At just £20, this Bluetooth headband with built-in headphones is the long-haul solution for listening to music and snoozing on flights and in hotel rooms.
29 October 2022
I have sensitive ears. Earplugs, over-ear headphones, and in-ear AirPods are only comfortable for so long. On shorter flights, I manage alright; however, anything longer than a few hours leaves my ears miserable from prolonged pressure.
When an Amazon ad first suggested a headband with Bluetooth speakers, I figured it didn’t hurt to try. My expectations were low when I purchased the Perytong sleep headband, but at less than £20, I wasn’t putting a lot on the line. At first glance, the headband appears soft, foldable, and comfortable. It’s hypoallergenic and sweat-proof. Moreover, while I’m not a runner, I’ve seen more athletic individuals enjoying a similar look while they run. The technology is straightforward – two small speakers are integrated into the headband, one for each ear, with three simple buttons on the front: volume up, volume down, and play/pause. Tucked into the back is the USB-C charging port – it comes with its own charger, but you can also use any other generic USB-C charger.
When I tried these sleep headphones, I was elated. The headband was comfortable and snug without being overly tight or uncomfortable. My biggest concern was the charging port in the back, but that became a non-issue during my first flight. I didn’t even feel the charging port when I leaned against the airplane headrest. Bonus points for being able to lean against an airplane window comfortably.
However, since the sleep headphones aren’t noise-cancelling, don’t expect the headband to completely block out airplane engine noise. The sound isolation is somewhat compromised for comfort, as they rest lightly on the ears. Personally, the trade-off is immensely worth it during longer flights, as the battery lasts about 10 hours. I use them interchangeably with my sound-blocking headphones depending on my mood, and the sound from my music doesn’t disturb my seatmates, no matter which pair I wear.
Beyond the plane, this headband is especially helpful when I’m trying to fall asleep in a new hotel or Airbnb – I love to use it to listen to meditations or audiobooks before bed. As a side sleeper, none of the other headphones I’ve tried have been comfortable enough.
I appreciate products with multiple uses since there’s a limited amount of space in my travel bag (in a pinch, the headband can double as an eye mask). The multi-functionality of this gadget alone makes it a standout choice. Additionally, as I’m not the only one in my family with sensitive ears, these sleep headphones will make a perfect gift for my traveling relatives.
