Block out the world with the best Bluetooth sleep masks for travel

Don't sacrifice sleep just because you're away from your bed.
By  on 
All products featured here are independently selected by our editors and writers. If you buy something through links on our site, Mashable may earn an affiliate commission.

Overview

Best Overall Pick

Homder sleep eye mask

Jump to Details
Best For A Total Blackout

LIGHTIMETUNNEL eye mask

Jump to Details
Most Comfortable Sleep Mask

ERNSTING eye mask

Jump to Details
Best Sleep Mask For Kids

Cozyphones kids headphones

Jump to Details
Best Gym/sleep Combo Mask

Lavince headband

Jump to Details

Traveling isn't just about the destination. Carry On is our series devoted to how we get away in the digital age, from the choices we make to the experiences we share.


Table of Contents

Can you believe there was once a time when you used to dread sleeping? Nap time was the worst part of kindergarten, but now you’d do anything for a bit of shuteye in the middle of the day.

Getting a good night's rest can be a near impossible task at times, with snoring bedmates and uncomfortable red eye flights leaving you to count sheep instead of catching Z’s. Oftentimes, even having the best mattress or pillow isn't enough. Getting decent sleep is a constant source of frustration for travelers especially, as adjusting to a new bed or attempting to get a few winks in transit can prove quite challenging.

Dear reader, have you heard of technology?

One of our favorite innovations of the last few years is the Bluetooth eye mask. We're sure you're all familiar with its humble forefather, the basic eye mask? These 2.0 versions are meant to make it even easier to keep distractions at bay.

What is a Bluetooth eye mask?

A Bluetooth eye mask combines the light blocking properties of a basic eye mask with Bluetooth technology so you can completely block out all sight and sound while you sleep and eliminate the need for separate earbuds. (The speakers lay flat on your ears while the mask encircles your head.)

Typically hovering right around $20, these nifty devices are still small enough to fit in a carry-on bag but have the potential to completely transform your travel experience. (Though it's worth noting, you'll probably want to keep using it long after you land.)

When choosing your new favorite travel partner, it's important that you ask yourself these important questions: Is it comfortable? Does it need to be charged? How long is the battery life? How easy is it to pair? To pack? Is it adjustable?

Lucky for you, we took all of these factors into consideration when coming up with this list. Below are our picks for the best high-tech sleep masks on Amazon, for making falling asleep and staying asleep a little easier.

The Good & The Bad

  • Lasts more than 8 hours on a single charge
  • Super soft
  • Speakers may move around inside mask while in use

Why We Like It

Feel weightless (even when you’re not in an airplane), with this “pressureless” mask that solves several sleep issues all at once. This Homder eye mask provides a total blackout while you sleep, so you won't be disturbed by any light, or your partner scrolling on their phone. Built-in speakers allow you to fall asleep listening to your favorite music or white noise, while an 8-hour battery life can last you the whole night.

Homder knows that everyone sleeps differently, so this sleep mask is completely adjustable and customizable as well. It’s velcro back  ensures optimal comfort and built-in speakers can be moved to fit your ears. (Though it's worth noting that some reviewers complained that these can shift around while in use.) Available in a wide range of colors and prints, this is a reliable, comfortable mask that you'll reach for again and again.

Details

The Good & The Bad

  • Ergonomic eye cups
  • Made of comfortably foam
  • Blacks out all light
  • May gradually get hotter throughout the night

Why We Like It

Get to sleep faster with this sleep mask that promises to be the perfect sleeping partner. The LIGHTIMETUNNEL eye mask was created to provide a total blackout experience. Crafted using 3D ergonomic technology for the eyes, the deep eye cups on this mask will help you zone out in even the most distraction-filled setting. 

Getting texts and other notifications on your phone at night can make it harder to sleep, but there are many other bits of light pollution that can keep you from getting the shuteye you deserve. (Alarm clocks, a partner's laptop, and street lamps top the list.) No one knows this fact more acutely than frequent travelers though. If you've ever tried to sleep on a train, you know it's nearly impossible without a mask. Many trains keep the running lights on, so it's never dark enough to ever fully relax. 

This eye mask by LIGHTIMETUNNEL was created to help you block out every bit of light so you can achieve a true blackout experience. The built-in Bluetooth allows you to listen to your night time playlist even when your phone is not in reach, and keep that pesky blue screen far away.

Details

ERNSTING eye mask

ERNSTING eye mask

Most Comfortable Sleep Mask

The Good & The Bad

  • Super soft
  • Easy to wash
  • No on/off light must rely on spoken status

Why We Like It

Comfort is probably one of your top concerns when traveling. You choose airlines based on who offers the most leg room, and maybe you even own a neck pillow because you know sleeping on an airplane is a near impossible task. 

This super soft ERNSTING eye mask is made out of 100% pure cotton and has an adjustable velcro closure, so its sure to make even the middle seat feel more comfortable. Customers of similar products often complain that the masks are heavy and that the nose pieces feel confining, but that doesn't seem to be an issue here. 

Controls are located beneath the left eye, and the speakers sync easily to any tablet, phone, or even laptop you have on board. When it's time to wash it, simply remove the speakers and pop the whole thing into the wash.

Details

The Good & The Bad

  • Flat, thin speakers are perfect for little ears
  • Adorable designs
  • Not Bluetooth enabled

Why We Like It

Kids get bored pretty easily, which can make traveling with them a difficult task. These adorable headphones, which are especially designed for kids, can help keep them entertained and comfortable throughout any flight or road trip. While traditional headphones or earbuds can hurt little ears, these lay flat over the ear for a more relaxing fit and can be easily stowed away in a pocket or bag.

Although these headphones aren't Bluetooth enabled, they come with a cord that plugs directly into your kid's phone or tablet. If they start to doze, simply slip the mask over their eyes and help them stay out for longer. Pick from an array of different designs, including shark, turtle, unicorn, fox, bunny, pirate, and more.

Details

Lavince headband

Lavince headband

Best Gym/sleep Combo Mask

The Good & The Bad

  • Flat headphone speakers
  • Comfortable for side sleepers
  • Easy to clean
  • Great for runners
  • Omits a noise when you increase volume too high

Why We Like It

Work out so much you basically live at the gym? Well now you can sleep there too (kinda). This mask combines a gym headband, sleep mask, and Bluetooth headphones into one, so you can keep hair out of your face whether you’re hitting the gym or hitting the hay. And for anyone who's ever gone for a run during the winter, this sleep mask can double as an ear warmer and keep the tunes going the whole way.

Made out of breathable material and super easy to wash (just remove the Bluetooth device first), this sleep mask won't heat up throughout the night or during your workout. And unlike ear buds or headphones, these built-in speakers won't fall out no matter how intense your biking class gets. When it's time for bed simply slide the headband over your eyes for a distraction free sleep. 

Details


More from Carry On
These genius translation devices will forever change the way you travel
These genius translation devices will forever change the way you travel



How to try to trick the internet for the best deals on flights
How to try to trick the internet for the best deals on flights

These Instagram influencers are making sustainable travel cool
By Katherine J. Igoe
Original image replaced with Mashable logo

Recommended For You
Get some shut-eye with $30 off Anker's Soundcore Sleep A20 earbuds
Anker's Soundcore Sleep A20 earbuds on teal and green abstract background

Hurry to get the Anker Sleep A20 earbuds for just $100 and make good sleep your wellness hack
a person in bed touches an index finger to an anker sleep a20 earbud that's in her ear

Amazon deal of the day: One of our top Bluetooth speakers, the Sonos Move 2, is back on sale
pink Stanley cup, TurboTax deluxe software, Soundcore portable speaker, and Sonos Move 2 with colorful background



Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 11, 2025
Connections game on a smartphone

Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 11, 2025
Wordle game on a smartphone

NYT Strands hints, answers for April 11
A game being played on a smartphone.

NYT Mini crossword answers, hints for April 11, 2025
Close-up view of crossword puzzle.

'Black Mirror' fans, be warned: DO NOT start with 'Common People'
Chris O'Dowd and Rashida Jones star in "Black Mirror: Common People."
The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!