12 Best Nap Earrings, as Tested (and Slept in) by Our Editors
Updated: Apr. 24, 2024
Behold: pretty and poke-free nap earrings that you can wear morning, noon and (yes) all night long!
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We’ve all been there—settling in for a quick snooze when one turn of your head reveals you’ve forgotten to take your earrings out. Ouch! Being poked by a post backing isn’t fun, and waking up to jewelry lost somewhere in your bed isn’t, either. That’s where the best nap earrings come in handy (and no, these aren’t just for nappers).
Nap earrings—also referred to as “live-in” or “sleeper earrings”—feature flat or screw-on backings that won’t jab you. For added comfort, they also tend to be on the smaller side, no matter whether you’re selecting studs, huggies or small hoops. If you prefer to wear the same minimalist earrings day after day—perhaps letting other pieces of jewelry, like an eye-catching cocktail ring or necklace nab the attention instead—you’ll want to stock your jewelry organizer with a few pairs of affordable sleeper earrings.
Trying to decide on the best nap earrings for your style and budget? So that you don’t have to sleep on it, our editors slept in them—14 pairs to be exact. Read on to see our top 12 picks for nap earrings that are just as stylish as they are comfortable.
BEST OVERALL NAP EARRINGS
Opal Trio Sleeper Earrings
Pros:
- 18-karat gold plating (or sterling silver) with opal trio
- Comfortable for lobe or cartilage piercings
- Ideal size for everyday wear
- Hypoallergenic
- Resistant to fade, rust and tarnish
- Lifetime warranty
- Made in the USA
Cons:
- Difficult to put in
Whether you prefer gold or silver jewelry, here’s betting you’ll reach for these petite nap earrings from Mint & Lily day after day (that is, if you ever take them out). The trio of tiny opals is available on both gold and silver posts, which feature a flat-back design for ultimate comfort.
“These are so pretty. I love how they’re dainty yet still visible,” says senior shopping editor, Katie Bandurski. “Plus, once you get them in, they truly disappear—I didn’t feel them at all. Of the ones I tried, this would be my go-to daily pair.”
While challenging to put in, Bandurski noted they felt very secure and comfortable to wear in both her lobe and cartilage piercings. And as for removing, Bandurski says, “simply twist the backing—righty, tighty, lefty loosey!”
Best Value Nap Earrings
Tiny Twist Earrings
Pros:
- Affordable
- Illusion of two earrings in one
- No backing
- 14-karat gold fill, 14-karat rose gold fill and sterling silver
- Small or large
- Waterproof
- Handmade in USA
Cons:
- Snag easily on clothing/fuzzy bedding
- Challenging to put in the first time
These nap earrings from Hello Adorn could easily make any “best earrings” list. Their twisted design not only stays perfectly in place through all sorts of snoozes, but they give you the illusion of double piercings, even if you only rock one. (Shh, no one has to know!) They’re handmade in Wisconsin, available in three finishes and the price is nearly unbeatable, too.
“Anyone who wants to add a little spice to their look should snag these earrings ASAP. It’s like having a second piercing without the pain of actually doing the deed, making them a great pick for people with a low pain threshold (aka myself).” says shopping editor, Emily Way. “Corkscrewing them on is easy once you get the hang of it, and they stay practically glued in place for days at a time.”
While small and lightweight, Way feels they’ll hold up over time. However, she warns that although they’re waterproof and sweatproof, they’re not sweater-proof. “I had a lot of issues with them snagging on my blankets and pillows due to the lack of a backing. Not for people who use fuzzy blankets or wear fuzzy sweaters!”
Best Minimalist Nap Earrings
Little Bar Sleeper Earrings
Pros:
- Minimal design for everyday wear
- 14-karat gold plating, 14-karat rose gold plating and sterling silver
- Flat back
- Resistant to fade, rust and tarnish
- Hypoallergenic
- Lifetime warranty
- Made in the USA
Cons:
- Difficult to get in
- Might not work on thicker lobes
Whether you have one pair of ear piercings or several, dainty bar earrings are a must for every jewelry case. This minimalist pair from Mint & Lily was designed with all-day and all-night comfort in mind, with flat backs that won’t jab even side sleepers. These go-with-everything nap earrings are available in gold, rose gold and silver. At this price, we wouldn’t blame you if you indulged in a pair of each.
Senior shopping editor, Caroline Lubinsky, says, “These are comfortable to wear once you get them in—they didn’t poke or prod.” That being said, Lubinsky noted that they might be a challenge for those with thicker earlobes: “The actual stick part of the earring was very thin and short. I could barely get the stick part through my ear with any room to put the backing in,” she says. “I would recommend them for someone with smaller ears.”
Best Splurge Nap Earrings
Pink Quartz and White Topaz Nap Earrings
Pros:
- Quartz and topaz gemstones
- 18-karat gold plating (or silver)
- Flat back
- Very comfortable
- Hypoallergenic
- 365-day guarantee
Cons:
- Small for the price
- Difficult to put in
Crystals have been touted by many for their vibrational energy, so it only makes sense that we’d want to carry that positivity with us everywhere. we. go. Now you can thank this Maison Miru gemstone pair, which comes recommended “for those seeking clarity in love and peace.” Featuring pink quartz—commonly referred to as “rose quartz”—and white topaz, these flat back nap earrings can be accentuated with gold or silver to suit any style.
“While these earrings take some practice to get on and off, they absolutely stand up to their claim of no-poke, no-pinch wear that you won’t feel while sleeping (or at any other time),” says Reina Galhea, deputy shopping editor. “Pro tip: Use one of your regular earring posts to guide the backings of these nap earrings in.”
Galhea notes that this pair is extremely comfortable, which should come as no surprise as Maison Miru has a whole section on their site dedicated to nap earrings. And although on the pricier side, we feel this pair is truly a gem worthy of a splurge or as a jewelry gift for a friend.
Best Stud Nap Earrings
CZ Bezel Stud Earrings
Pros:
- Timeless stud for everyday wear
- Gold vermeil (or silver) with cubic zirconia diamonds
- Ball back
- Comfortable for lobe or cartilage piercings
- Hypoallergenic, lightweight and tarnish resistant
- Female-founded company
Cons:
- Smaller than expected
- Difficult to put in
Name any activity—sleeping, swimming or sweating, for starters—and these oh-so-beautiful gold CZ studs from Made by Mary could tag along. With a shorter post length and a screw-on ball-style backing, they stay perfectly in place no matter how much (or how little) activity you’re doing. They’re comfortable and classic. Win-win!
“I’ve never tried nap earrings, so I have no frame of reference, but I legitimately forgot they were in,” says Annamarie Higley, Product Testing Team manager. “I wore them for five nights, and I noticed them maybe once as I was tossing and turning, trying to fall asleep. They certainly never affected by comfort or quality of sleep.”
Similar to other reviewers, Higley notes that these studs were tinier than she expected. “I do think these would look best in a second or third piercing hole,” she says. “I’d recommend this specific style to someone with multiple ear piercings.”
Best Hoop Nap Earrings
Endless Hoops
Pros:
- Comfortable hoops
- Five sizes (12, 14, 16, 20 and 25 millimeters)
- 14-karat gold fill and sterling silver
- Easy to put on and take off
- Affordable
- Waterproof
- Handmade in USA
Cons:
- Can't speak to comfort of larger sizes
Hoops are a timeless classic that can be dressed up or down, But most would never dare consider sleeping in them—until now. These elegant endless hoops from Hello Adorn—which come in five sizes and gold and silver options—offer endless possibilities, whether you’re running errands or heading out for a night on the town.
No matter the size, this handmade set is lightweight, meaning the earrings won’t pull your earlobes down like traditional hoops. But best of all, they’re comfortable, as our senior shopping editor, Caitlyn Fitzpatrick, can attest: “These prove it’s possible that nap earrings can be hoop style,” she says. “Since they’re hoops, they don’t have a flat back that most nap earrings do. But they’re very lightweight and easy to sleep in.”
The understated design can be worn on its own or, if you have multiple piercings, you can pair these nap earrings perfectly with a variety of studs, cuffs and more. “The 14-millimeter size were just right in my book. They were the size I expected and are a nice pair for everyday life,” says Fitzpatrick. “Plus, these were pretty easy to put on and take off!”
Best Huggie Nap Earrings
Gemstone Huggie Hoop Sleeper Earrings
Pros:
- Comfortable 18-karat gold plating huggie earrings
- Eight vibrant gemstone colors
- Lightweight, secure and hypoallergenic
- Easy to get on and take off
- Resistant to fade, rust and tarnish
- Lifetime warranty
- Made in the USA
Cons:
- Pricier than others
Hoops aren’t known to be the most comfortable earrings to wear all day since they can hang heavy and get caught in your hair. That’s where trendy huggies—the petite hoops that, well, hug your lobes—come in. This pair of Mint & Lily gemstone huggie sleeper earrings come in eight radiant colors, including rainbow, if you can’t pick just one.
Way is grinning ear to ear after testing out this colorful pair: “Fashionable, lightweight and so easy to get on and off, these huggie hoops from Mint & Lily are the bees knees. They snap on securely and feel like nearly nothing.” She adds, “I find myself reaching for these more than any other earrings in my collection—even the ones I spent twice the price on. Fair warning: Expect an onslaught of compliments if you wear these out!”
Most Comfortable Nap Earrings
Live In Hoop Earrings
Pros:
- Extremely comfortable for everyday wear
- Five sizes (12, 16, 20, 30 and 50 millimeters)
- 14-karat gold fill, 14-karat rose gold fill and sterling silver
- Lightweight, tarnish resistant and hypoallergenic
- Affordable (unless opting for solid-gold option)
- Female-founded company
Cons:
- Difficult to put in at first
- Can't speak to comfort of larger sizes
The name of these hoops—the Live In Hoop Earrings—says it all. You truly can live in these ultra-lightweight and versatile hoops from Made by Mary, which come in five sizes and three finishes. Put this pair in, then leave them in for, well, as long as you’d like. Plus, they’re a total jewelry steal, too!
“These are so lightweight, you may forget you’re wearing them,” says Way. “They offer a gorgeous faux-gold finish that didn’t noticeably tarnish (even after wearing them in the shower, whoops!). In addition, these pretty little hoops look delicate and go with literally anything. Night out? Sunday brunch? Noon naptime? Doesn’t matter—toss ‘em on and rest assured your ears look adorable.”
While Way noted that while she struggled to put them on initially, the wait was well worth it. “These are 10/10 comfy. So comfy that I kept waking up and checking to make sure I didn’t lose them in my bed somewhere,” she says. And as for her secret in finally putting these earrings on with ease: “Put them in backwards! You can see what you’re doing better and they look the same as they would if you put them in the usual way.”
Easiest to Put On Nap Earrings
Tiny Horseshoe Earrings
Pros:
- Very easy to put on and take off
- No backing, yet secure fit
- 14-karat gold fill and sterling silver
- Affordable
- Waterproof
- Handmade in USA
Cons:
- Edgier look might not be for everyone
Because nap earrings are designed with comfort in mind (and tiny parts and non-traditional backs), they’re generally not the easiest to put on. Not the case with these Hello Adorn horseshoe earrings, which feature no backing! With this 14-karat gold fill pair, you can say goodbye to fiddling and frustration, and hello to everyday simplicity and style.
“If you want something classy but not overly simple, choose these earrings,” says Galhea “The horseshoe shape is unique, and the open-prong bottom makes these a cinch to take on and off. Plus, the slightly thicker gauge ensures they won’t fall out (even if they do turn a bit).”
Galhea notes that they are just as comfortable as they are easy to wear. “I took one look at the prongs at the bottom of these earrings and thought, ‘No way these will be comfortable to sleep in,’ but I was pleasantly surprised! When you lie on your side in these, the horseshoes turn flat, so there’s no poking at all,” she says.
Best Statement Nap Earrings
CZ Diamond Earrings
Pros:
- Glamorous statement earrings
- 18-karat gold plating and cubic zircon diamonds
- Easy to put in and take out
- Affordable and free shipping
- Waterproof and tarnish proof
- One-year warranty
Cons:
- Tend to catch on hair
Nap earrings don’t have to be simple. In fact, with these glitz and glam CZ diamond earrings by Trendolla, you’ll be making quite a statement—without breaking the bank. Featuring 18-karat gold plating and four cubic zircon stones fitted into a leaf-like climber design, you won’t want to take these off (and you won’t have to).
“These might have been my favorite. They are SO pretty and large enough to make a bit of a statement,” says Bandurski. “The larger size makes them easy to put in. However, that size comes with a bit of a trade-off. I could feel these the most. Still comfy to sleep in and no poking, but they got tangled/twisted in my hair.”
Napping aside, Bandurski is happy to report that these waterproof and tarnish-proof earrings have held up well to daily showering. The stones might come loose over time, though.
Most Fun Nap Earrings
Pave Lightning Nap Earrings
Pros:
- Unique lightning bolt design
- 18-karat gold plating (or silver) and cubic zirconia diamonds
- Comfortable flat back and comfortable
- Easy to put in and take out
- Hypoallergenic
- 365-day guarantee
Cons:
- On the pricier side
- Smaller than expected
For someone looking for a little pizzazz, these Maison Miru pave lightning earrings are truly striking. (See what we did there?) As one of our favorite jewelry brands, Maison Miru says these 18-karat gold plating earrings with cubic zirconia diamonds offer “a little bolt of inspiration and energy to carry with you wherever you go.” To see if they also offered comfort, Lubinsky, tested them out for several weeks.
“They are very comfortable to sleep and nap in. I don’t even notice they’re in my ears after two weeks,” says Lubinsky. “I would recommend them for anyone who wants solid and stylish everyday earrings.”
Best Nap Earrings for Good Vibes
Evil Eye Nap Earrings
Pros:
- Evil eye charm
- 18-karat gold plating (or silver) and cubic zirconia diamonds
- Flat back and comfortable
- Easy to put in and take out
- Hypoallergenic
- 365-day guarantee
Cons:
- Backing not as secure
- Pricey
This pair of Maison Miru evil eye nap earrings not only encourages good vibes, but good sleep, too. They feature flat backs and high-quality titanium that are comfortable for even the most sensitive ears. They’re pretty and poke-free, an ideal combination.
Warding off negativity while inviting lots of compliments, Bandurski tested out this pair. “Not only did I love the look of these, but they were super easy to get in, likely because of the lower gauge,” she says. “They were also very comfy and I didn’t even notice they were in my ears.”
While the evil eye charm offered her security, the push-pin backing itself did not. “I wore them in my lobe piercings for three days without fail. The next time I went to put them in, however, I must not have bent or pushed hard enough because the top bit with the actual earring fell right out of my ear!”
For a more secure fit, Bandurski notes that the packaging recommends bending the post slightly, or you can opt for the threaded back option that may provide greater security.
What to look for when buying nap earrings
Nap earrings should fit your style and budget, but above all else, should be comfortable enough for everyday wear (after all, that’s the point!). Below are some additional considerations:
- Backing: From flat backs to ball backs to no backs, you want to ensure your earrings are not only comfortable but that they’re also easy to put in and take out. Someone who has issues with dexterity may benefit from a no-back set.
- Gauge: The “gauge” refers to the thickness of the post. The lower the gauge, the thicker the post, and the thicker the post, the easier it is to secure the earring on.
- Material: Look for high-quality materials that won’t fade, rust or tarnish. For those with sensitive skin, look for hypoallergenic materials.
- Size: As noted by some of our testers, nap earrings tend to be a little smaller than expected. Consider the piercing you intend to wear your earring (perhaps a secondary or cartilage piercing), and be sure to confirm the measurements before ordering.
- Warranty or guarantee: If you’re purchasing higher-end nap earrings, confirm the company’s warranty policy or customer satisfaction guarantee prior to adding to cart.
Why you should trust us
While our team of editors love to test products, we also love to accessorize. Our testers—Katie Bandurski, Emily Way, Reina Galhea, Caroline Lubinsky, Caitlyn Fitzpatrick and Annamarie Higley, who have years of experience in the commerce world—were nap earring newbies who spoke to the learning curve of securing each unique backing, as well as long-time wearers that provided a few helpful tricks along the way. Our testers also have multiple piercings and were able to assess comfort in both lobe and cartilage piercings.
How we found the best nap earrings
After thoroughly researching top brands and scouring customer reviews, our team of editors lent their ears to test 14 pairs of the best nap earrings on the market, taking into consideration every style and budget. To ensure comfort and security, we slept, exercised and showered our way through each pair, taking note of any unwanted poking or prodding, as well as any casualties or losses. From there, we narrowed down our list to 12 pairs worthy of everyday companionship. We also made note of which pairs proved challenging to put in and take out (but we can assure you, you won’t want to take any of these pairs out).
FAQ
What are nap earrings?
Nap earrings, also referred to as “live-in earrings” or “sleeper earrings,” are comfortably designed for everyday wear that you don’t have to remove for naps or bedtime. Unlike traditional earring backs, they feature flat or screw-on backings that promise not to jab, poke or prod you.
Can you shower with sleeper earrings?
Most sleeper earrings are waterproof, as they’re designed for everyday wear. However, always confirm with the company website before making a purchase.
Originally Published: April 19, 2023
