The search for the perfect sleep earbuds can be a long and frustrating one. Having relied on the Bose Sleepbuds 2 for years, I was disappointed by their discontinuation. Enter the Ozlo Sleepbuds, developed by former Bose engineers who worked on the original Sleepbuds project. With a strikingly similar design and promising features, the Ozlo Sleepbuds aim to fill the void left by Bose. In this review, we’ll explore whether they live up to the legacy and justify their price tag.
A comparison between the Bose Sleepbuds 2 and the Ozlo Sleepbuds.The Bose Sleepbuds 2 (left) and the Ozlo Sleepbuds
Design and Comfort: A Familiar Feel
The resemblance between the Ozlo and Bose Sleepbuds 2 is uncanny, and for good reason. Ozlo licensed the technology and name, essentially continuing the Bose legacy. The similarities are so striking that the earbuds are even interchangeable between the two cases.
The Ozlo Sleepbuds feature a compact design encased in soft silicone, complete with small wings and an oval-shaped tip for a secure and comfortable fit. Four sets of silicone ear tips are included to ensure optimal comfort for various ear sizes.
A person wearing the Ozlo Sleepbuds.Wearing the Ozlo Sleepbuds
After three weeks of testing, primarily as a side sleeper, I can confidently say these are exceptionally comfortable. The flush-fit design allows for comfortable sleep even with my ear against the pillow. I experienced no discomfort, itching, sweat buildup, or earbuds falling out, although they can occasionally loosen with movement. The Ozlo Sleepbuds are undeniably the comfort champions in the sleep earbud category.
Audio and Sound Masking: Versatile Options
While the design echoes the Bose Sleepbuds, the features offer more versatility. The Ozlo Sleepbuds offer 10 high-quality Sleep Sounds, including rainfall, fireplace, and ocean sounds, for effective sound masking. The volume for these sounds is controlled within the Ozlo app, not through the phone’s volume controls.
The Ozlo Sleepbuds earbuds.Ozlo Sleepbuds
For streaming music, podcasts, or other audio, the Ozlo app provides three Bluetooth profiles. You can disable streaming entirely, enable both streaming and sleep sounds, or enable streaming for 10 minutes to conserve battery. The app also allows you to switch from streaming to a Sleep Sound after a specified time. The volume for streamed audio is controlled via the phone’s standard volume controls.
A person wearing the Ozlo Sleepbuds.Listening to audio with the Ozlo Sleepbuds
The audio quality is surprisingly good for sleep earbuds, with a balanced sound and no distortion at higher volumes. The extensive customization options demonstrate a deep understanding of user needs. However, the app can be slow to connect, and there’s a faint, persistent hiss when the earbuds aren’t playing anything.
A person holding an Ozlo Sleepbuds earbud.Holding an Ozlo Sleepbud
While lacking active noise cancellation, the passive sound isolation is effective, providing a peaceful sleep environment. The in-app alarm, however, is jarring and lacks a gradual wake-up feature.
App and Missing Sleep Monitoring: A Disappointment
The Ozlo app is free and well-designed, displaying battery life, Sleep Sound selection, alarm, and timer settings. However, the advertised “My Sleep” sleep monitoring feature, a key selling point, is still unavailable. This omission significantly impacts the overall value, especially considering the premium price.
The Ozlo Sleepbuds with the app on an iPhone 16 Pro Max.Ozlo Sleepbuds app on iPhone
The Ozlo Sleepbuds app showing the My Sleep function coming soon.My Sleep function listed as “coming soon”
Battery Life and Charging: A Solid Performer
Unlike the Bose Sleepbuds 2, the Ozlo Sleepbuds have excellent battery management. A single charge provides over seven hours of use with 30 minutes of streaming. The case provides three to four additional charges and utilizes USB-C for charging. The magnetic earbuds and slide-back cover ensure secure storage.
The Ozlo SleepbudsOzlo Sleepbuds
The Ozlo Sleepbuds with the OnePlus Buds Pro 3.Size comparison with OnePlus Buds Pro 3
Price and Availability: A Luxury Purchase
The Ozlo Sleepbuds are priced at $299, significantly higher than competitors like the 1More Z30 Sleeping Earbuds and Anker Soundcore Sleep A20. The absence of the sleep monitoring feature further diminishes the value proposition.
The Ozlo Sleepbuds outside the case.Ozlo Sleepbuds outside the case
Conclusion: Comfort Comes at a Premium
The Ozlo Sleepbuds deliver unparalleled comfort, making them a tempting option for those prioritizing a comfortable sleep experience. The high-quality Sleep Sounds, versatile streaming options, and solid battery life are also commendable. However, the high price and missing sleep monitoring feature are significant drawbacks.
The open Ozlo Sleepbuds case showing the earbuds.Ozlo Sleepbuds case with earbuds
Ultimately, the Ozlo Sleepbuds are a luxury purchase. If ultimate comfort is your priority and you’re willing to pay a premium, these might be the perfect sleep earbuds for you. However, budget-conscious buyers may find comparable comfort and features at a lower price with competing models.
