If you’re an ASMR enthusiast, you owe it to yourself to pick up a good pair of ASMR headphones. Whether you listen to ASMR while working, relaxing, or sleeping, these are the best ASMR headphones and earbuds available right now.
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1. Bose QuietComfort 20 Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones
Pros:- Brilliant, ergononic design
- Fabulous noise-canceling tech
- Super clear audio
Cons:- Pricey (but c'mon, these are the best of the best)
- No other color options
- 16-hour battery is enough, but could always be longer
Although ear mufflers often have the better noise-canceling tech, the Bose Quiet Comfort 20 is the exception. They will block almost every unwanted noise out. They’re that good!
One quick point I need to make, there are two models of the Quiet Comfort 20 available, one for Apple Devices, and one for Android Devices. So be sure to choose the right model for the right device.
In terms of audio quality, the Quiet Comfort 20 ticks all the boxes. Music is crystal clear and is actually helped by the noise-canceling tech inside, leaving you free to sit back and enjoy the things that matter to you.
Grab your favorite music, run a hot bath, drop in an Organic Bath Bomb, then just lie back and enjoy. These headphones will transport you to a more relaxing place.
So, the elephant. Yes, they are pricey, sure, but they legit don’t come any better than this. These things are the elite when it comes to ASMR earbuds, or even audiophile earbuds in general.
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2. Sennheiser HD 599 Open Back Headphones | Best Open-backed Headphones for ASMR
Pros:- Open-backed design makes for a natural listening experience
- Super comfortable and light (8.8 ounces)
- Spacious, clear sound
- Two attractive color options
- Replaceable cord
- Two-year warranty
Cons:- Expensive
- Open-backed design requires a quiet listening environment
- Possibly too bulky for sleeping
- Wired
If you’re an audiophile looking for a pair of high-quality ASMR headphones that won’t break the bank, then the Sennheiser HD 599 may be the headphones for you. The most unique thing about these headphones is their open-backed design, which produces a spacious sound that makes ASMR and other kinds of audio sound much more natural than it would on a pair of standard closed-back headphones. Other noteworthy features of the HD 599 include their incredible sound quality and their lightweight construction, which makes them perfect for long listening sessions.
The biggest factor that will determine whether these headphones are right for you is the open-back design. While most over-the-ear headphones have a completely solid rear panel in order to block out external noise (closed-back), open-back headphones like the 599 have a wire-mesh backing that blocks out some but not all outside noise. Open-back headphones sound more “natural” because their sound better resembles the way that humans naturally hear—with some sense of space or roominess between your ears and the sound itself. This can be great for many types of ASMR because the openness of the sound adds to the overall sensory experience.
Closed-back headphones, by contrast, produce audio that sounds like it is produced in a vacuum. This can be a good thing if you are listening in a less-than-ideal listening environment, but the sound of closed-back headphones generally feels a little more claustrophobic than the sound of open-back headphones.
Other strong points of the Sennheiser HD 599 are its stellar sound and build quality. These headphones sound incredible, with clear highs and mids and bass that is present but not overbearing. They work great with all kinds of ASMR and are generally quite pleasing to the ear. They are also extremely comfortable, with soft earpads that can be replaced if they become worn and an extraordinarily lightweight build (just 8.8 ounces) that makes them perfect for long listening sessions.
The most noteworthy shortcomings of the Sennheiser HD 599 headphones are that they require a quiet listening environment and are a little on the expensive side. They also may not be ideal for use when sleeping because of their size and wired design. But if you generally listen to ASMR in a quiet environment and you aren’t necessarily looking for something that you can fall asleep in, the Sennheiser HD 599 is an incredible pair of headphones that is sure to give you the tingles.
If you aren’t sold on the open-back design, take a look at the Sennheiser HD 598, which is available in a closed-back format and is similarly excellent.
Find more Sennheiser HD 599 Open Back Headphones information and reviews here.
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3. Bose QuietComfort 35 II | Best High-end ASMR Headphones
Pros:- Incredible Bose sound and build quality
- Top-notch active noise cancellation
- Wireless design allows you to use them anywhere
- Extraordinarily comfortable
- Balanced sound allows you to hear all the details
- Lightweight (8.3 ounces)
Cons:- Expensive
- Possibly too bulky to use when sleeping
- Earpad materials aren't the most durable
The Bose QuietComfort II headphones produce crystal-clear audio, have best-in-class active noise cancellation, and are extraordinarily comfortable. In short, they’re everything you could want in a pair of ASMR headphones.
Bose has been making wireless headphones for decades, and their active noise cancellation is among the best currently on the market. Noise cancellation is especially great if you enjoy listening to ASMR, because ASMR videos tend to involve very quiet sounds that can easily be masked by background noise. With three different noise cancellation options, the QC35 II gives you plenty of flexibility to block out unwanted noise so that you can focus on your triggers.
Another great thing about the QC35 II is that it is completely wireless. Simply pair the headphones with your smartphone or laptop and you are good to listen within several feet of the device. Wireless headphones are especially convenient if you are someone who likes listening to ASMR in bed. Not having to worry about a wire getting tangled or damaged makes the QC35 II much more appealing for bedtime use than it would be if it required a wired connection. That being said, the QC35 II is probably the kind of headset you would take off before actually falling asleep, especially if you’re a side-sleeper.
A final great feature of the QC35 II is that it is extremely lightweight and comfortable. The earpads are made of faux leather that feels nice on the head, and the whole headset weighs only 8.3 ounces. It’s the kind of headset you can put on and forget about, making it great for long listening sessions involving focus or relaxation.
The main downsides of the Bose QuietComfort 35 II are that it is expensive and probably not ideal for use when sleeping because of its size. But these are minor issues with an otherwise great product. If you’ve got the budget for a pair of premium ASMR headphones and you aren’t looking for something that you’ll want to wear all through the night, then you will likely be extremely happy with the QC35 II.
Find more Bose QuietComfort 35 II information and reviews here.
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4. Apple AirPods | Best Wireless ASMR Earbuds
Pros:- True wireless earbuds
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Good for sleeping
- Stellar sound quality
- Includes a charging case
- Iconic design
- Water-resistant
Cons:- Expensive
- Not a great fit for everyone's ears
- Look doesn't appeal to everyone
- Shorter battery life than some competing products
The Apple AirPods are a stellar pair of ASMR earbuds that have an ultra-modern ‘true wireless’ design. AirPods are a great choice for ASMR because they are light, comfortable, and produce shockingly good sound quality. You can pop these earbuds into your ears and more or less forget about them because they are just that comfortable, which can make the experience of listening to ASMR all the more relaxing.
The best part about the AirPods for ASMR-users is that they allow you to listen to ASMR whenever and wherever you like. They have a 5-hour listening life on a single charge and the convenient charging case allows you to recharge them on the go. The AirPods are also fantastic for listening to ASMR in bed, because they are small enough that they are unlikely to bother your ears while you sleep. Alternatively, they might just fall out of your ears sometime through the night; in which case, they still won’t cause you any discomfort while you sleep.
The AirPods also come with several other great features that make them not just a pair of great ASMR earbuds, but everyday earbuds. They have a built-in microphone, super-simple integration with iPhone and other Apple products, and they’ve got an iconic look that many people love.
The Apple AirPods have a few noteworthy downsides, the most obvious of which is their high price tag. The AirPods also aren’t a great fit for everyone’s ears, though the fit can be improved by purchasing some AirPod covers.
All in all, the Apple AirPods are a great choice for anyone looking to listen to ASMR. They let you get your tingles whenever and wherever makes the most sense for you, including in bed, and they come with all of the features you could want from a modern pair of headphones. They’re also one of the best iPod earbuds available right now.
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5. SleepPhones Acousticsheep Wireless | Best Wireless ASMR Headphones for Sleeping
Pros:- Wireless via Bluetooth
- SleepPhones quality
- Multiple sizes, colors, & fabrics
- Great sound quality
- Can also be used as an eyemask
- One-year warranty
Cons:- Can get warm
- Some side sleepers find them uncomfortable
- Must be recharged
The AcousticSheep SleepPhones Wireless come with all of the same advantages of the AcousticSheep SleepPhones Classic but they are also completely wireless. This makes the experience of using the SleepPhones for ASMR more comfortable because you don’t have to worry about getting tangled up in the wire or worse: the wire getting damaged in your sleep.
The SleepPhones Wireless can connect to any Bluetooth-enabled device and have a range of 15-30 feet. The headphones are charged with an included USB cord and have an estimated battery life of about 10 hours—more than enough to make it through an average night of sleep.
The biggest downside of the SleepPhones Wireless is the price; they cost more than double the price of the SleepPhones Classic listed above. The additional freedom and comfort you gain from the wireless design may be enough to justify this increase in price, but it probably won’t be your first choice if you are a shopper on a budget.
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6. COWIN E7 | Best Affordable ASMR Headphones
Pros:- Incredible feature list for the price
- Wireless design allows you to use anywhere
- Very comfortable and light
- Sound quality is great for the price
- Active noise cancellation
Cons:- Lower sound quality than more expensive products
- Active noise cancellation sounds a little unnatural
- Possibly too bulky to use when sleeping
- Heavier than other headphones on this list (13.6 ounces)
The Cowin E7 is an affordable pair of ASMR headphones that comes loaded with features. It’s completely wireless, has a solid build quality, a 30-hour battery life, active noise cancellation, a built-in microphone, and 40mm drivers that sound great for music, ASMR, and just about anything else. All of this is available to you for less than half of what you’d likely pay for a product from one of the big-name brands, making it an attractive option for anyone who’s looking for a pair of ASMR headphones on a budget.
The best feature of the Cowin E7 headphones for ASMR is that they are completely wireless. Wireless headphones are generally much more comfortable to use than wired headphones, and this is especially true if you are an ASMR enthusiast who likes listening to ASMR in bed before going to sleep. Wired headphones can be pretty awkward to use when sleeping, simply because you might pull or tangle the cord as you move through the night. Wireless headphones like the E7 don’t have this concern.
Other great features of the Cowin E7 for ASMR include the active noise cancellation, which can block out background noise and make your ASMR videos sound extra-clear, and the visually appealing design, which ensures that you can use these headphones either at home in bed or out in public. This is in contrast to some of the other products on this list that are specifically designed for sleeping and have designs that you might not want to wear while working at the university library, for example.
The biggest downside of the Cowin E7 is simply that its audio quality is not as clean as other more expensive pairs of headphones. It’s an incredible value considering the price that you’re paying for it, but you could certainly pay more for another pair of headphones and notice a difference in quality. One other shortcoming of the E7 headphones is that they are a little bulky for use when sleeping. If you are a side-sleeper, you will likely end up taking these off before you actually fall asleep.
That being said, the Cowin E7 is a no-brainer pair of headphones if you’re a shopper on a budget. It comes with all of the features you could want from a pair of modern headphones and it’s available at a great price.
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7. Shure SE215 | Best ASMR Earbuds
Pros:- Low-profile design makes them comfortable enough for sleep use
- Great sound isolation
- Multiple color options
- Durable cord
- Multiple earbud sizes
- Secure, over-the-ear configuration
- Detachable/replaceable cable
Cons:- Pricey
- Wired
- A little bassy for some
- Over-the-ear configuration requires some getting used to
The Shure SE215 headphones may be the perfect option for you if you prefer earbuds over headphones and you don’t mind a wired design. These headphones have fantastic sound quality and a host of great features that make them perfect for use with ASMR videos.
One of the best things about the Shure SE215 is that the earbuds protrude very little outside of the ears. In fact, they lie almost completely flat along the outer ear when inserted. This makes them comfortable enough to use when sleeping, as they won’t be pressed into your ears while you are on your side.
Another great thing about the SE215 for sleeping is that the cord is designed to go up and over your ears, rather than down like most other earbuds. This can make the wired design less awkward during sleep because you can feed the cord up toward the top of your bed and away from your neck and arms—making the cord less likely to get tangled or damaged during the night.
A final great feature of these earbuds for use with ASMR is that they block out a ton of external noise—up to 37dB to be precise. This means that you will be able to hear all of the details of your ASMR triggers without the sound being muddied up by external distractions. This makes these headphones a great choice regardless of whether you like to listen to ASMR to help you relax or to help you focus, as the noise isolation will help you with either.
The biggest shortcomings of the Shure SE215 headphones are the wired design, the somewhat-high price, and the fact that the over-the-ear design takes a bit of getting used to. Aside from that, this is a great pair of earbuds that will let you maximize your tingles with minimal external distractions.
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8. AcousticSheep SleepPhones Classic | Best ASMR Headphones for Sleeping
Pros:- Specifically designed for bedtime use
- Multiple color, size, and fabric options
- Good sound quality
- Comfortable for many side-sleepers
- Good noise cancellation
- Can also be used as an eye mask
- Headband can be washed
Cons:- Wired
- More expensive than other options
- Some side-sleepers find the speakers uncomfortable
The AcousticSheep SleepPhones Classic are another pair of headband headphones specifically designed for sleeping that are widely recommended by many in the ASMR community. These headphones have the same general design as the CozyPhones but come with a few advantages that help justify the increased price.
The best thing about the SleepPhones Classic compared to the CozyPhones is that they come in three different sizes—small, medium, and large—which ensures that you can get the proper fit for your head size. This helps to address one of the most common reviewer complaints about the CozyPhones: that they only come in one size and are somewhat awkward for people with smaller heads.
Another nice feature of the SleepPhones is that they are available in two fabric types: fleece and “breeze”. The fleece fabric is warm and fuzzy, making it a great choice for use in the winter months (or if you’re someone who gets cold while you sleep), while the breeze fabric is lighter and cooler. Most people tend to prefer the breeze, as the fleece can get too hot for comfort, but it’s nice to be able to choose whichever option makes the most sense for you.
The overall experience of using the SleepPhones is quite good. Audio is clear, and it sounds great with a variety of ASMR triggers. The unit is also very comfortable, though some reviewers have found that the speakers are not as thin as they would like, which can lead to ear discomfort. This is primarily a problem for side-sleepers.
The other downside of the SleepPhones is that they are double the price of the CozyPhones for a very similar product. SleepPhones are somewhat more established than CozyPhones in the ASMR community and are possibly somewhat higher quality.
Choosing which option is best for you comes down to personal preference. If you’re on a tight budget, the CozyPhones might be perfect for your needs. But if you’re comfortable paying for either option, then you’ll want to consider the fit, the fabric options, and whether or not you care about the bigger brand name.
Find more AcousticSheep SleepPhones Classic information and reviews here.
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9. TOZO T10 Wireless Earbuds | Best Affordable Wireless ASMR Earbuds
Pros:- Excellent Value
- Lightweight and comfortable
- True wireless with charging case
Cons:- Aren't as good as ear mufflers
- May look a little odd when worn outside
- The khaki version looks like a hearing aid
The TOZO T10 Wireless Earbuds are a great option if you don’t want to spend a bomb on expensive ASMR headphones.
Noise-canceling in earbuds will never be as strong as ear-muffler headphones. That’s just how it is. Small, inner-ear earbuds can’t match something that covers your entire ear. That said, there are little tricks to block out unwanted sounds. In TOZO’s case, it’s massive earbuds.
These things are huge. That may sound bad for general music usage, but for ASMR, blocking out unwanted noise is key to relaxation.
The deep bass these earbuds offer is also sure to help with relaxing. Sit in a darkened room, blast something mild with a ton of bass and you’ll be in a zen-like heaven.
They’re also waterproof, and while I’d never recommend taking earbuds in the bath, the option’s there for the daring.
Find more TOZO T10 Wireless Earbuds information and reviews here.
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10. CozyPhones Sleep Headphones | Best Cheap ASMR Headphones for Sleeping
Pros:- Comfortable while sleeping
- Affordably priced
- Breathable material
- Durable braided cord
- Several color options
- Washable
- Can also be used as an eye mask
Cons:- Speakers move around
- One-size-fits-all, kind of
- Average sound quality
- Wire requires some getting used to
The CozyPhones Sleep Headphones are an affordable pair of ASMR headphones specifically designed for bedtime use that are widely recommended by many in the ASMR community. It’s essentially a headband with two 1/8-inch speakers built into the sides. The speakers are thin enough that they can be comfortably used all through the night, even if you’re a side sleeper, making them a great option for listening to ASMR videos while you fall asleep. Best of all, the CozyPhones are available for about half the price of many similar products.
The CozyPhones are available in a wide range of colors and are made with a material called lycra that is often used in close-fitting sports clothing. The fabric is much more breathable than the material used in some similar products, which is great for ensuring that you don’t get too hot while wearing the CozyPhones through the night. CozyPhones are one-size-fits-all and are adjusted with a simple velcro strip. Speaker placement is also adjustable, which is nice for getting the perfect fit.
Audio quality from the CozyPhones is surprisingly good considering the low price and headband design. They won’t be able to compare to the crystal-clear sound of some of the other traditional headphones or earbuds on this list, but they are more than sufficient to give you the tingles while you drift toward sleep.
The biggest downside of the CozyPhones Sleep Headphones is that some people have a difficult time getting a secure fit. The adjustable speakers are nice for getting the right placement over your ears, but there’s no way to secure the speakers to a location once you’ve gotten them where you want them. There’s also a bit of trial and error in getting the perfect fit from the one-size-fits-all design.
Aside from these minor issues, however, the CozyPhones Sleep Headphones are a great product to try if you enjoy listening to ASMR in bed. They’re much more affordable than the next product on this list, and many users find them to be significantly more comfortable as well.
Find more CozyPhones Sleep Headphones information and reviews here.
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11. Panasonic ErgoFit | Best Cheap ASMR Earbuds
Pros:- Unbeatable price
- Great sound
- Super comfortable, even for sleep
- Awesome color options
- Good noise isolation lets you focus on triggers
- Includes three earbud sizes
Cons:- Wired
- Sound quality is good but not great
- Construction could be higher quality
- Some quality control concerns
The Panasonic ErgoFit earbuds are a legendary pair of earbuds that provide good sound quality at an unbeatable price, making them an excellent choice if you are an ASMR listener on a budget. These earbuds are available in a huge selection of colors, can be purchased with or without a built-in microphone, and come with three sets of earbud covers that ensure you get a comfortable fit for your ears. If you’re looking for a no-frills pair of earbuds that will let you get your tingles at minimal cost, these are the ASMR earbuds for you.
In addition to the above, these headphones come with two characteristics that make them awesome for ASMR: They are super comfortable, and they block out a lot of external noise. The comfort is an obvious plus for ASMR, because you won’t have to fiddle around with the headphones once they are in your ears and you can just focus on your tingles. They’re so comfortable that you can even use them for listening to ASMR while laying in bed for sleep, as the low-profile design shouldn’t bother your ears even if you lay on your side.
The Panasonic ErgoFit also offer great noise isolation, which is to say that they block out a lot of external noise. This is great for ASMR, because many videos focus on very soft sounds that can be difficult to appreciate if there’s a lot of background noise. These earbuds don’t offer the same quality of noise isolation you would get from a pair of headphones with active noise cancelation or from some of the more expensive earbuds on this list, but it’s great for the price.
The biggest downsides of these headphones are the wired design and the fact that they are not as high-quality as some of the more expensive options on this list. Don’t get me wrong, they are fantastic for a pair of cheap earbuds, but they still can’t compete with higher-quality products.
That said, they’re still the best choice if you want a pair of cheap ASMR earbuds.
Find more Panasonic ErgoFit | Best Cheap ASMR Earbuds information and reviews here.
Choosing Your ASMR Headphones
Choosing which of the above headphones is right for you comes down largely to form factor and price. The Cowin E7, the Sennheiser HD 599, and the Bose QuietComfort 35 II are all full-sized headphones that prioritize sound quality over portability. They aren't excessively large, but you likely won't be able to fall asleep in them unless you sleep flat on your back all through the night. Of course, this isn't a concern if you primarily listen to ASMR to focus while doing work or school-related tasks, but it might be important if relaxation is your primary goal.
The CozyPhones and SleepPhones products, by contrast, are specifically designed for bedtime use. If you primarily listen to ASMR in order to relax, then these might be great options for you because you can wear them all through the night. However, these models are less appealing if you want to use your headphones outside of the house as well.
Earbuds like the Apple AirPods and the Shure SE215 offer a nice middle ground between full-sized headphones and the headphones made specifically for sleeping. The models listed above are two of the more comfortable pairs of earbuds currently on the market, and both come very highly recommended by many ASMR enthusiasts. The Panasonic ErgoFit earbuds are another great choice if you are looking for an ultra-affordable option.
Once you've chosen the form factor that is most appealing to you, you can focus on price. There are headphones listed here fitting any budget, and you really can't go wrong with any of the above options. Alternatively, take a look at the best bass headphones for more headphone options.