The conceptual focus of these headphones is definitely on use as a sleep aid. Accordingly, the 1More Sleepbuds Z30 have unusually minimal features for modern Bluetooth headphones. There are no touch or automatic functions, so you can neither control the music nor the volume on the headphones themselves. Furthermore, there are no microphones built into the Sleepbuds Z30, making it impossible to use them for phone calls. In contrast to the slightly more expensive ComfoBuds Mini, the device we tested also did not have noise cancelling.

As with other 1More headphones, these can be used with the free iOS and Android app 1More Music, and this allows you to make firmware updates but does not have an equaliser for personalising the sound. Instead, you can use it to call up the range of masking sounds, which are intended to act as a sleep aid. A local memory in the headphones can be filled with six options from a selection of various natural sounds. The corresponding sounds are then played back from the internal memory rather than being transmitted via Bluetooth to save battery power.

The 1More Sleepbuds Z30 in practice

The headphones really do fit unusually comfortably and almost imperceptibly in the ear. Four moulded earpieces ensure a good fit. They did not pinch even over long periods of wear. For sleep support, you use the app to switch from general music playback to the soothing sounds of nature and set a playback duration of between 30 and 150 minutes. Whether, as promised, the Sleepbuds Z30 behave unobtrusively when you are lying down depends on the shape of your ear and your specific sleeping position. In my case, when lying on my side, the contact of my head on the pillow definitely created a feeling of pressure, as the earbuds were pressed in towards my ear.

Of course, it was tempting to use these in-ears on the move and for sports. This worked perfectly, apart from the lack of protection from splashes of water. However, there were also other limitations due to the lack of touch control, the absence of noise cancelling and the inability to use these headphones to make phone calls.

The playing time at half volume was around eight hours, with the charging case quadrupling the running time. This means that the Sleepbuds Z30 were not only suitable for all-nighters but also for short trips that involve a few nights in a hotel. Unfortunately, you will have to do without the option of inductive charging. The wireless connection was stable, so you could comfortably use them with your smartphone on the bedside table while making a trip to the minibar.

Sound

The well-balanced sound was typical of headphones from 1More, and it was reproduced here via balanced armature drivers. The Bluetooth audio codecs SBC and AAC are supported. However, the 1More Sleepbuds Z30 also required a fairly high basic level of volume to achieve an appealing sensation of pressure. This was probably due to the rather below-average passive damping provided by their design. The primary area of application of the Sleepbuds Z30 should not be taken into consideration as in bed, you are likely to be in a comparatively quiet environment, and music played through these headphones will tend to be used as background music. They are, therefore, aimed at a very specific user profile where audiophile sound quality is not the focus.

If you use these headphones on the go because of their comfortable feel, you will have to come to terms with the aforementioned low external insulation, depending on the situation. This was not ideal for use on public transport. In such situations, the already underrepresented low bass was almost completely lost. In general, the tuning in the bass range was quite lean. The mids and highs were harmonious, as was the reproduction of the stereo panorama.

Dynamic jazz and classical music with quiet passages did not show themselves to their greatest advantage with these headphones – but in this price range, that was not to be expected. On the other hand, pop and rock sounded more harmonious. However, for the intended use of providing background sound, the results were definitely satisfactory.

In comparison: 1More Sleepbuds Z30 and Soundcore Sleep A20 from Anker

The 1More Sleepbuds Z30 and the Soundcore Sleep A20 from Anker are both designed with special functions to help users enjoy quieter nights. However, they differ in key respects. The Soundcore Sleep A20 from Anker work with dynamic drivers and, at just under 150 euros, are around twice as expensive as the Sleepbuds Z30, but they offer the option of monitoring sleep behaviour. Unlike the Sleepbuds Z30, they have touch functions, which makes them easy to control. IPX4 certification is also available.

Conclusion

The 1More Sleepbuds Z30 are specialist headphones that are designed to help the user have a peaceful night’s sleep. This was certainly successful in terms of wearing comfort, but not in every case. The headphones can be helpful as a sleep aid, as an antidote to tinnitus or even for enjoying video content shortly before dozing off. These in-ears were less suitable for isolating yourself from excessively loud background noise at night. You would need noise cancelling for this. Everyday use was possible but requires full control via your smartphone.