ZDNET’s in-depth observations reveal that the Ozlo Sleepbuds—an innovative pair of sleep-oriented earbuds conceptualized and developed by three former Bose engineers—represent one of the most remarkable and functionally beneficial devices in their category. Since their release in the previous fall season, these earbuds have consistently proven themselves to be the most effective sleep companion I have encountered through extensive testing. Their sound quality excels at concealing ambient distractions that frequently interrupt rest, while their ergonomic and secure design ensures prolonged comfort throughout the night.
Although the anticipated sleep-tracking capability has not yet been made available, and the initial setup process presented occasional difficulties marked by connection interruptions and software glitches, once properly configured, the earbuds performed exceptionally well. From the moment they nestled comfortably in my ears, they facilitated a transition to sleep with extraordinary swiftness.
I approach my nightly rest with the same seriousness that an athlete might reserve for maintaining a disciplined workout or nutrition regimen. I meticulously regulate everything within my control—the atmosphere of my bedroom, the pajamas I select, and the sleep mask I use to block intrusive light. Yet, amid all these well-calibrated efforts, there remains one consistent adversary: the persistent symphony of urban noise that emanates from the bustling streets below my Brooklyn apartment. My window faces an avenue that never truly sleeps, constantly alive with the rumble of engines, the chatter of pedestrians, and the occasional wail of emergency sirens. Even as I attempt to compose these thoughts, the distant roar of motorcycles and the sharp echo of a firetruck’s siren interrupt the night. It is a vibrant, energetic environment that inspires by day but torments by night for anyone longing for uninterrupted slumber.
During a recent holiday season, when festivities filled the streets with joyous singing well past midnight, I endured night after night of restless hours as melodies and celebrations echoed into the early morning. This year, however, I resolved to use that same noisy backdrop as a testing ground for the Ozlo Sleepbuds—and the result thoroughly exceeded expectation. With the buds in place, I was able to drift asleep within mere minutes, discovering an almost immediate sense of serenity amid the chaos outside.
These earbuds are, quite simply, among the most comfortable and effective sleep aids I have worn. I would enthusiastically recommend them to anyone whose sleep environment is compromised by unwanted sound and who values both performance and comfort. The only significant consideration is the price—approximately $300—which might deter some buyers. Nevertheless, for those who see restorative sleep as an investment, the cost is justified.
If the name Ozlo sounds familiar, it may be because the brand traces its lineage to the discontinued Bose Sleepbuds project. Bose officially ended that line in 2020 after acknowledging that the product had not achieved the broad adoption they had anticipated, despite dedicated fans. The Ozlo Sleepbuds may therefore be viewed as a conceptual rebirth of that earlier innovation, merging select proprietary Bose technologies—such as the recognizable StayHear Plus silicone tips—with refined design and updated hardware.
Encased in a compact yet weighty charging case, the system offers multiple ear-tip and ear-wing sizes to fine-tune the wearer’s experience. In my own setup process, the greatest challenge emerged during the initial connection stage. The Bluetooth pairing faltered twice before establishing a stable link with the app, and subsequently, several interface errors required me to restart the program multiple times. Eventually, after confirming settings and stabilizing the connection, the earbuds operated smoothly and consistently.
Even without the companion app, the Sleepbuds immediately supply a selection of preloaded white noise options, meaning that anyone eager to test them without prior setup may do so with ease. Still, those who desire more intricate personalization can use the Ozlo app’s library of ten distinct ambient or masking sounds, allowing each user to identify the frequency blend that best complements their sleeping habits.
The software also includes a subtle alarm function, though in my experience, these miniature alarms are unreliable given how I typically wake up to find earbuds scattered across the bed. More reliable features include a sleep timer that conserves battery by shutting off playback after a chosen duration and an intelligent Auto-Play function that senses when you have fallen asleep, gently transitioning whatever content you were playing—be it music, podcasts, or audiobooks—into the selected ambient masking sound.
At launch, two much-anticipated functions remain absent: detailed sleep-tracking and environmental sensing. However, Ozlo has confirmed that these capabilities will eventually arrive via an over-the-air firmware update. While their absence is somewhat disappointing, it does not diminish the earbuds’ current performance as a noise-masking device. I intend to reevaluate them once these enhancements become available.
In practice, the Sleepbuds exhibit impressive staying power. I am a restless sleeper, and very few earbuds manage to remain secure through an entire night. Remarkably, these stayed in place with minimal disruption. The stabilizing ear wings ensure that, on most mornings, at least one bud remains perfectly seated—on one surprising occasion, both did. Battery longevity is equally solid, typically sustaining performance for about one and a half nights before a recharge becomes necessary.
Each evening I used the Ozlo Sleepbuds, I slipped easily into sleep and awoke feeling genuinely refreshed. Initially, I relied on them during the noisiest nights, when neighborhood festivities reached their peak, but soon I found myself using them habitually simply because they were so comfortable. The sound design achieves a delicate balance: powerful enough to obscure external noise yet subtle and neutral enough to encourage calm relaxation. That equilibrium is rare and not something I have found consistently in competing products.
While I was unable to test their ability to mitigate close-proximity disturbances such as snoring, experience suggests they should significantly diminish ambient distractions. Side sleepers will particularly appreciate that they produce no painful pressure or soreness, maintaining comfort even after long hours of wear.
Ultimately, the ideal audience for the Ozlo Sleepbuds includes anyone who values a secure, undetectable fit and is willing to invest in a premium solution for nocturnal serenity. These earbuds practically dissolve into place—soft, stable, and unobtrusive—allowing movement between sleep positions without noticeable discomfort. Their primary function is not active noise cancellation but rather precise and natural noise masking, and in that capacity, they excel. Although the setup can be temperamental and early software quirks persist, once operational, the product delivers on its central promise: facilitating peaceful, uninterrupted rest even in the midst of urban clamor.
Ordinarily priced at $349, the Sleepbuds occasionally appear at promotional discounts, such as a Cyber Monday price of $274—around a 21% reduction. Having evaluated numerous similar devices, I can confidently conclude that the Ozlo Sleepbuds represent the finest option currently available for those willing to invest in a technologically refined solution for sleep enhancement. For anyone contending with an unruly or distracting sleeping environment, they offer both the practical and sensory comfort necessary for deep rest—and that, in itself, makes them worth every dollar.
Sourse: https://www.zdnet.com/article/these-earbuds-help-me-get-some-sleep-in-a-noisy-neighborhood-and-theyre-75-off/
