Ozlo Sleepbuds Review: A Rebirth for Better Sleep Experience

The Return of the Bose Sleepbuds: Now Ozlo

The Bose Sleepbuds have made a comeback! After being discontinued by Bose in 2023, a trio of ex-Bose engineers has revived this innovative product under the new brand name, Ozlo. These sleep-focused earbuds are now available for purchase at $299.

Key Improvements in the Ozlo Sleepbuds

For fans of the original Bose Sleepbuds, the Ozlo version retains the best features while introducing a significant upgrade: the ability to play your own audio. This means you can now listen to your favorite audiobooks or music, alongside the previously available white noise options. Additionally, once the buds detect that you have fallen asleep, they can automatically switch from your content to soothing white noise, providing a seamless transition to slumber.

Personal Experience: Trying the Ozlo Sleepbuds

In my experience using the Ozlo Sleepbuds, results varied. On some nights, I drifted off listening to an engaging audiobook, only to be gently stirred by the sound of a babbling brook later on. However, there have been instances where I woke up further into my story, with no recall of how I got there. This feature has potential but may require some fine-tuning.

Design and Comfort: Is It a Good Fit?

When it comes to design, the Ozlo Sleepbuds closely resemble their Bose predecessors. Visually, you might only notice the prominent Ozlo logo on the charging case. For those who appreciated the fit of the Bose Sleepbuds, you’ll find that the Ozlo version feels just as lightweight and comfortable. As a side sleeper, I encountered no discomfort, and the buds stayed firmly in place, unlike some competitors such as Anker's Soundcore Sleep earbuds.

Bluetooth Pairing and Usage Limitations

On the downside, the Bluetooth pairing process can be a bit tedious, as the buds must remain in their case for complete pairing prior to use. It's also important to note that while you can now listen to personal audio, the Ozlo earbuds are still designed strictly for sleep; therefore, they lack phone call capabilities and active noise cancellation.

Battery Life and New Features

The battery life of the Ozlo earbuds remains consistent with its predecessor, providing up to 10 hours of use. Additionally, private alarms can still be set, catering to users who prefer a gentle wake-up without disturbing others.

Excitingly, the Ozlo earbuds are fitted with biometric sensors intended for sleep tracking, though this feature is currently inactive. According to Ozlo's spokesperson, Caitlin Schillings, the earbuds contain accelerometers, while the case is outfitted with sensors for light, noise, and temperature. The sleep tracking feature is expected to launch in early 2025, adding the ability to monitor variables such as snoring and environmental disturbances.

Pricing and Accessibility Options

Despite the upgrades, the price tag of the Ozlo Sleepbuds at $299 raises a concern, as many consumers might view this as pricey for dedicated sleep earbuds. However, Ozlo offers a subscription model through the Ozlo Flex program, which allows users to essentially "rent" the earbuds for $20 per month with no long-term commitments and the option of free returns. For users opting for the full purchase, they will incur no subscription fees.

Final Thoughts

While I plan to spend more time with the Ozlo Sleepbuds before finalizing my opinion—especially pending the sleep tracking feature—my initial experiences suggest promise. With notable improvements over the original Bose Sleepbuds and a unique subscription offering, there's a reason to be hopeful for the brand's revival. Overall, fans of the original Bose Sleepbuds should rejoice in this new product iteration, despite the price tag and a few areas requiring improvement.