These headphones are actually comfortable to wear in bed, but are they worth it?

I’ve never been someone who can fall asleep in just any random circumstances. It needs to be the right temperature, with little to no light and, of course, comfortable. Don’t even get me started on trying to fall asleep in cars or on a plane — it’s just not happening, no matter how tired I am.

I prefer sleeping while it’s quiet, but sometimes you have to deal with the noise. Whether it’s construction work going on outside, dogs barking or, dare I say, a snoring spouse. Or you can drown that out by wearing headphones or earbuds to bed, which comes with its own set of problems.

That is unless you’re wearing specially-designed headphones that are somehow comfortable regardless of whether you’re a back or side sleeper. Yes, they exist — but are these SleepPhones worth it?

SleepPhones Effortless Bluetooth headband

Let me introduce the SleepPhones Effortless from Acoustic Sheep: a Bluetooth-equipped headband with two extremely thin speakers. They have (mostly) one job, and that’s to help you sleep more comfortably while wearing headphones.

That means you can listen to music, your favorite podcasts or ambient noises without waking up looking for your now-missing wireless earbuds or, worse, in pain. And it’s actually not a complicated design.

SleepPhones sent me the Effortless model to review, which consists of a fleece headband (95% polyester, 5% spandex), a rechargeable Bluetooth module and two cloth-enclosed speakers. All the parts are accessible from the backside of the headband through a velcro enclosure.

That module can wirelessly connect to a smartphone, tablet or computer with a range of 15-30 feet away and can last about 10 hours on a single charge. The version I tried is called Effortless because it uses an induction charging method that doesn’t require you to remove the module. It wasn’t exactly “effortless,” but more on that soon.

The SleepPhones Effortless Bluetooth module

Getting to know the SleepPhones

Regardless of battery level, when something new arrives, I’m a big fan of charging whatever it is completely before using it for the first time. There wasn’t much to the SleepPhones or charger, so I thought it would be pretty easy to get the process started.

Continue reading

Tile trackers vs. the new AirTags – What's the difference?

You might be wondering, what in the world are trackers? They have been around for years, and like every revolutionary product, Tile’s competitors finally caught up.

If you’ve ever lost your car keys or smartphone, you’re perfect for trackers. They were invented to solve this pesky problem by helping you track your stuff anytime it went missing. This includes your phone, car keys, wallet, etc. Hey, maybe even your kids? Slip a tracker in their pocket!

Continue reading

7 strategies to delete yourself from the internet

Maintaining your online privacy has become increasingly difficult. If you’re tired of platforms and companies snooping through your personal data, it’s time to take action. In this video, Kim shows you seven ways to shut out Facebook, Amazon, Twitter, people-search sites and others.

Big Tech made big money this year

Open/download audio

First-quarter numbers for 2021 are out for the titans of Big Tech! Prepare to be shocked by how much Amazon, Google and Facebook make every single minute of every single day.

5 new uses for your Amazon Fire tablet

Looking for a new tablet? You’re in luck as Amazon recently unveiled a new range of its hugely popular Amazon Fire tablets. From the basic to hardcore and even ones for kids, the new Fire tablets are giving Apple a run for its money. Tap or click here to check out Apple’s latest devices.

Continue reading

Review: Uber Chill Personal Mini Fridge

When you think about the simple things in life of the 21st century, what comes to mind? How about the ability to watch just about any movie or TV show you want through on-demand streaming?

Then there’s the ability to live your entire digital life through the computer you keep in your pocket that also makes phone calls. Even more simple, getting your hands on a cold soda or bottle of water without having to leave your desk, thanks to a tiny appliance you might barely realize is there.

Continue reading

Best tablet for the money: Amazon's new $150 10-inch Fire

Tablets have become more practical and useful than ever, thanks to remote work and education. You can perform virtually any task on a tablet that you normally do on a laptop or PC. These smart devices can also integrate with our other gadgets, giving us control all in one place.

Continue reading

This smart ring isn't like the smartwatch on your wrist - But is it worth it?

When you hear the term “wearable,” it often means tech you wear on your wrist. To a lesser degree, there are also smart eyeglasses and clip-on gadgets, but you don’t hear too much about smart rings.

You might be surprised, but there are actually several out there, including Amazon’s now discontinued Echo Loop. I suppose it’s neat to have Alexa wrapped around your finger until you realize it’s really the other way around.

Continue reading

This digital photo frame has unlimited storage, but is it worth it?

Remember when digital photo frames were all the rage? For years, they were the default gift to give at Christmas, birthdays and other special occasions.

Then tech evolved and the ability to display your photos got easier. Now you can turn your tablet into a makeshift digital frame or build in slideshows into your smart displays from Amazon or Google Nest. You can even turn your TV into a big photo frame.

Continue reading

This hub expands what your laptop can do - Is it worth it?

When businesses started shifting workforces to remote work a year ago, many employees had to figure out how to set up a home office quickly. Even if you had the perfect space or decided the couch would do, having the right tools is even more important.

Continue reading

Virtual makeover: Easy way to redecorate your rooms online

For many of us, remote work has become the new norm. A year into the pandemic and we are getting used to balancing our home and work lives.

Tax season is here and you may have questions about how to file this year. Who is eligible for a work-from-home tax deduction? Can you claim home office expenses on your return? Tap or click here for answers to these questions and more.

Continue reading

Review: Stealth Core Trainer

Working from home over the past year, I’ve tried to put a bigger focus on my overall fitness level. Even with nowhere to really go, the motivation still isn’t always there to just go workout.

Still, months ago, I bought a compact under-desk elliptical from Cubii that I could use while working or watching TV. It’s been a success story because I’ve used it every day since late last September.

Continue reading

Insider tricks to make money on Amazon

Open/download audio

Amazon can seem like a jungle to new sellers. But this jungle is ripe with opportunities for those who are willing to research market data, listen to customers and pounce on trends. In this episode, Kim’s talking with Jason Boyce, an Amazon expert and an e-commerce veteran. Together, they’ll share some top-secret tips for making the most out of the world’s largest online realtor. This is a must for anyone who sells online!

3 Amazon privacy settings you need to change now

I wondered how much money I have spent on Amazon.com, and maybe you’d also like to see your stats. There’s an insider trick to getting a detailed report from Amazon. Tap or click here for the steps to see every single thing you’ve purchased and when on Amazon.com.

Continue reading

Best tax software to get the job done yourself

Two things in life are guaranteed: Death and taxes. Unless you’re an accountant, you’ll likely dread tax season like the rest of us.

The good news is there are multiple programs out there that take the headache out of tax preparation and streamline the process, turning even the most novice employee into a tax professional with the press of a few buttons.

Continue reading

20 smart new Alexa commands for your Amazon Echo

We’re firmly in the age of smart speakers. Maybe you rely on Siri or the assistant built into your phone, but you likely have a full-fledged AI assistant in your home too.

Alexa, built into the Amazon Echo, is everywhere. If you have an Echo, there’s a good chance Alexa has driven you up the wall a time or two with the follow-up questions. Tap or click here for 5 quick fixes to Amazon Echo annoyances.

Continue reading

11 tech and everyday essentials dirtier than your toilet

We all remember the mad rush for cleaning products and hand sanitizer at the start of the pandemic. It’s still difficult to get these products in some areas.

Unfortunately, there are always people who take advantage of others in times of need. They appeal to our desire for cleanliness and safety with websites and product listings containing fake cleaning supplies. Tap or click here to spot fake Clorox and Lysol websites.

Continue reading

Amazon's censorship problem

Open/download audio

Amazon claims that it stands for a free, open and uncensored Internet. Yet here it is, the biggest of Big Tech, now censoring and removing books and films it doesn’t like.

Amazon Echo warning: Think twice before enabling Alexa skills

Thanks to smart speakers, you can get daily news briefings, set a timer and order dog food without lifting a finger. Just say the words and it’s done.

No matter how careful you are, you give up some privacy when using a phone, tablet, smart speaker or laptop. They can sometimes listen to you without you even knowing it. Tap or click here to keep Big Tech from listening in on your private conversations.

Continue reading

10 surprising smart home devices you didn't know about

For a long time, smart homes were more trendy than commonplace. Now, technology is taking over the home, making our lives easier than ever before.

You probably know about smart switches, lights and music players. Actually, there are a ton of other devices you may not have imagined could be digitized. For example, smart forks and frying pans can make your dinner routine a breeze.

Continue reading