Adequate sleep improves almost every facet of health, yet more than a third of adults in the U.S. are not getting enough rest, as reported by the CDC. If noise interferes with your slumber, foam earplugs may have been your first choice, but now reusable earplugs and sleep earbuds present more practical options.

I dedicated six weeks to evaluate earplugs and earbuds in the price range of $50 to $349 to identify the best selections available and to evaluate whether sleep-specific earbuds are truly beneficial. Note: Due to a price increase to $349, we cannot endorse Ozlo Sleepbuds at the full price. Nevertheless, with Amazon Prime Day on the horizon, we anticipate a return to their original price of $299. If not, their worth is debatable, particularly with the Anker Soundcore Sleep A30 earbuds, featuring active noise cancellation for $229, set to launch in August.

What distinguishes sleep earbuds from ordinary ones? I previously slept with AirPods, using one while lying on my side. Sleep-specific earbuds surpass standard ones, which are not designed for side-sleeping and often stick out, causing discomfort. Regular earbuds also have limited battery life, risking sleep interruptions. Sleep earbuds provide white noise, superior battery longevity, and comfort, enabling the use of both earbuds simultaneously. They miss out on active noise cancellation but deliver effective passive noise reduction.

Is it safe to use earbuds while sleeping every night? Sleep earbuds are not the singular answer for nighttime disturbances. Dr. Ashley Kita, an otolaryngologist, recommends addressing a partner’s snoring, which may signal obstructive sleep apnea. If noise is not manageable, consider hygiene, noise levels, and comfort when utilizing earbuds overnight.

Hygiene considerations: Prolonged use of earbuds may heighten infection risk. Dr. Kita draws a parallel to hearing aid use, mentioning that extended wear raises risk but is not typically alarming. Wax accumulation can harbor bacteria, so regularly clean earbuds with isopropyl alcohol. Infection risk varies based on individual vulnerability.

Noise considerations: Noise-induced hearing loss is prevalent, thus it’s essential to monitor exposure. Ozlo Sleepbuds limit white noise to 75 dB, which is within OSHA’s safe limits. Always use the lowest possible volume for safety.

Comfort level: The comfort of earbuds impacts both sleep quality and ear health. Since ear canal shapes differ, discomfort can lead to earaches. If earbuds don’t fit adequately, even with adjustments, you might want to consider returning them.

The leading sleep earbuds: I pinpointed three superior sleep earbuds, taking into account comfort, noise cancellation, and usability. Price does not always reflect quality, so select based on your preferences.

UPDATE: As of April 2024, Ozlo Sleepbuds have risen in price from $299 to $349 due to tariffs. We advise buying them only during sales.

Testing updates: We are evaluating Soundcore Sleep A30 earbuds, launching in August. Our recommendation for Ozlo Sleepbuds has been updated in light of their price increase.