and feature induction charging, making them the most intuitive and easy to live with. It's the absolute best of all the models I have ever tried and something that completely transformed my sleep patterns.

We can see what sets them apart by focusing on the main selling points. They are a headband design that is a highly comfortable way to sleep as it is less prone to coming dislodged when rolling about in your sleep. Traditional headphone slips off, and earbuds can be pulled out.

With the Sleepphones, I found, more often than not, when I woke up in the morning, they were still on my head the way I had left them the night before.

Another essential feature is the Sleepphones use extremely thin speaker diaphragms that are flexible and don't cause discomfort when side sleeping. The materials used allow them to be flexible, so they conform with your ears, and the whole thing is covered with generous padding to enhance comfort further.

Finally, the essential feature of the Sleepphones is wireless. No longer will you be tethered in your sleep. If you wake up and need to go to the bathroom or get a glass of water, you don’t have to go through the routine of disconnecting your phone or music player and resetting everything when you return. It’s remarkably freeing and the one reason I recommend this model over all others.

Battery life is a fantastic 12 hours; they can be recharged in just 2 hours.

Review

The name is terrible, that’s for sure; I’d like to buy a vowel. But these are the best wireless earbuds for sleeping we tested this year.

It’s hard to explain and something you need to get in hand to understand just how small the SZHTFX is. They are ergonomically one of the most comfortable sets on our test and cause no discomfort when side sleeping.

Despite the small size, you still get Bluetooth 5.3 for better efficiency and connection. Built-in touch controls and 4 hours of battery life will help you get to sleep.

They won’t last the whole night, but if you are looking for something for those first few hours and don’t like sleeping with cables or using bulky headbands, this could be perfect.

As a side, not they also work great as day-to-day earphones.

Review

These are great headphones for side sleepers. My number three pick is the Maxrock Sleep Earphones.

Traditionally, I would advocate sleeping with earphones because when you roll to your side, they push more profoundly into your ear canal and cause discomfort.

The Maxrock, though, is so small and unobtrusive that I can comfortably sleep with them all night, yet at the same time, if you lose them in the dark, good luck finding them.

Review

These non-brand models are popping up and can be found by several sellers online. They are an all-in-one system that combines an eye mask and headphones into one package.

Many people will like this because it saves the fumble in the dark for two items instead of just one.

I was initially skeptical, but they have held up well, cost less than 20 dollars, and go for 9 hours on a single charge. However, there is a noticeable difference in the quality and design between these and the Sleepphones we listed as number 1.

They are a little less robust and have much thicker speakers, which can lead to a bit of discomfort with hard pillows.

Review

It might not be headphones, but Sound+ Sleep is one of the market's most advanced sleep speakers and ambient noise machines.

I was impressed with the new Sound + Sleep, so I thought it was worthy of inclusion on this list. Headphones might not work for you, but plenty of options remain to get a good night’s rest.

During my battles with lifelong insomnia, I have tried numerous white noise machines, but none have been as intuitive and versatile as Sound Sleep. After a few days of use, you will know the button layout well enough to use it in the dark, and despite having many options, it’s very intuitive.

This unit is a noise machine with multiple settings and realistic sounds that can be easily adjusted through the panel controls. There are ten sounds, but you can modify them by adjusting the ambient and richness settings.

The only negative is that the large twist dial isn’t for adjusting volume but for selecting the sound you wish to use to help you sleep. For me, volume adjustment here would have been better.

It is the best speaker of this kind I have tried, and it stops me from using my phone in bed.

Review

They are small and comfortable, making them perfect earbuds for sleeping, but they are also considered one of the best-sounding cheap earbuds on the market.

I wanted to throw in the e3000 as a bit of an all-rounder. It's something you can sleep in but something that also sounds great during the day.Something that you can travel with but not have to bring an extra set of earbuds for a specific task

We reviewed the e3000 earlier this year and were blown away by the sound quality, and naturally, thanks to its diminutive size, it makes a perfect earbud for sleeping with.

The barrel is very small thanks to the use of micro driver technology, and the cable protrudes downwards and not straight out like on an Etymotic studio IEM. This way, they will disappear in your ears and not protrude from the side, adding pressure and discomfort.

Think of it as a premium upgrade to the Maxrock version I listed above.

Review

These are very similar in design to the headband above but are more reminiscent of eye masks.

Many people who have trouble sleeping also use an eye mask, so combining both items into one product is a good idea.

I liked these (apart from the low price), as well as the built-in audio controls for volume play and pause, which come in handy in the dark as you don’t need to fumble around to control them with your phone.

Review

Another great option if you want to own an amazing-sounding set of earphones.

The Zero Audio DX200 has had a lot of praise in the past due to them sounding like sets of earphones many times their price.

I was using them for sleeping for a while due to the compact design. The body is small and, when inserted, causes no discomfort from side sleeping. The angle of the cable exit also keeps them away from your skin when side-sleeping.

I also liked the versatility, knowing that I could also use them for listening to music during the day for not much more money than a dedicated slumber set.

Review

These Perytong Bluetooth headphones are designed for sleeping and while at first glance they look like many of the other headband style models on this list a few things set them apart and make them one of the best models in 2023.

The control system is directly on the front of your head so it doesn’t matter what side you are lying on you can easily control them from any position.

I also found them incredibly comfortable due to the breathable mesh on the inner liner. Other companies use a tighter fabric that collects sweat rather than wicking it away like the Perytongs.

Finally, the price is unbeatable. They constantly seem to price these less than the competition, but in my experience, it is actually a better product. Now if we could get them to include wireless charging they would have put sleepphones out of business by now.

It is well worth trying and is available in different color options.

They are cheap and small and sit securely in the ear with no strain relief to cause discomfort. They may not sound as good as some of the higher-end models on this list, but they have an inline control, so you don’t have to reach for your phone or music player in the middle of the night.

Studies show that blue light can seriously disturb your sleep pattern, so the ability to control your volume without looking at a screen should help you sleep longer and deeper.

Thanks to the metal body, a budget option will give you many years of use due to their solid build quality.

The Dohm is one of the market's oldest and most reliable sleep machines.

The Dohm has been around since 1962 and is the most famous white noise machine ever made. This current version has two settings and a real fan inside. It produces natural, realistic white noise to soothe you to sleep and is adjustable via the venting system.

No, not the set you got at a hotel or some other rubbish off-cut of foam. After trying many different noise-blocking earplugs for sleeping in the past, I have pretty much settled on the perfect ones—the Howard Leight Laser Lite Plugs.

Don't be tempted by any other brand or even HL's higher decibel-rated models; the ones you want are the yellow and pink laser lite. These are the best and comfiest earplugs I have ever used for sleeping, and I highly recommend them.

They last upwards of 10 uses per set, and a box of 200 pairs should only cost you about $20, so you can buy in bulk on these and save big.

I cannot stress enough the benefit I have had since I started using these; they are so comfy and block out much of the external noise. These are game-changers for me.

2. Custom Molded Earplugs

I succeeded with custom-molded earplugs, even though I now prefer the disposable kind mentioned above.

Of all the models I have used, I recommend trying the Decibullz Custom Molded Earplugs.

These are a set of DIY custom molds that you make at home, and they fit precisely to your outer ear.

The process is a bit tricky, so get some help if you think you need it, but it takes about 10 mins to set them into reusable earplugs that block out much external noise.

3. Sangean Pillow Speakers

Sometimes I wish I could be single again to go back to using a pillow with inbuilt speakers. This is something I used to do and for me was the best solution to get a good night’s rest.

I went through a range of smart pillows and Bluetooth pillows with speakers built in but ultimately, while i liked the sound, the pillow was the part that let these products down. It was almost as if all the thought went into putting tech inside but very little care was put into how comfortable the user would be.

Then I found the best solution in the Sangean Pillow Speakers.

This lets me use my favorite pillow (the amazing Tempur Breeze Cooling Pillow if you were wondering) and install the speaker into it. Turns our the sound of the Sangean was perfect as was the convenience of an inline control.

Two things to note before you go this route. Fist this is not a viable option if you share a bed with someone as they may be disturbed by the sound. Second, definitely purchase the powered version that offers far better sound quality.

A great solution and the best alternative to sleeping with headphones if it suits your lifestyle.

Top 5 Tips to Help You Sleep Better

1. Stick to a sleep schedule: Set a routine sleep schedule by sleeping and waking up at the same time every day, even on weekends. This routine will help regulate your body's internal clock and promote better sleep.

2. Create a sleep-friendly environment: Make your bedroom as comfortable and conducive to sleep as possible. Keep the room cool, dark, and quiet. Use comfortable pillows and bedding, and limit the use of electronics before bedtime.

3. Avoid stimulants before bedtime: Avoid caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol before bedtime, as they can disrupt your sleep, resulting in restlessness and insomnia.

4. Practice relaxation techniques: Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and yoga to calm your mind and body before bedtime. This will help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.

5. Exercise regularly: Exercise has been shown to improve sleep quality, especially when done regularly. Ensure that you exercise at least 30 minutes a day, but not too close to bedtime, as it can also cause restlessness.

Try combining Your headphones with this method to get to sleep faster!

The military sleep method, also known as the "4-7-8" method, is designed to help individuals fall asleep quickly, usually within 2 minutes or less.

• To use this method, begin by lying comfortably and fully relaxing your body.

• Start by taking a deep breath through your nose and inhaling for a count of 4 seconds.

• Hold this breath for 7 seconds, promoting a sense of calm and reducing anxiety.

• After holding your breath, exhale slowly and control through your mouth for 8 seconds, aiming to release all the air from your lungs.

This breathing cycle should be repeated thrice, totaling four breath cycles. The theory behind the method is that it helps to calm the nervous system and can effectively promote a quicker onset of sleep.

To enhance its effectiveness, pair it with other relaxation techniques, such as visualizing a calming scene or progressively relaxing each part of your body, starting from the toes upwards.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Build Quality

Most headphones are used while awake; thus, they are not put under the strain or abuse you might see when sleeping on your headphones.

When you sleep, you will contact the pillow and turn and roll. It can cause wear and strain on ordinary headphones, so you need tough and durable models ready to take the abuse.

We are looking for headphones designed explicitly for sleeping or existing models so we can adapt them to suit this purpose, and the materials used and the type of construction can play a significant role in long-term durability.

What headphones are comfortable for side sleepers?

Comfort is a hugely critical factor in the buying process. After all, if you aren't comfortable, you will have problems falling asleep quickly and even more trouble staying asleep.

You want to choose headphones that you would be happy to wear when you try to get afull 8 hours of sleepwithout experiencing any pain or discomfort.

If you have any issues with particular styles of headphones during the day, then you can bet that this will be further amplified at night.The headphones we have chosen below are better for side sleepers, but they might not be perfect. In this category, some compromises may need to be made.

You may also find a period of adjustment where you need to get comfortable with how you wear your new headphones when sleeping. With time and the right pillow, discomfort can be managed but not tolerated.

Is sound Quality important when choosing headphones for sleeping?

The sound is hugely important when choosing a set of headphones, but your priorities should be somewhat different when choosing them to sleep in.

In this case, you shouldn't worry about out-and-out fidelity; instead, you should be looking for something that doesn't do anything jarring or annoying that might put you off your sleep. Examples of this could be a distracting background hiss or even a sharp treble spike. Both of these can be off-putting enough that you start thinking about the sound rather than getting to sleep.

When it comes to sound, you want your headphones or earphones to be smooth and inoffensive. Neutral and balanced headphones with low impedance do well here, but I also would look past a set of headphones with toned-down high notes and some warmth to the presentation.

Over-Ear Headphones vs. On-Ear Headphones vs. In-ear headphones

Not all headphone styles are best suited for sleeping; you will probably know what you are looking for from the start.

A bulky full-size set of headphones will have trouble staying on your head and thus give you very little room for movement. In-ear headphones (earphones) may push deep into the canal if you sleep on your side.

We have included below workarounds for existing designs and models that will work better than others.

Additionally, several companies have designed earphones, especially for sleep. Some of these are unique and not what you would want to be seen on the street, but they are fantastic for use in bed.

Can Sleeping With Headphones Kill You?

The chances of your headphones killing you in your sleep are so low that it’s almost negligible, but there have been cases. This usually resolves to two areas: lack of awareness and the cord tangling around one’s airways.

Does sleeping with headphones cause cancer?

Surprisingly, this question gets asked a lot, but there is no evidence linking an increased chance of cancer with the use of headphones.

Most of the concern concerns wireless or Bluetooth headphones and false claims that prolonged exposure over a night’s sleep would increase your chances of developing the disease.

This is not the case and has been debunked via studies over the past few years. If you want to read more about this subject, read this informative article by the American Cancer Society, which briefly explains how the radio frequencies in Bluetooth headphones affect our cells.

Is it safe to sleep with headphones on?

Sleeping with headphones is generally considered safe if the volume does not exceed 85db. There are many health benefits from a good night’s rest, such as reduced stress and fatigue. So, if headphones are something that helps you sleep better, it is a good idea to use them.

You should, however, remain vigilant with where you wear your headphones when sleeping in places where you should be situationally aware or may need to hear an alarm, for example.