HeadphonesFinderSleep headphones headband
A fabric headband with flat speakers: the most comfortable and most affordable option for side sleepers.
Compare pricesWhat are the best earbuds for sleeping?
When you sleep with earbuds, comfort on the pillow trumps everything else: regular earbuds press into your ear the moment you roll onto your side. The selector is preset for compact in-ear buds in a quiet room.
Updated November 13, 2026
Fine-tune with the selector
Our picks
Soundcore Sleep A20
Ultra-flat earbuds designed for side sleeping, with built-in soothing sounds and long battery life.
Compare pricesOzlo Sleepbuds
Premium sleep earbuds with refined comfort and masking sounds that last all night.
Compare pricesExample models chosen for their reputation in this category. Prices and availability change: check them on the retailer's page.
Side sleepers: the form factor decides
| Type | Side-sleeping comfort | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Flat sleep earbuds | Very good | Sit flush in the ear, soft tips |
| Bluetooth sleep headband | Excellent | Flat speakers in a fabric headband, little isolation |
| Regular earbuds | Poor | Stick out of the ear and press against the pillow |
White noise or noise canceling?
Active noise canceling works well against steady noise (HVAC, distant traffic) but much less against snoring, which is irregular and rich in midrange frequencies. For snoring, sound masking works better: white noise, pink noise, rain or nature sounds played at low volume, often built right into the sleep earbuds' app.
Useful features
- 8 hours or more of battery life to last all night, or sounds stored on the earbuds to save battery.
- Soft silicone or foam tips in several sizes.
- Auto-off or a sleep timer, and a built-in alarm so you don't wake your partner.
Hygiene and health
Clean the ear tips regularly, keep the volume low and give your ears a break now and then. Sleep earbuds aren't medical devices: if you have tinnitus or ongoing sleep problems, talk to a healthcare professional.
Mistakes to avoid
- Sleeping in bulky earbuds that hurt your outer ear.
- Relying on ANC alone to block snoring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it bad to sleep with earbuds in?
At low volume, with clean, well-fitting earbuds, the risk is low. Avoid loud volume all night and clean the ear tips regularly.
What are the best earbuds for blocking snoring?
Well-isolating sleep earbuds that play masking sound (white or pink noise) work better than noise canceling alone.
Can you sleep with AirPods?
You can on your back, but they stick out of the ear and get uncomfortable on your side. A flat design or a headband works better.