I tested the Snoozeband Original with built-in speakers — and it transformed how fast I fall asleep

SnoozeBand Original Sleep Headphones review: Review in brief

A few weeks back I visited a friend who shares a wall with a rambunctious neighbor. I was up half the night listening to drunken covers of Sweet Caroline. She slept through it all, thanks to her SnoozeBand Bluetooth Sleep Headband. I had to put it to the test. Does the SnoozeBand Original deserve a place among the best sleep headphones?

After testing it, the Snoozeband has become my secret weapon to falling asleep faster when I need to listen to something in order to nod off but don't want anything in my ear. Whether I'm staying at my friend's house with her karaoke-loving neighbors or I'm trying to sleep when travelling, the Snoozeband offers a comfortable cocoon to stream white noise and block out distractions.

The thin speakers, soft band and breathable design ensures the SnoozeBand is comfortable all night long. Yes, even for side sleepers. You might feel some light pressure on the ears but a quick readjustment should put a stop to it. I've tested a couple of Bluetooth sleep bands and the SnoozeBand has the thinnest speakers I've come across.

It's also super portable. You can tuck the band into your pocket while traveling, making plane journeys a touch nicer. But be aware, the mask delivers sound masking rather than total blocking. I found it covered most traffic but could only soften snoring.

As headphones, the audio's at its best when you're listening to simple white noise and ambient sounds. Things that don't require richness or clarity but provide enough masking to help you nod off, essentially. Stick on your favorite playlist and you'll notice distortion. And you might spot some sound leaking, which didn't happen with ambient fan noise — and which your partner might not appreciate.

The basic SnoozeBand starts at £39.99 in the UK, with some designs £44.99. In the US, all options are $49.99. So no reason not to splash out on Blush Pink. Standard delivery is free for all UK orders or $3.49 in the US. But it is free over $70, so keep that in mind if you're planning some holiday shopping. A 1-year warranty and 15-night trial is included.

Compared to the MUSICOZY, the SnoozeBand is a touch pricey. But the brand promises the thin speakers and high quality band are worth the difference. And the comfortable fit does justify the price, in my opinion. Although MUSICOZY is better for budget shoppers.

The SnoozeBand Original is a convenient and comfortable way to block out unwanted noise, whether that's loud neighbors or persistent traffic. It won't completely cover snoring but it will muffle it, particularly if you opt for low drone brown noise — and you'll find plenty of options in the SnoozeBand app, a free feature that provides you access to a vast sleep library.

SnoozeBand Original Sleep Headphones review: Features

The SnoozeBand Original consists of an elasticated headband fitted with two disk speakers and a central control panel. The stretch combined with the movable speakers means it should fit most heads, but some larger hat sizes might feel the squeeze. It's also relatively breathable, although on warm nights expect a sweaty forehead.

A control panel allows you to turn the SnoozeBand on and pair with your phone. You can also change track, adjust volume, answer calls and set a timer.

As well as a simple design, the SnoozeBand Original has simple functionality. It uses speakers to deliver consistent sound as you sleep, without putting anything in your ear. You can connect this to your chosen streaming service or meditation app. Or you can link up to SnoozeBand's app, which is preloaded with sleep-friendly sounds at sleep-friendly durations.

SnoozeBand also has an auto-off timer, to preserve the battery. But if you do want your sounds going all night (or journey, if you're wearing it while travelling), the estimated 10-hour battery life should have your back.

Beyond audio it's only other function is an ability to answer calls.

SnoozeBand Original Sleep Headphones review: Performance

I've been using the SnoozeBand for three weeks, assessing it in key areas of performance. Here's what I've learned.

Set up

The SnoozeBand Original uses Bluetooth 5.2 to connect to your smart device. It's simple enough but while my connection has never dropped, it sometimes takes a moment to connect.

You can connect to your chosen streaming service, a mediation app like Calm or Better Sleep, or SnoozeBand's app (more on that below.)

Then you just have to familiarize yourself with the buttons. Do that before you get in bed and turn off the lights, or expect some mistakes.

For my money, it's a little confusing that you change track by tapping and adjust volume by holding the button. I instinctively try it the other way. But that's a minor preference and probably based on my headphones. (JLAB Go Pods, FYI.)

Audio and sleep sounds

It's best to be upfront: sleep headbands are never going to deliver clear, crisp audio. Especially not for under $50. If you want high fidelity audio, I recommend the premium Soundcore A30 sleep ear buds instead.

But for a headband, it's not bad. The quality is at its best when you're listening to white noise or ambient sounds — nothing that puts too much pressure on the clarity. Spoken word is also decent, if perhaps a little blurred.

For your everyday listening, the SnoozeBand won't replace your go-to headphones. But they get the job done. I've just been to Iceland so celebrated with some Sigur Rós, which came through thin and sharp, rather than rich and layered. In my room, it was a disappointment. But during a jog or on a plane, I could overlook the audio flaws for the convenience and comfort of the SnoozeBand.

The app itself is easy to use (as well as optional.) Its packed sleep library includes masking sounds, binaural beats and meditations.

For me, however, the main benefit of the app is the timer function. While the mask itself allows you to set an auto-off for one or two hours, the app delivers shorter, more precise timings. That means I can enjoy just 30 minutes of ambient train noises, at which point I should be asleep without too much battery strain.

Battery

SnoozeBand promises a 10-hour battery life. Which, with the auto-off function, should ensure multiple nights of use.

Even better, if you don't want to stop the disco, a full battery should see you through the night (and then some.)

I've had the SnoozeBand on the desk next to me for over ten hours in one go and the battery was going strong. The SnoozeBand also charges quickly, going from dead to full in under two hours.

But for an even more powerful battery, check out the Silk Sound Sleep Mask, which can go for over 20 hours.

Pervious sleep headbands I've tested have had diminishing returns when it comes to battery life. But I've trawled the SnoozeBand reviews and seen little mention of it.

SnoozeBand Original Sleep Headphones review: Should you buy?

The SnoozeBand Original Bluetooth Sleep Headphones allow you to wind-down with your favorite white noise without hurting your ears or disturbing the person next to you.

Comfort is its greatest benefit. The material is soft and (relative to other sleep bands I've tested) breathable. The speakers are also impressively slim, minimizing pressure against the ear.

The audio quality is fine, although music comes out tinny. But simple sleep sounds are clear and guided mediations crisp enough. Add on the impressive battery life and you can comfortably listen to hours and hours and hours of waterfalls, trains, or something the (optional) SnoozeBand app calls "Quiet Cosmos."

There are some notable downsides, however. The band stretches but isn't adjustable, which makes it too tight for some heads. Plus, it's pricier than some alternatives. And while it masks most sounds, it won't entirely block snoring.

But if your white noise machine is bothering your partner, or your neighbors are butchering a Neil Diamond classic, the SnoozeBand is the comfortable solution.

SnoozeBand Original Sleep Headphones review: Alternatives