If you’re a side sleeper and have used normal earbuds while in bed, you know that sharp painful feeling of having a hard piece of plastic jammed against your ear.
SleepPhones are, as the name implies, headphones made for use while in bed and/or sleeping. The unique selling proposition of these headphones is their comfort. You can sleep with them on, even if you’re a side sleeper.
While it might seem that we use electronics enough during the day and don’t need more at night, there are a number of reasons for using headphones while in bed. For me, it’s to listen to podcasts before I fall asleep. For others it’s to listen to soothing music or white noise to help them fall asleep.
In this review, I’ve tested the Wireless Bluetooth SleepPhones in the Soft Gray (fleece fabric) color option.
Pros
- Wireless – no wires to entangle you (perfect for those who toss and turn in bed)
- Comfortable
- Pause/Play button and skip/volume control buttons
- Easy to connect and pair with phones and computers
- Compatible with any device which uses Bluetooth
- Long battery life, 13 hours
- Decent sound quality
The SleepPhones Wireless is a headband with two speakers and a Bluetooth receiver/battery pack/remote. If the speakers are not directly over your ears, you will not be able to hear. With these headphones on, you can still clearly hear the environment around you. Unless you’re listening at the highest volume and inches away from the person next to you, they will not be able to hear your audio.
There is a velcro closure at the at the back of the band (at the back of your head), where the Bluetooth receiver/battery pack/remote is located. By opening the velcro closure, you can remove the receiver to recharge it. A Micro USB charging cable is included.
You can also remove both speakers, making the headband washable.
SleepPhones come in either “Breeze fabric” or “Fleece fabric”. I am testing a pair of fleece fabric SleepPhones. The fleece material can get warm, and it is great for wintertime, but not ideal for summer. I have air conditioning, so it’s not a big deal. If you live somewhere hot, like Florida, you will probably be better off getting the lighter weight option, the “Breeze fabric”.
To help save battery, the headphones shut down automatically if not connected via Bluetooth after a period of time. I only use these headphones at night, and they can last a few nights on a single full charge.
Cons
- Can be hard to locate the buttons
- Can mess up your hair
- Hard to tell how much battery is left in the headphones
- The speakers and battery pack can shift around within the headband
The control buttons are tiny and close together, so it takes a bit of effort to find the right button. While in bed, I usually find myself controlling the volume using my phone because it’s easier.
Fit and Comfort
SleepPhones sell “one size fits most”, “extra small”, and “extra large” sizes. I use the “one size fits most” size, and it fits perfectly. The headband is slightly stretchy.
The receiver is located at the back of the head, so you can feel it when you’re laying flat on your back. It is flexible, and I haven’t found it to be uncomfortable. Overall, I’ve found my SleepPhones to be very comfortable, and much better for sleeping than your average pair of earbuds.
Sound Quality
If having the highest, most accurate sound is your main concern, you probably would not be looking for a pair of SleepPhones in the first place. That’s not to say that SleepPhones have bad audio – in fact, it’s decent for casual listening.
I’m not an audiophile, but I have tested and used many headphones, and can compare them to the SleepPhones. I use my SleepPhones almost exclusively for listening to podcasts. Since most podcasts are just spoken word, sound quality isn’t my highest priority. As long as I can understand what the person is saying, I’m good. But for testing purposes, I have listened to a number of tracks, ranging from classical to trance. Bass is relatively weak – not ideal if you’re into trap. But then, who listens to trap in bed?
The SleepPhone’s sound quality is on par with, if not slightly worse than that of the Apple EarPod earbuds which come with the iPhone.
Should you get the wireless or wired SleepPhones?
Price-wise, the wired version costs $40, and the wireless costs $100. That’s a $60 difference – something to consider. The wired are fine, but wearing a wireless pair of headphones are more comfortable, especially if you toss and turn while in bed. With my normal (not SleepPhone) earbuds, there have been times when I’ve woken up with the cord wrapped around my neck. The wireless version eliminates that issue.
Bluetooth connection is smooth and seamless. The SleepPhones Wireless connect to my iPhone as soon as I turn them on, and connection almost never drops. The Bluetooth range is standard, around 30 feet, although it may vary if there are walls, things in the way, etc. It can be annoying to have yet another electronic device to charge. There have been times when I’ve tried to turn the SleepPhones on at night, only to find out that the battery is dead. (Remember to recharge the SleepPhones approximately every other morning.)
There is also another model called the SleepPhones Effortless, which use wireless charging and cost $130. I have not tested the SleepPhones Effortless, so can’t comment on those, however they look very similar to the normal Wireless model.
The Verdict
The SleepPhones Wireless has some quirks, but get the job done. These headphones have a long battery life, are comfortable to wear for long periods of time, and won’t entangle you at night. They were designed for a very specific purpose – listening to audio while in bed – and if you use these headphones every night, they’re worth it.
Where To Get It
- Get these wireless headphones on Amazon.com (see the wired version here on Amazon)
- And also on the SleepPhones official website, SleepPhones.com
What are your thoughts on SleepPhones? Have any questions? Leave a comment below.
The SleepPhones were provided for this review. As always, this SleepPhones review contains only my honest views and opinions. 🙂 Find out more about me and this site here.
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