BestHeadphonesFor
Quiz

Best Headphones for Sleeping

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Quick Answer

The Ozlo Sleepbuds ($349) is the best headphone for sleeping. Built by former Bose engineers with Bluetooth LE streaming, biometric sleep tracking, and ultra-small flush-fitting design. For side sleepers specifically: SleepPhones Wireless ($100) with flat speakers in a soft headband. Dual-use: Apple AirPods Pro 2 ($249) for sleep and daily earbuds.

How We Score

Ultra-low profile, side-sleeping comfort, sleep timer, white noise, wireless.

Top 3 Picks

Ozlo Sleepbuds
1In-ear wireless sleep

Ozlo Sleepbuds

Ozlo

9.1/10

$349

Built by former Bose Sleepbuds engineers. Streams music, podcasts, and audiobooks (unlike Bose). Biometric sleep tracking built in. 10-hour battery. The Bose successor done right.

Pros:
  • + Bluetooth LE audio streaming
  • + Biometric sleep tracking
  • + Ultra-small flush-fitting design
  • + 10-hour battery
  • + Built by ex-Bose engineers
Cons:
  • - $349 price tag
  • - New brand with limited track record
  • - Requires Ozlo app
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SleepPhones Wireless
2Headband wireless sleep

SleepPhones Wireless

AcousticSheep

8.2/10

$100

Flat speakers embedded in a soft headband. Zero pressure points for side sleepers. Bluetooth. Washable. Works with any audio source. The side-sleeper champion.

Pros:
  • + Zero pressure points for side sleepers
  • + Bluetooth
  • + Washable headband
  • + Works with any audio source
  • + Comfortable fabric
Cons:
  • - Sound quality is basic
  • - Speakers can shift in the headband
  • - Battery life varies (10-13 hours)
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Apple AirPods Pro 2
3In-ear wireless ANC

Apple AirPods Pro 2

Apple

9.3/10

$249

Best overall earbuds that double for running. Adaptive transparency, hearing aid functionality (FDA-cleared), and seamless Apple integration. Premium pick for iPhone users.

Pros:
  • + FDA-cleared hearing aid functionality
  • + Adaptive Audio adjusts to environment
  • + H2 chip for seamless Apple pairing
  • + Excellent ANC for earbuds
  • + Find My with precision finding
Cons:
  • - Only AAC codec (no LDAC)
  • - Best features require iPhone
  • - Silicone tips may not fit all ears
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What to Know

Regular headphones and earbuds are uncomfortable for sleeping, especially for side sleepers. Bulky earcups dig into the pillow, and standard earbuds create pressure points.

The Ozlo Sleepbuds are the spiritual successor to the Bose Sleepbuds, built by the same engineering team. They're ultra-small, flush with your ear, and designed to not stick out when you roll onto your side. Unlike the old Bose model, they stream music, podcasts, and audiobooks via Bluetooth LE. They also have biometric sleep tracking built in, so you wake up to detailed sleep data. 10-hour battery gets through the night.

For side sleepers, the SleepPhones Wireless is the universal solution. Flat speakers embedded in a soft fabric headband create zero pressure points regardless of sleeping position. You can sleep on your side with no discomfort at all. They work with any audio source (Spotify, sleep apps, podcasts).

The AirPods Pro 2 work for light side sleepers. Their small size means some people can sleep on them comfortably. Adaptive Audio adjusts to your environment. The advantage: they double as your daily earbuds, so you're not buying a single-use sleep device.

Frequently Asked Questions

What headphones can I sleep in comfortably?
The Ozlo Sleepbuds ($349) are the most comfortable sleep earbuds, designed specifically for sleeping with an ultra-small profile and biometric sleep tracking. For side sleepers, SleepPhones Wireless ($100) with flat speakers in a headband create zero pressure points in any position.
Are there headphones made specifically for sleeping?
Yes. The Ozlo Sleepbuds ($349) are purpose-built for sleep with ultra-small earbuds, Bluetooth LE streaming, and sleep tracking. SleepPhones Wireless ($100) are headband-style headphones with flat speakers designed for sleeping. Both are specifically engineered for comfort in all sleeping positions.
What headphones work for side sleepers?
SleepPhones Wireless ($100) is the best option for side sleepers. Flat speakers embedded in a soft headband create zero pressure points when lying on your side. The Ozlo Sleepbuds also work for side sleeping because they sit flush with the ear canal.
What happened to Bose Sleepbuds?
Bose discontinued the Sleepbuds line. The engineering team behind them founded Ozlo and created the Ozlo Sleepbuds ($349), which improve on the original with Bluetooth LE streaming (music, podcasts, audiobooks) and biometric sleep tracking. The SleepPhones Wireless ($100) or Apple AirPods Pro 2 ($249) are also great sleep options.

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