The Ozlo Sleepbuds have made their debut, bringing back the essence of the discontinued Bose Sleepbuds while adding exciting new functionalities. Originally discontinued by Bose in 2023, the technology was acquired by three former Bose engineers who relaunched it under the Ozlo brand. Now available for $299, these sleep-focused earbuds aim to improve your nighttime experience.
A Blend of Nostalgia and Innovation
At first glance, the Ozlo Sleepbuds look strikingly similar to their Bose predecessors, with a few design tweaks including a prominent Ozlo logo on the case. For fans of the original, this familiarity is comforting. They remain incredibly lightweight and designed to fit snugly, which is especially beneficial for side sleepers. During my testing, I found them to be comfortable and secure, a stark contrast to other sleep earbuds that tend to fall out.
Enhanced Audio Options
One of the most notable improvements is the ability to play your own audio. Unlike the original Sleepbuds, which offered a limited library of white noise, the Ozlo version allows you to listen to audiobooks, music, or any other audio content. A unique feature lets the earbuds automatically switch from your content to white noise once they detect you’ve fallen asleep. While this functionality worked well some nights—where I drifted off to an audiobook only to wake up to the soothing sounds of nature—it wasn’t foolproof; on other occasions, I found myself several chapters ahead in my book with no memory of how I got there.
Tracking Your Sleep
The Ozlo Sleepbuds are equipped with biometric sensors, although this feature is not yet activated. According to Ozlo CEO Rockwell Shah, the buds contain accelerometers while the case is equipped with sensors to monitor light, noise, and temperature. Once the sleep tracking feature is rolled out in early 2025, users will be able to monitor various aspects of their sleep, such as movement, respiration rate, sleep stages, and environmental factors that may affect their rest.
Battery Life and User Experience
Battery life remains unchanged from the Bose version at 10 hours, which is adequate for a night’s sleep. You can still set private alarms without disturbing your partner. However, the Bluetooth pairing process could use improvement; you need to keep the buds in their case to pair them before use, which can be a bit cumbersome.
Pricing and Availability
The Ozlo Sleepbuds come in at $299, which is $50 more than the original Bose model. This higher price tag comes with the added technology and features. For those hesitant about the upfront cost, Ozlo offers an innovative beta program called Ozlo Flex, allowing users to subscribe for $20 a month, cancel anytime, and enjoy free returns. This offers a more flexible way to try the product without the commitment of the full price.
Conclusion: A Promising Comeback
While I still need more time with the Ozlo Sleepbuds—particularly to evaluate the sleep tracking feature when it becomes available—I have already enjoyed several restful nights. The revival of this product is a rare occurrence in the tech world, and it shows promise of being even better than its predecessor. Fans of the Bose Sleepbuds should certainly be excited about what Ozlo has to offer, despite some minor issues that still need addressing. If you’re looking to improve your sleep quality, the Ozlo Sleepbuds might just be worth considering.