If You Use Headphones For Meditation, Take A Look At These 11 Headphone Options

Is meditating with headphones good or bad?

The answer is good.

They allow you to block out the distractions around you and focus on the mindfulness task at hand.

So to ensure you get the best possible over-ear headphones or earbuds for meditation, we’ve curated a list of our favorites. 

We’ve chosen options for all budgets and hope you find a pair you love.

Is It OK to Meditate with Headphones?

Yes, meditating with headphones is fine — ideal even. 

Some folks worry about the potential long-term effects of pumping audio directly into your ear.

But the chances of damaging your drum by listening to relaxing music or guided meditations for an hour or two a day will not cause problems for 99% of the population.

And let’s face it: Few people meditate for more than 30 minutes at a time.

How do headphones give your meditation sessions a boost?

• Using headphones helps you better concentrate on guided meditation instructions.
• Depending on your model, headphones block out some or all background noise.
• Binaural beats can only be heard with headphones, which can enhance the meditation process.
• Headphones can increase your momentary awareness.

11 of the Best Headphones for Meditation

In the market for a pair of meditation headphones?

We’ve made a list of options. Fingers crossed you find something that works for you. 

1. LC-Dolida Bluetooth Headband 

LC-Dolida Bluetooth Headband comes in 11 styles, and thanks to its ultra-thin speakers, this model also works as sleep headphones. 

With a 45-foot range, the LC-Dolida headband is great for meditation if you want to practice outside, but your music source is inside. 

This model stretches between 9.8 and 10.6 inches, is made of sweat-absorbant material, and the speakers are easy to remove when it’s time to throw it in the wash.

Pros:

• One-year replacement warranty
• Less than $20
• Long Bluetooth range

Potential Con:

• They won’t last forever

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2. Ultra Thin Meditation Headphones 

This LC-Dolida headphone model features a sleep mask. 

The silk-covered design has a carve-out for the nose and a 3D contour that allows your eyes to move freely during the REM slumber stage. (It’s also great for all you lucky ducks with long eyelashes.)

They have an adjustable strap and fit heads with circumferences between 22.4 and 24.8 inches.

With its high-definition stereo sound and decent charge length (8 to 10 hours), they’re perfect for long meditation sessions.

The LC-Dolita meditation headphones cost about $20, which means they’re great for a time but won’t last forever.

Pros:

• Charges in one to two hours
• One-year warranty
• Budget-friendly

Potential Con:

• No noise cancellation

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3. Beats by Dre Studio3

Beats by Dre rank among the better consumer-grade headphones. The lightweight, noise-canceling, over-ear model comes with a carrying case, a one-year warranty, and a remote-talk cable.

You have a choice of seven colors, and the model is compatible with iOS and Android devices.

Pros:

• One charge garners 22 listening hours
• Very comfortable
• Great sound quality

Potential Con:

• At $299, not the most budget-friendly

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4. Bose Quiet Comfort 

Bose is the Bentley of speaker design. The company’s lightweight Quiet Comfort model features ultra-comfy, over-ear cushions, high-fidelity audio, and a 24-hour battery life. 

Conveniently, they operate in two modes: quiet (for when noise canceling makes sense) and aware (for when you need to keep half an ear on what’s happening around you).

At over $300, Bose isn’t the cheapest option on the block, but the increase in quality is evident.

Pros: 

• Can adjust individual acoustic levels yourself
• Includes a nice carry case
• Top-of-the-line sound quality

Potential Con:

• Can’t charge while using them

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5. Zihnic Foldable Wireless 

Zihnic’s foldable wireless headphones are way better than they have any right to be at the price point. The high-definition sound quality is good and can handle binaural beats, it’s compatible with most phones, and the memory foam ear cushions make long-term use comfortable. 

This adjustable headphone model from Zihnic comes with a one-year warranty, carrying case, and cable set. It also boasts a 14-hour battery life, 2.5-hour charge time, and a built-in radio. 

Pros:

• Can use them while charging
• Great customer service
• Excellent sound quality for the low price

Potential Con:

• Needs charging adapter for iPhones

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6. TUINYO Wireless Headset 

Tuniyo’s over-ear headsets made our list of the best meditation headphones because the “memory protein” cushions are incredibly comfy. It also has a solid voice command feature if you want to make a musical adjustment mid-asana.  

The model comes in six colors, is adjustable, and you have a choice of colors, ranging from a striking electric blue to a sophisticated pearly white. 

The high-fidelity sound makes meditation music sound sensational, and a charge lasts about 24 hours. Regarding size, Tuinyos are slightly larger than comparable options.

Pros:

• Cables, carrying case, and microphone included
• Only about $30
• One-year warranty

Potential Con:

• No noise canceling feature

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7. Apple AirPods Pro (2nd-Generation)

The second generation of Apple’s AirPods is much better than the first. They’re noise-canceling, come in various sizes, and have excellent touch control. 

People praise this model for being a “drastic improvement” over first-generation options, and the sound quality is outstanding.

Be aware, though, that AirPods aren’t cheap. A new pair will run you about $240. But you can find less expensive options if you’re willing to go with “renewed” and “refurbished” pairs.

Pros:

• Compatible with both iOS and Android devices
• Sweat and water resistant
• MagSafe charging case

Potential Con:

• Ear-shape issues

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8. Bluetooth Sports Headband

Perytong’s sports headband is an excellent multipurpose option. It works as a running, sleeping, and meditation headphone. The speakers are ultra-thin, and the fabric absorbs sweat.

This model comes in 12 colors, and it’s a tad wider than similar options on the list.

Granted, Perytong’s sports headband isn’t as loud as many people would like, but for meditation music, it’s perfect.

Pros:

• Cozy and multifunctional
• Washable
• Comes in a variety of colors

Potential Con:

• Many not be loud enough for people with hearing issues

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9. Tribit Waterproof Earbuds 

Tribit’s touch control waterproof model is an excellent choice for meditators who are pro-earbud, budget-conscious and want something solid.

This Tribit model has a five-hour playback charge and comes in three colors. Conveniently, you can use the power bank to charge your phone.

Pros:

• Waterproof
• Good price point
• Power bank charger

Potential Con:

• Like all earbud models, the fit may be an issue

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10. Soundcore Bluetooth Headphones

At about $60, Soundcore’s wireless Bluetooth headphones are a quality, mid-range option. They come in three colors and boast high-resolution audio and 90% noise canceling. 

Impressively, a single charge can garner you hundreds of tracks, and only five minutes of chagrin gives you four hours of listening. That’s perfect for someone trying to squeeze in a quick meditation session only to discover their headphones are out of juice.

Pros:

• Considered one of the best headphones under $100
• Good acoustics
• Well-priced for the quality

Potential Con:

• People with more prominent ears may find them a tad uncomfortable

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11. Pollini Bluetooth Ear Muffs

Pollini’s adjustable ear muffs are foldable and have great bass quality. At about $30, they’re a super bargain and feature crystal sound, smart voice command functionality, and memory foam ear cushions. Consumers have a choice of seven colors.

Pros:

• Wide variety of colors
• Built-in mic
• Long battery life

Potential Con:

• Won’t work with older computers without a special adapter

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Common Questions about Headphones for Meditation 

Are noise-canceling headphones good for meditation?

Yes, noise-canceling headphones are good for meditation. In fact, they’re excellent — especially for guided sessions. Noise-canceling headphones let you escape into another zone, where you’re 100% in control of what gets in.   

Noise-canceling headphones also balance radio waves, making relaxing much easier.

Do you need special headphones for binaural beats?

The brain creates binaural beats upon simultaneously hearing two tones on slightly different frequencies. You need noise-canceling headphones to truly experience the sensation. Preferably, they should be closed-back models or tight-fitting earbuds.

Can you meditate with AirPods?

Yes, if they’re comfortable for you. 

All ears are not created equal, and some people find earbuds incredibly uncomfortable.

Sometimes the shape just doesn’t fit with the contours of one’s ear hole; other folks just don’t like the feeling of small speakers stuck in their auditory canals. 

Using headphones for meditation is a great idea. But find ones that fit and feel comfortable.

After all, you don’t want to spend your session futzing with your listening equipment.