Adequate sleep is essential for improving nearly every facet of health, yet more than a third of adults in the U.S. do not get enough rest, as indicated by the CDC. If you find that noise interferes with your sleep, you may have experimented with foam earplugs. Nonetheless, reusable earplugs and sleep earbuds now provide a more practical alternative.
I dedicated several months to evaluating earplugs and earbuds within the price range of $50 to $349 to identify the best available options and determine if sleep-focused earbuds are a worthwhile purchase. With Black Friday on the horizon, this is an excellent moment to buy sleep earbuds. Early discounts have already lowered the price of the Soundcore A30 earbuds, our upgraded selection, to below $200. The previous high-end choice, the Ozlo Sleepbuds, is also discounted by $50 to $299.
We typically no longer endorse the Ozlo Sleepbuds since their pricing does not align with the features provided by other brands. At full price, they are not recommended. However, if their design is appealing and you can overlook the lack of ANC, buying them for $299 instead of $349 is the utmost we would recommend for true value.
The finest sleep earbuds available feature selections for the overall best, upgrade, and earplug categories, representing a variety of price points. The priciest option isn’t always the best, so I emphasized each earbud’s advantages in comfort, noise cancellation, or user-friendliness to assist you in selecting the ideal sleep earbud.
UPDATE: Aug. 18, 2025, 9:45 a.m. EDT As of April 2024, the price of the Ozlo Sleepbuds rose from $299 to $349 because of tariffs. We initially suggested purchasing them during sales, but after testing the Soundcore Sleep A30s, which provide similar features at a lower price point, we no longer consider the Ozlo Sleepbuds as a top recommendation.
What distinguishes sleep earbuds from regular earbuds? I used to wear AirPods while sleeping, but after trying sleep-specific earbuds, I discovered that standard earbuds are incomparable. Everyday earbuds are not made for side sleepers and tend to protrude, causing discomfort. They also feature limited battery life, increasing the chance of interruptions during sleep.
Sleep earbuds provide white noise, enhanced battery life, and increased comfort, facilitating the use of both earbuds simultaneously. They do not have microphones and possess less sensitive touch controls than standard earbuds, preventing unintentional activation. Initially, no options had active noise cancellation, but the Soundcore Sleep A30 earbuds now feature this capability. Passive noise cancellation, a snug fit, and white noise can be quite effective.
Is it safe to use earbuds for sleep every night? Sleep earbuds are not the sole answer for nighttime noise issues. Dr. Ashley Kita, an otolaryngologist, advises addressing a partner’s snoring if that is a concern, as it might signal obstructive sleep apnea.
If noise is out of your control, be mindful of hygiene, safe noise levels, and ear comfort when utilizing earbuds throughout the night.
Proper hygiene: Using earbuds over lengthy periods can raise the risk of infection due to wax accumulation. Clean your earbuds with isopropyl alcohol and a cotton pad after use. The infection risk varies based on individual vulnerability.
Noise levels: Noise-induced hearing loss is prevalent; therefore, be cautious about exposure levels. Check OSHA’s chart for acceptable decibel levels. A lower volume is advisable, akin to using a white noise machine.
Comfort: Earbuds should fit comfortably to prevent ear discomfort. Since everyone’s ear canal is unique, if earbuds cause pain, consider returning them.
Other sleep earbuds evaluated: The 1More Sleeping Earbuds Z30, priced at $89.99, were the least expensive option assessed but fell short in battery life, app functionalities, and fit compared to others. They may be suitable for individuals looking for basic, low-profile earbuds priced under $100.
The Ozlo Sleepbuds were eliminated from the top upgrade selection following their price hike to $349, as their features did not warrant the expense. The Soundcore Sleep A30, equipped with ANC, has taken their place as the premier choice.