Best Sleep Headphones of 2024 [CNET]
Not only does listening to music help you relax, but it also helps you get a good night’s sleep. Michael Breus, sleep medicine expert and the founder of The Sleep Doctor website said, “Relaxing music triggers changes to the body that in many ways mimic a sleep state.” With the best sleep headphones, you can slow your heart rate and breathing and lower your blood pressure, all of which are also associated with deeper sleep.
We tested a variety of sleep headphones to find the best options. These include a few headband varieties, Bluetooth headphones and earbuds that nestle into your ear canal to block out ambient noise. Keep reading for ways to get a deeper sleep while using headphones.
What are the best overall headphones for sleeping?
Our top choice for sleep headphones are the Google Pixel Buds Pro because of their versatility. They’re great for daytime and nighttime use and effectively block outside noises with active noise canceling.
Best headphones for sleeping for 2024
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Battery Life Rated up to 11 hoursANC, PNC or other Active noise canceling (ANC)Headphone type Wireless earbudsConnection type Bluetooth
The Pixel Buds Pro wireless earbuds fit the bill for people who want a pair of quality headphones that are equally as functional during sleep as they are during the day. They have active noise cancellation that helps block distracting noises like snoring while you sleep. Paired with Google’s Silent Seal technology, the Pixel Buds’ ear tips enhance noise cancellation by forming a gentle seal that keeps quality sound in and environmental noises out.
Sleeping with earbuds can be difficult if they fall out too often, but we found that the Pixel Buds Pro comfortably stayed put. Aside from noise canceling, the Pixel Buds Pro have Google Assistant enabled, so with just the click of a button (or voice activation), you can get help on anything from answering a text to directions. They boast up to 31 hours of listening time, crisp sound, wireless charging and more.
Read our Pixel Buds Pro review.
Pros:
- Works well for sleep and daytime use
- Active noise cancellation and Silent Seal
- Comfortable and secure
- Waterproof
Cons:
- Pricey
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Battery life 10 hours (6 hours with music)ANC, PNC or other Passive noise canceling (PNC)Headphone type In ear Connection type Bluetooth
The Soundcore by Anker Sleep A10 earbuds are small and lightweight. Unlike other bulkier options, they fit entirely in your ear, so you don’t have to worry about them shifting or falling out when you roll over at night. Fit is particularly important for side sleepers, who find that other earbuds for sleeping brush against their pillow and make a scratching noise.
In our testing experience, these sleeping earbuds don’t actively cancel noise. Instead, they passively block out ambient noise, and your selection of sound options does the rest. These sleeping earbuds have the expected wide range of sleep noises, from white or brown noise to familiar nature sounds like rain or waves crashing. With the Bluetooth connection, you can also play music (or whatever you want) from your phone while you sleep. Keep in mind that playing music does drain the battery quicker. You can get a full night of sleep with the preloaded sounds, but music gets you only a few hours. For only $90, these are some of the most feature-rich and best sleep earbuds you can get.
Pros:
- Lightweight and unobtrusive
- Great quality for price
- Some passive noise cancellation
Cons:
- Shorter battery life with music
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Battery life 13 hoursANC, PNC or other Noise maskingHeadphone type On ear Connection type Bluetooth or wired
If you don’t like the idea of wearing a headband to bed, the Bedphones Sleep Headphones by DubsLabs are another made-for-sleep option without fabric. This sleeping headphone option features two ultrathin headphone speakers connected by a rubber-coated memory wire that’s fully adjustable so you can find your perfect earphone fit.
They come in two versions — wired and wireless headphone options — and each one comes equipped with an in-line microphone and three-button remote that allows you to answer phone calls or play, pause or skip whatever you’re listening to. A single charge lasts 13 hours, enough for a full night of sleep and more.
Pros:
- Wired and wireless options
- Fully adjustable
- Long battery life
Cons:
- Memory wire could get in the way