8 Best Nap Earrings, as Tested (And Slept In) by Our Editors

KATIE BANDURSKI FOR READER'S DIGEST

BEST OVERALL NAP EARRINGS

Opal Trio Sleeper Earrings

Shop on Mint & Lily

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. Both are hypoallergenic, meaning that they are designed for continuous wear.

“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, she says, “Simply twist the backing—righty tighty, lefty loosey!”

Bandurski reports that she’s had one of these in her cartilage piercing since February 2024. No stones have come out despite countless showers and sleep sessions. She notes that while the metal has dulled slightly, especially on the post, they still look nice and hold up very well to daily use. That said, she still has issues removing them and putting them back.

“These are a pain to take in and out. That hasn’t changed. The parts are so small that you need incredible dexterity to get them to fit. One trick that has worked well is to take a standard earring, put that in the piercing hole, thread on the back of the nap earring post, push it through and then thread on the front jewel,” says Bandurski.

We also tried this minimalist pair from Mint & Lily. That said, they are a bit difficult to get on, and former senior shopping editor Caroline Lubinsky notes that they work best for thinner earlobes.

REINA GALHEA FOR READER'S DIGEST

Best Splurge

Pink Quartz and White Topaz Nap Earrings

Shop on Maison Miru

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.”

Hypoallergenic materials—primarily medical-grade titanium—make them ideal for sensitive skin. That said, they’re quite small, even smaller than we expected, so it can be difficult to put them in. Additionally, the pink quartz is subtle, so don’t expect a huge pop of color.

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.

We also tried the pave lightning earrings which earned high marks, and the evil eye nap earrings, which unfortunately fell out of our editor’s ears due to the push-style backing. It’s important to ensure they’re nice and tight before heading out!

ANNAMARIE HIGLEY FOR READER'S DIGEST

Best Studs

CZ Bezel Stud Earrings

Shop on Made by Mary

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 product testing manager Annamarie Higley. “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.” Additionally, these will need frequent cleaning to maintain their sparkle.

CAITLYN FITZPATRICK FOR READER'S DIGEST

Best Hoops

Endless Hoops

Shop on Hello Adorn

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.”

It’s also worth mentioning that these are so lightweight they err a bit fragile, so it’s important to handle carefully. 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 was 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!”

We also tested several extra pairs from the brand, including these horseshoe earrings and twist hoops, both of which impressed our editors.

EMILY WAY FOR READER'S DIGEST

Best Huggies

Gemstone Huggie Hoop Sleeper Earrings

Shop on Mint & Lily

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.

Editor Emily Way was 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 bee’s knees. They snap on securely and feel like nearly nothing,” she says. “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!”

After a year of wear, Way still reaches for these huggie hoops almost daily. “These continue to be a favorite in my collection,” she says. “They’re still in perfect shape—no loose stones or tarnish anywhere. While I do wish they were a bit more snug on my earlobe, I wouldn’t change anything else about these huggies.”

Way was also impressed with the less flashy Live In Hoop Earrings. That said, this pair features a slightly different closure style that she didn’t love quite as much, but may be easier for those with dexterity issues. Opening them for the first time can be tricky, so we suggest using a pen tip or something else firm and thin to push up on the clasp if it’s too difficult.

EMILY WAY FOR READERS DIGEST

Best Value

Renkovte Flat Screw Back Studs

$9.95 at Amazon

These cubic zirconia stud earrings are very cute and very demure, according to Way. Apart from the elegant understated look, she loves that the stainless steel doesn’t itch or irritate her sensitive ears, especially at such a low price point.

“Of all the earrings I tested, these are my fave,” says Way. “While they’re simple, I like how versatile they are. I kind of just leave them in, honestly. It’s easy to forget you’re wearing them because they’re so lightweight.” She notes that they’ve also held up well against showers and pools. Because they’re cubic zirconia, they just require a little cleaning now and again to keep from getting cloudy. Luckily, they come with an alcohol pad, so they’re ready to wear immediately.

Way also raves about the inclusion of extra flat backings. “These come with four flat backings and a pair of regular silicone backings, too. This is perfect if you want to wear them as normal post-style earrings rather than nap earrings. This also allows them to fit a bit more snug for special occasions.”

Overall, we find the price remarkably low given the high quality. No tarnishing or green ears here! And, despite the budget-friendly price point, the packaging they arrive in is totally gift-worthy.

On Sale

KATIE BANDURSKI FOR READERS DIGEST

Lowest Price in 30 days

Easiest to Put On

Dremmy Studios Huggies

13.135% OFF$12.44 at Amazon

These snake-accented huggie hoops from Dremmy Studios impressed Bandurski with how easy they are to put on and take off. Simply push the post into the backing of the hinged hoop to snap them shut—easy peasy! The serpent style may not be for everyone, but they come in a variety of options that include both traditional huggie hoops and fancier studded finds.

“They’re super cute,” says Bandurski of these humble huggies. “I love the snake design. It adds a little visual interest to a standard hoop.” She notes that they also have a decent weight to them and came packed inside a small, giftable box. While we personally appreciate the slightly weighted feel, Bandurski mentions that—unlike studs—these don’t really “disappear” on your lobe.

“I’ve worn them for sleeping, showering, gardening/yard work and other daily tasks,” continues Bandurski. “I haven’t noticed any sensitivity or corroding in color on either the earrings or my ears. These have quickly become my go-to earrings when I want something comfy, eye-catching and easy to put in. I’m eager to see if they sell ’em in silver!”

One thing to note is that she noticed a bit of a looser connection on one of the earrings. That said, for the very affordable price, we can look past this slight inconsistency.

EMILY WAY FOR READERS DIGEST

Best Reversible

Amy O Pavé + Flor Flat Back Studs

Shop on Amy O

What’s better than a pair of nap earrings? A pair of nap earrings that functions as two pairs in one! The Amy O Pavé + Flor studs use the same screw-on backing as other brands, but with a twist. Instead of a flat backing, the stud screws into a second stone facing. That means that these earrings are completely reversible, depending on the mood.

One side features a basic cubic zirconia stone, while the other boasts a quartet of smaller gems for a flashier look. Additionally, a 14 karat gold and sterling silver construction ensures that these hypoallergenic studs are safe for sensitive ears. Way appreciates the versatility of these stunning studs.

“Very cute,” she says. “Similar to the others I’ve tried, these are comfy and don’t bother my ears at all. I loooooove the two-sided design—it really gives these an edge that the others don’t have. Bonus: They’re still equally cozy to sleep in!”

The studs work best for thicker lobes, as Way notes that her thinner lobes have just a little too much wiggle room. Much like the other screw-on studs featured, they’re also tricky to get on and off, though they do come with a helpful diagram. Even still, she loves that the style is reversible for back-to-back events or better outfit matching.

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.

We also spoke to Benjamin Khordipour of Estate Diamond Jewelry. Benjamin is a celebrity jeweler, author and GIA-certified gemologist with a deep passion for antique and vintage jewelry. As a leading authority on jewelry, he specializes in rare and collectible pieces, sharing his expertise with collectors and jewelry enthusiasts worldwide.

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 17 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).

Additional testing in 2025

In 2025, our editors revisited this piece to add long term updates on previous pairs and new options we’ve tried. New additions to our list include earrings from Dremmy Studios, Amy O and Renkovte. We also tested a pair from Pavoi, which unfortunately didn’t make the cut.

Other nap earrings we tested

• Hello Adorn Horseshoe Earrings: Galhea likes these understated earrings. A slightly thicker gauge ensures they won’t fall out, but they do require occasional adjustments.
• Hello Adorn Twist Hoops: We liked how these twist hoops offer the illusion of a second piercing, and they’re very comfortable. However, they tend to snag on sweaters and blankets.
• Made by Mary Live In Hoop Earrings: Way enjoys these lightweight hoops. But she isn’t sold on the complicated closure.
• Maison Miru Pave Lightning Earrings: The push-style back means that these electrically-stylish earrings may fall out on accident.
• Maison Miru Evil Eye Nap Earrings: Similar to the lightning bolt pair, a flat push-style backing isn’t quite as secure as we’d like.
• Mint & Lily Little Bar Earrings: These simple studs are comfy, but are also difficult to get in and work best for thinner lobes.
• Trendolla Sleeper Earrings: While Bandurski loves the look of these stunning studs, one of the Trendolla earrings had a stone come loose about two months into the original testing. Bummer!
• Pavoi Opal Studs: The price of these opal studs makes them super budget-friendly. However, unlike the Renkovte earrings, these don’t come with extra backings.

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.

According to Benjamin, the key features of nap earrings include:

• Flat or domed backs to avoid pressure points.
• Shorter posts to reduce movement and prevent snagging.
• Hypoallergenic materials like platinum, which are also comfortable for long wear. (Though he usually recommends platinum for those with sensitive skin, many also use 14k and 18k gold.)
• Secure closures that prevent the earrings from coming loose while sleeping.

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.

Are nap earrings safe for extended wear?

“Nap earrings are generally safe for semi-extended wear, especially when made from high-quality, hypoallergenic metals. However, it’s very important to remove them occasionally—at least once a week—for a thorough cleaning,” notes Benjamin. “This prevents the buildup of oils, sweat and debris, which can lead to irritation or infection. A gentle clean with mild soap and warm water, followed by drying with a soft cloth, is usually sufficient.”

What are the benefits of nap earrings?

“Beyond comfort, nap earrings can help maintain piercing health,” says Benjamin. “Their snug fit reduces friction, which can lower the risk of irritation or stretching of the piercing hole. They also provide a more seamless look for those who prefer to keep their earrings in 24/7 without the inconvenience of removing and reinserting them daily.”