Getting a good night’s sleep can be a real challenge, especially if you’re noise-sensitive. Whether it’s the hustle and bustle of the city or the occasional snoring of your partner, unwanted sounds can disrupt your precious sleep. Fortunately, a compact, subtle, and personalized solution is noise-cancelling earbuds for rest. In this blog post, I’ll share my experience using noise-cancelling earbuds for daily sleep. I’ll provide you with a list of the top 10 earbuds in 2023, detailing their pros, cons, connectivity, battery life, and other technical specifications.
Why Noise-Cancelling Earbuds for Sleep?
If you’re like me and crave the recommended seven to eight hours of uninterrupted sleep, then you understand the importance of blocking disruptive noises. Noise-cancelling earbuds for sleep are equipped with flat speakers, active noise-cancelling (ANC) technology, and long-lasting battery life, making them a game-changer for a peaceful night’s rest.
Top Noise-Cancelling Earbuds for Sleep
Soundcore by Anker Sleep A10 Earbuds
Pros
- In-ear alarm feature: The Soundcore Sleep A10 Earbuds have a built-in alarm that can wake you up gently with your favourite music or sleep sounds. This can be a great way to avoid waking up your partner or roommates.
- Tracks your sleep patterns: The Sleep A10 Earbuds also follow your sleep patterns, including how long you sleep, how many times you wake up during the night, and how much deep and REM sleep you get. This data can help you understand your sleep quality and adjust your sleep routine.
- Variety of pre-set sleep sounds: The Sleep A10 Earbuds come with various pre-set sleep sounds, including white noise, pink noise, brown noise, and nature sounds. These sounds block out distracting noises and create a more relaxing environment for sleep.
Cons
- Small size may be easily misplaced in bed: The Sleep A10 Earbuds are very small, which makes them comfortable to wear while sleeping. However, this also means that they can be easily misplaced in bed.
- Not the most comfortable for side sleepers: Some side sleepers have reported that the Sleep A10 Earbuds can be uncomfortable to wear while sleeping on their side. This is because the earbuds can put pressure on the ear canal.
Technical Specs
- Form factor: In-ear
- Connectivity: Bluetooth
- Battery life: Up to 10 hours
Additional Details
- The Sleep A10 Earbuds come with a carrying case that also serves as a charger.
- The earbuds have a touch-sensitive control panel on each earbud. This allows you to control the playback of music and sleep sounds and answer and reject phone calls.
- The Sleep A10 Earbuds are water-resistant, so you can wear them while exercising or sweating.
Best sleep earbuds overall
The Anker Sleep A10 earbuds are small and comfortable for sleeping and tracking your sleep patterns. They offer a range of pre-set sleep sounds to help you relax. Perfect for those looking for both comfort and sleep insights.
Bose QuietComfort II Earbuds
Pros
- Best ANC technology: The Bose QuietComfort II Earbuds have some of the best active noise cancellation (ANC) technology on the market. This makes them ideal for use in noisy environments, such as aeroplanes, trains, and busy streets.
- Comfortable and secure fit: The QuietComfort II Earbuds have a comfortable and safe fit thanks to their ergonomic design and included ear tips. This makes them ideal for long-term wear.
- Easy-to-use touchpad with gesture controls: The QuietComfort II Earbuds have an easy-to-use touchpad with gesture controls. This allows you to control the playback of music and audio and adjust the volume and ANC levels.
Cons
- Battery life could be better: The QuietComfort II Earbuds have a battery life of up to 6 hours on a single charge. This is less than some other wireless earbuds on the market.
- Premium price tag: The QuietComfort II Earbuds are priced at $299. This is more expensive than some other wireless earbuds on the market.
Technical Specs
- Form factor: In-ear
- Connectivity: Bluetooth
- Battery life: Up to 6 hours
Additional Details
- The QuietComfort II Earbuds come with a carrying case that also serves as a charger.
- The earbuds have a water-resistant rating of IPX4. This means that they can withstand light rain and sweat.
- The QuietComfort II Earbuds have a companion app that allows you to customize the ANC settings and EQ profile.
Overall Perfect Sleep Earbuds for Sensitive Sleepers
The Bose QuietComfort II earbuds offer top-notch ANC technology and a comfortable fit. They come with different modes, including quiet and aware modes, giving you complete control over your sleep environment.
QuietOn 3.1 Sleep Earbuds
Pros
- Lightweight and comfortable: The QuietOn 3.1 Sleep Earbuds are light and comfortable, even for side sleepers. The earbuds are designed to fit snugly in the ear canal without putting any pressure on it.
- Outstanding ANC: The QuietOn 3.1 Sleep Earbuds have outstanding active noise cancellation (ANC) performance. The earbuds use a passive ANC design, which blocks noise using physical barriers rather than electronic circuits. This makes the ANC performance more effective and less likely to cause ear fatigue.
- Ideal for side sleepers: The QuietOn 3.1 Sleep Earbuds are suitable for side sleepers because they have a very low-profile design. This means that they won’t press into the ear canal when you’re sleeping on your side.
Cons
- No music playback, only white noise: The QuietOn 3.1 Sleep Earbuds are explicitly designed for sleep, so they only play white noise. You can’t use them to listen to music or podcasts.
- Pricier option: The QuietOn 3.1 Sleep Earbuds are more expensive than others on the market.
Technical Specs
- Form factor: Earbuds
- Connectivity: Not applicable
- Battery life: 28 hours
Additional Details
- The QuietOn 3.1 Sleep Earbuds come with a carrying case that also serves as a charger.
- The earbuds are water-resistant, so you can wear them while exercising or sweating.
- The QuietOn 3.1 Sleep Earbuds have a companion app that allows you to control the volume of the white noise and set a timer.
Best small earbuds with lightweight
These earbuds are a unique option as they don’t play music but are designed to block out sleep-disturbing noise effectively. They are exceptionally lightweight and comfortable, perfect for side sleepers.
Bedphones Wireless
Pros
- Long battery life: The Bedphones Wireless have a battery life of up to 13 hours on a single charge. This is more than enough to get you through most nights of sleep.
- Comfortable for side sleepers: The wireless bedphones are designed for side sleepers. The headband is soft and flexible, and the earcups are thin and low-profile.
- Adjustable hooks for a secure fit: The Bedphones Wireless have adjustable hooks that help to keep them in place while you sleep. This is especially important for side sleepers, who move around often during the night.
Cons
- Higher price point: The Bedphones Wireless are more expensive than other sleep headphones on the market.
Technical Specs
- Form factor: Over-ear
- Connectivity: Bluetooth
- Battery life: 13 hours
Additional Details
- The wireless bedphones come with a carrying case that also serves as a charger.
- The earbuds are water-resistant, so you can wear them while exercising or sweating.
- The Bedphones Wireless have a built-in microphone, so you can use them to answer and reject phone calls.
Earbuds for Sleepers with the Lightest Slumber
Wireless headphones are specifically designed for sleep, with thin, padded speakers that lie flat against your ears. They offer a secure fit and a remarkable 13-hour battery life.
Perytong Sleep Headphones
Pros
- Affordable option: The Perytong Sleep Headphones are among the most affordable sleep headphones on the market.
- Comfortable to wear: The Perytong Sleep Headphones are designed to be worn, even for side sleepers. The earcups are soft and flexible, and the headband is adjustable.
Cons
- No auto-off feature: The Perytong Sleep Headphones do not have an auto-off part. This means the headphones will continue playing music or audio until the battery dies.
- Volume can be loud even on the lowest setting: The book on the Perytong Sleep Headphones can be noisy, even on the lowest setting. This can be a problem for people who are sensitive to loud noises.
Technical Specs
- Form factor: On-ear
- Connectivity: Bluetooth
- Battery life: 10 hours
Additional Details
- The Perytong Sleep Headphones come with a carrying case that also serves as a charger.
- The headphones are foldable for easy storage.
- The Perytong Sleep Headphones have a built-in microphone, so you can use them to answer and reject phone calls.
Best headphones for sleeping
These headband headphones from Perytong are a budget-friendly alternative. They feature detachable on-ear headphones and are comfortable for both back and side sleepers.
Musicozy Wireless Sleep Mask Headphones
Pros
- 2-in-1 mask/headphone design: The Musicozy Wireless Sleep Mask Headphones combine a sleep mask and headphones into one device. This can be convenient for people who want to block out light and listen to music or audio while they sleep.
- Multiple colour options: The Musicozy Wireless Sleep Mask Headphones come in various colours, so you can choose the one that best matches your style.
Cons
- Loud voice narration for incoming calls: When you receive an incoming call, the Musicozy Wireless Sleep Mask Headphones will announce the caller’s name in a loud voice. This can be a problem for people who want to keep their sleep environment quiet.
- Some sizing and comfort issues: Some users have reported that the Musicozy Wireless Sleep Mask Headphones are too small or tight. Additionally, the headphones can be uncomfortable to wear for long periods.
Technical Specs
- Form factor: Over-ear
- Connectivity: Bluetooth
- Battery life: 10+ hours
Additional Details
- The Musicozy Wireless Sleep Mask Headphones come with a carrying case that also serves as a charger.
- The headphones are washable.
- The Musicozy Wireless Sleep Mask Headphones have a built-in microphone, so you can use them to answer and reject phone calls.
Budget-friendly sleep headphones
These sleeping headphones come in a unique mask/headphone design, perfect for those who want to simultaneously block out light and sound. With 15 colour options and 10+ hours of playtime, they offer versatility.
Choosing the Right Headphones for You
Selecting the perfect sleep headphones depends on your preferences, sleeping positions, and budget. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:
– Soundcore by Anker Sleep A10: Best for sleep tracking and comfort.
– Bose QuietComfort II: Ideal for those seeking powerful ANC and comfort.
– QuietOn 3.1 Sleep Earbuds: Perfect for noise cancellation without music playback.
– Bedphones Wireless: Tailored for side sleepers with long battery life.
– Perytong Sleep Headphones: Budget-friendly option for comfort.
– Musicozy Wireless Sleep Mask Headphones: Ideal for those who want to block light and sound simultaneously.
Are Sleep Headphones Safe?
Sleeping with headphones is medically safe, but keeping the volume below 85 dB is recommended. Over-ear or on-ear headphones are preferred over earbuds for long-term use to avoid potential ear canal damage.
Conclusion
Achieving a good night’s sleep is essential for your overall well-being, and noise-cancelling earbuds for sleep can be your secret weapon against disruptive noises. You can enjoy a peaceful and restful slumber with the right sleep headphones. So, choose wisely, and here’s to sweet dreams and rejuvenating sleep in 2023!
