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Best Electronic Earplugs: Noise Cancelling Options for a Better Night’s Rest

Danielle Mcleod

Sleep is not something you simply want, it’s something you absolutely need to function properly. A good night’s rest allows your body to cycle through various sleep stages for physical and mental rejuvenation. Lost hours, or interrupted sleep stages, can add up over time until you are sleep deprived, which can create long-term health issues over time.

If you are struggling to sleep due to any of the following reasons, you might want to consider trying electronic noise-canceling earplugs.

  • Noise from urban streets
  • Neighborhood music and vehicles
  • Barking dogs
  • A snoring partner
  • Or any other disruptive and unexpected noises

The best electronic earplugs differ from more commonly found noise-canceling earplugs by allowing you the option to play white noise or soft music all while providing a comfortable fit for all sleep positions.

RankProductHighlights
#1Hearprotek 2 Pairs Ultra Soft Lightweight Silicone Sleeping Earphone Headphones

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  • Style: Wired Earbud
  • Play Time Amount: Dependent on the music source
  • Wireless: no
  • Control: Volume, play, pause, skip, on/off in-line
#2WinOnly Sleep Headphones Bluetooth Headband

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  • Style: Wireless Headphones
  • Play Time Amount:10+ hours
  • Wireless: yes
  • Control: Manual play, pause, volume
#3LighttimeTunnel Sleep Headphones Bluetooth Eye Mask

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  • Style: Wireless Head mask
  • Play Time Amount: 8+ hours
  • Wireless: yes
  • Control: manual play, pause, volume, microphone, calling
#4CozyPhones Sleep Headphones

Read fill review

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  • Style:  Wired Headband
  • Play Time Amount: Dependent on device
  • Wireless: no
  • Control: Via the device you have them plugged into
#5EEIEER Sleep Earbuds Wireless Headphones

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  • Style: Wireless Earbud Style
  • Play Time Amount: 24 hours
  • Wireless: yes
  • Control: in-line volume, power, track change

How Electronic Earplugs Work

Earplugs are specifically designed to fit comfortably into your ears to help block noise and provide you a more comfortable experience. Most earplugs help muffle loud noises and high frequencies so they aren’t as noticeable, but electronic earplugs also allow you to cancel outside noises completely through the use of white noise and soft music.

Benefits of Using Earplugs

Obviously, when you use earplugs you are protecting the sensitive eardrum and inner ear tissues. Many earplug models can be used for a variety of uses, such as to help lower decimal exposure when using loud equipment, cut the noise from chainsaws and other tools, or allow you to sleep uninterrupted through the night. Electronic earplugs have further noise-blocking capabilities and double as a way to help avoid loud noises as well as provide a way to possibly lull your mind to sleep.

Side Effects

It is important to keep your ears clean and also clean the material used on the earplug to avoid a waxy buildup. Pushing wax back into the ear canal can lead to bacterial infections or partial deafness if left untreated.

It is also important to have the proper fit in order to avoid sensitivities or skin irritation. Most earplugs of this nature come with multiple soft silicon bud size options to fit all ear size needs.

Comfort Tips

To ensure you find a set that is comfortable for your own personal needs, always look over reviews that provide information about experiences in the same sleep position you sleep in. Not all are comfortable for side sleepers who have consistent pressure against the side of their head.

Also, always keep both your ears clean, and remove the silicon bud to wash with a gentle soap and water from time to time. Keep your hands clean when you reattach the pieces as well.

You might want to read: Know About Noise Cancelling Ear Plugs

Types of Electronic Earplugs

There are various styles of electronic earbuds you may want to consider for comfort and variable uses. These are specially designed to either fit snugly in the ear canal or over the ear for the noise canceling purposes.

Wired

Wired options are typical of a traditional earbud and require you to keep them plugged into a source, such as your phone, to stream any noise-canceling options. Obviously these don’t allow you to move as much although they often are very effective and can be used for other things.

Wireless

Wireless options attach to your phone, tablet, or computer via BlueTooth to provide a wire-free experience. These provide you the opportunity to move as much as you may like through the night. With advances in technology, these have become very affordable and make up the majority of your earplug options.

Earbuds

An earbud-style plug is very popular as it does not cover any part of your head and stays put through a snug silicon ‘bud’ that is placed directly in the ear.

Head masks

Head masks are an eye mask hybrid that is fit with small speaker within a thick, soft band that extends over your eyes and ears. These are popular for both sleep and travel purposes.

Sleep Headphones

Sleep headphones are a soft, headband style design that is fitted with small internal speakers to fit over your ears. These are generally comfortable and double as a choice for people who exercise in colder climates and are looking to keep their ears warm while listening to music on a comfortable manner.

Top 5 Electronic Earplug Reviews

The following reviews highlight some of the best styles and effective options available to you. These are chosen based on comfort and design and span a wide range of choices to fit any budget.

Hearprotek 2 Pairs Ultra Soft Lightweight Silicone Sleeping Earphone Headphones

Specs:

  • Style: Wired Earbud
  • Play Time Amount: Dependent on the music source
  • Wireless: no
  • Control: Volume, play, pause, skip, on/off in-line

Label: Best Wired Sleep Earplugs

The Hearprotek silicon sleep earplugs are designed for a soft, comfortable fit no matter what position you are in. This style is perfect to help block outside noise as well, making them the perfect set of earplugs for rest. The wired design is built tough to withstand movement and tugging and plugs into any device that accepts a 3.5mm universal jack. The inline control makes it easy to control your music from any app you choose for sleep, and also allows you to answer calls from your phone.

Pros

  • Low profile for a comfortable side-sleeping fit
  • Good sound quality
  • Blocks sound efficiently

Cons

  • Wired design that can tangle with a lot of movement
  • May cause discomfort for some people

Who These Are For

Anyone who enjoys uninterrupted white noise or music while they fall asleep or those who travel who would like to provide their own atmosphere will like this convenient design. Plus they come with a case.

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WinOnly Sleep Headphones Bluetooth Headband

Specs:

  • Style: Wireless Headphones
  • Play Time Amount:10+ hours
  • Wireless: yes
  • Control: Manual play, pause, volume

Label: Best Wireless Headband Style Earplugs

This headphones style earplug utilizes a thin, flexible speaker that sets over your ear within a soft, comfortable headband that is wide enough to pull down over your eyes if you so desire. Designed as a wireless, Bluetooth connection, it is compatible with any ios or android operating system to allow you to play any sleep app sound you desire. The controls are located on the band for full control of playback and volume, plus speakers can be removed easily for laundering.

Pros

  • Comfortable for sleep, travel, and exercise
  • Playback is long enough for a full night
  • Very flexible and not too tight

Cons

  • Speakers may not line up with all head sizes
  • May be too ‘snug’ for some people
  • Controller may be uncomfortable in middle of forehead

Who These Are For

Designed for variable use, these work to block disruptive sounds as well as double as an eye mask, or exercise product for cold days that require ear protection. Because they are breathable they do not hold in heat.

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LighttimeTunnel Sleep Headphones Bluetooth Eye Mask

Specs:

  • Style: Wireless Head mask
  • Play Time Amount: 8+ hours
  • Wireless: yes
  • Control: manual play, pause, volume, microphone, calling

Label: Best Eye Mask Style Ear Plug

Similar to a headphone style, this head mask is designed specifically to fit over the eyes to provide full noise and light cancellation. The thin, flexible speakers set over the ear in a comfortable manner while encased in a soft, comfortable, and adjustable band; and it can be removed so you can easily launder the mask when needed. It is wireless and connects via Bluetooth on both ios and Android systems.  A 9+ hour battery life ensures you have power through the night, and doesn’t beep when on low battery so as to not interrupt your rest.

Pros

  • Easy to adjust and comfortable
  • Sound quality is very good
  • Very easy to charge and connect

Cons

  • May not block out surrounding loud sounds well
  • Speakers may not line up for all head sizes
  • Battery not as long-lasting as other products

Who These Are For

Perfect for those who require a sleep mask, now you can wear one along with earplugs without creating uncomfortable pressure in the ear canal from the band.

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Read Full Review Here

CozyPhones Sleep Headphones

Specs:

  • Style:  Wired Headband
  • Play Time Amount: Dependent on device
  • Wireless: no
  • Control: Via the device you have them plugged into

Label: Best Plug-In Headband Style Earplug

Made by the original headband style headphone company, Cozyphones were designed to create a comfortable surround sound style sleep without undue pressure earbud style earplugs create. This product is wired with a durable, braided kink free wire made for movement, and attach to thin, flexible speakers that fit easily into the mesh of the headband in a secure manner. The 3.5 mm universal jack works with all devices. Speakers are easy to remove for laundering.

Pros

  • Comfortable and versatile
  • Breathes well
  • Speaker placement is adjustable for various sized heads

Cons

  • Headphones may slip through the night
  • May be difficult to position well
  • May stretch out over time

Who These Are For

Perfect for sleep and outdoor activities, this headband style is a favorite for those who need comfort and quality sound.  Plus it is easy to launder.

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EEIEER Sleep Earbuds Wireless Headphones

Specs:

  • Style: Wireless Earbud Style
  • Play Time Amount: 24 hours
  • Wireless: yes
  • Control: in-line volume, power, track change

Label: Best Wireless Earbud Style

These wireless earbud style headphones are made with a low profile for all sleep position comfort, including side sleepers. With up to 24 hours of playtime, these are amongst the longest playing products, and easier to adjust due to the covenant wire buckle. The designs allows it ot be used for a variety of other needs, such as exercise, as it is made to stay in place and keep from creating pressure on, or in, the ear.

Pros

  • Amazing battery life
  • Comfortable, as if you aren’t wearing anything
  • Cancel noises well

Cons

  • Not very durable overall

Who These Are For

Perfect for side sleepers, the unique design allows for full adjustment for a wide variety of body shapes and sizes.

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Related: All You Need to Know About Earplugs with Strings

Conclusion

When you need a solution to both block noise and play sound at the same time, these options provide you variable choices from which to choose. Whether you want full nose cancellation, a blocking of sound, or need comfort options, the above mentioned electronic noise cancelling earplugs have you covered. These various styles are all designed specifically for sleep, and play on the idea of using earplugs while allowing a more comfortable fit in, or over, the ear canal.