If earplugs alone aren’t enough to help you sleep soundly, you might need something that does more than just block out noise. The best earbuds for sleep deliver quality audio, stay securely in place and feel comfortable enough to wear all night. Our top pick, the Google Pixel Buds Pro, provides customizable sound and a snug design that works for a variety of sleep styles.
The best earbuds for sleep are versatile, effective and comfortable.
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“Comfort of earbuds varies depending on the individual’s ear shape and size,” says audiologist Jalene Nadeau. “Features like a flexible, ergonomic design and soft, hypoallergenic materials enhance the overall comfort, especially for side sleepers.” Beyond fit, it’s important to consider how earbuds might actually function in your nightly routine. While noise-canceling features can be useful, their benefits should be balanced by considerations like hearing an alarm or another important sound in your home. Some earbuds offer settings that let you adjust the level of ambient noise they filter out, while others focus on delivering soothing sounds like white noise or calming music. Whether you care more about comfort, sound quality or affordability, we’ve rounded up the best earbuds for sleep to help you get a better night’s rest.
Noise cancellation: Yes |Key features: Active noise cancellation, Bluetooth, IPX4 water resistance, Google Assistant integration
What you’ll love:
Customizable fit with three ear tip sizes
Long battery life at 11 hours
Seamless device switching
Keep in mind:
Limited functionality when paired with iOS
The Google Pixel Buds Pro earned our top spot because they combine comfort, impressive noise cancellation and smart features that make them adaptable to different sleep styles. Whether you’re a side sleeper or prefer resting on your back, the adjustable fit is snug enough to keep them in place throughout the night without feeling uncomfortable. The Silent Seal technology does more than just block out noise; it adapts to your ears, creating an optimal environment for sleep—even in noisy settings.
These earbuds are versatile, whether you’re using them during your daily routine or settling in for the night. For sleep, the adjustable ear tips and customizable sound settings help create a comfortable, undisturbed environment. Meanwhile, the long battery life, water-resistant design and quick device switching make them practical for a variety of other uses. While they work well with both Android and iOS, just keep in mind that features like Google Assistant are best experienced with an Android device.
What our editors say: Forbes Vetted mattress and sleep editor McKenzie Dillon says, “The Google Pixel Buds Pro are the best headphones I’ve ever had. The noise-canceling function is so effective while sleeping, and I rely on it a lot when I’m traveling to drown out airplane chatter and noisy hotels. They also fit perfectly in my ear, so I never have to worry about losing one—even when I’m working out. I’ve also found that the battery is pretty long-lasting and can get me through a full six-hour flight, as long as I give them a short break to charge while I snack or chat.”
Side sleepers often struggle to find earbuds that stay comfortable through the night, but the Soundcore Sleep A20 is specifically designed to address that. Wrapped in ultra-soft material that contours to your ear, these earbuds fit snugly without pressing too hard, even if you sleep on your side. They’re built to stay secure, so you’re less likely to deal with discomfort or loose earbuds as you shift positions.
While they don’t offer active noise cancellation, the A20’s noise-masking system and customizable white noise options still do a solid job of drowning out snoring or background sounds. Plus, with sleep tracking and a personal alarm, you get extra features that go beyond just blocking noise. The extended battery life and reliable Bluetooth connection make it easy to use these earbuds comfortably whether you’re winding down for bed or in need of a peaceful night’s rest.
What the reviews say: Customers are happy to report these earbuds helped them finally get a good night’s sleep. “This is not my first set of sleep buds, but this is definitely my favorite pair of sleep buds,” one reviewer said. “These Soundcore sleep buds by Anker are surprisingly comfortable and block out my husband snoring when nothing else does.” A self-described side sleeper notes, “They’ve earned a permanent place on my nightstand, and I can’t wait to try them out while flying long distance.”
Adjustable fit with multiple ear tips and stability bands
Great for travel or shorter rest periods
Keep in mind:
Battery life isn’t long enough for a full night’s sleep
For anyone who needs high-quality sound to fall asleep—whether it’s on a flight or during a quick nap—the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Earbuds offer immersive audio paired with top-tier noise cancellation. These earbuds deliver crisp, lifelike sound and come with multiple ear tip and stability band options so you can find the fit that works best for you—even if you tend to shift around while you sleep.
The earbuds’ intuitive touch controls make it easy to adjust volume or switch modes without reaching for your phone. Plus, the Bose app lets you fine-tune the sound profile to match your preferences. With only six hours of battery life, they’re better suited for shorter sleep sessions or specific scenarios like napping during work breaks.
What the reviews say: “Two months into owning and [I] have been satisfied with their performance,” says one customer. “Just recently took on a flight and will use noise-canceling earbuds instead of my headphones due to the lighter weight.” Another notes, “They have a fantastic ergonomic design, ensuring a comfortable fit for extended wear. The battery life is impressive, and the noise-canceling feature works very well, creating an immersive listening experience.”
Best Tethered Earbuds For Sleep
A Tethered Pick That Doesn’t Get Lost Between The Sheets
Comfort is key when it comes to sleep earbuds, especially if you’re tired of waking up with sore ears. The Philips Kokoon Sleep Headphones take that seriously with a super slim and tethered design that’s built to stay comfortable all night long. Unlike wireless options, these tethered earbuds stay together, so you aren’t stuck searching for a missing bud in the middle of the night—which can be a frustrating issue with wireless models.
The tether also makes them easier to adjust, letting you quickly find them in the dark without fumbling around. But that may not even be necessary: they work with the Kokoon app to adapt your audio as you drift off and smoothly transition from your playlist to white noise when it’s time for deep sleep. With five different ear sleeve sizes, it’s easy to find a fit that feels secure without pressing uncomfortably against your ear.
What the reviews say: The best earbuds are the ones you don’t notice you’re wearing. That’s exactly how customers describe these, with one noting the added recordings delivered “the best sleep I’ve had for a long time.” Another says, “These headphones are excellent. Comfortable to wear and clear sound with easy controls.”
Noise cancellation isn’t as strong as high-end options
The Raycon Everyday Earbuds are a fraction of the cost of higher-end options, without compromising much in the way of comfort and features. The gel tips are designed to stay secure, even if you move around while sleeping, and they’re light enough that you might forget you’re even wearing them. Beyond bedtime, these earbuds are versatile enough for more than just sleep—they can handle workouts and daily commutes thanks to their waterproof and dustproof design.
Their seamless device switching makes it simple to jump between your phone and other devices, whether you’re watching a video or catching a quick work call. While they don’t deliver the most powerful noise cancellation, they’re more than capable of softening background sounds, making them a solid pick for anyone who wants reliable sleep earbuds without overspending.
What the reviews say: “Compared to others around the same or higher price point, these are a great value with excellent sound,” says one customer. Another, who also describes them as a great value, adds, “These earbuds sound great, eliminate ambient noise and are comfortable to wear for extended periods. They stay in my ears better than anything I have ever tried.”
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
At Forbes Vetted, we take sleep seriously. Our mattress and sleep team has spent years researching and testing a wide range of sleep products, from the best sleep masks to the best mouth tape. We combine expert insights with real-world experience to bring you recommendations you can trust.
Our sleep content is overseen by mattress and sleep editors Bridget Chapman and McKenzie Dillon, who are certified sleep science coaches with years of hands-on experience. They’ve reviewed hundreds of products across the sleep industry and make sure our recommendations are well-researched and practical.
For this guide, we also consulted with clinical audiologist Jalene Nadeau. She has almost 20 years of experience and provided expert advice on what to look for in sleep earbuds, from comfort and safety to efficacy.
We regularly update this article to reflect the latest products and insights into earbuds for sleep.
How We Chose The Best Earbuds For Sleep
We followed a thorough process to select the best earbuds for sleep, prioritizing comfort, sound quality and overall fit.
We focused on reputable brands, including Bose and Google, that are known for creating high-quality, long-lasting products.
We followed Nadeau’s guidance on what features matter most in sleep earbuds, like comfort and safe volume levels. Her insights were critical in determining which products work best for different types of sleepers.
We examined each product’s individual specs, including noise cancellation, battery life and fit, to ensure they offer real value. Our list of the best earbuds for sleep also includes options at various price points and for different sleep needs, so there’s something for everyone.
We carefully reviewed customer feedback and stuck to products with an average rating of at least 4 stars and a proven track record of delivering comfort and performance.
What To Consider When Shopping For The Best Earbuds For Sleep
Sound Compatibility
The audio you listen to at night—whether it’s white noise, calming music or podcasts—should work seamlessly with your earbuds. Look for models that let you easily tweak sound settings and adjust volume. According to Nadeau, the effect of audio on sleep is highly individual. “Relaxing music or white noise might help some individuals, while others might find the same disruptive,” she says. Having the flexibility to control what you hear lets you create a sleep environment tailored to your needs.
Noise Cancellation
Noise cancellation is great for blocking out distractions, but it’s not always a one-size-fits-all solution. “While noise-canceling technology can enhance sleep by blocking ambient sounds, it can also muffle essential sounds, such as alarms,” says Nadeau. Some earbuds use noise masking instead, so you can still hear what you need to while reducing disruptive background noise. If complete silence is a must, active noise cancellation might be your go-to—just make sure it fits your lifestyle.
Comfort
Comfort is everything when it comes to sleep earbuds, especially if you sleep on your side. “A flexible, ergonomic design and soft, hypoallergenic materials enhance the overall comfort,” says Nadeau. Earbuds with different tip sizes or materials like silicone or foam can help you find the right fit. Ultra-thin options are also worth considering if side sleeping is your preferred position, so you don’t wake up with sore ears come morning.
Volume
It’s tempting to crank up the volume, but listening at high levels all night can put your hearing at risk. Nadeau explains that “high volume can damage hearing health in the long run,” so go for earbuds that let you easily adjust the levels. Some sleep earbuds even come with smart features that lower the volume as you fall asleep, helping to protect your ears while you rest.
Battery Life
Battery life is a big consideration if you plan to wear earbuds throughout the night. Look for models with at least eight to 10 hours of playback to avoid them cutting out while you’re still sleeping. Keep in mind that earbuds with active noise cancellation or other advanced features ma
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