Adequate sleep is essential for enhancing nearly every facet of health, yet more than a third of U.S. adults do not get enough rest, according to the CDC. If noise is interfering with your sleep, you may have thought about foam earplugs, but there are now reusable earplugs and sleep earbuds that serve as more convenient options.
I dedicated six weeks to evaluating earplugs and earbuds ranging from $50 to $349 to pinpoint the finest selections and assess the value of sleep-specific earbuds. Note: Due to a price increase to $349, we have ceased recommending Ozlo Sleepbuds, especially when compared to other premium alternatives like the Anker Soundcore Sleep A30 earbuds, which retail at $229.99.
How do sleep earbuds differ from standard earbuds?
Previously, I used AirPods while sleeping, often wearing one while lying on my side. However, sleep earbuds provide a vastly improved experience. Standard earbuds aren’t made for side-sleeping, typically sticking out and causing discomfort. Their battery life is also limited, which can lead to interruptions if you sleep beyond eight hours. Sleep earbuds, such as the Soundcore A20, feature a slimmer design, provide white noise, superior battery life, and enhanced comfort, allowing you to wear both earbuds. They lack microphones and have less sensitive touch controls, which reduces the chance of accidental activation. While active noise cancellation wasn’t initially offered, the Soundcore Sleep A30 now includes this feature, although passive noise cancellation and white noise have proven astonishingly effective.
Is it safe to use earbuds for sleep each night?
Sleep earbuds are not the sole remedy for nighttime noise. Dr. Ashley Kita, an otolaryngologist, recommends tackling a partner’s snoring, as it may signify obstructive sleep apnea. If the noise is uncontrollable, consider hygiene, safe sound levels, and ear comfort.
Proper hygiene
Wearing earbuds for long durations can increase infection risk due to wax accumulation, which can harbor bacteria. Dr. Kita advises cleaning earbuds with isopropyl alcohol and a cotton pad after each use. The infection risk can vary depending on individual susceptibility, so it’s best for those prone to ear infections to engage in proactive cleaning.
Noise levels
Hearing loss linked to noise is widespread, so it’s important to be conscious of exposure levels. OSHA’s chart provides safe exposure durations for various decibel levels. Ozlo references OSHA and NIOSH guidelines, with limits set at 90 and 85 decibels for eight hours, respectively. Kita recommends keeping the volume as low as possible, similar to the use of a white noise machine.
Comfort
Earbuds should fit snugly to prevent earaches, which can affect ear health. Given that ear canal shapes differ, if discomfort continues despite modifications, consider returning them.
The finest earbuds for sleeping
Below are three top-rated sleep earbuds. Prices differ, but the most expensive option isn’t necessarily the best. Each one stands out in comfort, noise cancellation, or user-friendliness to assist you in selecting the ideal option.
UPDATE: Aug. 18, 2025, 9:45 a.m. EDT As of April 2024, Ozlo Sleepbuds have seen a price hike from $299 to $349 due to tariffs. We no longer endorse them as a preferred choice, opting instead for the Soundcore Sleep A30s, which offer comparable features for a lower price.
Additional sleep earbuds we assessed
The 1More Sleeping Earbuds Z30, available for $89.99, did not make the final selection. Despite being more affordable, their battery life, app functionalities, and fit did not align with other alternatives. Nevertheless, they are a reasonable choice under $100 if an early morning battery failure is acceptable.
I ultimately took the Ozlo Sleepbuds out of contention as our best upgrade choice after their price rose to $349. Their features did not justify the expense without sleep tracking or ANC. The Soundcore Sleep A30, featuring ANC, now stands as the top recommendation.