The 10 Best Sleep Headphones
This wiki has been updated 27 times since it was first published in February of 2017. If you like to fall asleep listening to soothing music or watching TV, but don't want to disturb others in the house, you probably know that regular earbuds can be painful, especially when you lie on your side. These headphones are specifically designed to be comfortable to wear throughout the night, no matter how you prefer to position yourself, and some even double as eye masks. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Lightimetunnel 3D Mask
2. CozyPhones Contour Series
3. ZesGood Mask
Editor's Notes
April 28, 2020:
Sleeping should be a peaceful experience, but for anyone who has to deal with disturbing noises where they live, it can be the exact opposite. Luckily, the sleep headphones on this list should be able to help with that. With one glance at our recommendations, it will be immediately apparent to anybody that we favor headband-style models. We generally believe these are more comfortable than earbuds, especially for side sleepers, and many can offer the added benefit of doubling as an eye mask to also block out disturbing light. Of course, we do realize that some people may not want to wear a headband all night, which is why did also include the Maxrock EL-273707 earbuds. Their compact design allows them to work well enough for side sleepers who aren't that sensitive to ear pressure. While they tend to break in less than a year's time, they come for a very budget-friendly price, so replacing them won't be too big of a deal.
Previously, we had recommended the Firik Kids, but due to its wired design, which can pose a safety hazard to children, we stated that it wasn't suitable for overnight or unsupervised use. We have decided that with options like the newly added Lavince LAKH159 available, which features Bluetooth connectivity, there is no longer a reason to include a wired kids model, so it was eliminated.
We actually added many wireless options to our list during this update, as we feel that wired models like the eliminated SleepPhones SC5BM and AGPTek Bedtime can sometimes be a hassle while sleeping. Of course, some people may prefer not having to constantly remember to charge a device, so if you fall into this category, you'll want to look at the CozyPhones Contour Series, Mountains Meditation Lycra, ZesGood Mask, or the aforementioned Maxrock EL-273707. The ZesGood Mask actually offers you the best of both worlds, since it can be used wired or wirelessly.
While pretty much every headband-style model can be pulled down over the eyes to block out light, the Lightimetunnel 3D Mask, ZesGood Mask, Voerou Wireless, and Blulu VG013 are specifically designed for it with either a shape that contours the nose, eye pockets, or both.
Special Honors
Philips SmartSleep Headband Rather than simply blocking out external noise, the Philips SmartSleep Headband was designed to enhance your rest though the use of quiet audio tones that keep your body in the slow wave stage of non-REM sleep. It uses a proprietary algorithm that customizes the timing and volume of tones to your sleep pattern, and it will show you metrics of how well you slept every morning on the associated app. philips.com
4. Winonly Headband
5. Voerou Wireless
6. Maxrock EL-273707
7. Lavince LAKH159
8. Lavince Ultra Thin
9. Blulu VG013
10. Mountains Meditation Lycra
A wandering writer who spends as much time on the road as in front of a laptop screen, Brett can either be found hacking away furiously at the keyboard or, perhaps, enjoying a whiskey and coke on some exotic beach, sometimes both simultaneously, usually with a four-legged companion by his side. He has been a professional chef, a dog trainer, and a travel correspondent for a well-known Southeast Asian guidebook. He also holds a business degree and has spent more time than he cares to admit in boring office jobs. He has an odd obsession for playing with the latest gadgets and working on motorcycles and old Jeeps. His expertise, honed over years of experience, is in the areas of computers, electronics, travel gear, pet products, and kitchen, office and automotive equipment.