Listening to music, podcasts, or white noise at night can be a great way to relax, unwind, and block out outside noise.
Unfortunately, it can be a major challenge to find the best way to listen to audio in bed. Earbuds are uncomfortable and easily fall out, and using a phone or radio can cause major issues if you share a room with someone who prefers quiet at night.
Luckily, there are plenty of options for compact pillow speakers that can solve this problem and provide the white noise you need.
After looking at some of the most popular pillow speakers out there, the C. Crane SoftSpeaker stands out from its competition, with features that offer unparalleled comfort and convenience.
Whether you’re looking for a wireless Bluetooth speaker or a budget-friendly option, there’s a pillow speaker that will work for you.
Here are six of the best speakers to help you get the good night’s sleep you need.
6 Best Pillow Speakers
Here is your guide to the best pillow speakers you can find on the market today.
C. Crane Co SSV SoftSpeaker Pillow Speaker – Best Overall
This high-quality, compact pillow speaker is the best overall choice for anyone who listens to music, audiobooks, or radio at night.
The C. Crane Pillow Speaker is built to be long-lasting and durable with a high-flex reinforced cord that won’t wear down with use. It also comes with a 6.5-foot power cable for extra reach.
The soft, plush speaker cover is designed for maximum comfort and is removable and washable for convenience and longevity. There’s also a one-year warranty so you can make this purchase stress-free.
You can plug in any smartphone or radio to this speaker to enjoy great quality sound. While the volume is loud enough to hear through the padded cover and pillow, it’s quiet and private enough to not disturb anyone else in the room. The in-line volume control also makes it simple to change the sound without adjusting your device.
While some users find that the plush cover is too thick to sleep on comfortably, you can easily remove the cover and place the small plastic speaker under your pillow for continued use.
UnderPillow Sleep SoundSystem – Best Under Pillow Speaker
If you’re worried about being able to feel your speaker through your pillow, this ultra-thin under pillow speaker is a great choice.
This speaker is designed to fit perfectly under your pillow without changing your sleeping position, and the soft fabric cover makes it an extra comfortable way to listen to audio at night.
You can connect your own audio devices, download audio files, or listen to the built-in nature sounds. These soothing pre-recorded sounds are perfect for anyone who needs white noise at night and are even recommended for overcoming tinnitus.
The hi-fidelity speakers and surround sound design are one of the biggest draws of this speaker. The loud, high-quality sound can be easily heard and enjoyed through pillows.
Whether you listen to audio throughout the night or just to fall asleep, this pillow provides you with options. You can select a 60-minute timer that will gradually lower the volume and turn off the audio for you when you’re asleep.
Pyle PPSP18 Bluetooth Pillow Speaker – Best Wireless Bluetooth Speaker
Another ultra-thin under pillow speaker, the Pyle PPSP18 is one of the best wireless pillow speakers you can find. Its compact design and quality dual speakers are perfect for blocking out noise and helping you sleep without wires in the way.
This speaker is thin enough to lay under your pillow unnoticed, and the sound quality is loud and clear even through thick pillows. The included wired mini-remote control allows you to easily regulate audio without adjusting your position in bed.
It’s simple to connect any Bluetooth device to listen to your music, and the speaker provides one GB of storage to load in a playlist. You can also select one of the calming pre-programmed nature sounds.
This is the perfect option if you’re looking for a pillow speaker that’s easy to travel with. It’s lightweight, easy to fit in bags, and includes a headphone jack so you can drown out outside noise wherever you go.
Conair Sound Therapy Pillow – Best Pillow With Built-in Speakers
Pillows with built-in speakers are a great way to listen to soothing sounds at night without having to adjust pillow speakers.
This cozy Conair pillow is one of the best pillows with speakers built-in at a reasonable cost. Its ultra-plush design provides great neck and back support for extra comfort without sacrificing sound quality.
This pillow connects to MP3 players or smartphones and offers ten integrated nature and white noise sounds, which can be easily adjusted through the built-in audio control. It also offers three timer settings – 15, 30, and 60 minutes.
The speaker uses two AA batteries, so you won’t have to worry about where to plug it in or any cords getting in the way. If you’re looking for a convenient, dependable, and comfortable built-in speaker, the Conair sound therapy pillow is hard to beat.
Sound Oasis Amplified Pillow Speaker – Best Value Pick
Sound Oasis speakers offer a huge number of features and incredible sound quality for their price. If you’re looking for an amplified sound that is guaranteed to drown out any outside noise, this under pillow speaker is perfect for you.
The two speakers are connected by a wire, so you can place them wherever fits your needs and easily customize their positioning. And with a sleek, ultra-thin design, you won’t be able to notice them as you sleep.
The high-fidelity speakers and surround sound audio are huge benefits, and the built-in amplification is perfect for managing tinnitus or sleep disorders. The audio also maintains its quality under pillows and can be easily adjusted with in-line volume control.
You can connect any device with a standard audio jack, including tablets, smartphones, iPods, MP3 players, and CD players. The 73” cord also ensures that you can easily reach an outlet and sound source for even more convenience.
Sangean PS-100 Pillow Speaker – Best on a Budget
If you’re shopping for a pillow speaker on a budget, the Sangean PS-100 offers an affordable and high-quality pick.
This wired plastic speaker has a thin, flat design that’s barely noticeable when it’s placed under your pillow or near your ear. The chamber shape also reduces frequency range and softens the sound to prevent anyone else in the room from hearing the audio.
With its lightweight design, the Sangean PS-100 is extremely portable and easy to bring with you wherever you travel. It offers compatibility with a wide range of devices, including CD players, clock radios, and any smartphone, and the 5-foot cable can reach most outlets without discomfort.
Volume is controlled by a switch with options for high, low, or off, so this might not be the best choice for anyone looking for more adjustable audio. However, for just over $11, it offers a durable and budget-friendly option with everything you need for a relaxing night of sleep.
Buying Guide
Here are some key considerations to keep in mind when you’re browsing pillow speakers.
Design
For the best relaxation and restful sleep, you’ll want a speaker with a sleek, compact design that you won’t be able to notice under a pillow.
Make sure to look for a flat speaker that won’t disrupt your sleep, such as a thin under pillow speaker or plush pillow with a built-in speaker.
Material
Many models come in a hard, plastic material that, if not positioned right, can lead to discomfort throughout the night. If you prefer a softer option, there are plenty of speakers with soft, cushioned material or a plush cover that you can comfortably place right next to your ear or under your pillow.
Sound Quality
If your pillow speaker has poor sound quality, it can easily be muffled by thick pillows and become inaudible. Before purchasing, be sure to take a look at the quality and design of the sound system to ensure that you’ll be able to enjoy your music, audiobook, or podcast loud and clear.
Wires and Cord Length
Wires can easily get in the way when you’re lying in bed. If you don’t want to have to worry about any cords, there are numerous high-quality wireless speakers you can buy.
Cord length is also important to look into before buying. Long power cords will ensure that you can reach any power outlet without the risk of accidentally tugging it and stopping your audio if you roll over.
Wires can also break very easily with a lot of use. Reinforced, flexible wires are critical to prevent speakers from wearing down fast and will ensure you get plenty of use and longevity out of your purchase.
So Which Pillow Speaker is Best?
If you’re looking for great value and comfort for a reasonable price, the C. Crane SoftSpeaker pillow speaker is the best overall choice that checks the most boxes.
It’s built to last, with high-quality sound and strong durability. With a huge range of features and a one-year warranty, this speaker is a fantastic option for anyone who relies on audio for a restful night’s sleep.
Once you find the speaker that suits all your needs, you can relax, unwind, and get the sleep you need without any disruption.
