Best Sleep Earbuds: Tested for a Month and Reviewed

Achieving adequate sleep is essential for enhancing nearly every aspect of your health. However, according to the CDC, over a third of adults in the United States struggle to obtain sufficient sleep. This statistic underscores the importance of addressing sleep-related issues.

If you find that a noisy environment disrupts your sleep, you may have considered traditional foam earplugs. However, there are now several innovative options available, including reusable earplugs and sleep earbuds, which provide a more convenient and effective solution for noise reduction.

During my extensive testing period of a month and a half, I evaluated various earplugs and earbuds priced between $50 and $349. My goal was to identify the best products on the market and determine whether investing in dedicated sleep earbuds is truly worthwhile.

Important Note: After the price of the Ozlo Sleepbuds increased to $349, we cannot endorse them at this new price. They are more justifiable when purchased on sale, ideally at their original price of $299. Additionally, we are in the process of testing the upcoming Anker Soundcore Sleep A30 earbuds, which will feature active noise cancellation and retail for $229 upon release in August.

Understanding the Key Differences Between Sleep Earbuds and Regular Earbuds

First, allow me to share a personal confession: I used to wear AirPods nearly every night while sleeping. To be precise, I would wear just one AirPod to make it comfortable enough to sleep on my side.

After thoroughly testing sleep earbuds specifically designed for nighttime use, I can confidently say that standard earbuds do not compare to the unique experience provided by sleep-focused models. Regular earbuds are not engineered for side sleepers; they often protrude significantly from the ear, causing discomfort due to hard plastic pressing against the skin. Furthermore, typical earbuds generally offer a battery life of only six to seven hours per charge. If you aim for eight hours of sleep, you risk waking up to the sound of your earbuds powering down, which can be quite disruptive.

In contrast, sleep earbuds provide features like white noise options, extended battery life, and enhanced comfort, allowing for the simultaneous use of both earbuds without discomfort. The models I evaluated lacked microphones and had touch controls that were functional yet less sensitive than those found in regular earbuds, making them ideal for side sleepers who want to avoid accidental activation. While options for active noise cancellation are limited, you may be surprised at how effective passive noise cancellation and a snug fit can be in blocking out nighttime disturbances.

Evaluating the Safety of Wearing Earbuds While Sleeping Every Night

First and foremost, it is vital to recognize that sleep earbuds are not the sole solution for combating nighttime noises that may be hindering your sleep.

I consulted with Dr. Ashley Kita, a renowned otolaryngologist and assistant professor in the Department of Head and Neck Surgery at UCLA, to explore any potential risks associated with wearing earbuds throughout the night. While she did not express any strong concerns about using earbuds, she emphasized that if your sleep disturbances stem from a partner’s snoring, it is worth exploring solutions for that issue first.

“If you are resorting to using earbuds to avoid a partner who snores, gently encouraging that individual to investigate the underlying causes of their snoring can be a crucial consideration,” Dr. Kita stated. “We often find that obstructive sleep apnea is significantly underdiagnosed, and for some individuals, snoring might be the only indication of this condition.”

However, if the factors disrupting your sleep are beyond your control, it is essential to keep in mind three key aspects when using earbuds during the night: maintaining proper hygiene, ensuring safe noise levels, and prioritizing your ear comfort.

Maintaining Proper Hygiene for Earbuds

Upon beginning my tests with these earbuds, I quickly realized that I was now wearing them for extended periods, far longer than I would typically do during the day, even as someone who regularly evaluates headphones. When I inquired with Dr. Kita about the potential risks of infection due to extended wear, she drew a parallel to the usage patterns of hearing aids.

“Many individuals wear hearing aids for longer durations during the day than the amount of time they spend sleeping each night,” she explained. Surprisingly, people who use hearing aids do not frequently encounter ear infections, even though prolonged wear may elevate their risk.

Regarding the extended wear, Dr. Kita pointed out that a primary concern would be wax buildup, as the natural path for earwax to exit the ear canal becomes obstructed. However, she reassured me that this is typically not a significant issue since wax can still exit the ear canal through other means during times when earbuds are not being worn.

When it comes to heightened infection risk, Dr. Kita mentioned that it can increase with excessive wax buildup, which may trap bacteria. She recommended cleaning the earbuds using isopropyl alcohol and a cotton pad after each use when possible. (The manufacturer of one of our highlighted products, Ozlo, suggests cleaning them weekly). Ultimately, the likelihood of infection largely depends on individual susceptibility; some people are more prone to ear infections than others. If you belong to that category, taking proactive steps to maintain cleanliness is advisable.

Understanding Safe Noise Levels

Noise-induced hearing loss ranks as the second most prevalent form of hearing loss, trailing only age-related hearing loss. Therefore, it is crucial to remain informed about the volume levels to which you expose yourself. Dr. Kita directed me to the chart provided by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which outlines safe exposure durations for various decibel levels.

In addition, Ozlo references OSHA’s recommendations alongside those from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, which suggest exposure limits of 90 decibels and 85 decibels for eight hours, respectively. In light of this, Ozlo designed its earbuds so that the masking white noise they produce does not exceed 75 dB. We have reached out to a representative from Soundcore to inquire about specific maximum decibel levels for their earbuds and will update our guide once we receive a response. Generally, Dr. Kita advises that the lower the volume, the better, encouraging users to always opt for the lowest feasible sound level.

“Although I am not particularly fond of the idea of introducing additional noise while you are not conscious to appreciate it, if it is what allows you to remain asleep, it falls under the category of risks versus benefits,” Dr. Kita stated. “Just ensure that the volume is low enough, and it really isn’t much different than using a white noise machine stationed on your nightstand.”

Prioritizing Comfort for Earbuds

Ensuring that earbuds fit comfortably is vital not only for achieving a restful sleep but also for maintaining your ear health.

“Everyone’s ear canal possesses a unique shape,” Dr. Kita noted. “What may feel comfortable for one person could cause significant discomfort for someone else.”

In simpler terms, experiencing earaches due to poorly fitting earbuds each night can negatively impact your ear health over time. If any of the recommendations below do not feel right, even after adjusting the ear tip sizes, do not hesitate to return them.

Discovering the Best Earbuds for a Restful Sleep

In the following section, I have curated a selection of the top sleep earbuds currently available. This collection includes options for various budgets, from basic to premium models. However, it’s essential to remember that the most expensive option is not always the best. I have highlighted the strengths of each earbud, whether it be in terms of comfort, noise cancellation, or user-friendliness, to assist you in selecting the ideal sleep earbuds for your needs.

UPDATE: Jul. 5, 2025, 6:00 a.m. EDT As of April 2024, the Ozlo Sleepbuds price increased from $299 to $349 on Ozlo’s website and Amazon in the United States due to tariffs. We no longer recommend them at full price, but do recommend purchasing them if you find them on sale at or below their original price.

Latest Testing Updates on Sleep Earbuds

We are currently engaged in testing the Soundcore Sleep A30 earbuds, which are set to hit the market in August. Additionally, we have revised our recommendation for the Ozlo Sleepbuds following their price increase in April; we only advise purchasing them when on sale.