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Aug 09, 2023

3 Sleep Headphones We Like

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Our former noise-blocking pick, the Bose Sleepbuds II, has been discontinued, so we’ve replaced it with the Anker Soundcore Sleep A10. We’ve added the Manta Sleep Mask Sound to the Competition section.

Unless you are a motionless back-sleeper, most earbuds and headphones are far too bulky to wear comfortably overnight. Even the smallest pair of true wireless earbuds can fall out, become lost, or cause other problems. Sleep headphones are supposed to be the solution for people who want to block out sounds, fall asleep to music, or mask issues such as tinnitus—but when we set out to find the best sleep headphones, our dreams were dashed. Every pair we tested let us down in some way. We still have recommendations to address specific needs, but you should be prepared to accept a number of compromises.

Sleep headphones come in three styles: wireless earbuds, earmuffs, and headbands with speaker drivers inside. We tested all three.

A good design should fit most ear shapes and head sizes securely, and should not interfere with a good night's sleep.

All sleep headphones must play audio for a full night of sleep. We set 10 hours as a minimum.

We tested pairs that effectively block noise, as well as those that allow noise awareness (which is excellent for caregivers).

The headband-style SleepPhones come in different sizes and fabrics, and you can stream any audio to them wirelessly via Bluetooth. But they cost more than many similarly styled competitors.

If you like to listen to music, watch video, or use a meditation app to help you drift off to sleep, the AcousticSheep SleepPhones Wireless set delivers the most reliable experience available. They’re the only headband-style sleep headphones we’ve found that offer headbands in different sizes and fabrics, so there's a better chance they’ll fit you comfortably. The flat, felt-covered speakers aren't painful to lie on, and they produce better bass than the cheap alternatives do. You can stream audio wirelessly from any Bluetooth source (be it a smartphone, tablet, or TV), and the 24 hours of battery life means you’ll get a few nights of rest before needing to charge again. The Bluetooth module and speaker drivers are easier to remove than the pieces in competing models, which makes washing the headband less arduous. However, the headband-style design could interfere with hair bonnets, dental headgear, or nighttime skin treatments, and folks hoping to block external noise—such as the loud snoring of a partner—may find that the cloth isn't isolating enough. Plus, the $100 price tag may seem steep for headphones that you use only in bed.

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These wireless earbuds physically block out noises and can play preloaded sounds or stream audio from your phone. They’re smaller than other wireless earbuds, but people with sensitive ears may find that side-sleeping with them is uncomfortable.

If you’re trying to rest next to a loudly snoring bedmate, near clamorously celebrating neighbors, or close to a construction site, the Anker Soundcore Sleep A10 earbuds physically isolate your ears from noise, and they can further mask disturbances by playing white noise and other sounds. These diminutive earbuds are far thinner than most true wireless earbuds and stay in place securely, so you can roll over and not worry about losing one. However, they’re still earbuds, so this set isn't for people with sensitive ears or those who dislike the feel of something in their ears. Unlike our previous noise-isolating pick (the now-discontinued Bose Sleepbuds II pair), the A10 set allows you to stream your own audio via Bluetooth, or you can preload your choice of soothing sounds from the Soundcore app. However, streaming your own playlist severely reduces the earbuds’ battery life, cutting it down from around 10 hours to as low as six hours. If you prefer to stream and want to extend the battery life, you can use the A10 pair's auto-sleep mode, which senses when you drift off and transitions from streaming mode to playing preloaded sounds, but that still may not allow enough time for people hoping to catch more than eight hours of shut-eye. The A10 pair has a built-in alarm, too, but it sounds like an old-school alarm clock and has no snooze button. This set also lacks a microphone and a hear-through mode, so you can't answer phone calls, and you may not hear other important household alerts. However, if you’re desperate to rest in a bothersome environment, the Soundcore Sleep A10 pair is the best option currently available.

The headband-style SleepPhones come in different sizes and fabrics, and you can stream any audio to them wirelessly via Bluetooth. But they cost more than many similarly styled competitors.

These wireless earbuds physically block out noises and can play preloaded sounds or stream audio from your phone. They’re smaller than other wireless earbuds, but people with sensitive ears may find that side-sleeping with them is uncomfortable.

Senior staff writer and headphone editor Lauren Dragan holds a bachelor's degree in both music performance and audio production from Ithaca College, and she has tested more than 1,200 pairs of headphones while working for Wirecutter. In addition to reviewing gear for AV magazines, she has been in and out of top recording studios for over a decade, first as a radio producer/on-air talent and then as a professional voice actor. Her articles have been featured in Fast Company, Forbes, the Los Angeles Times, and Time, as well as on Good Morning America, the BBC World Service, and NBC Nightly News.

Senior staff writer Brent Butterworth performed the technical headphone measurements for this guide. He has been reviewing audio gear professionally since 1990. He previously worked as an editor or writer for Sound & Vision, HomeTheaterReview, Home Theater Magazine, and numerous other publications. Brent is one of the extremely small number of audio journalists (maybe two or three total) who own laboratory-grade headphone test equipment.

Sleep headphones are for people who have difficulty falling or staying asleep and find that audio—be it white noise, music, or meditations—can help. Traditional earbuds and headphones are usually uncomfortable to lie on, and earbuds can fall out once you sink into your pillow. Sleep headphones are supposed to be soft enough to lie on all night (though many we tested were not), and when they fit properly, they should stay in place until morning.

Of course, headphones aren't the only sleep-assistance option. If you live alone, or if you and the person you share a bedroom with enjoy the same tastes in listening material, a small speaker or a white noise machine could serve you just as well. If your aim is simply to block disruptive noises, earplugs are a far more economical choice. But for folks who find that earplugs aren't sufficient, or who bunk with someone who isn't into the same audiobook, TV, or ASMR bedtime habits, sleep headphones provide a way to drift off to your favorite media without disturbing others.

We measured 25 different sets of earplugs and sleep-tested the top contenders to find that Mack's Slim Fit Soft Foam Earplugs are the best for most people.

A white noise machine can mask irritating noises that make it hard to sleep or difficult to focus. The LectroFan EVO is the most effective option for the price.

What people need to sleep comfortably is very personal, and someone might want to wear headphones while they’re sleeping for a number of reasons. Some folks want to fall asleep while listening to audio without disturbing a roommate or partner. For others, the goal is to muffle and mask disturbances. People with tinnitus may need a distraction from the irritating ringing in their ears that can prevent sleep altogether.

None of the sleep headphones we tested met all of our criteria. Each of them had at least one major flaw that kept us from wholeheartedly recommending it.

So, when we approached the idea of reviewing sleep headphones, we knew that we’d likely end up with several recommendations to address different situations. We created an ambitious list of the most important features necessary in a good pair of sleep headphones:

With all of the above criteria in mind, we called in every brand-name set of sleep headphones we could find and a selection of affordable but lesser-known options on Amazon. (And what we received proved to be quite interesting—check out the Competition section for more details.)

I tested each set for Bluetooth-connection reliability, fit, comfort, and sound quality. I paired each device to my phones (a Pixel 4a and iPhone 12), and if the headphones came with an app, I installed it and ran any calibration or update software. Wearing each pair, I tried lying in bed in various positions. I also placed my phone on a table and walked several rooms away to see how far I could get before the connection stuttered or dropped. To note audio quality and to check for delays caused by Bluetooth-signal latency, I listened to music and watched streaming video. For the headband-style models, I took the drivers and Bluetooth modules out of the headbands and put them back in again to gauge the difficulty of the process. And of course I tried sleeping in every pair. Only two of them made it through the night.

Unfortunately, none of the sleep headphones we tested met all of our criteria. Each model had at least one major flaw that kept us from wholeheartedly recommending it: The headphones were uncomfortable or didn't fit properly, were overpriced, were difficult to reassemble after cleaning, or produced distractions that might interfere with sleep—or many of the above. We had hoped to send the most promising options to various panelists with different head sizes, sleep positions, and sleeping needs to get feedback and to narrow in on a "best" pick. But with only a few passable choices remaining after our initial tests, we shifted our focus to finding useful choices for people based on specific needs, even if the choices were imperfect. Of course, if more companies begin making better and more affordable sleep headphones, we’ll update this guide with more enthusiastic picks.

As a final step, we sent the three most palatable pairs of sleep headphones to a Wirecutter staffer who has tinnitus to gain feedback on how well they performed in that situation.

The headband-style SleepPhones come in different sizes and fabrics, and you can stream any audio to them wirelessly via Bluetooth. But they cost more than many similarly styled competitors.

Who it's for: AcousticSheep's SleepPhones Wireless sleep headphones are for the person who enjoys drifting off to the sound of their favorite sleep tunes, ASMR videos, or meditations, and who doesn't want to disturb a partner or roommate. They’re ideal for people who can't fall asleep in quiet rooms, as well as for those who don't like the feeling of wearing earbuds while they’re trying to sleep.

Why we like it: This headband-style pair of sleep headphones has the most flexible and comfortable speaker design of all the headphones we tested. No matter how you lie on the SleepPhones, they won't dig into your ears like many other models we tried. Available in fluffy fleece for folks who prefer a warmer cozy feel or a lighter-weight, more breathable "breeze" fabric, the SleepPhones can work as a headband or sit over the eyes. (Folks who want total light blocking may prefer to use a separate sleep mask instead.) The fabrics are stretchy, and the headbands are available in small, medium, and large sizes—so no matter the circumference of your noggin, you should be able to find a fit that's snug enough to stay in place but not brain-squeezing tight.

The electronics are removable, so you can easily machine-wash your headband or swap it out when it gets worn. We laundered our headband several times following the instructions, and it washed up perfectly. You can buy additional headbands separately for $20. A small, Velcro-secured slit at the top allows access to the charging port and enables you to thread the drivers and Bluetooth module in and out. The headbands feel better made than those of cheaper competitors, with thicker fabric, better stitching, and a Velcro closure rather than a non-sealable opening.

Another feature that sets the SleepPhones apart from cheaper alternatives is that the speakers are color-coded so that you can easily put them back into the headband properly: The right speaker has red stitching, the left has green stitching, and the softer gray side of the speaker should face toward the ear. With other sleep headphones we tested, we had to guess which way to put the drivers back. Plus, AcousticSheep backs the SleepPhones with a one-year warranty, whereas most of the lower-priced competitors don't even have a company website for you to contact someone if your headphones break.

The Bluetooth module provides raised controls for volume, track skip, play/pause, and power. Although the module resides under the headband fabric, the controls are relatively easy to use by feel. The company recommends that you wear the module toward your forehead rather than behind your neck so that you don't inadvertently push the buttons when you lie on your back. Pairing the SleepPhones with your audio device is the same experience as with normal Bluetooth headphones. With my phone placed on the bedside table, I never had connection issues and could even walk a few rooms away to the bathroom with no problem. That said, pipes and metal beams can get in the way of wireless signals, so we suggest keeping your music device in the same room as your bed to avoid any hiccups.

AcousticSheep claims that the battery life of the SleepPhones Wireless pair is 24 hours for the latest version–the old version was 12 hours–although it can be a little tricky to know which version you’re getting. AcousticSheep says that they can guarantee that the version you receive when purchasing directly from their site is the latest version, and that buying from their official store on Amazon should also get you the 24 hour battery. So if battery life matters to you, we recommend that you make sure you check the seller before hitting purchase. Our testing yielded over 24 hours of playtime, but this can vary depending on your volume level and whether you play media all night long or just as you fall asleep. In our testing at 60% volume, we got results just over the claimed window—though that volume level was louder than we’d prefer when trying to fall asleep, and a more moderate volume might have gained us extra time. A full charge from a dead battery takes around four hours, so if you want audio to play all night long, it's best to plug in your SleepPhones every few days.

As for sound quality, the SleepPhones Wireless headphones had more bass response than the cheaper options we tried. The drivers actually played some low bass notes on hip-hop tracks, whereas the budget pairs reproduced only overtones. However, the SleepPhones are by no means bass-heavy and can't reproduce the deep booms in movies (such as the resonant aspects of the infamous Inception "braaaaam")—but given the headphones’ intended use, at bedtime, we’re willing to let this slide. Overall, the sound quality was quite good in our tests, with decent clarity on high notes and no harshness or other cheap-sounding aspects to the low and high frequencies.

We found that all of our top models helped to mask tinnitus equally, provided they fit well and offered enough sound options. Our tester who has tinnitus liked that they were able to use the same tracks with the SleepPhones that they usually play through a small speaker.

The fabric headband isn't as isolating as earbuds or the earcups on over-ear headphones, so sounds can get in and out. If you’re listening at a moderate volume, a bed partner likely won't hear the SleepPhones, but at max volume, someone in bed with you in a very quiet room may hear a buzz or the tizzy outline of what you’re listening to. But it's still much quieter than sounds played through your cell phone or a bedside speaker. You can still hear some surrounding noise while wearing the SleepPhones, too, though that ability may be a perk for people who are concerned about hearing a child or pet, or someone who prefers auditory awareness for safety.

Flaws that may be dealbreakers: Although the SleepPhones came the closest to being a pair we could wholeheartedly recommend, there are still some significant downsides to consider before you make a purchase. As we mentioned above, fabric isn't the best sound isolator. While the headband provides a mild muffling effect just by covering your ears, it can't block out truly disruptive sounds such as snoring, construction, barking dogs, or partying neighbors.

The headband design isn't ideal for everyone. People who wear hair bonnets to bed, who use nighttime skin treatments that can harm fabric, who wear certain CPAP masks or headgear at night, or who tend to feel hot when sleeping might find that the thick headband just doesn't fit into their routine. People who shift about in their sleep may find that the headband eventually slips out of place or falls off.

But the biggest drawback is that the SleepPhones design isn't one that transitions well to daytime use, which may make it a lot harder to accept the $100 price tag. Maybe on a brisk day, you might enjoy wearing the fleece headband instead of earmuffs, but the fabric is designed to breathe, so it's not even great for very cold weather. Although AcousticSheep says you can use the breeze-fabric headband for working out, we’d be hesitant to do so since the electronics aren't rated for any moisture resistance, and sweat damage could void your pair's warranty. Additionally, the SleepPhones lack a microphone, so if you want to take a call, you need your phone.

These wireless earbuds physically block out noises and can play preloaded sounds or stream audio from your phone. They’re smaller than other wireless earbuds, but people with sensitive ears may find that side-sleeping with them is uncomfortable.

Who it's for: If you are desperate to block disruptive sounds so that you can sleep, the Anker Soundcore Sleep A10 earbuds can help. The earbuds’ isolating design blocks noise more effectively than headband-style sleep headphones can. That isolation, in combination with played sounds, can muffle snoring partners, boisterous barking dogs, or construction next door well enough for you to get some shut-eye. But people with sensitive ears and those who sleep on firm pillows may find the earbud design to be uncomfortable.

Why we like it: Some sleep-disrupting noises require more than just earplugs to ignore. Masking, or playing a constant, lulling sound that is in the same frequency range as the nuisance noise, can help. But most true wireless earbuds are too bulky for people to wear comfortably while sleeping. Even if you’re a back-sleeper, traditional earbuds may not stay in your ears overnight, they often have controls that you can inadvertently trigger, and many can run out of power by morning. The Sleep A10 pair is designed to address all of those problems. The sealed ear tips are double-layered to block external noise much as earplugs do. The thin earbud design is more comfortable to lie on than that of standard earbuds, and the included stability wings hold the earbuds in place even if you toss and turn. Simple tap-based controls reduce the risk of accidental playback changes, and the set can give you up to 10 hours’ worth of consistent sound.

The Sleep A10 set is not an active-noise-cancelling device. Active noise cancellation, while effective on sustained low-pitched sounds such as airplane noise, isn't adept at reducing intermittent sounds like hammering or higher-pitched sounds like voices. For best results, you should listen to something with a pitch similar to that of the noise you’re covering. The Soundcore app provides a library with dozens of different sounds that you can upload directly to the earbuds, including white/pink/brown/gray noise and a range of nature scenes and cityscapes; it even has niche options like cicada chirps and the sound of someone playing the violin across the street. One of our testers with tinnitus found a track in the same frequency range as their ringing, which helped make it less noticeable. The preloaded sound files loop infinitely, so once your chosen track begins, you don't need to worry about anything interrupting your audio.

If the built-in sounds aren't for you, the A10 set also can stream your favorite music/ASMR/meditation tracks via Bluetooth from your phone—but this function reduces its battery life. Running preloaded sounds, the Sleep A10 played for around 10 hours in our tests. If you stream music instead, you’ll probably get about six hours. Another option is to start out streaming and transition to preloaded sounds when the A10 senses you’ve fallen asleep—doing this will provide you with somewhere around eight hours of battery life. The battery in the case holds seven additional charges and can fully power up the earbuds in two hours.

Each earbud is tiny (smaller than a Mentos mint) and far thinner than most true wireless earbuds that are made for daytime use. The pair comes with four sizes of tips and three sizes of stabilizing wings, an assortment that should ensure a secure fit for most folks. However, the body of the earbuds is made of hard plastic, so people who don't like the feeling of earbuds in their ears or who sleep on firm pillows could still find the pressure uncomfortable. To reduce thickness, the Sleep A10 set lacks microphones, so you must take the earbuds out to answer a call.

Because this set blocks sound so well, you likely won't be able to hear an alarm clock. Fortunately, the earbuds offer their own alarm, which you can set via the app. But when you put the earbuds back in the case to charge them, the alarm is automatically canceled—so you have to reset it each time you take the earbuds out of the case. If you happen to splash these earbuds with water, they’ll survive, as they are water resistant, with an IPX4 rating. Soundcore, which is owned by Anker, covers the Sleep A10 with a two-year warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Flaws that may be dealbreakers: Wearing the Sleep A10 earbuds isn't as comfortable as wearing the softer AcousticSheep headband. Its effectiveness is mixed when it's amplifying the alarm on a phone. With a Google Pixel phone, for example, our alarm tone played in the earbuds reliably, but at the same volume as our listening material—which may not be loud enough to wake heavy sleepers. The tested performance on an iPhone was worse: The alarm played only from our phone, which definitely isn't sufficient to wake someone up. The Sleep A10 set has a built-in alarm function that is effective but jarring—it sounds like an ’80s digital alarm clock that increases in volume, lacks a snooze button, and can be stopped only when you place the earbuds back in the case. So if you are accustomed to waking gently with a custom tone or hitting the snooze button a few times, you’ll be out of luck with the Sleep A10 pair. Even a wake-up call may not be useful, as in our tests the same volume and playback issues occurred with ringtones. Hopefully, Soundcore can fix these issues with a firmware update. But until then, you may want to have a backup option such as donning a haptic smartwatch or asking a loved one to make sure you’re out of bed when you plan to be.

Another concern is that this pair's isolation and masking are so good that people who need to be alerted to an emergency may not hear the alert. The Soundcore app has the option to turn off audio tracks after a certain amount of time, but if you have a snoring partner, this feature is less than ideal.

Most important, at the original price of $180, this pair is quite expensive for an earbuds set that can't be used during the day. But with the discontinuation of our former (and even more expensive) noise-blocking pick, the Bose Sleepbuds II set, there literally isn't any other model available that does what the Sleep A10 pair does. Earplugs can reduce the sounds around you, but they also cause you to experience the occlusion effect, which amplifies every sound your body makes. And earplugs don't completely cover very loud sounds, such as from snoring or a jackhammer. We recognize that some people may be desperate enough for some sleep that they’re willing to do anything to find relief, and for them, the Soundcore Sleep A10 set is a reasonable option.

Testing for this guide reminded us why we generally don't test things from smaller, unknown brands available on Amazon. Opening each set of budget sleep headphones we purchased was a bizarre experience. Although the headbands matched the photos displayed on Amazon, the brand names printed on the headphones often didn't match what was on the box or what was on the purchase listing. Headphones labeled "Enjoying" came in "Everplus" and "Musicozy" boxes. The headphones we ordered from "ToPoint" were actually by "Musicozy." Moita didn't even have any company information on the box, simply the generic term "Bluetooth Headband" emblazoned on the package. This might not seem relevant—except it means that you don't know which company to contact if something goes wrong.

Interestingly, the majority of the under-$30 sleep headbands we tested contained nearly identical inner parts, so if you happen to like the design of one, you’ll probably get a similar experience from any other pair you order.

1More ComfoBuds Z: If we could make a few design tweaks to this pair of true wireless sleep earbuds, it could be a top contender. We loved how the diminutive earbuds nestle into the ear in a way that isn't obtrusive for side- or stomach-sleepers. The isolating design blocks out a good bit of noise, and the streaming audio capabilities mean you aren't tied to the sleep audio offerings included in the app. This pair sounds good, too. However, the earbuds are so small that, should one fall out, you could be searching for it for days. (Each bud is slightly larger than an Advil tablet.) If 1More added stabilizing wings akin to the Bose, the small size wouldn't be as big of an issue. But the biggest downside is the short battery life. The built-in sounds can only play for a maximum of 3.5 hours, and streaming audio plays for a maximum of 2.5 hours. Unless you need earbuds only for naps, that battery life doesn't cut it.

AcousticSheep SleepPhones Effortless: This pair performs nearly identically to the standard Wireless version but offers wireless charging capabilities. Unfortunately, the way you have to lay the SleepPhones Effortless on the charging pod is awkward, so it's hard to know for certain that you’ve aligned it correctly, and the battery life is 10 hours versus the 12 hours of the newest Wireless edition. As a result, we don't recommend paying the extra money for this feature.

Bose Sleepbuds II: This pair of noise-blocking earbuds is a former pick that has since been discontinued, though it is currently still available through some retailers. These pricey, high-tech earplugs don't offer the active noise cancellation found in many Bose headphones (like our top over-ear pick in our guide to the best noise-cancelling headphones), but they do a solid job of reducing the impact of the sounds around you. The earbuds’ isolating design creates a physical barrier against the din, and you can mask it further by playing white noise or other sounds. To keep the earbuds as small as possible (so they’re comfortable for side-sleepers), Bose removed the pair's wireless streaming capabilities. This means you must preload all the listening content onto the earbuds, and unfortunately you’re limited to the library of sounds and music provided in the Bose Sleep app. The Sleepbuds II set includes an alarm and a call-alert option but no hear-through mode—so you may not hear crying babies, barking dogs, or home-security alerts. The pair's 10 hours of battery life is adequate, but folks who like to sleep in may long for more listening time.

EverPlus Sleep Headphones: This budget pair had a small headband that we thought might squeeze larger heads. The speakers were foam-covered pucks that were too hard and uncomfortable to lie on all night, and a bright light blinked annoyingly. The headphones lacked bass notes, too. Worth considering: No brand name appeared on the packaging, and the name "Enjoying" was embroidered on the label, so we aren't sure that there is any customer service to contact should you have issues.

HoomBand: This headband-style set is similar in design to the SleepPhones and generally costs a little less. Overall, this is one of the better options we tested, but there are a few aspects to consider. The sound quality has slightly less detail compared to the SleepPhones but far better clarity than the budget options we tested. Unlike the SleepPhones's Bluetooth module that is flexible, has volume and track controls, and lays flat, the Bluetooth module on the HoomBand is a chunkier cuboid rectangle with only play/pause capabilities. HoomBand thoughtfully cushioned the module (and speakers) with a foam lining, but back-sleepers with firm pillows may still feel the lump. The headband's foam is surprisingly breathable, but it holds in heat more than the headbands on our recommended headphones, which may factor into your decision-making if you tend to sleep hot. The HoomBand headband is stretchy and hand-washable, but the fabric is rather wide—about an inch wider than that of the SleepPhones. This broad design is comfortable but may not appeal to folks who wear sleep masks.

The HoomBand also offers you less choice in material and sizes; currently the headbands are available in only one color and two sizes, and HoomBand replacement/additional headbands are not yet available for sale. So if you want to have one headband in use while another is the wash, you’ll want to look at the SleepPhones instead. Although the foam adds structure and cushioning, getting it in and out of the headband is a little tricky.

Included with the headband purchase is access to HoomBand's HoomPlay app, which currently offers around 50 pieces of sleep content ranging from bedtime stories to sound baths. For someone without an existing playlist, the app's offerings (which HoomBand says is updated regularly) are a nice perk. The tracks range from 25 to 60 minutes and can be looped to play all night. That isn't to say you are stuck with their content: Should you choose not to use the app, HoomBand headphones also stream other audio via Bluetooth.

Another way the HoomBand falls slightly short of the SleepPhones is battery life. The SleepPhones offer 12 hours, the HoomBand 10 hours. Also keep in mind that HoomBand recommends no more than three feet between your playback device and the headphones to avoid signal drop, which may or may not be a factor based on your bedroom's outlet setup. If you need more space, the SleepPhones will stay connected up to 15 to 30 feet from most devices.

Kokoon Nightbuds: This pair of sleep earbuds is packed with features, including sleep tracking, built-in white noise and meditations, and automatic music fade-out when the sensors detect you’re asleep. This pair also streams music via Bluetooth and has a sealed-earbud design to help block external noises. The silicone tips have stability wings attached to hold the earbuds securely in place as you move at night. The downside is comfort. This pair isn't ideal for back-sleepers, as the Bluetooth and volume-control module rests behind your head and connects to the earbuds via a wavy cable. You can lie on it, but it may affect streaming connectivity, and people with sensitive noggins (or who wear their hair back or in caps) might find the module (which is the size of a curved Pepperidge Farm Milano cookie) annoying. The cable also is problematic, as the Nightbuds ship with a clear warning to not stretch the cable—which could easily happen if you snag it in your sleep. For side- and tummy-sleepers, the part of the cable that attaches to the earbuds smashes into the ear all night, and can become irritating. If you are someone who can get accustomed to that feeling, the Kokoon pair works very well, but we think folks who need headphones to fall asleep shouldn't have any added obstacles to doing so.

Kokoon Relax Second Edition: We appreciated the variety of sound and meditations in the included app. However, the overall experience of this over-ear pair was lacking. Despite its use of flat, very padded earcups, the Kokoon over-ear design isn't made for side- or stomach-sleepers. Kokoon recommends buying a "very deep pillow" to accommodate these headphones, which we weren't particularly jazzed about paying for in addition to the $350 headphone price. The earcups are lined with metal electrode nubbins that are meant to track your brain activity and monitor your sleep quality. After an hour of use, these nubbins left indentations on our testers’ ears and caused them to ache. They also didn't work—as we sat taking notes, the app registered us as being in a deep sleep. Kokoon says it is aware of the issue and that it will fix the problem in the app soon, but we were disappointed to find that the main feature setting this pair apart didn't even function properly. If the overall design were more comfortable, we might have waited for a fix and retested the Relax Second Edition, but even if the tracking worked, we wouldn't want to wear these headphones all night long.

Manta Sleep Mask Sound: This eye mask/headphone combo is based on a design we discuss in our guide to sleep masks. In that guide, we describe Manta's mask as good "[if] you know you want to wear a sleep mask only when you’re sitting up, and if you have trouble getting traditional sleep masks to fit." If you’re looking for comfort when lying down, this model isn't for you. Additionally, if you plan to sleep on a plane, we recommend headphones that have active noise cancellation so that you don't need to listen at unsafe levels to drown out engine noise.

Moita Sleep Headphones: This headband-style pair was the only under-$20 option we recommended in a previous version of this guide, since it had reasonably comfortable speakers for side-sleepers to lie on. However, this set is no longer available on Amazon, and we were unable to find any sort of company website or contact information.

Musicozy Sleep Headphones: Though the packaging said "Musicozy," the headband was labeled "Enjoying." The internal parts were also similar to those of the EverPlus headphones, with uncomfortable drivers, a lack of bass, and a blinking light. The headband was on the snug side for us; folks with larger heads may not like the fit.

ToPoint Sleep Headphones: This pair, though sold by ToPoint, contained headphones and packaging that said "Musicozy." And as with the other budget options we saw, which all seemed to be made with similar electronic parts, the speakers were uncomfortable to lie on for long periods, the headband had the annoying blinking light, and the low bass was lacking. This pair also beeped very loudly when the battery was low. The headband was one of the smaller models we tested; it would fit smaller noggins better than larger ones.

Vogek Sleep Headphones: We were encouraged by the fact that the labels on the headphones, the box, and the listing all matched. Vogek also has a website, which indicates a company that possibly could have the resources to respond to customer concerns. However, the headphones aren't listed on the Vogek site, and we were unable to confirm any warranty beyond the usual 30-day Amazon return window. The headband size fell in the middle among the budget options we tested. Unfortunately this pair still had the same hard speakers and blinking light that plagued the rest of the budget competition.

The latest version of this article was edited by Adrienne Maxwell and Grant Clauser. This article was originally published in 2021.

Lauren Dragan

Lauren Dragan is a senior staff writer and has tested over 1,000 headphones for Wirecutter. She has a BA from Ithaca College in music performance and audio production. She's been featured in Good Morning America, NBC Nightly News, The New York Times, and more. Additionally, she's a voice actor whose work includes projects for Disney and Mattel.

by Nena Farrell and Lauren Dragan

Wireless TV headphones let you watch TV or play games without disturbing others. We like Insignia's NS-HAWHP2 for its comfort, ease of use, and minimal lag.

by Lauren Dragan and Brent Butterworth

Audiophile headphones focus on delivering the best sound quality, period. We’ve tested hundreds of them and selected our favorites for specific uses.

by Lauren Dragan

Whether you need kids headphones for entertainment, school, or travel, we have recommendations—and they all limit the maximum volume to protect young ears.

by Lauren Dragan

While custom earplugs are best for pro musicians and regular concert-goers, we like the Loop Earplugs for the occasional concert, club, or spin class.