In a perfect world, falling asleep would be easy. The soothing rhythm of waves, the crackle of a fire, or soft rain on the roof. Instead, many of us battle the sounds of snoring, noisy neighbours, or the ever-present hum of a busy street.
For those moments when silence feels out of reach, noise-cancelling headphones offer an escape. They don’t just block out the chaos—they replace it with calm, giving you the chance to sleep, focus, or simply unwind.
But not all noise-canceling headphones are created equal. In this guide, we’ve rounded up the best options - tailored for comfort, effectiveness, and specific needs like sleeping, travelling, or quiet moments at home.
Keep reading to find out which pair can bring the peace and quiet you deserve.
- Noise-canceling sleep earbuds can help you sleep better by reducing ambient noise.
- We focused on comfort, dual function (music listening, etc.), and price for our list.
- Our top picks are: Kokoon Nightbuds, SleepPhones, SoundCore Sleep A10, and AirPods Pro Noise Canceling headphones.
- If you are someone who prefers quiet (rather than music or soothing sounds) for sleep, you might also consider sleep earplugs.
- 50+ hearing aid brands reviewed and rated by our team of hearing aid wearers and audiologists
- 200+ hours each month spent researching brands and care options
- 2,000,000 people shopped on Soundly in 2024
- 100% independently owned and operated
Read more about our company, services and process here.
Featured in this article
Why Noise-Cancelling Sleep Headphones Are Worth It
If outside noises like snoring or traffic are keeping you awake, noise-cancelling sleep headphones could be the solution you need. They block disruptions and create a calming environment for better rest.
The latest models do more than block out noise. Many now feature smart tech, like auto-fade soundscapes and sleep tracking, to help you optimise your sleep habits.
Comfort is key, especially for side sleepers. Options like in-ear buds or soft headbands ensure a snug fit in the ear canal without causing irritation through the night.
Not sure where to start? Keep reading as we break down the best overall products on the market, tailored to different sleep styles and budgets 👇
.png)
Ozlo Sleepbuds
- Noise Masking Technology – Blocks out snoring, city noise, and other disturbances for a more restful sleep.
- Smart Sleep Features – Automatically switches from streaming to noise masking when you fall asleep.
- All-Night Comfort – Soft silicone tips provide a snug, pressure-free fit for overnight use.
- Personalised Sleep Tracking – Monitors noise, temperature, and light levels to offer daily sleep insights.
The Ozlo Sleepbuds® offer a compact yet technology-packed solution for anyone struggling with sleep disruptions. With noise masking, biometric sensing, and smart features, they’re designed to support a restful night without reliance on medication.
- Effective Noise Blocking & Smart Sleep Tech – Clinically proven sleep technology helps you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer by masking disruptive sounds like snoring or city noise. The automatic switch from streaming to noise masking ensures uninterrupted rest.
- Comfortable & Personalized Experience – Soft silicone tips provide all-night comfort, while the in-ear alarm offers a gentle wake-up without disturbing a partner. Additionally, the smart case tracks environmental factors like noise and temperature, delivering insights through the Ozlo Sleep App.
With its blend of sleep-enhancing features and user-focused design, the Ozlo Sleepbuds® offer a practical choice for those seeking a tailored, technology-driven sleep aid.
- Effective Noise Masking – Users find the noise-blocking feature helpful for reducing snoring, city noise, and other disturbances. Some side sleepers mention occasional audio interruptions when pressing against the pillow.
- Comfortable for All-Night Wear – The soft silicone tips are widely praised for their comfort, with many saying they can wear them through the night without irritation.
- Reliable Battery Life – Most users report that the 10-hour battery life lasts through the night, and the charging case provides extra convenience. Some wish the earbuds charged faster between uses.
- Smart Sleep Features – The automatic switch from streaming to noise masking is a standout feature, helping users avoid interruptions. Many also appreciate the sleep tracking insights provided by the biometric sensors.
- Setup and Connectivity – Some users find it slightly inconvenient that the earbuds need to be synced while still in the case before being worn. Others mention that staying close to the case is necessary for proper functionality.
- Room for Improvement – A few users would like a greater selection of sounds. Others mention that the charging case is a bit large for travel but still appreciate its functionality.
Overall, the Ozlo Sleepbuds® receive positive feedback for their noise masking, comfort, and smart features, though side sleepers and those who frequently travel note some minor drawbacks.
- Clinically proven noise masking helps users fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
- Soft silicone tips offer all-night comfort, even for side sleepers.
- Biometric sensors detect when you fall asleep and adjust playback automatically.
- Smart in-ear alarm wakes you gently without disturbing a partner.
- Charging case extends battery life and provides convenient recharging.
- Some users report occasional audio interruptions when pressing against a pillow.
- The charging case is relatively large for travel convenience.
- Must remain within range of the case for full functionality.
- Limited selection of built-in sleep sounds.
Philips Kokoon
- Comfortable for Side Sleepers – Ultra-thin earbuds and five ear tip sizes provide a secure, barely-there fit.
- Smart Sleep Audio – The Kokoon app offers adaptive soundscapes that fade out as you fall asleep.
- Noise Masking – Combines passive noise isolation with white noise to block distractions.
- All-Night Battery – Up to 11 hours of battery life ensures uninterrupted use.
The Philips Kokoon Sleep Headphones offer a practical solution for those struggling with sleep disturbances, combining passive noise isolation with sleep-enhancing audio features.
- Comfortable for Side Sleepers – The ultra-thin earbuds and soft silicone tips (available in five sizes) provide a secure yet barely noticeable fit, making them suitable for any sleeping position, especially for side sleepers.
- Adaptive Sleep Audio – The Kokoon app offers a mix of soundscapes, meditations, and binaural beats that fade out as you fall asleep, helping to mask external noises while ensuring a seamless listening experience.
With a balance of physical comfort and smart sleep support, these headphones are a well-rounded option for users looking to improve their rest without bulky, over-ear designs.
- Comfortable for Side Sleepers – Many users find the ultra-thin earbuds surprisingly comfortable, even when sleeping on their side. The lightweight design and multiple ear tip options help achieve a snug but unobtrusive fit.
- Effective Noise Masking – While the passive noise isolation works well for reducing background sounds, some users note that the white noise feature is particularly helpful for masking snoring or street noise.
- Adaptive Sleep Audio is a Plus – The Kokoon app’s soundscapes and auto-fade feature receive positive feedback for helping users drift off naturally. However, a few mention that a wider selection of audio options would be welcome.
- Lacks Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) – While the headphones offer good passive isolation, some users expected ANC and were disappointed it isn’t included.
- Easy to Use – Simple Bluetooth pairing and intuitive controls make setup hassle-free, though a handful of users find the short cable takes some getting used to.
Overall, users find the Philips Kokoon Sleep Headphones a comfortable and practical choice for improving sleep, especially for light sleepers and side sleepers.
- Double as regular headphones
- Specialized app for soundscapes and sleep tracking
- Sleek, comfortable design
- On the expensive side
- Battery life is adequate but not extraordinary
SleepPhones Wireless
- Comfortable & Secure Fit – Soft, fabric headband with slim speakers provides a pressure-free experience, ideal for side sleepers.
- Wireless Convenience – Bluetooth connectivity eliminates cords, offering tangle-free listening throughout the night.
- Long-Lasting Battery – Up to 24 hours of playback on a single charge for uninterrupted use.
- Reduces Disruptions – Helps mask background noise like snoring, traffic, and conversations without bulky noise-cancelling hardware.
SleepPhones Wireless offer a practical solution for those who want to listen to audio comfortably while sleeping, travelling, or unwinding—without the discomfort of traditional headphones.
- The ultra-slim, removable speakers are embedded in a soft, fabric headband, eliminating the pressure of earbuds or bulky over-ear headphones, making them well-suited for side sleepers.
- With a 24-hour battery life and Bluetooth connectivity, users can stream their preferred audio throughout the night without interruptions, reducing reliance on external noise-masking solutions.
Designed with convenience in mind, SleepPhones provide a comfortable, wireless listening experience that helps block out ambient noise without disturbing others, making them a practical choice for restful sleep and relaxation.
- Comfortable for Side Sleepers - Many users find the soft headband and flat speakers comfortable, especially when sleeping on their side, avoiding the discomfort of traditional headphones.
- Good Sound for Sleep & Relaxation - While not audiophile-grade, the sound quality is clear and balanced, making it ideal for listening to white noise, audiobooks, or meditation tracks without disturbing others.
- Long Battery Life, But Charging Takes Time - The 24-hour battery life is a highlight for all-night listening, though some users note that the four-hour charging time feels a bit long.
- Effective for Noise Reduction - The fabric headband helps muffle ambient noise, like snoring or street sounds, though it doesn’t fully block out louder disturbances.
- Fit Can Be Snug for Some - The stretchy headband stays secure, but some users with larger heads find it a bit tight, particularly in warmer conditions.
Overall, SleepPhones provide a practical and comfortable way to listen to audio in bed, making them a popular choice for light sleepers and relaxation.
- Soft, comfortable design for sleep
- Good for those who dislike earbuds
- Less expensive than most
- You can use them as regular headphones
- Helps mask sound but is not a replacement for active noise cancellation.
- Some users with larger heads find the headband a bit tight.
- No ANC technology, only noise maskingWired option is cheaper, but risks getting tangled while you sleep.
SoundCore Sleep A10
- Slim, Lightweight Design – Designed for comfort, these earbuds are barely noticeable, even for side sleepers.
- Noise Masking Technology – Uses passive noise blocking and sleep sounds to reduce nighttime disturbances.
- Secure Fit for All-Night Wear – Ear wings and Twin Seal tips keep the earbuds in place, even if you move in your sleep.
- Bluetooth Connectivity – Stream sleep sounds or white noise from your phone via Bluetooth 5.2 for added flexibility.
The Soundcore Sleep A10 earbuds offer a comfortable and discreet way to block out unwanted noise for a better night’s sleep. Designed specifically for side sleepers, they provide a secure and lightweight fit for all-night wear.
- Designed for Comfort – With a slim profile, lightweight silicone build, and secure ear wings, the Sleep A10 earbuds are made to stay in place throughout the night, even for side sleepers or those who move around in their sleep.
- Noise Masking for Fewer Disruptions – Instead of active noise cancelling, these earbuds use passive noise blocking and sleep sounds to reduce external disturbances, helping to create a more restful sleeping environment.
For anyone looking to improve their sleep without bulky headphones or earplugs, the Soundcore Sleep A10 offers a comfortable and effective noise-masking solution.
- Comfortable for Side Sleepers – Many users highlight the lightweight, slim design, noting that the earbuds remain comfortable even when sleeping on their side. Some mention needing to experiment with ear tip sizes for the best fit.
- Effective Noise Masking – Users report that the combination of passive noise blocking and sleep sounds helps reduce disturbances from snoring or outside noise. However, some note it doesn’t completely block louder sounds.
- Stable Fit Throughout the Night – The secure ear wings and Twin Seal ear tips keep the earbuds in place for most users, even for those who move around while sleeping. A few mention occasional readjustments are needed.
- Good Sound Options for Sleep – The preloaded sleep sounds and Bluetooth streaming provide flexibility in audio choices. Some users appreciate the variety, while others wish for more customization options.
- Battery Life Meets Expectations – Most find the battery lasts through the night in sleep mode, though continuous Bluetooth streaming drains it faster.
- Not a Replacement for ANC Earbuds – While effective for masking noise, some users expected active noise cancellation and were disappointed to find it relies on passive noise blocking and sound masking instead.
- Comfortable for side sleepers with a slim, lightweight design.
- Effective noise masking through passive noise blocking and sleep sounds.
- Customisable sound options with Bluetooth streaming and preloaded sleep sounds.
- Secure fit with ear wings and Twin Seal ear tips to prevent shifting.
- Wireless convenience with no cords to tangle while sleeping.
- Relies on passive noise blocking rather than ANC.
- Battery drains faster in Bluetooth mode.
- Not ideal for outdoor use, as it’s designed specifically for sleep.
- Fit can require adjustment, with some users needing to try different ear tip sizes.
Apple AirPods Pro 2
- Personalized Audio: Spatial Audio with head tracking provides a tailored listening experience.
- Extended Battery Life: Up to 6 hours on a single charge with noise cancellation enabled.
- Seamless Apple Integration: Quick setup and automatic switching between Apple devices.
- Comfortable Fit: Comes with four ear tip sizes to ensure a snug, secure fit.
The Apple AirPods Pro 2 deliver an enhanced audio experience with intelligent noise cancellation and a comfortable, customizable fit.
- Advanced Noise Cancellation: With up to twice the noise-canceling power of its predecessor, these earbuds create a focused listening experience by blocking out unwanted distractions—ideal for commutes or busy environments.
- Personalized Fit & Audio: Four sizes of silicone tips ensure a secure fit, while Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking provides immersive sound tailored to your ears.
Designed for those seeking a seamless blend of comfort, sound quality, and integration with Apple’s ecosystem.
- Impressive Sound Quality: Users highlight the clear highs and deep bass, making these ideal for music lovers.
- Effective Noise Cancellation: Many praise the substantial improvement in blocking background noise, even in busy areas.
- Comfortable Fit: The inclusion of four ear tip sizes helps achieve a secure, comfortable fit for various ear shapes.
- Longer Battery Life: Users appreciate the extended battery life, especially with Active Noise Cancellation on.
- Convenient Controls: The intuitive swipe and press controls on the stems are a favorite for quick volume adjustments and call management.
- Occasional Charging Issues: Some users report rare connectivity glitches when charging with non-Apple chargers.
- Excellent built-in hearing test
- Industry leading headphone features and Apple connectivity
- Affordable hearing aid alternative
- Limited functionality with non-Apple devices.
- Not as good in background noise
- Not as comfortable or socially acceptable for all-day wear
Qualities to look out for in a pair of sleep headphones
Comfort
Side sleeper, back sleeper, writhing around like a starfish: whatever your sleep style, comfort is priority #1. The most common sleep headphone style is wireless in-ear buds, but you’ll also find wired versions, over-the-ear tin-can style, and even headbands with built-in speakers.
Dual function
some noise-canceling earbuds double up as headphones to listen to music, podcasts, and audiobooks. This might mean you get more bang for your buck
Price
Many sleep headphones are packed full of smart tech, meaning they can be a fairly steep investment. While substantially cheaper options are available, paying around the $250 mark is not abnormal. Think about what tech features are best for you and what fits your budget.
Bonus Option: Loop - Purchase for $20
Loop doesn't make sleep headphones - they make earplugs. Still, they offer a great option for nightime noise management. If you are looking for a budget-friendly alternative to tech-heavy noise canceling sleep headphones loop might be worth a try.
Loop offers a range of protection from Loop Quiet, which reduces noise by 25 - 27 decibels, and their Experience and Experience Pro, which offers background noise reduction while keeping speech and other sounds clear.
Their Quiet model is recommended for sleep, and all models can be washed and reused infinitely. Loop has a lifetime guarantee, and the company will replace any broken or worn-out parts free of charge.
Comfort: Small and pliable, great for side-sleepers
Functionality: No digital tech
Price: $20 per pair
Pros
- Lifetime warranty
- Low cost
- Don’t need recharging
Cons
- Simpler design with no active noise canceling technology
- Can’t be used as headphones for music
5 Tips for Getting a Better Night’s Sleep with Noise Canceling Sleep Headphones
Create the Right Sleep Environment
Pairing your sleep headphones with a sleep mask and headphones combination can block light and sound simultaneously, helping you drift off to sleep faster.
Use pink noise or brown noise through apps or your headphone’s built-in features to reduce ambient sound and create a calming atmosphere. Our guide to white noise and alternatives explains more.
Many headphones for side sleepers, such as the SoundCore Sleep A20, are perfect for maintaining comfort while achieving maximum noise reduction.
Choose the Right Audio
Listening to music, meditation tracks, or guided sleep stories can work wonders for relaxation. Headphones can also play pink noise or nature sounds that mimic your ideal sleep setting. Ensure the ear tips fit snugly to block out disruptive noises effectively.
Establish a Relaxing Bedtime Routine
Beyond using sleep headphones and earbuds, habits like dimming the lights, avoiding screens, and playing ambient sound can really help you to unwind. Use your headphones to build a ritual around soothing audio, which trains your mind to associate these sounds with sleep. Combined with on-ear headphones or in-ear options, getting a better night's rest should become a lot easier.
Invest in Comfort and Fit
For a seamless experience, buy a product designed specifically for your sleeping style. Headphones for side sleepers, such as headband-style devices, provide both comfort and functionality. Ensure your headphones don’t pinch or cause discomfort during long wear, as this can hinder your ability to fully relax.
Minimise Interruptions
Even the best noise-cancelling devices benefit from pairing with a sleep mask for total sensory reduction. Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet, and rely on your sleep headphones to mask disturbances, ensuring a deeper, uninterrupted rest.
Final Thoughts on The Best Headphones for Sleep
Finding the perfect pair of sleep headphones is no small feat. Most products come with at least some tradeoffs in size or functionality. Our research and reviews give you a good place to start.
Headphones not for you? You might also enjoy our guide to earplugs for sleep.
If you have questions or comments, feel free to send us a note at [email protected].
