Best Noise Cancelling Headphones for Sleeping

Can you hear that? Neither can we—it’s all thanks to the best noise-cancelling headphones for sleeping. Try these on, and you’ll be catching Z’s in no time.

Having trouble sleeping? Finding that regular, passive earplugs just don’t cut it? It might be time for some active noise-cancelling headphones.

Headphones? Don’t those GENERATE noise? you may be asking.

Yes, headphones do generate noise. However counter-intuitive it might seem, though, specially designed headphones can help you fall asleep if loud noises are disturbing you. You see, these headphones work based on the principle of sound masking, where one noise “covers up” another one. In other words, by playing soft, steady sounds, these headphones effectively “cancel” other noises. It’s basically the same concept as using a box fan at night to provide a little bit of white noise to help you fall asleep.

How does that work? Essentially, erratic loud noises are quite distracting; at nighttime, they can excite our brain, making it difficult to sleep. Conversely, noises that have a steady beat can help calm our brain. In fact, our brain will be more likely to focus on that steady “white noise” instead of other distracting stimuli. The result? Brainwaves slow, so it’s easier to fall asleep.

7 Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones for Sleeping

Can you hear that? Neither can we—it’s all thanks to the best noise-cancelling headphones for sleeping. Try the following on, and you’ll be catching quiet Z’s in no time.

Best Overall

SleepPhones Wireless

SleepPhones AcousticSheep​

If you’re looking for a noise-canceling headband, there may be no better place to start than these wireless AcousticSheep headphones by SleepPhones. What makes them so great? All the options and functionality.

For starters, this headband is available in either corded or wireless options (the latter of which has a battery life of up to 10 hours!). Unlike their competitors, SleepPhones recognize that it’s hard to make one-size-fits-all headgear. That’s why these AcousticSheep SleepPhones come in either a fleece or polyester/spandex blend in 3 sizes, so everyone can find a fit that’s comfortable for their head size.

But comfort isn’t all that this award-winning headgear offers. They also offer Bluetooth connectivity up to 30 feet (10 meters) away. The sound quality doesn’t suffer either; the padded removable speakers offer clear and crisp audio. Throw in the fact that the controls are easy to use, and it’s easy to see why more than a million people have chosen SleepPhones as their noise-cancelling solution.

Key Features

  • Corded or Wireless
  • Fleece or Polyester Blend
  • Easy-to-Use Volume + Play/Pause/Skip Controls
  • Connect via Bluetooth Up to 30 Feet (10 m) Away
  • Lasts Up to 10 Hours
  • Top Option for Side Sleepers
  • Comfortable to Wear In Bed All Night

Specifications

  • Made by SleepPhones
  • Available on Amazon
  • Available in 7 Colors
  • Large, Medium or Small
  • Made in the USA
  • 1-Year Warranty

Softest On-Ear Headphones

bedphones gen 3 5

DubsLabs Bedphones Wireless Sleep Headphones

Fitting snugly in your ears, these bedphones can deliver you clear, crisp sounds to help you wind down at night. Whether you want to block out snoring, relieve tinnitus, enjoy movies without disturbing a sleeping partner, or simply relax, these bedphones can help you out. How? By streaming soothing white noises, podcasts, audiobooks, music, and movie audio. The possibilities are endless!

The simple controls and adjustable band means that it’s easy to adjust to these bedphones; in fact, they may be so comfortable it feels like you’re not even wearing them. The 1/4″ thick soft foam ear pads are flatter than most on-ear headphones, so they are far less noticeable, even for a side sleeper that uses a firm pillow. 

When paired with the included sleep mask, you can block out plenty of distracting sights and sounds that prevent you from slumbering peacefully. A great night of rest? It might be as simple as putting in these bedphones and pressing “play.”

Key Features

  • Wireless
  • Compact
  • Adjustable
  • Answer Calls
  • Volume + Play/Pause/Skip
  • Comfortable, Even for a Side Sleeper

Specifications

  • Made by DubsLabs
  • Multiple Versions Available
  • Free Shipping (US)
  • 30-Day Full-Refund Guarantee
  • 1-Year Warranty
  • 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Option

Best for Kids

cozyphones

CozyPhones​

Not just any headgear will do for your little one. Fortunately, these CozyPhones are Parent Tested Parent Approved and cute to boot. Your child will have no shortage of designs to choose from either, as characters from Paw Patrol, Batman, and Sesame Street are available.

There’s more to these headphones than the cuteness factor, though. The band is also machine washable, which every parent knows is a must. CozyPhones is so confident in their product that they’re even willing to back it up by a 1-year money-back guarantee.

Key Features

  • Parent Tested Parent Approved Winner
  • Paw Patrol, Sesame Street, Batman & Original Designs
  • Adjustable Speakers
  • Washable

Specifications

  • Made by CozyPhones, a Veteran-Owned Business
  • Available on Amazon
  • Available in Many Designs
  • 52″ Braided Cord
  • 3.5 mm Stereo Plug
  • 1-Year Money-Back Guarantee

Best for Sports

tooks

Tooks Sportec Band​

Active individuals need to make sure that their headbands are secure enough to stay put yet also comfortable enough to not cause pain or irritation. The Tooks Sportec Band fits that bill. The available ProStretch Band is perfect for active folks with its stretchy, airy fit, meaning it stays cool, dry, and secure throughout the entire workout. Those who want a little extra comfort during their chilly morning runs might want the available fleece Band instead.

Of course, these bands are perfect for winding down at night, too. Their comfortable fit means they won’t easily slide around as you get cozy in your bed, and the ProStretch Bands will be a good fit for those who often fight the night sweats. With easy inline controls, these Bands are easy enough to adjust to, so you can seamlessly incorporate them into your bedtime routine. Perhaps best of all, though, is the fact that these Bands are quite affordable, with most varieties costing under $25 on Amazon.

Key Features

  • Affordable
  • ProStretch or Fleece
  • Headphones Removable
  • Corded or Bluetooth Versions
  • Volume + Pause/Play/Next/Previous Controls

Specifications

  • Made by TOOKS
  • Available on Amazon
  • 3 Colors Available
  • 3.5 mm Stereoplug Plug
  • NextGen Apple iOS and Android Compatible

Best for Travel

Kokoon Headphones

Kokoon Headphones​

Kokoon over ear headphones offer a level of personalization that most of the competition simply can’t match. Essentially, these headphones provide you crisp, calming sounds at night to help you wind down. But that’s not all they do.

You see, Kokoon headphones track your sleeping habits. As they do so, they take note of what types of music helps you best relax by using built-in EEG brainwave sensors. The headphones then start recommending music for you by using algorithmic technology based on these factors. The result? A personalized playlist customized for you based on what helps you get the best night of sleep.

The headphones have a fabric outer for added comfort, a 13-hour battery life, and an app that gives you detailed sleep tracking information. They also feature a patent-pending audio seal designed to work in conjunction with the active noise cancellation to block out noise and help you stay asleep. That means that these are the most quiet headphones that we reviewed, even before they are switched on! So, while they are not a cheap option, they offer so much more than the majority of the competition that we think they’re well worth the price.

Key Features

  • Comes with Kokoon Relax App
  • Sleep Mask Included
  • Customizes Audio Library
  • Washable Ear Cushions
  • Silicone Ear Cups Block External Noise
  • Natural Fiber Fabrics
  • High-Level Background Noise Reduction
  • Not Ideal for Side Sleepers to Wear in Bed

Specifications

  • Made by Kokoon Technology
  • Available on Amazon
  • 2 Pack Available
  • 2 Colors Available
  • 14-Day Free Returns
  • USB Charging
  • iOS & Android Compatible

Best Wireless

quieton

QuietOn​

Many earphones simply block or cancel out the most distracting noises. Not QuietOn earbuds. These bad boys are specifically designed to mask low-frequency external noise, like that of a snoring partner.

These earbuds are perfect for sleeping since they use no wires. Simply put them in like normal earbuds, turn them on, and let the active noise cancellation begin. You’ll be drifting off in no time.

How exactly do they work? The QuietOn’s use a built-in microphone to sample ambient sound and an internal speaker to produce an opposing sound wave that acts like a noise eraser. 

It’s important to note that these earplugs are specifically for cancelling out other noises—meaning they don’t allow for music playback. So, they don’t have as wide a range of functions as some of their competition. If you are looking for headphones for listening to music you should look elsewhere.

What they do, though, is block external noise incredibly well. So, if you sleep in a noisy environment, then the QuietOn earbuds should be your go-to option.

Key Features

  • Wireless Bluetooth
  • Silent + Hearing Mode
  • 20 Hours of Use Per Charge
  • Cancels Even Low-Frequency Disturbances
  • Active External Noise Isolation

Specifications

  • Made by QuietOn
  • Made in the EU
  • No Bluetooth Rays Emitted
  • No Music Listening Option

Best Price

maxrock 1

Maxrock Sleep Earplugs​

Unlike many of the other options on this list, the Maxrock Sleep Ear plugs won’t clean out your wallet. In fact, they’re under $15 on Amazon!

These earplugs aren’t just cheap, but completely functional. With an ergonomic fit, these earplugs will snugly conform to the unique shape of your inner ear for maximized results. The built-in microphone and easy-to-use controls mean that these headphones are simple to operate, too.

The Maxrock ear tips have an ergonomic design that make them comfortable enough to have in your ears all night. Bedtime noise-cancelling has truly never been easier—or more affordable.

Key Features

  • Incredibly Affordable
  • Ergonomic Fit
  • Built-in Microphone
  • Zippered Carrying Case Included

Specifications

  • Made by MAXROCK
  • Available on Amazon
  • 2 Colors Available
  • 3.5 mm Jack
  • 3-Month Replacement Warranty

Recalled/Discontinued

bosenoisemasking

Bose Noise-Masking Sleepbuds™

Bose is a household name, but that doesn’t mean this reputable company is infallible; that was the case with the notoriously glitchy noise-masking sleepbuds™. After launching mid-2018, the company consistently received complaints regarding the consistency and predictability of these products’ functionality.

So despite being comfortable to wear in your ears, the sleepbuds™ simply did not live up to Bose’ high standards. After lots of testing, Bose decided that these active noise-cancelling sleepbuds™ were best pulled off the shelves.

Medical Disclaimer

This article is for reference purposes only. It should not replace the advice of a licensed professional. Do not use this article to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or condition. Any and all health concerns should be directed to a doctor or other healthcare professional.

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Kristen Greif

Napper extraordinaire. Side/stomach sleeper. 25 solid years of experience with sleeping.