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The best earplugs and headphones for a peaceful night’s sleep, tried and tested
Our top picks will help you snooze through the night
Tested by Kim HawleyHealth and Fitness Tester
There really is nothing better than a good night’s sleep. Not only do you feel rested, alert and ready to embrace the day, evidence shows that good quality sleep can add years to your life.
But getting a decent night’s rest can be easier said than done. And one key culprit is noise pollution, whether it’s loud neighbours, blaring traffic or a snoring spouse. Thankfully, the best earplugs and sleep headphones are here to save the day night. These tiny bits of kit can block out external sound and help you snooze throughout the night.
“Earplugs can significantly reduce unwanted ambient noise and enhance sleep quality,” says Madison Tutton, audiologist at Eargym. “They’re particularly beneficial for light sleepers residing in noisy environments, those working irregular shift patterns and when travelling.”
The best sleep earplugs and headphones for 2025
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With so many styles to choose from, not to mention varying price points, picking the right pair is no easy feat. To give you a helping hand, our Good Housekeeping Institute experts put a range of sleep earplugs and headphones to the test. Our picks start from just £10 for simple foam plugs, and go up to over £250 for top-of-the-range sleep headphones.
To find the best, our experts and at-home testers put the earplugs and sleep headphones through rigorous testing, scoring them on a range of factors including design, ease of use and comfort. You'll find a full breakdown of our in-depth testing below our reviews.
Pros
- Comfortable, unobtrusive design
- Good sound quality
- Easy to use and clean
Cons
- Slightly cheap packaging
- Not noise cancelling
Score: 89/100
This Navly headband stands out from the crowd for its innovative design – ideal for those who don’t enjoy the sensation of earphones digging in. Our testers were a little sceptical to begin with, but the clever gadget quickly won them over.
The soft elastic headband houses two speakers and boasts Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to listen to your own music, meditation or white noise as you drift off. According to our panel, it was surprisingly comfy to sleep on and they said their audio of choice didn’t disturb their partners.
The sound was crisp and clear and the device itself was easy to set up, use and clean. “I would never have considered using this product but now I love it,” declared one satisfied tester, adding that they would “definitely recommend it”.
If top-notch noise cancellation is priority, look to one of our other options, but if you like to fall asleep to calming sounds, this Navly design is hard to beat. The fact that it comes in at under £20 is the icing on the cake.
Key specifications
| Type | Headband |
|---|---|
| Noise reduction rate | N/A |
| Fit | Adjustable headband |
Pros
- Excellent noise reduction capabilities
- Simple to set up and use
- Comfortable to wear overnight
Cons
- No pouch for additional ear tips
Score: 87/100
We’re big fans of Loop earplugs here at Good Housekeeping, so we were pleased to see the brand’s sleep-specific plugs perform so well during testing.
The oval tips (made from ultra-soft foam-silicone) are designed to mould to the ear’s natural shape, while the smaller body ensures a comfortable night’s rest, whatever your favourite sleeping position. “I lie on my side and they didn’t get in the way at all,” confirmed one tester, while another said: “They're the best sleep plugs I’ve ever tried.”
According to panellists, they did an excellent job of blocking out annoying noises, without drowning out important sounds. “They made sleeping much more bearable in a noisy hotel room,” one told us. Thanks to interchangeable ear tips, finding the right fit was no hassle. They’re easy to clean and come with a neat carry case, so you can store them in your bag and whip them out whenever you need.
Read our sleep editor's full Loop earplugs review.
Key specifications
| Type | Hypoallergenic silicone plugs |
|---|---|
| Noise reduction rate | Up to 27dB |
| Fit | Four interchangeable tips |
Pros
- Made from medical grade, hypoallergenic material
- High level of noise reduction
- Well-though-out travel case included
Cons
- Cleaning instructions could be clearer
- Finding the right fit a little fiddly for some testers
Score: 87/100
These handy little plugs from Earth’s Secret come with a durable zipped carry case, making them an excellent choice if you’re a frequent traveller (or just prone to losing things). You also get two pairs of plugs (one small, one medium) with your purchase, making them excellent value for money.
Despite the budget-friendly price tag, they’re made from hypoallergenic, medical grade thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) to prevent irritation and discomfort. They also offer up 26dB noise reduction to help you snooze in the nosiest settings, and they’re reusable and easy to clean.
They were a massive hit with our testing panel. “They’ve changed my sleep quality immensely,” said one satisfied tester, while another told us: “These have been a life-changer for me!” They performed well when it came to blocking out unwanted sounds, they were comfortable to lie on and everyone said they'd recommend them to others.
Key specifications
| Type | Medical grade TPE plugs |
|---|---|
| Noise reduction rate | 26dB |
| Fit | Two different sizes included |
Pros
- Comfortable for all sleeping positions
- Easy to set up and use
- Option to stream your own music and choose from built-in sleep sounds
Cons
- No active noise cancellation
- Expensive
Score: 86/100
If you need some background noise to help you drift off but you don’t want to disturb your snoozing partner, these sleep-specific Bluetooth buds are just the ones. They don’t offer active noise cancellation, instead they minimise sounds through a combination of passive noise masking technology and audio playback.
There are two listening modes – ‘Bluetooth audio’ and ‘sleep sounds’, so you can stream your own podcasts or Spotify playlists, or choose from an extensive library spanning nature sounds, meditation tracks and white noise. Then there’s sleep tracking (we found this to be accurate in terms of sleep duration and disturbances), a built-in alarm to wake you up gently and handy alerts so you can find your buds if they fall out when you’re tossing and turning.
Like standard earplugs, they come with a selection of ear wings and tips to help you achieve the perfect fit. Our testers said changing them was a touch fiddly, but it was worth it in the end. The buds proved supremely comfortable to wear throughout the night, even for the side sleepers on our panel, and they earned extra points for the long-lasting battery life (up to 10 hours with Bluetooth).
Key specifications
| Type | Earbuds |
|---|---|
| Noise reduction rate | Noise masking technology |
| Fit | 7 interchangeable wings and tips |
Pros
- Top-level noise reduction
- Comfortable and secure
- Travel case included
Cons
- Noise reduction rate too high for some
Score: 84/100
Whether you’re burdened with a snoring spouse, you work shifts or travel often, these fuss-free foam plugs are worth considering – they offer a whopping 38dB of noise reduction, which is the highest in this round-up. “I can’t hear my snoring partner with them in,” said one satisfied tester. Sounds dreamy.
The reusable plugs, which are made from soft, hypoallergenic foam, are straightforward to use – simply roll them in your fingers and gently push them into your ears to activate the seal. Testers were impressed with the fit, saying they felt comfortable and stayed in place overnight. “I don’t usually like the sensation of earplugs, but these have been game-changing,” one told us.
Each set of plugs lasts for up to seven uses and the pack comes with a compact travel case, which is handy if you’re always on the go. Best of all, the brand offers a 30-day risk-free guarantee.
Key specifications
| Type | Soft foam |
|---|---|
| Noise reduction rate | Up to 38dB |
| Fit | Mouldable |
Pros
- Comfortable to wear while sleeping
- Travel-friendly design
- Auto-fade audio
- Sleep tracking capabilities
Cons
- Expensive
- Finding the right ear tip can be fiddly
- Set-up instructions could be clearer
Score: 83/100
Granted, they don’t come cheap, but if you struggle to drift off and tend to wake up throughout the night, these futuristic Phillips headphones could make all the difference. Panellists said they’d happily recommend them to friends and family, with one tester saying, “I loved every single thing about this product.”
They might look odd, but our panel confirmed they were “very comfortable” to sleep on – in fact, they barely noticed they had them on. While you can stream your own playlist, the accompanying Kokoon app has an extensive library of bedtime sounds, meditations and stories for you to fall asleep to – these proved extremely popular with testers.
The headphones boast clever sensors, which can detect when you’re asleep and will fade the audio, introducing white noise to mask external sounds. They also scored highly for sound leakage, with no disturbances reported. As a bonus, they track your sleep, presenting all your key stats on the app in the morning, from time in bed to sleep stages.
They come with six interchangeable tips, so you’re bound to find one that fits your ear shape and size, and they come with a handy travel case.
Key specifications
| Type | Headphones |
|---|---|
| Noise reduction rate | Noise masking technology |
| Fit | Six interchangeable ear tips |
Pros
- Carry case included
- Effective noise reduction
- Two noise filter options
- Secure
Cons
- Fiddly to insert for some
- Tricky to clean
Score: 79/100
We’re already huge fans of Sennheiser’s exercise headphones, and we loved the brand’s sleep earplugs, too. A lot of thought has gone into the impressive design, offering two different noise filters (mid and strong) depending on how much noise reduction you want, and three ear tips for a secure fit.
According to our panel, the full-block filter does a remarkable job of blocking sound, and they noticed an improvement to their sleep while using them. “I didn’t hear my husband snore at all!” said one happy tester. Everyone rated the comfortable, secure fit, too.
If you don’t want such high-level noise reduction, the mid filter is a nice middle ground, and can be used in different scenarios including concerts, work and when commuting. They’re extremely tiny, so no one will notice you have them in, either.
A couple of testers thought they were a little fiddly to insert and clean, but that wouldn’t stop them using them again. If you’re after some plugs you can use in a variety of settings, these are your best bet.
Key specifications
| Type | Hypoallergenic thermoplastic rubber earplugs |
|---|---|
| Noise reduction rate | Up to 20dB |
| Fit | Three interchangeable ear tips |
Pros
- Can be used 100 times before they need replacing
- Hypoallergenic, silicone-free material
- Easy to clean
- Comfortable
Cons
- Instructions could be clearer
- Average sound reduction
- One size only
Score: 76/100
If this is your first foray into sleep earplugs and you don’t want to spend over the odds, this fuss-free pair is a sweet starter choice. Despite the budget price tag, they offer up to 25dB of noise reduction, are made with ultra-soft, hypoallergenic material and can be used up to 100 times before they need replacing.
The AlpineAcousticFilter won’t block out noise entirely, so they’re a great buy if you want to remain aware of sounds, including alarm clocks, doorbells or children in another room.
With no interchangeable tips, the buds have a universal fit and are designed to mould to your ears. Our panel confirmed that, for the most part, they stayed in place during the night, and they liked the soft material, which didn’t get in the way when sleeping. They come with a sleek little travel case and a handy little cleaner to help you keep them fresh and odour-free.
Key specifications
| Type | AlpineThermoShape earplugs |
|---|---|
| Noise reduction rate | Up to 25dB |
| Fit | Mouldable |
Pros
- Made from medical grade silicone
- Easy to change the ear tips
- Handy storage case for travel
Cons
- Some testers would have preferred a higher noise reduction rate
Score: 70/100
Some earplugs are a nightmare to get in and out of your lugholes, but there’s no such problem with these medical grade silicone plugs from Mixx. Our weary testers said they were extremely easy to pop in (there are three interchangeable tips to suit all ear sizes) and just as easy to remove thanks to handy pull tabs.
They found them comfortable to wear throughout the night – the low-profile design is ideal for side sleepers – with one tester saying: “They're so comfy, I barely noticed I was wearing them.” They also rated how easy they were to clean (simply rinse in warm water and air dry) and appreciated the compact carry case for commuting and holidays.
Key specifications
| Type | Hypoallergenic silicone plugs |
|---|---|
| Noise reduction rate | 17dB |
| Fit | Three interchangeable tips |
How we test
We recruited a panel of testers – all of whom are seasoned earplug users – to drift off with a selection of earplugs and headphones for a few weeks.
They rated each pair for design, fit, comfort and performance, noting how easy they were to get in and out, whether they felt comfortable to lie on and if they stayed in place securely overnight. They also fed back on their noise reduction capabilities and whether they improved the quality of their sleep. Finally, they let us know whether they would continue to use the earplugs or headphones after the testing period.
Our top scorers fitted snugly, without the need for constant readjustments, didn't dig in or feel uncomfortable overnight and, crucially, blocked out impressive levels of sound, keeping everyone sleeping till morning.
Why trust the Good Housekeeping Institute?
Kim Hawley is the senior sleep and wellness tester for the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she oversees reviews of a wide range of fitness and sleep products, including earplugs. She is a level 4 qualified personal trainer, holds a nutrition qualification and has worked in leading health clubs across the UK.
For this test, she designed detailed protocols to help us analyse all the features that matter when choosing earplugs, so you can shop with confidence. We also enlisted a panel of at-home testers to put them through their paces in real-world conditions.
Sleep and wellness editor, Priyankaa Joshi has written about hundreds of sleep products, and tested many herself, too. She took all the feedback from our testing team to create the most user-friendly reviews.
We’ve been testing products at the Good Housekeeping for over 100 years, so we know exactly what to look for when hunting out the best sleep buys.
More Tried and Tested sleep buys
Which earplugs are best for sleeping?
There are a range of styles to choose from, but most earplugs are made from either wax, foam or silicone, explains Tutton. Here, we look at the benefits of each.
Foam earplugs: Typically, disposable foam plugs are inexpensive and offer an effective solution for masking unwanted noise. They’re great for travel, but if you’re using them frequently, they will need replacing.
Wax earplugs: These single-use ear plugs – which are warmed in the hands and then moulded before placing in the ear – tend to provide a tight seal, but they can feel a tad greasy and rigid.
Silicone earplugs: According to Tutton, silicone plugs are the most durable option, balancing comfort and noise reduction. They can be more expensive than wax and foam options, though.
When it comes to finding the best earplugs for you, Tutton says it’s important to consider the following: comfort, fit and frequency of use.
“They should be soft enough in the ear to allow for comfort when sleeping, but you also want them to stay in place overnight,” she advises. “Most ear plugs come with different sized tips to help you find the right fit.”
If you’re a side sleeper, you may want to go for a pair of small plugs that won’t protrude from your ears and cause discomfort.
What are the best sleep headphones?
If you don’t enjoy sleeping in pin-drop silence and you’d like to soundtrack your slumber with white noise, meditation or music, sleep headphones are an excellent choice.
Many of these clever designs – like the Kokoon Phillips Sleep Headphones – boast advanced noise-cancelling capabilities, a vast library of sleep sounds, and even fancy extras like sleep tracking.
Are earplugs safe to sleep with?
Yes, earplugs are generally a safe way to improve your sleep quality, says Christina Kourie, clinical audiologist at Pindrop Hearing.
Wearing them regularly can cause a build-up of wax, however, which can cause pain, itching and introduce bacteria into the ear canal. So, it’s vital to keep them in tip-top condition – giving them a wash or wipe down every few days should do the trick. If your plugs are disposable, make sure to replace them regularly.
Sleep earplugs and headphones aren’t suitable for everyone. “I wouldn’t recommend earplugs if you’re prone to ear infections, wax build-ups or have any ear canal abnormalities,” says Kourie. “If you’re unsure, it’s advisable to see a clinical audiologist for an ear canal assessment and more specific advice.”
She also points out that while your earplugs should be able to mask certain sounds, you don’t want them to block out noise entirely. “Earplugs can affect your ability to hear certain critical sounds during the night, such as a crying baby or a fire alarm – so it’s important that these are still audible when have you your plugs in.”
The verdict on sleep earplugs and headphones
Affordable, comfortable and effective, Loop's Dream earplugs have been specifically designed for sleep, making them an excellent choice.
If you don't like the sensation of earplugs digging in when you rest your head on the pillow, consider the Navly slee headband.
And if you have the budget, the Soundcore A20 Sleep Buds, complete with bedtime sounds and sleep tracking information, are sure to transform your rest.
Priyankaa is our sleep and wellness expert, specialising in expert-tested reviews and roundups on the latest health and fitness products. From walking boots to running machines, Priyankaa has written about hundreds of products and is passionate about providing in-depth, unbiased reviews. Plus, as an avid runner and gymgoer, she knows exactly what to look for when finding the right gymwear, fitness tracker or earphones.
Priyankaa has an MA in Magazine Journalism from Cardiff University and over five years’ experience in health and fitness journalism. Priyankaa has written for Stylist’s Strong Women Training Club, where she regularly wrote about diversity in the fitness industry, nutrition tips, training advice and her experience completing various fitness challenges. She has also written for a variety of publications including Business Insider, Glamour, Bustle, Metro, HuffPost UK, gal-dem and more. Outside of work, Priyankaa can usually be found trying out a new gym class, seeking out London's best eats or watching a Spanish TV show in a bid to keep up her language skills.
Kim Hawley is our health and fitness product tester. Her career in fitness has spanned over 30 years. Prior to joining the Good Housekeeping Institute, she worked as a personal trainer, writer and fitness instructor for some of London’s most prestigious health clubs, including The Harbour Club, David Lloyd and The Chelsea Club. Passionate about women’s health and fitness, especially in pre/post menopause, she is also a Level 4 PT and holds a professional nutritional qualification. Kim is responsible for rigorously testing everything from cross trainers to smart watches.
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