Bose’s original Sleepbuds were withdrawn in 2019 because their batteries could fail to charge fully or shut down unexpectedly. Sleepbuds II followed in 2020. Bose later discontinued the range in 2023, citing adoption below its expectations. These were separate decisions. [source] [source] [source]
The first failure was reliability
The 2019 retailer notice said the battery functioned safely but performed inconsistently. A bedtime device that stops during the night fails at the moment someone depends on it. [source]
Later owners described cases losing charge while unused. Another owner wanted to replace a single failing earbud without buying a complete set. These reports are useful buying questions; they do not tell us how often failures occurred. [source] [source]
The soundtrack mattered as much as the hardware
Sleepbuds II played stored sounds. Streaming a listener’s own music or podcasts was unavailable. Expert Reviews liked their comfort and sound selection, while noting the restricted playback and high price. [source]
Some owners found recurring beeps, clicks or recognisable moments distracting. Others did not notice the repetition or were happy with particular tracks. Listen to a sample long enough to hear it repeat, at the volume you would actually use. [source] [source]
Try rain, waves and steady noise in our sound library. Save the sounds you prefer and compare them at a quiet level.
The product also depended on its app
Bose ended Sleep app development and downloads on 21 July 2025. Existing installations may continue working, but cannot be downloaded again after removal and are not guaranteed to survive operating-system changes. [source]
Bose’s phone-free mode could start a saved sound when the earbuds left their case. Its instructions specify that alarms and notifications are disabled in that mode. “Works without a phone” therefore needs a more precise question: which functions still work? [source]
What to check before choosing sleep earbuds
- Fit: lie on your own pillow, turn both ways and check pressure and rubbing.
- Power: compare runtime in the mode you will use, and ask about standby drain and battery ageing.
- Sound: check your preferred tracks, playback options and volume controls.
- Independence: ask what happens to playback and alarms if the phone disconnects.
- Ownership: check replacement parts, returns and continued access to essential functions.
Today’s alternatives already address some of these limitations. Ozlo advertises streaming, phone-free playback and an alarm that works without a connected phone. Those capabilities are listed features, not evidence that every owner will have the same experience. [source]
For a closer look at physical fit, use our side-sleeper checklist. To explore the Arc shape and controls, meet the earbuds.
Sources and further reading
- Bose noise-masking Sleepbuds product noticeLondon Borough of Bromley, reproducing John Lewis notice. 11 October 2019; original-generation battery reliability and refund notice.
- Sleep app availabilityBose. Manufacturer statement: product discontinued in 2023; app downloads and development ended 21 July 2025.
- Bose SleepBuds II reviewExpert Reviews, Andy White. 12 February 2021; one reviewer’s experience and product limitations.
- Using Phone-Free ModeBose. Manufacturer instructions: alarms and notifications disabled in this mode.
- Sleepbuds II: corrupted sounds?Reddit, r/bose. 8 March 2021; self-selected owner accounts, not a measured defect rate.
- Sleepbuds II major problemReddit, r/bose. 21 October 2020; mixed accounts of audible repetition.
- Sleepbuds II case won’t hold charge?Reddit, r/bose. 30 August 2022; anecdotal reports of standby drain.
- Sleepbuds problem and replacementReddit, r/bose. 24 October 2024; individual report of one-bud failure and replacement concerns.
- Ozlo Sleepbuds product pageOzlo. Checked 25 October 2026; page now describes Sleepbuds 2; manufacturer specifications, not independent testing.
Prepared by Dozemere. Sources checked on 25 October 2026. How we write about sleep.