Best AirPods to Sleep In

Falling asleep isn’t always a walk in the park. Maybe the neighbor’s dog won’t stop barking, or someone’s late-night chatter keeps creeping through the walls. For folks who turn to earbuds to tune out the racket, Apple’s AirPods lineup offers some solid options. But not every pair is cut out for snoozing. Comfort, fit, and how well they handle background noise all play a role when picking the best ones for sleep. This guide breaks down the AirPods that work best for catching Zs, based on what’s out there in the lineup as of early 2025.

Why AirPods for Sleep?

Lots of people pop in earbuds to wind down. Whether it’s a podcast that drones on just enough to feel relaxing or some mellow tunes to drown out the world, AirPods can be a handy tool. The trick is finding a pair that doesn’t bug the ears after a while, especially for side sleepers who mash their head into a pillow all night. Plus, some models can hush the hum of traffic or a snoring partner, which is a big win for anyone trying to drift off without losing their cool.

What Matters Most for Sleep?

When it comes to sleeping with AirPods, a few things stand out:

• Comfort: Hard plastic digging into an ear isn’t anyone’s idea of cozy. Soft tips or a low-profile shape make a difference.

• Noise Blocking: Some AirPods can quiet the chaos, while others let it all through.

• Fit and Stability: Nobody wants to fish an earbud out of their sheets at 3 a.m.

• Battery Life: Enough juice to last until morning, or at least until sleep kicks in, matters.

With that in mind, here’s how Apple’s current models stack up for bedtime.

AirPods Pro (2nd Generation): The All-Around Sleep Buddy

The AirPods Pro 2, released back in September 2022, tend to pop up as a go-to for sleepers. They’ve got a lot going for them when the lights go out.

How They Fit for Sleep

These come with silicone tips in four sizes: extra small, small, medium, and large. That means most people can find a fit that feels snug without being a pain, even when lying on their side. Unlike the hard plastic of older AirPods, the soft tips don’t jab into the ear canal, which is a relief for anyone who’s woken up with sore ears after a night with regular buds.

Noise Handling

The Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) on these is a step up from the first Pro model. It does a solid job of muting low-frequency stuff like traffic rumble or a fan’s hum. There’s also a Transparency Mode if someone needs to hear what’s happening around them, but for sleep, most stick with ANC to keep things quiet. Adaptive Audio tweaks the noise-blocking based on the surroundings, though it’s more of a daytime perk than a sleep essential.

Battery and Design Details

With six hours of listening time on a single charge (ANC on), they’ve got enough power to get through the falling-asleep phase. The charging case bumps that up to 30 hours total, so no one’s scrambling for a plug mid-night. The stems are short, so they don’t stick out too much, which helps if someone’s a side sleeper who doesn’t want extra pressure on their ear.

What’s Not Perfect

They’re not flawless. Some folks find even the soft tips get uncomfortable after a few hours, especially if they roll around a lot. And if someone’s a wild sleeper, there’s a chance one might slip out. Still, for most, the balance of comfort and noise-blocking makes these a strong contender.

AirPods (4th Generation): A Fresh Take for Open-Ear Fans

Launched in September 2024, the AirPods 4 come in two flavors, one with ANC and one without. The ANC version catches attention for sleep purposes, bringing some new tricks to the table.

Fit and Feel

Unlike the Pro models, these stick with an open-ear design, no silicone tips here. The stems are shorter than past models, and the shape’s been tweaked to sit flush in the ear. For people who don’t like the plugged-up feel of in-ear buds, this could be a breath of fresh air. Side sleepers might still feel a bit of pressure, but it’s less bulky than over-ear options.

Noise Control

The ANC version marks the first time Apple’s brought noise cancellation to its open-ear style. It’s not as intense as the Pro 2’s ANC, focusing more on low-end sounds like a distant car engine. Transparency Mode and Conversation Awareness are there too, though they’re less relevant for sleep. It’s a lighter touch on noise-blocking, which might suit someone who just needs a little hush, not total silence.

Battery Rundown

They offer five hours per charge (four with ANC on), with the case stretching that to 30 hours. That’s plenty for drifting off, though the drop with ANC might nudge heavy users to recharge more often. The case supports USB-C and wireless charging, keeping things simple.

Where They Fall Short

Without customizable tips, the fit’s a one-size deal. Some might find them less secure during sleep, and the noise cancellation doesn’t dig as deep as the Pro 2. For light sleepers in quiet spots, though, they’re worth a look.

AirPods (3rd Generation): The Middle Ground

The AirPods 3, out since October 2021, sit somewhere between the classics and the Pros. They’ve got a few perks for sleep, but they’re not the full package.

Comfort Factor

These keep the open-ear vibe with a shorter stem than the original AirPods. No silicone tips mean no deep-in-the-ear feel, which some prefer for sleeping. They’re less intrusive than over-ear models, but side sleepers might still notice them pressing against the pillow.

Sound and Noise

There’s no ANC here, so they won’t block out much. They do have Adaptive EQ, which tweaks sound based on fit, and Spatial Audio with head tracking for a wider soundstage. That’s cool for music or podcasts, but it doesn’t help with snoring or street noise.

Battery Life

Six hours on a charge, 30 hours with the case, solid numbers for bedtime listening. The MagSafe or Lightning case options keep charging straightforward.

The Catch

Without noise-blocking, they’re not ideal for noisy spots. The fit’s decent but not as secure as the Pros, so restless sleepers might lose one by morning.

AirPods Max: Over-Ear, Overkill?

The AirPods Max, released in December 2020, are Apple’s over-ear heavyweights. They’re built for sound, not sleep, but some still give them a shot.

How They Sit

With memory foam ear cushions and a stainless steel frame, they’re comfy for sitting around, not lying down. Side sleepers? Forget it, these are bulky and press hard against the head. Back sleepers might manage, but it’s a stretch.

Noise and Audio

The ANC here is top-notch, using eight microphones to tackle everything from chatter to engine noise. Transparency Mode’s an option, but it’s irrelevant for sleep. The sound’s rich, deep bass, clear highs, but that’s overkill for dozing off.

Battery Specs

Twenty hours on a charge with ANC beats everything else in the lineup. The Smart Case keeps them in low-power mode when not in use, though it’s not a typical bedside perk.

Why They Don’t Fit

Size and weight (13.6 ounces) make them impractical. They’re not slipping out, but no one’s sleeping through the night with these on comfortably.

Risks and Realities of Sleeping with AirPods

Using AirPods for sleep isn’t all smooth sailing. There are a few things to keep in mind, based on what people have run into.

1. Ear Comfort and Cleanliness

Wearing any earbuds too long might lead to gunk buildup or nudge wax further into the ear canal. It’s not a huge deal if they’re cleaned regularly, wipe them with a damp cloth, then dry them off. Some feel ear discomfort after hours of wear, especially with in-ear models like the Pro 2.

2. Swallowing Scares

It sounds wild, but a few folks have accidentally swallowed an AirPod while sleeping. One guy woke up with chest discomfort and an X-ray showed it lodged inside. Rare? Sure. Possible? Yup.

3. Hearing Concerns

Loud volumes over long stretches might bother the ears, according to general headphone warnings. Keeping it below 60% and taking breaks helps. ANC might also mask sounds like a smoke alarm, so it’s worth thinking about what needs to be heard.

Tips to Dodge Trouble

1. Clean them often to avoid gunk buildup.

2. Stick to lower volumes, blasting isn’t necessary for sleep.

3. Use a pillow that doesn’t squash them into the ear.

4. Pop them out if they start feeling off after a while.

Comparing the Lineup for Sleep

Here’s a quick side-by-side to see how they stack up:

Picking the Right Pair

So, which AirPods win for sleep? It depends on what someone’s dealing with. The AirPods Pro 2 stand out for their soft tips and strong ANC, making them a solid pick for noisy nights. The AirPods 4 with ANC offer a lighter option for those who hate in-ear buds, though the noise-blocking’s not as deep. The AirPods 3 work in quiet setups, while the Max are better left for daytime jams.

Things to Think About

• Sleeping Style: Side sleepers lean toward Pros; back sleepers might try the 4s.

• Noise Level: Loud spots need Pro 2; calm ones can handle the 3s.

• Ear Preference: Tips or no tips? That’s a personal call.

No pair’s perfect for everyone. Some might feel the Pros pinch after a bit, others might miss the 4s slipping out. It’s about what fits the night, and the ears, best.

Another Path for Better Zs

Ozlo Sleepbuds®

An amazingly restful and peaceful sleep every night, free from distractions and noise, is the greatest gift you can give!

What are Ozlo Sleepbuds?

Ozlo is a science-driven, one-stop-shop for the best sleep of your life. Unlike other headphones and earbuds, our tiny Sleepbuds® are engineered to be super comfy, even for side sleepers, while blocking out sleep-disrupting sounds.
Sleepbuds® play audio for up to ten hours, letting you enjoy our noise-masking tracks or stream anything you like, including audiobooks, podcasts, white noise, and YouTube.

The Ozlo Difference

At Ozlo, we're dedicated to helping you achieve the best sleep possible through innovative audio solutions. Our company, founded by three former Bose engineers, focuses on creating products that not only help you fall asleep, but stay asleep throughout the night.

Ozlo Sleepbuds® simply don’t feel like other earbuds. Sleepbuds stay in place even when you toss and turn. The tiny earbuds, with their comfortable silicone tips and anchor-in-place wings, are designed for all-night comfort, no matter your sleeping position. Sleep on your back, side, or whatever works for you, and Ozlo Sleepbuds® will remain in place throughout the night.

Key Highlights

• Founded by three former Bose engineers with extensive experience in audio tech
• Sleepbuds® actively mask unwanted sounds like snoring, traffic, and environmental noises with calming, science-backed audio.
• Ultra-soft silicone tips designed to support every sleeping position, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit.
• Up to 10 hours of continuous use with extra charges from the Smart Case.
• Built-in biometric and environmental sensors offering personalized sleep reports
• Personal alarm gently wakes you without disturbing your partner

Learn More

Conclusion

Picking the right earbuds for sleep comes down to what keeps someone comfy and cuts out the noise that’s bugging them. The AirPods Pro 2 bring a snug fit and solid noise-blocking for those loud nights, while the AirPods 4 with ANC give an open-ear vibe for folks who can’t stand anything jammed in their ears. The AirPods 3 are a chill pick for quieter spots, and the Ozlo Sleepbuds step up with a sleep-only design that’s all about staying put and keeping things calm. The Max? They’re better for daytime tunes than bedtime. It’s all about what fits someone’s ears and their night, plain and simple. No matter the choice, a little care, like keeping the volume low and the buds clean, makes the whole thing work better. Sleep’s personal, and these earbuds just make the night a bit cozier.

Everyone’s got their own sleep quirks, so there’s no one-size-fits-all here. Someone tossing and turning might lean toward the Sleepbuds for their grip, while a light sleeper near traffic might stick with the Pro 2. It’s less about perfection and more about what feels right when the lights go out. The lineup’s got something for most, whether it’s Apple’s familiar buds or a pair built from scratch for snoozing.

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