Latest news with #audiobooks
Telegraph
4 days ago
- Health
- Telegraph
SnoozeBand Deluxe Sleep Mask Headphones review: I'll never use ordinary earphones at bedtime again
Score: 9/10 We like: Comfortable Fully light blocking 15 day money back guarantee We don't like: Expensive Headphone positioning requires adjustment before use What are the SnoozeBand Deluxe Sleep Mask Headphones? If you like to listen to music or podcasts as you start to drift off each night, you've probably found that your earbuds or headphones can start to cause some discomfort or earache, especially if you're listening for longer periods. I find that I can have my earphones in for around an hour before my ear canals start to protest. But this innovative mask with headphones from SnoozeBand offers an interesting solution to that problem, while also providing cushioning and blackout properties to help you get a good night's sleep. This Deluxe option – priced at £69.99, but sometimes discounted – stood out when I was putting the best sleep masks to the test. Even though it's definitely an investment, it is still considerably cheaper than its main competitor, the Manta SOUND Sleep Mask, which costs more than twice as much. If you've been unsure which of the two would suit you best, you might be interested to read my comparison of the two below. Available in four colours, the SnoozeBand Deluxe combines a soft and adjustable blackout design with ultra-thin 4mm headphones, allowing you to pair it via Bluetooth with your smartphone or tablet to listen to your choice of music, audiobooks or podcasts. It also has some interesting additional features, more on which below. So, if you've already tried the best earplugs for sleeping, share a bed with a snoring partner or are looking for a better option for listening to music for side sleepers, here's everything you need to know about one of SnoozeBand's best selling devices. How we test To test the best sleep masks, I wore each one for several consecutive nights to account for any discrepancies or disruptions in my sleep. Primarily, I was concerned with the comfort, blackout properties and how secure it felt on my head through the night. I also assessed how soft and breathable the fabric was, plus how easy it was to wash and keep clean. Given the additional features of the SnoozeBand Deluxe, I tried both the built-in sounds – which allow you to listen offline, providing a nice alternative to the best white noise machines – as well as connecting it via Bluetooth to my phone to play music playlists and podcasts. In addition to this, I assessed how long one full charge lasted and whether or not I was happy to wear the sleep mask for a full eight hours overnight, taking into consideration whether it positively or negatively impacted the quality of my sleep. Even though I was a big fan of the Drowsy Silk Sleep Mask – with it taking the title of best overall sleep mask – the SnoozeBand Deluxe is my go-to most nights. In fact, I've stopped using traditional earphones at bedtime altogether since trying it, no longer experiencing any earache, pain or discomfort as a result. Why you can trust Telegraph Recommended Our thorough, real-world tests will always help you find the best sleep product. No manufacturer ever sees Telegraph Recommended reviews before publication and we don't accept payment in exchange for favourable reviews, nor do we allow brands to pay for placement in our articles. All reviews are based on independent expert opinion and our hands-on testing. Visit our Who We Are page to learn more. Fabric Score: 8/10 The fabric of a sleep mask can make or break its wearability. Given that you'll be wearing it for a good number of hours every night, it's important to choose the right type for you. This sleep mask is made from a combination of a cotton outer and nylon inner, both of which look and feel pleasant. I found the padded cotton outer to be nice and plump, but it was the inner nylon fabric that I enjoyed the most. Even though it might not be as breathable as cotton or silk, it has a silky soft feel to it which is rather cooling on the eyes and skin too. I certainly appreciated this on warmer nights, or when I had the heating cranked up. Overall, the mask has a nice heft to it while still being relatively lightweight. Considering that it houses the electrics to power the headphones and the headphones themselves, it doesn't add much weight or bulk around this delicate area of the face. Score: 9/10 Most sleep masks are one size fits all, which is why it is so important that they are adjustable to provide a good fit, no matter the shape or size of your head. Thankfully, the Velcro wrap design here allows you to snugly, yet comfortably, secure it around your eyes and head. It isn't overtly obvious that you need to unfurl the Velcro closure from under a flap of fabric when you first take it out of the box. In fact, if I hadn't checked the website beforehand, I might have been left wondering why I couldn't close the mask around my head. However, when you do have the Velcro closure in place, it was actually one of the strongest Velcro fastenings out of all the sleep masks that I've put to the test. This does mean that it can sometimes take a bit more strength to unfasten the mask each morning. But that's a small price to pay for a closure that seems fit to adhere and hold for many years to come. Blackout properties Score: 10/10 While other blackout sleep masks have a cutout around the nose which allows them to nestle in and block out light, this model has an extra piece of fabric around the nose to account for possible gaps. This, in combination with the snug and cosy fit, blocks out all light. I tested it out in the daytime and with artificial lighting to see if any seeped in, and I was pleased to discover that it provided true blackout qualities, with no light ingress whatsoever. This makes it an excellent choice for travel or if you happen to work night shifts and need to get some shut-eye during the day, when even the best blackout blinds still let in some light. Design Score: 9/10 One of the standout features of this mask is audio via its built-in headphones. You may need to take some time to adjust exactly where the headphones are, in relation to your ears, as they were a centimetre or two off for me at first. But, after taking a few seconds to get them in the right position, I haven't needed to move or readjust them since. The headphones themselves are made of soft foam and are incredibly slim. You can't feel them at all and they almost mould to the ear area, so they're ideal if you mostly sleep on your side. Add in one the best pillows for side sleepers, and you've got yourself a great setup. I didn't feel or notice the controls at the front of the sleep mask either, which surprised me as I thought that they might protrude or press down on the forehead area. If you plan on using this mask when travelling or on-the-go, you can roll up and secure the mask with its elastic strap. It's a nice touch, especially given that travel sleep masks I've used in the past tended to get crushed or take up quite a bit of space in my bag. Performance Score: 9/10 I was more than happy to wear this sleep mask for a full night's sleep, even when I had turned off the headphone function. It didn't slide or move around as I tossed and turned during the night, and it didn't feel particularly obtrusive. After switching from my traditional earphones to the SnoozeBand for just one night, I quickly realised that I wouldn't be going back to that way of listening to music or podcasts in bed. I had no earache and could easily turn the volume up or down as needed. In the past few months I've truly invested in my sleep routine and what I do to get ready for bed, utilising the best pillows and best mattresses – including the best mattress for back pain – to ensure that I wake up refreshed each morning. The SnoozeBand has certainly contributed to helping me drift off at night. If you're worried about it continuing to play after you fall asleep, and in turn running the battery down, you can select an automatic shut off timer for one, two or three hours. Speaking of the battery life, you get around 15 hours playback on a single charge, which should last you for at least a few nights before you need to recharge it. Technical specifications SnoozeBand isn't the only brand to sell sleep masks with built-in headphones. Their biggest competitor, Manta, also has a similar offering. But, at more than double the price, is the Manta SOUND Sleep Mask worth the extra expense over the SnoozeBand Deluxe Sleep Mask Headphones? I've compared the two, and both seem to be a hit with shoppers and reviewers. Should you buy the SnoozeBand Deluxe Sleep Mask Headphones? If you're looking to add a sleep mask to your bedtime or travel routine, and also want to be able to play music, relaxing sounds, your favourite podcast or latest audiobook, these are an excellent option. Being fully blackout and comfortable enough to wear all night quickly made the mask a must for me. I continue to use them to this day, and I'm not sure that I could go back to sleeping with a traditional pair of earphones after using this clever design. Yes, if: You want to comfortably listen to music, podcasts, audiobooks or white noise without worrying about earache You're looking for a fully blackout design You want to try it out before you commit to keeping it – thanks to the 15 day money back guarantee No, if: You need a more budget-friendly option You don't listen to music or podcasts before bed SnoozeBand Deluxe Sleep Mask Headphones FAQs Do SnoozeBands block out snoring? Sleeping close to someone who snores can wake you up in the middle of the night, disrupting your sleep cycle and making it difficult to get back to sleep. A SnoozeBand Deluxe headband might not completely eliminate especially loud snoring, but it can dampen the sound and reduce awakenings and make it easier to fall back asleep thanks to their audio capabilities and cushioned fit. How do you set a timer on a SnoozeBand? There are three automatic shut-off timers to choose from, deactivating the audio after 60, 120 or 180 minutes. You press the middle button on the front of the mask twice to cycle through the available settings. A voice prompt, which you will hear through the headphones, will confirm the selected timer setting. How long does it take to charge a SnoozeBand? Fully charging the SnoozeBand Deluxe typically takes between one and two hours. Does the SnoozeBand help with tinnitus? SnoozeBand claims to have 'received a lot of positive feedback from customers with tinnitus who have found SnoozeBand extremely helpful in managing their symptoms,' and that its team has 'previously worked with an NHS sleep facility that supports patients suffering from tinnitus.' Tinnitus has various causes, including exposure to loud sounds, ear infections and abnormal bone growth in the ear. Although using a SnoozeBand might feel helpful, it's important to consult with your GP to identify the cause of your tinnitus and get the right treatment.
The Sun
27-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Simple hack to get Audible for FREE for one month
AMAZON'S popular audiobook platform is packed with thousands of bestselling books, podcasts, and exclusive original series - and right now there's a simple way to get it for free. Audible is offering an exclusive 1-month free Premium Plus trial ahead of Father's Day on 15 June, so if you're on the hunt for a thoughtful Father's Day gift that's not a pair of socks, it's ideal. Get Audible for free with a one-month trial Audible content covers crime thrillers, biographies, sci-fi epics and more, making it a great platform for you or your dad to make the most of. To claim the free trial, users need to head to the Audible website, find and select the membership benefits, and from there select to start the 30-day free trial. You may then be asked to sign in with your Amazon account and asked to confirm your subscription. Once set up, you can instantly start listening to top titles from the likes of David Attenborough and Matthew Perry, as well as exclusive Audible Originals. With the Audible Premium Plus trial, not only will you get unlimited listening to thousands of titles in the Audible library, but you'll also receive one free credit to download and keep any title of your choice. After the first month, the subscription continues at £8.99 per month, but you're free to cancel at any time. Even if you opt to cancel before the trial ends, you can keep any downloaded titles. What makes this Audible deal especially great is the flexibility, as there's no obligation to continue after the free trial ends. If you're setting up the trial for an avid book lover or Kindle user, why not pair it with a Kindle Unlimited subscription too? Check out the latest Kindle Unlimited offers in our guide. review of the innovative Kindle Scribe for a next-level reading and note-taking experience.
Fast Company
25-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Fast Company
I read more than 100 books last year as a working mom. You can, too
A year ago, I started reading again. I say 'again' because, like the countless friends and colleagues I've spoken to who have also found themselves swept up in the reading renaissance that's currently reshaping the book industry—the U.S. market is projected to grow from $40.5 billion in 2024 to $51.5 billion by 2030, with audiobooks and ebooks seeing explosive growth—I'd lost the habit somewhere between the demands of a growing career and the chaos of early parenthood. For too long, reading was relegated to vacations—and even then, I'd be lucky to get through a full book. But last year, something shifted. Twelve months later, I've read over 100 books and listened to countless more on audio. I sleep better, stress less, have a better work/life balance, and—for the first time in years—have an actual hobby that's purely for my personal enjoyment. Small but strategic changes How'd I do it? Call it a perfect storm: I stumbled into the world of BookTok, finally succumbed to the siren call of the Kindle, and I made a few small but strategic lifestyle changes that opened up a whole new world of reading. Below, I've included five of the tactics that helped me make reading a priority (read the other ten on my Substack, Two Truths). My method won't apply to every person or be conducive to every career: I'm primarily a stay-at-home parent of two young kids who works part-time in the margins of my 'free' time as a writer. But it's my hope that some of what worked for me will help you find more free time, too—whether it's to read one book, 100 books, or do something else entirely. 1. I typically read three different books at once. This might sound chaotic, but hear me out. Here's how I break down my three-book method . . . One book is on my Kindle, which travels with me everywhere so I can fill any spare moments (waiting at the doctor's office, sitting in the school pick-up lot, or standing in line at the grocery store) by sneaking in a few pages. This is also what I read at nighttime when my kids' bedtime books are done and I'm waiting for them to doze off—the tablet's screen has a dark mode that doesn't disturb them, and it's a nice way to wind down my day. One is a hard copy, either something from the library, or something I want to annotate (I appreciate the aesthetic nostalgia of highlighters and sticky tabs). This is how I read most of my nonfiction, which I prefer to hold in my hand. Since these books are often for work, research, or self-improvement, I often read them in the morning (more on that below), during naptime, or while both kids are playing independently. One is an audiobook, which I listen to while I'm driving or doing work around my home. I regularly find myself cleaning out closets or reorganizing the pantry just so I have an excuse to keep listening to a book. I typically reserve my audiobooks for easier-to-follow, lighthearted way, if I get distracted and miss something, I won't be completely lost. 2. I stopped watching unintentional TV. There was a time when I'd end the day by crashing on the couch and searching for something to watch before inevitably ending up on The Office (. . . again). Now, I only watch TV when I truly want to invest my time into a series, and I really cannot stress enough how much time this opened up for me in the evening. 3. I wake up early and read before the kids wake. I never thought I'd say this (I've never been a morning person), but having young kids trained my body to wake up at 5 a.m. These days, they usually sleep until 6—but if the house is still quiet when I wake, I take the chance to read a few pages of my book before the day begins. It's a peaceful ritual that keeps me off my phone—and away from notifications and mindless scrolling—until I'm ready to address whatever's waiting. 4. I keep a running list in my Notes app with every book I've read, plus a few emojis or keywords to represent how I felt about it. This helps me remember what I loved or didn't love about a book, which is crucial when someone asks me for a reading recommendation. I also like the sense of accomplishment that comes from scrolling through my list. 5. I chose to prioritize reading, and then built boundaries around it. Bottom line: I could certainly be doing a host of other things during the extra time I've dug out of my days and nights; the unpacked boxes that have been sitting in my basement since our move two years ago would probably like a word. Maybe I'm missing out on some great series or films that I would have stumbled upon, and I could always tackle my overflowing inbox in that open hour at 5 a.m. But for me, reading offers a pretty effortless and accessible escape from the news, noise, and inevitable dilemmas that pop up daily—and those moments of peace are priceless.
CNET
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CNET
Traveling for Memorial Day Weekend? Keep Yourself Busy With This Free Audible Alternative I Swear By
Are you among the heaps of folks out there set to travel this Memorial Day weekend? Whether its a long drive or a long flight, audiobooks are a fantastic option to keep yourself occupied and there's one app that'll get you everything you need for free: Libby. Audiobooks are an addiction I picked up straight out of college, with a newfound need to occupy my brain during commutes to work and on lunch breaks. I was pushed to try them after being mightily embarrassed over my inability to make much progress in Lord of the Rings throughout my undergraduate education. With just a few months of an Audible membership, I had worked through that fantasy bible and was off onto new literary horizons. Audiobooks aren't for everybody -- some people have told me they find it difficult to retain what they hear -- but if audiobooks work for you, Libby can be a great way to save money and get access to lots of interesting titles. With its ease of use and lack of a price tag, I wouldn't blame you if you kept on with it, even though it's back to work on Tuesday. For more, find out how you can get a library card online and check out CNET's best Memorial Day weekend deals. What is Libby? Previously known as OverDrive, the Libby app lets you access digital publications from real library systems. While I might be here to evangelize about its audiobook offerings, you can also borrow ebooks, digital comic books and digital magazines. All of that content won't cost you a dime, but while there might be such a thing as a free lunch, there probably isn't such a thing as a no-effort lunch. All that to say, Libby requires an actual library card to access anything, and while some systems will let you sign up for a card online, in most places, you will eventually have to go to your local library in person to get set up with a card. You'll need to make sure it stays up to date. A small price to pay, if you ask me, for a nearly unlimited supply of free books. Read more: Best E-Reader of 2024 Where can I get Libby? Libby is available through Apple's App Store, the Google Play store and the Amazon App Store. If you've got a phone, tablet or laptop in your pocket or bag, you can get Libby. You can also access the service via a web browser at So how does it work? Once you've created a Libby account and entered your library card's info, all you have to do is search for the title you want and borrow it. If you've ever used Spotify, the Apple Music app or other audiobook apps like Audible or Apple Books, you'll know what to expect with the Libby player. Elsewhere, you can read ebooks in Libby or by exporting them to your Kindle app. (No such luck for non-Amazon e-readers, I'm afraid.) One of Libby's major value propositions is the ability to add multiple library cards. Some library systems will allow you to sign up for a card even if you don't live in its local area. For example, as a resident of New York state, I can access the New York City Public Library in Manhattan, the Queens Public Library and the Brooklyn Public Library, as well as my local library, dramatically expanding the catalog I can pull from. Go digging on Google and see if any library systems in your state offer something similar. Kindle Colorsoft Review: Amazon's New Luxury E-Reader Kindle Colorsoft Review: Amazon's New Luxury E-Reader Click to unmute Video Player is loading. Play Video Pause Skip Backward Skip Forward Next playlist item Unmute Current Time 0:07 / Duration 7:48 Loaded : 10.17% 0:07 Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 7:41 Share Fullscreen This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Text Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Caption Area Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Drop shadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Close Modal Dialog This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button. Close Modal Dialog This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button. Kindle Colorsoft Review: Amazon's New Luxury E-Reader Are there any drawbacks to Libby? As Libby is connecting you with real libraries, you must work within the limitations of library rentals. That means that each title will have a limited number of "copies" that the library can lend at a time, so if the one you're looking for is all booked up, you'll have to place a hold and wait for it to become available. Once you borrow something, you'll only have access to it for a certain amount of time, usually two to three weeks. Maybe reconsider using Libby to check out Infinite Jest or Stephen King's The Stand unless you have a mountain of free time. You'll also notice on Libby, compared to Audible or Apple Books, that the audio quality for audiobooks leaves something to be desired. And unlike Audible, there's no option to choose from higher- or lower-quality files. Certainly, not something that will be a deal-breaker for most people, but something to keep in mind for perfectionists. For more on audiobooks, find out how audiobooks could become another medium shaken up by AI.
TechCrunch
19-05-2025
- Business
- TechCrunch
Apple approves Spotify update so US users can buy audiobooks within the app
Spotify announced on Monday that Apple has approved a new app update, allowing iPhone users in the U.S. to purchase individual audiobooks directly within the app. Users can also view audiobook prices and easily buy additional listening hours beyond the initial 15 hours. 'This change lowers the barriers for more users to embrace their first — or tenth — audiobook, while allowing publishers and authors to reach fans and access new audiences seamlessly,' the company wrote in the announcement. This long-awaited update follows a recent U.S. court ruling that ordered Apple to stop charging fees on purchases made outside of the App Store. The ability to buy audiobooks directly within the iOS app and see pricing will be a nice improvement for users who previously had to buy audiobooks on the web before they could access them within the app. Spotify removed audiobook purchases back in 2022 due to Apple's strict rules around in-app purchases. Now, users can purchase an audiobook with just a few taps. Additionally, iPhone users were previously required to visit the web to purchase more listening hours, referred to as 'top-ups.' With the new update, they can now make these purchases directly within the app. Each top-up costs $13 for 10 additional hours. Earlier this month, Spotify began allowing iPhone users to purchase subscriptions outside the App Store, as Apple approved an update enabling access to pricing information and external payment links.
