Ozlo Sleepbuds: The Return of Bose’s Sleep Tech with New Features

The Bose Sleepbuds, loved for their noise-masking and sleep-enhancing technology, were discontinued in 2023. However, a team of ex-Bose engineers revived them under the brand Ozlo, offering the Ozlo Sleepbuds for ₹24,950 ($299). These buds maintain the best features of the original Sleepbuds but add new tricks that make them even more enticing.

Key Features and Improvements

The most significant upgrade is that users can now play their own audio, unlike the original Bose version, which limited users to a small selection of white noise sounds. With the Ozlo Sleepbuds, you can listen to your favorite audiobooks, podcasts, or music while falling asleep. The buds can even switch to white noise automatically once they detect you've dozed off. This feature, although impressive, is still somewhat inconsistent in its performance. In some cases, it transitions perfectly, while in others, users wake up with their media still playing.

In terms of design, Ozlo hasn’t changed much from the original Bose Sleepbuds. They still have a sleek, minimalistic look, and their compact design makes them extremely comfortable to wear, even for side sleepers. Users of the original Sleepbuds will be glad to know that these buds maintain their lightweight and snug fit, never falling out during sleep—something that competing brands like Anker’s Soundcore Sleep earbuds struggle with.

Limitations and Room for Improvement

Despite these improvements, there are a few limitations to note. Bluetooth pairing is still a bit finicky, requiring users to pair the buds while they remain in their case. Moreover, while they allow you to play your own content, these buds are still solely designed for sleep, so features like active noise cancellation or the ability to take calls are absent.

The buds are also equipped with biometric sensors, although sleep tracking isn’t active yet. These sensors, once enabled in early 2025, will monitor movement, respiration rate, and environmental conditions like noise and light. This data will offer users insights into how factors like a snoring partner or room temperature affect their sleep.

Subscription Option and Price

One standout feature is the introduction of Ozlo Flex, a subscription plan that allows users to "subscribe" to the Sleepbuds for ₹1,670 per month, with the flexibility to cancel anytime and free returns. This option offers a more budget-friendly way to try the buds before committing to the full ₹24,950 upfront price.

While the price of the Ozlo Sleepbuds is higher than its predecessor, fans of the original product are likely to appreciate the improvements and added functionality. However, it’s worth noting that sleep-only buds might not be appealing to everyone at this price point, especially since the more advanced biometric tracking features are yet to be rolled out.

Conclusion: A Promising Return

Ozlo Sleepbuds are an excellent revival of the Bose Sleepbuds, with better functionality and new features that aim to provide users with a premium sleep experience. With personal audio, lightweight design, and biometric sensors, these buds are well-equipped to offer high-quality sleep, but they come at a price. The subscription model might provide a more accessible entry point for potential buyers, while early adopters can look forward to even more features in 2025 when the sleep tracking capabilities roll out.

For fans of the original Bose Sleepbuds, Ozlo Sleepbuds offer a promising return with exciting upgrades. However, whether the price is worth it will depend on individual sleep needs and how well the added features deliver in real-world usage.