10 Best Headphones for Sleeping in 2022

10 Best Headphones for Sleeping in 2022

Sleep issues and insomnia have become quite common these days; many people find it hard to sleep and wake up even if there is the slightest noise. An inexpensive solution would be to get block-out masks that keep away all the disruptive noises, including your snoring partner, noisy neighbors, and even your dog. Some people like to listen to ambient music, ASMR sounds, and sounds of nature that calm their anxious minds, which results in sleep.

When choosing a decent pair of headphones to help you sleep, many factors are considered, such as the sound quality, price, and comfort they bring to you can help lull you to a sound sleep. Get in-depth and find all you need to know about getting the best sleep headphones.

The Best Sleep Headphones Compared 

1. Sony WF-1000XM4

1. Sony WF-1000XM4

Do you wish to experience both luxury and sturdy-built headphones, then we can’t recommend the Sony WF-1000XM4 enough. These provide users the suitable adjustments through the application; if anything is improper, it is detected and notified to the user. They may be a bit protruding but comfortable if used for longer hours. These support active noise cancellation and are the right earbuds if you wish to calm your anxious mind down before sleeping. They have LDAC support which ensures you can play good and high-quality music. 

What makes them stand out is how users can customize the ambient listening mode, get digital assistant support and make changes to the EQ. Get these versatile buds to enjoy a listening session before you sleep.

Pros

  • Impressive battery life 
  • Excellent and strong noise cancellation
  • Comfortable and can efficiently work for longer hours

Cons

  • The fit might not be up to the mark for some people

2. Apple AirPods Pro

Apple AirPods Pro

The AirPods Pro comes with an easy selection; you can now get different-sized ear tips that ensure your earbuds do not fall off. This makes them a snuggly fit and perfect to wear throughout the day and at night when you block out the outside world and push toward sleep. You can play your favorite music, sounds of nature, ASMR sounds, and so much more. 

The Pro is worth the money because of the transparency mode and smooth and powerful active noise canceling to keep you focused on the audio playing.

Pros

  • It has easy-to-use controls 
  • ANC is quite impressive
  • The semi-custom fit is comfortable and can be used for extended hours.

Cons

  • Battery life is short

3. Bose 700

Bose 700 is a game changer, with its soft and highly comfortable headphones perfect to wear for long hours. They come with the ideal design and a touch of modernity with their slim silhouette. Bose has one of the best active noise canceling technology in the market; if you boast to the 10th level, you can easily keep out external sounds and stay focused on the music and sounds. Get rid of the surrounding noise and bask in the calm and peace these headphones bring. 

It also comes with a companion application that allows users to adjust EQ according to the audio. You can now have a good sound quality and well-produced audio. The downside is the battery life, but the other features make up for it.

Pros

  • Impressive in noise-canceling 
  • Quite comfortable, especially to wear for long hours
  • The audio is quite balanced

Cons

  • Some may find it overpriced

4. Bedphones Wireless Sleep Headphones

Bedphones Wireless Sleep Headphones

The factors that make sleep headphones stand out are comfortable for different sleeping positions, ease of regular usage, and high sound quality. All of these factors can be found in the Bedphones Sleep Headphones, which automatically make them a people’s favorite. These do not fit in the year but stay outside your ear canal and adjust perfectly in any position you are sleeping. If you’re looking for safer options, these are for you because the speakers stay outside your ear canal, making them a good alternative at night.

Now operating efficiently with the in-line controls, it can keep working for 13 hours and come in both wired and wireless versions.

Pros

  • Long-lasting batter
  • It comes in both wired and wireless versions 
  • In-line controls

Cons

  • It may be on the pricier side for some people

5. Cambridge Audio Melomania Plus 1

Cambridge Audio Melomania Plus 1

The Cambridge Melomania Plus 1 may not come with a noise-canceling feature, but they are packed with many other features that make them stand out. These sleek earbuds can be the perfect accessory you can use throughout the day and sleep headphones at night. They are bullet-shaped, making the design very contemporary and providing a smooth insertion into your ears. The buds do not stick out or dangle, so the comfort is high. Now you can use it to run or work out without worrying about losing these headphones. The battery lasts for a good 7 to 8 hours which is an advantage with a low power profile. 

Pros

  • Spectacular audio performance and outcome 
  • Long battery life
  • Provide a decent amount of comfort

Cons

  • It does not have an ANC feature 

6. Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony is widely known to produce one of the best headphones, and the WH-1000XM5 is proof of it. These are a bit lighter than the Bose 700, even though they both have the same weight. With bigger cans and cushioned earpads, these will make your listening experience comfortable. These headphones have a wider cutout that allows ventilation, especially during longer listening sessions. This way, you will not feel hot on your ears, and you can easily prevent moisture. 

Now get a special delivery of sound, a stellar ANC performance, and upgraded features. You can also use the Sony Headphones Connect application to personalize your audio experience and adjust the EQs.

Pros

  • Impressive noise canceling feature
  • Control options are spectacular
  • The sound is vivid and quite engaging

Cons

  • Newer features make it a bit pricier

7. Beyerdynamic Soul Byrd

Beyerdynamic Soul Byrd

If you are searching for affordable sleep headphones that are perfect for everyday usage, this in-ear can be the perfect addition to your life. With flat faceplates, you can easily place the buds and lie on any side without the fear of them dropping out. This makes the experience even smoother because you do not have to keep worrying about losing your earbuds for sleeping. It comes with five different-sized ear tips that provide a snuggly fit according to your ear size. Now it may not have the most-wanted noise cancellation feature, but the tips are flared, offering a decent isolation level. 

The in-line controls are impressive, now play, press and pause or skip to the next track smoothly. Coming to the audio delivery and performance, it is well-balanced, especially for these affordable earbuds. These provide a comfortable listening and wearing experience to help you destress after a long day.

Pros

  • Provides a detailed sound delivery
  • The sound quality is impressive 
  • Comfortable fit

Cons

  • No noise-cancellation feature

8. Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX

These are over-ear headphones which makes them a bit on the pricier side, but what they deliver is precisely what they promise. The impressive ear cushions and luxury material make an excellent combination to help you relax and unwind. These are so comfortable that you might sleep very quickly after wearing them. They force decent, and the earcups slowly but quickly absorb the body heat. 

The ANC feature is built in and ensures effective sound isolation. The music outcomes are coherent, united, and perfect for people who want to listen to their favorite tracks or calming sounds to doze off.

Pros

  • Outstanding comfort levels 
  • Sleek design and finish
  • The sound is energetic and quite user-engaging

Cons

  • On the pricier side

9. AKG N60NC Wireless

AKG N60NC Wireless

The AKG N60NC wireless headphones are packed with an excellent battery that will last you for quite a long. These are the perfect pair for more prolonged usages, such as in the gym or running marathons for up to 30 hours. If you activate the ANC feature, it can drop until 15 hours. These will surely last you through the night and can still be used for the morning run. The headphones are midrange and on-ear and worth every penny you are paying for. 

These wireless headphones are comfortable, and the noise-cancellation feature is spectacular in stopping the flow of any background noise. Your partner can be snoring the loudest, songs can be played in the background, and you can still cancel all of it out when you wear the N60NC. 

The controls are pretty easy and can be navigated during usage. The sound with an impressive combination of noise-cancellation can help you tone down the world and unwind. They are perfect for traveling and can be taken to sleep or just shut down the noise around you.

Pros

  • Comes with a clever and smart design
  • The sound outcomes are quite impactful
  • The headphones are musically versatile

Cons

  • The ANC feature drops the battery vastly

10. Bose SoundSport Free

Bose SoundSport Free

Are you athletic during the day and need a good night of sleep? Then these SoundSport Free are suitable for you. They provide a snug and secure fit without getting burrowed in your ear cavities. They are pretty comfortable, especially for long hours; you might even fall asleep wearing them because they are cozy. You can switch to a single bud to lull you to sleep if they feel bulky. 

These last for 5 hours on a full charge, but if you carry the charging case along, these may go a bit longer and up to 10 hours. The sound delivery and outcome are quite well-balanced, and it comes with detailed mids, crisp highs, and rich bass to help you get through your day and night. A feature that stands out is the time in the application, where they can switch off automatically after you have slept. This feature is helpful if you want to save on your battery.

Pros

  • The bass is quite strong 
  • The sound is exceptionally well-balanced
  • It has plenty of body to it

Cons

  • It does not come with a noise-cancellation feature

Buyer’s Guide to Purchasing the Best Sleep Headphones

With the best sleep headphones on the market, it’s time you get access to the buying guide to help you decide on the right pair for you. This comprehensive buying guide will be the perfect helping hand. 

Why should you use sleep headphones?

Why should you use sleep headphones

A good night’s sleep contributes to an individual’s healthy routine. Your sleep can be significantly improved if your focus turns to something else, and what better than to make use of a good pair of earbuds for sleeping? Find out why sleep headphones can play a role in your everyday routine. 

Music Enhances your Sleep

The human brain is a complex organ that controls many of the body’s functions. It is an active organ and is more involved in people who are listening to music. Music with lower frequencies positively impacts sleep, as they are calming and relaxing. These effects have been shown to improve sleep quality by reducing insomnia and improving REM cycles.

Music Releases Chemicals

When we listen to music, the brain releases dopamine and serotonin, making us happy. These chemicals also help regulate sleep patterns by inducing relaxation and slowing down the heart rate and blood pressure, which can lead to better sleep quality.

Music also has a calming effect on the body by increasing alpha waves in the brain – these waves are associated with relaxation and drowsiness. This can lead to better sleep quality because it helps us release any pent-up energy or anxiety before bedtime. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate sleep cycles, appetite, moods, memory, learning capacity, and pain perception. Low serotonin levels can lead to depression or anxiety disorders, which is why you can use music to regulate your sleep cycles and calm you down. 

Music Helps You Relax and Focus on Sleep

Music is a great way to relax and focus on sleep. People who are stressed or have trouble sleeping can find relief by listening to music. Listening to music for just 10 minutes before bed can help you fall asleep faster, sleep better, and wake up feeling more refreshed. Music also helps people who have insomnia because it slows down the brain waves that cause anxiety.

Music and Active Noise Cancellation Keep the Noise Out

Noise is one of the most significant factors in how well we sleep. And for some people, certain sounds can make it hard to fall asleep or stay asleep.

The most common sound that can keep you from sleeping is the sound of a snoring partner. It’s not just the sound that prevents you from sleeping but also the feeling you have when they are snoring next to you. You may feel like they are breathing on your neck, making breathing hard. Some other noises can also prevent us from sleeping: noisy neighbors, traffic noise, and loud music.

So the best way to keep the noise out is to get a pair of noise-canceling headphones. ANC headphones use microphones to pick up ambient noise and then emit an inverted sound wave that cancels out the external noise with one of its frequencies. This effectively blocks the shallow sound waves from reaching your ears and leaves you silent instead of all that distracting background noise.

5 Factors that Make Sleep Headphones Stand Out

5 Factors that Make Sleep Headphones Stand Out

Now that you are aware of the role sleep headphones play in calming your mind and soothing you from the inside so you can relax from the outside. It’s time you find out which factors make the sleep headphones stand out. 

1. Comfort:

Sleep headphones are typically comfortable and lightweight. They are designed not to disturb your sleep, which is why they are often made of soft materials like foam or memory foam, and they have a flexible headband that is adjustable to fit your head size. You can also purchase earbuds for sleeping that can provide an in-ear experience.

2. Noise Cancellation: 

Noise cancellation is one of the essential factors for sleep headphones because it will help you sleep better and block out any environmental noises that might disturb you or keep you awake.

3. Durability: 

You want to ensure that the sleep headphones you purchase are durable so that they last for a long time and don’t break easily when using them every day.

4. Battery Life: 

Sleep headphones with a long battery life will allow you to listen to music all night without worrying about charging them in the middle of the night or early in the morning before work or school starts again. Earbuds can do a good job because a little goes a long way, and if in case it dies down, you can juice it up using the charging case. 

5. Sound Quality:

The sound quality of the headphones should be good enough for the user to have a good sleep experience. Sound quality is also an essential factor that makes sleep headphones stand out since it can affect the user’s mood and make them feel more relaxed or energetic. If the sound quality isn’t good, you will keep hearing the background noises, ultimately killing your mood. 

Apart from these factors, the price also makes a difference and plays a secondary role in deciding whether the sleep headphones are worth it.

FAQs

1. Which headphone is best for sleeping?

The Sony WH-1000XM5 and XM4 series, AirPods Pro, AKG N60NC, and Bose SoundSports Free are some of the best sleep headphones to get you to unwind and cancel out all the background noise. 

2. Are there headphones for sleeping?

Yes, there are headphones for sleeping, but another upgrade is the phones. These are flat discs that can be placed outside your ear canal and can easily snuggle in to adjust with bends. It has a flexible memory wire and can be used in any position, even if you are sleeping on your sides. 

3. Which headphone is best for long hours?

We recommend the AirPods Max headphones by Jabra Elite and Sennheiser headphones for longer headphone usage. These have a comfortable foam earcup and over-ear headphones, so the listening experience is also quite good.

Bottom Line

For some people, sleep is quite a bit of a struggle; getting comfy and having no background noise can be challenging, too significantly, if you share your home with a partner, family, or even friends. Something or the other will surely wake you from your much-needed deep sleep. But the best way to get back to the sleeping zone is to get any of these sleep headphones; these include noise-canceling earbuds that assist you in sleeping the entire night. We believe in insomnia and sleep struggles but trying out all the available methods is essential. Now play the different sounds of nature, your favorite tracks, ASMR sounds, or your favorite podcast, and close your eyes to calm your mind to sleep peacefully.

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Abdul Wahab is a Software Engineer by profession and a Tech geek by nature. Having been associated with the tech industry for the last five years, he has covered a wide range of Tech topics and produced well-researched and engaging content. You will mostly find him reviewing tech products and writing blog posts. Binge-watching tech reviews and endlessly reading tech blogs are his favorite hobbies.

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