Do you know that getting enough sleep is essential to our daily routine? It allows your body and brain to rest and prepare for the next day. However, external noise can distract your sleep and make you tired in the morning. If you’re tired of earplugs, but they’re not working for you, don’t worry; we will illustrate the seven alternatives to earplugs for sleeping to help you create a peaceful sleep environment and wake up refreshed and energized.
So, which one is the best? Let’s delve into the details and find out.
What are the best alternatives to earplugs for sleeping?
Getting a good night’s sleep is essential for our overall health and well-being. However, while earplugs can be an effective solution, it doesn’t mean they work for everyone, which can be challenging. But don’t worry; there are several alternatives to earplugs for sleeping that can work as earplugs. We will explore the best way to replace earplugs effectively below.
1. White Noise Machines
We know that earplugs are great, and yes, they aren’t too costly, but seeking alternatives provides options whenever you want to upgrade your sleeping quality. Below we offer the option of white noise machines, an alternative that might just be as good as ear plugs.
Pros:
- Go To Sleep Faster
- Stay Asleep Longer
- Lowers Anxiety
- Alleviates Headaches
- Improves Memory & Focus
Cons:
- Hearing Damage (If too close or loud)
- Irritating
- Not Woken Up For Danger
- Potential Delays in Young Children’s Development
- Dependency
Below is one of our recommendations:
SoundSpa® Sound Machine
Key Features
- White Noise Sound: six relaxing sounds are available, designed imitate closely to natural sounds such as White Noise, Thunder, Rain, Ocean, Summer Night, and Brook.
- Auto-off Timer: Choose your favorite Sound and set the auto-off timer option: 15, 30, or 60 minutes.
- Volume Control: Adjust the volume with the control button.
- Compact and Portable: Lightweight and easily fits into the bag or under the pillow.
- Help Baby Sleep: Make the baby fall asleep faster and longer.
Pricing:
Available in stock at the price of USD 23.99 at Amazon.
2. Ear muffs
For some reason, there are alternatives to earplugs for sleeping effectively, which as Ear Muffs. We know that earplugs might cause discomfort, but these ear muffs are designed to cover your ear completely, soft, and comfortably. They are working against external noise with extra materials for loud environments. Furthermore, some muffs have electronic components that allow users to communicate or block out impulsive noises.
Pros:
- Provide more consistent protection than plugs
- One size fits most heads
- Easy to put on and take off
- Good for short jobs
Cons:
- Heavy than earplugs
- More expensive than other types of HPDs
- Uncomfortable in the hot environment
- Eyeglass wearers may not get a good seal
Below is one of our recommendations:
Metog Unisex Foldable Ear Muffs
Key Features
- Design: Lightweight and comfortable, designed to keep your ear warm and block noise.
- Excellent unisex earmuffs: Foldable and durable to adjust for your preference, suitable for any age.
- Winter: Perfect for the winter season due to its anti-wind design that covers and prevents your ear from the damage of wind and rain
- Colors: Available in many colors, such as black, blue, grey, white, and more.
Pricing:
Don’t forget to click on Amazon to purchase it in stock. The price of this earmuff is only USD 16.99!
3. Sleep Mask
Key Feature
- Design: luxury looks, wrap your eyes in padded silk and give you the most comfortable experience while you sleep.
- Light blocking: block all the light, making you sleep in peace
- Materials: standard and quality silk, shine and comfort your eyes.
- Size: big cloudy squishy, cover up your eyes from the light. Let you fall asleep faster.
- Protection: protect your skin and hair from the bedsheets.
Pros:
- 100% block out the light
- Portable
- Super cozy
Cons:
- Expensive
- It may not be for everyone
- Risk of fall-off during sleep
Pricing:
We know this is the perfect fit for you, with the price of USD 79.00 at Amazon.
4. Noise-Cancelling Headphones
With advanced technology nowadays, we can say that noise-canceling headphones are one of the most effective alternatives to earplugs for sleeping in 2023. Besides, the comfortable earcups also reduce external noise, make you rest in peace, and have a restful night. Below is one of the best noise canceling that we pick for you.
Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
Key Features
- Active Noise Cancelling
- Transparency
- Battery (60 hours)
- Bluetooth (aptX adaptive, AAC, SBC)
- Built-in mic and controls
- Drivers (42mm diameter)
Design:
- Earcups: large and super soft, providing comfort for long hours.
- Headband: stainless steel on the hinges and sliders, solid and flexible
- Carrying case: protect and secure the headphones well
- Touch control: freely control music, pause, skip or pick up calls without using your phone
- Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.0, a strong and stable connection.
Performance:
- Active Noise Cancellation: improve your study with ANC
- Transparency: allows you to know and feel the world around you without taking them off
- Sound quality: a balanced and perfect audio sound that helps you focus on your task without any distractions
- Battery life: quick charge, 10 minutes, offer 1.5 hours of playback
Pros:
- Comfortable for long hours
- Premium design
- Convenience controls
- Long battery life
Cons:
- No support apex
- No multiple-device connection
Pricing:
If this is the one you’re looking for, we recommend purchasing it right now on Amazon for USD 277.61.
5. Noise-Cancelling Earbuds
Noise Cancelling Earbuds might be one of the best alternatives to earplugs for sleeping. They provide a trim fit, and comfortable in your ear and block out the external nose while allowing you to listen to calming or relaxing music. Additionally, there are many available options to choose from, but here we recommend the best one for you, which is;
SoundCore Sleep A10 Earbuds.
Key Features
- Active Noise Cancelling: Yes
- Sleep Position: freely move around in any position
- Battery: with ANC on, you can play for up to 10 hours
- Sleep Mode: helps you fall asleep faster
- Audio Mode: play excellent quality music, podcast, audiobooks, etc.
Design
- Eartips: twin seals ear tips, made for the side sleepers
- App: Track your sleep and provide the report via the app, including the library of sleep sound.
- Alarm: Alert the alarm in your head
- Touch Control: double tapping on the earbuds, control the playlist, adjust volume, etc.
- Smart switch: adjust your preferred audio Sound with sleep mode.
Performance
- Noise Cancellation: blocks disruptive noise and covers with background music; also reduces the chance of sleeping interruption.
- Passive Noise: Earwigs and Eartips create safety seals to support them.
- Unlimited Audio: listen to virtually unlimited content indoors with their peak performance.
- Music mode allows you to play excellent quality music, podcast, and audiobooks.
- Sleep mode: you will fall asleep faster with their unique feature.
Pros:
- The intelligent feature automatically adjusts the volume
- Sleep tracking system
- Easy to pair with Bluetooth
Cons:
- No active noise canceling
- Small size only good for the size sleeper
Pricing:
If this one suits you, please look at Amazon’s price now! Only USD 129.99.
6. Headphone Bands
Headphone bands are practical and comfortable alternatives to earplugs for sleeping; built-in headphones provide high-quality Sound while blocking out external noise, leading to a restful night without distractions. Unlike earplugs that might cause discomfort, with this headphone band, you will experience the cozy at another level. This headphone we show you is one of the high-quality brands among other options in the market.
POSNIUD POSH02 Sleep Headphone
Key Features
- 3 in 1 Headphone: Sleep headphones, sleep mask, and sport headband.
- Connectivity: Connect via Bluetooth.
- Design: Allows you to listen to music, protect yourself from external noise, sleep peacefully, and wake up refreshed.
- Ultra Thin Speakers: suitable for the side sleeper, no pressure on your head, and helps you fall asleep faster.
- Battery life: Can play up to 10 hours
Pros:
- Warranty card
- Bluetooth connection
- Super comfortable
Cons:
- Increase bacteria infection due to sweetness over a long period
Pricing:
We know you will be interested in this one, and we guarantee your quality and price. This headphone band costs only USD 17.89 at Amazon.
7. Soundproof panels
Soundproof panels are designed to reduce external noise and absorb and block sound waves. Furthermore, they provide more permanent noise disturbances, improve your sleep quality, and get a whole night’s rest without worry. This is the reason why a soundproof panel is one of the effective alternatives to earplugs for sleeping. If you want to learn more, please look for more detail with us below.
Dekiru Panels SoundProof

Key Features
- Design: Unique design, minimalist looks, and easy to install
- Eco-friendly: Odorless, friendly sound treatment. Control rooms lead you to a good night’s sleep without any distractions.
- High density: made of 1005 polyester Fiber, make your rooms breathable and safe for humans.
Pros:
- Effective
- Permanent
- It can be used in any room
- Aesthetic design
Cons:
- Time-consuming on installation
- High-cost
Pricing:
This is the best fit for you to consider because it blocks outside noise and improves your sleep. The price is USD 25.99 at Amazon.
Conclusion
Earplugs are great for blocking noise, but not for everyone. Some people might prefer another choice to improve their sleep quality. There are many alternatives to earplugs for sleeping, but we have picked a few alternatives for you to consider. The above information is necessary for you to decide for yourself.