With snoring, outside noise, and worries plaguing many of us before and during sleep, it can be difficult to get a decent night’s kip. A decent 7-9 hours of sleep is ideal, but many of us aren’t getting that, leading to a host of adverse mental and physical issues. According to a Mental Health Foundation survey of 2,000 adults, the average UK adult only gets three days a week of good quality sleep, while 38 per cent of those surveyed said poor sleep negatively affects their mental health at least once per week. Not getting enough quality sleep can lead to you feeling angry, irritable, more stressed and overwhelmed, or more anxious. And over time, these problems can snowball into more severe health issues.One way you can help achieve and maintain good quality sleep is by using sleep earbuds. A relatively new tech addition, these products typically go further than your standard earplugs by using noise cancellation or sound masking to negate a partner’s snoring, outside traffic, or racing thoughts.However, at up to several hundred pounds a pop, many models aren’t cheap. But how much value would you put on a good night’s sleep, knowing that a good 7-9 hours of decent kip sets you right for the day ahead? With that in mind, I’ve found the best sleep earphones — including audio products that can help you relax and reduce unwanted noise. These are the models that have helped get me to the land of nod.Read more: 15 best wireless earbuds 2026: Our tech expert put Sony, Beats, Bose and more to the testI tested headphones, eye masks and earbuds (Matt Ng/The Independent)The best sleep earbuds for 2026 are: Best overall – Soundcore sleep A30: £129.99, Currys.co.ukBest budget buy – MusicCozy: £17.59, Amazon.co.ukBest for side sleepers – Ozlo sleepbuds: £233, Amazon.co.ukBest sleep earbuds and eyemask – Manta sound: £143, Mantasleep.uk Best for travel – QuietOn 4: £259, Healf.comRead more: Best sleep aids tried and tested, from magnesium powders to quality duvets