The 9 best pillow speaker options to rock (and roll) you to sleep

Need a good set of pillow speakers to help soothe you to sleep?

For those who need the relaxing sounds of their favorite podcast, audiobook, or album to help them slumber, headphones aren’t always the best choice. 

First, you’ve got the risks associated with sleeping in headphones to worry about, from awkward wires to earwax issues (yuck). 

Secondly, even if you know your headphones are safe, they’re not always comfortable. Even the best, most unobtrusive earbuds can be hard to ignore for a light sleeper. 

Pillow speakers solve those problems. 

The best pillow speaker ensures you can listen to anything you choose without compromising on comfort. Even better? Many of these devices are designed to deliver focused sound only to you. You don’t have to disturb your partner with your trusty under pillow speaker. 

So, which are the best pillow speakers available right now? 

Our choices are:

• C.Crane SoftSpeaker Pillow 
• Sangean PS-300 pillow speaker 
• PillowSonic FM15 under pillow speaker
• Sound Oasis SP-101 pillow speakers
• StillCool pillow speaker 
• MMUSS Sleep ultra-thin speakers
• Pyle PPSP18 rechargeable
• Pyle portable travel pillow
• PillowSonic under pillow system

1. C.Crane SoftSpeaker Pillow 

We’re starting our list of the best pillow speakers strong with the C.Crane amplifier system. More than just a standard under pillow speaker, this simple device connects to your smartphone, television, or bedside radio with a standard headphone jack. 

The inline control allows you to adjust the volume to suit you. There are also EQ controls for improving the clarity of podcasts or spoken audiobooks.

The soft padding around the speaker is ideal for those who want to lay their head directly against the source of the sound. For people with poor hearing, the C.Crane can also provide high-quality audio up to 3 times louder than non-amplified versions. 

Features include:

• High-quality audio with EQ controls
• Soft cushioning with teddy-bear cover
• 6.5-foot cord
• Volume control module in the wire
• Compatible with smartphones, tablets, TVs, and more
• Suitable for people with hearing loss
• 2 AAA batteries for 80 hours of power
• Adjustable sleep timer included

If you don’t want to leave your audio on all night, just set the sleep timer before you get into bed. Your batteries will last up to 80 hours, so you don’t have to worry about the speaker dying on you. Plus, you get a 1-year warranty. 

You may find the amplified sound isn’t loud enough if you want an under-pillow speaker, however.

2. Sangean PS-300 pillow speaker 

Simple but effective, this under pillow speaker from Sangean will help you get to sleep with the music or audio of your choice. You can plug the system into your CD player, radio, smartphone, or any device with a 3.5mm output. 

There’s an on/off amplifier for those with hearing issues. Listening with the amplifier switched off shouldn’t disturb any bed mates. 

A single AAA battery is all you need to run this device, and you get an inline volume control for managing sound while you’re still in bed. The extra-flat speaker design should protect your pillow from lumps and bumps. 

Features include:

• Flat and simple design
• Available amplifier
• Powered by one AAA battery
• Inline control for volume
• Great for private listening
• Convenient adaptability with many devices
• Plug and play function
• 6.5-foot cord

If you’re looking for the best pillow speaker to simply slip underneath your pillowcase, this could be it. The device works with most audio products which have a headphone output, and the user manual is easy to follow. 

It may, however, be a little uncomfortable under your pillow if you don’t have the right padding. 

3. PillowSonic FM15 under pillow speaker

Promising to be the perfect companion for a good night’s sleep, this FM15 speaker from PillowSonic is simple, but effective. Designed to slide conveniently under your pillow, this device has a padded covering to prevent any bumps from keeping you awake. 

The cover is durable and washable for long-term use, and it doesn’t affect the audio. 

Even situated underneath your pillow, the FM15 can deliver a great quality of sound, with a convenient 3.5mm aux connection to link to your clock radio. The speaker works directly through your music player, so there are no batteries needed. 

Features include:

• Comfortable, washable padding
• No batteries required
• Works with a range of devices
• Suitable for private listening
• Two embedded speakers in one 
• High-quality stereo sound
• Inline volume control

If you need help masking tinnitus, this is one of the best pillow speakers around to ease your mind. The volume button is a little flimsy however, as are the cables to connect the speaker to your device. Be careful you don’t tug the cord too much.

4. Sound Oasis SP-101 pillow speakers

The best pillow speakers can come in either packs of one, or two, depending on whether you need stereo sound. The Sound Oasis SP-101 solution is a set of two ultra-thin speakers that slip easily under your standard or king-sized pillows, surrounding your head with comforting music. 

According to Sound Oasis, you don’t need to worry about disturbing your partner either.

The included 1/8 3.5mm cord means you can connect your speakers to a range of devices. Simply connect to your cd player or radio and there’s no need for any separate batteries. The in-line volume control ensures you can choose the perfect sound level too. 

Features include:

• 2 pillow speakers in one
• Flat ultra-thin design
• High-quality surround sound
• 3.5mm plug for great compatibility
• No batteries required
• In-line speaker control

A lack of batteries means you don’t have to worry about your device running out of charge. Plus, you can control the volume while you’re still in bed, which is a nice bonus. 

Unfortunately, this stereo pillow speaker with volume control set is a bit uncomfortable to lie on, just make sure you have the padding of your pillow.

5. StillCool pillow speaker 

If you tend to sleep on your side, then you only need a single pillow speaker with volume control. This StillCool pillow speaker will keep your brain relaxed as you doze off. 

Slim and easy to use, the lightweight device slips under your pillow at night, and plugs into your external devices. The product can take power from your radio or iPod, so you don’t need batteries. 

The 3.5mm aux cable should work with a variety of radios, CD players, and even a bedroom TV. Plus, you benefit from a great sound quality, with adjustable volume. 

Features include:

• Slim and subtle design
• Lightweight and easy to transport
• 3.5mm plug is great for computability
• 12mm diameter 
• 60mm cable
• Single speaker for less disruption

If you’re looking for a handy under pillow speaker for learning while you snooze, or late-night radio sessions this could be it. The device is thin enough you shouldn’t notice it too much, but the wire is very flimsy, so be careful. 

If you can get past this, you’ll have a great night’s sleep.

6. MMUSS Sleep ultra-thin speakers 

If you’re not sure about pillow speakers, but you do want an alternative to pillow headphones, this could be the product for you. 

The MMUSS Sleep ultra-thin speakers are designed to work alongside a headband, or eye mask you wear each night. Just wrap the band around your head (covering your ears) and slip the speakers into place. 

The ultra-thin 3mm design won’t cause any discomfort when you’re sleeping. Plus, the material is durable enough you can move around during the night without worry. The 3.5mm stereo plug will work with a range of devices too, from CD players to radios. 

You can also use these pads without a headband and just slip them under your pillow cover. 

Features include:

• 2 speakers for stereo sound
• Excellent for headband use
• Ultra-thin and comfortable design
• Convenient 3.5mm plug
• Perfect for use with eye masks too

Whether you use these speakers with a headband or not, you get a comfortable way to listen to music without disturbing your partner. Just don’t expect the best audio quality, there is some distortion. 

The wires can also break quite easily, but if you’re careful, you’ll be fine.

7. Pyle PPSP18 rechargeable

Probably one of the best pillow speaker options around for flexibility, the Pyle PPSP18 is unlike anything else we’ve reviewed on this list. There are two speakers included in the cushioned device, allowing for stereo sound, but the speakers are connected so you don’t lose track of them. 

Compact and lightweight, this product sits subtly underneath your pillow to protect you from any sleep disturbances. There’s a mini remote control for managing your volume. The inline control also offers shuffle, play, and pause function. 

Thanks to a 3.5mm aux, this device is also compatible with most speaker products. 

Features include:

• Compact lightweight design
• Stereo speaker system
• 3.5mm aux-in cable
• Mini remote control
• Paus, play, and volume controls
• Programmable nature sounds
• Bluetooth streaming
• Comfortable, flexible speaker

This pillow speaker from Pyle isn’t just flexible and comfortable; it’s smart too. If you don’t want to plug in another device, you can just program some soothing nature sounds to help you fall asleep. There’s even Bluetooth streaming available. 

Unfortunately, you do only get around 5 hours of battery life, but this should be enough to get you to sleep. 

8. Pyle portable travel pillow

So far, we’ve covered a range of pillow speakers ideal for life at home. Now it’s time to look at something for your travel strategy. If you’re on the road a lot, this comfortable neck pillow will be a great choice. 

Pyle’s pillow speaker wraps around your neck to support your head as you snooze. The dual speaker system offers stereo audio to soothe you to sleep too. 

Thanks to Bluetooth connectivity, you can play your favorite tunes or radio stations from any device. The wireless range extends up to around 30 feet. The rechargeable battery also means you don’t have to worry about stopping and recharging all the time. 

Features include:

• Comfortable neck and head support
• Dual stereo speaker
• Bluetooth streaming
• 30-foot range
• 3.7V rechargeable battery
• Excellent for travel
• In-built control system

The built-in control ensures you can easily skip through tracks and control your music without having to fiddle with the audio device you’re using. This simple travel pillow will improve your trips in no time, but it is worth noting the battery life won’t last forever.

9. PillowSonic under-pillow system

Finally, we’ve got one remaining under pillow speaker suggestion to offer. This high-performance pillow speaker from PillowSonic is one of the leading Bluetooth options on the market. 

If you like the idea of your own music-playing pillow, but you don’t want wires, then this could be the product for you. The comfortable device slips underneath your pillow for easy listening. 

Designed to focus music on the person lying on top of it, the PillowSonic under-pillow system offers stereo sound with a durable, washable cover. There are no cords or earbuds to get in the way, so you can start slumbering in no time. 

Features include:

• Cushioned cover
• Stereo speaker sound
• Bluetooth wireless streaming
• Helps with falling asleep faster
• Case included for portability
• Washable cover

There’s a case included with this under-pillow speaker system so you can take it with you while you travel. A lack of wires and an easy setup is sure to give you a great experience each night. Just make sure you read the instructions on how to set the Bluetooth up first.

Choosing the best pillow speakers

Now you’ve gone through our list of the best pillow speakers, you might be wondering: “Are pillow speakers any good?” or “Do pillow speakers work?”

Ultimately, there’s no one-size-fits-all with these devices. A pillow speaker can be an excellent way to enjoy audio while you snooze, but it won’t appeal to everyone. You’re going to need to do some experimenting before you find the solution best for you.

Here are some quick questions and answers which might cover your concerns:

Are pillow speakers noisy?
Most pillow speakers are designed to only supply audio to you (the person on top of the speaker). However, some have more volume to offer than others.

How does a pillow speaker work?
This depends on the kind of speaker you buy. Some slip underneath your pillow or pillowcase to provide audio as you snooze. Others fit into a headband or wrap around your neck (like travel pillows). 

Most of the devices in this list come with a 3.5mm aux cable you can use to connect to your audio device. However, there are some options with Bluetooth too. 

Are pillow speakers dangerous?
No, at least they shouldn’t be. Pillow speakers can eliminate some of the risks associated with sleeping with headphones in. Just be careful about any wires you’re going to have connected to your bed. 

If you’re not sure how to use a pillow speaker, don’t worry. Most of the products covered here will come with instructions so you can make the most out of your purchase. 

More often than not, you’ll get a plug-and-play experience you can either connect to your phone or your radio to start listening straight away. These instructions should show you how to wash a pillow speaker too (often you just wash the cover included). 

If you have any concerns, reach out to the manufacturer. 

Don’t forget to check out our other handy reviews for more great products to help you snooze. 

Siestio. Sleep Matters.

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