Choosing the best earplugs for sleeping could mean the difference between disturbed sleep and a blissful affair. Our evaluation focused on the type (in-ear or over-ear), allergies (material type), effectiveness, and auxiliary features such as carry cases and attached cords for easy removal. This is one of the best bedroom/sleeping products on the market today.
After more than 16 hours of research and testing, our pick for the best earplugs for sleeping and other activities goes to the Vibes High Fidelity Earplugs. This pair of earplugs comes in three sizes and are practically invisible, with a noise reduction rating of up to 22 decibels. Round rubberized tips confirm well to your ear canal, making them very comfortable to wear. Keep reading to learn more about the Vibes High Fidelity Earplugs and other high-grade earplugs available for purchase. If you’re planning on hunting soon or going to a firing range, you’ll need more than earplugs to protect your hearing, so be sure to check out the best shooting ear protection.
Related: The best cushion covers 20×20 could transform your entire living room.
Top 7 Best Earplugs for Sleeping
#1 Vibes High Fidelity Earplugs
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: These earplugs come in a low-profile silicone design and a 22dB noise reduction rating, making them a great choice for hard rock concert-goers or construction workers.
[su_row]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#4DB227″ radius=”0″]
[su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#4DB227″]
- 22 decibels of protection
- Comes in three sizes (small ear, medium ear, large ear)
- Includes carrying case for travel
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#B2B9C3″ radius=”0″][su_list icon=”icon: ban” icon_color=”#B2B9C3″]
- Stem to remove earplugs could be longer
- May be uncomfortable for people with larger ear canals
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[/su_row]
These in-ear earplugs are the best earplugs for studying, cutting decibel levels by up to 22. Its ultra-low profile looks nearly invisible when looking from multiple angles. Round rubberized tips are also very comfortable and conform well to your inner ears; not too soft or too rigid. Kudos for coming in three sizes-small, medium, and large.
Music fidelity is not affected at all while wearing these earplugs. High notes and deep bass with our favorite hits were not muffled or offset in any way. We especially like its effectiveness with whirring airplanes and wind noise. If you love tech, you might also want to read our review of the best sleep tracker.
Related: You will love the best headboard for your bed designed to fit most wood or metal bed frames.
#2 Flents Ear Plugs
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: These earplugs can reduce noise by up to 33 decibels and come in a 10-pack, making it a great choice for frequent travelers.
[su_row]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#4DB227″ radius=”0″]
[su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#4DB227″]
- Best on a budget
- Conforms to your inner ear’s contours
- Latex-free material & made in the U.S.A.
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#B2B9C3″ radius=”0″][su_list icon=”icon: ban” icon_color=”#B2B9C3″]
- May be too long for some people
- Inflation in ears may dampen over time
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[/su_row]
These earplugs do a nice job of blocking out noise with a soft, foam construction that adheres to your inner ear well. It is shaped like a cone with a wide base, slim middle, and thicker top to create an “airtight” seal within the ear. We love these earplugs for loud concerts, airplane trips, and sporting events.
Kudos for being latex-free, which can flare up allergy systems such as itching or running noses in some people. This gives us confidence it can be worn for extended periods without any repercussions. With these headphones, you’ll be able to get a quiet night’s sleep on any of your best mattresses.
#3 Moldex Soft Foam Ear Plugs
Award: BEST FOR BEDTIME
WHY WE LIKE IT: These soft foam earplugs come in a 40-pack and PVC/latex-free construction, working well with people who suffer from common skin allergies.
[su_row]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#4DB227″ radius=”0″]
[su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#4DB227″]
- Great for sensitive skin and comfortable to wear
- NRR rated at 33dB; immediate noise reduction
- Includes carrying case
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#B2B9C3″ radius=”0″][su_list icon=”icon: ban” icon_color=”#B2B9C3″]
- May lack suction with smaller ear canals
- May be too long for some ears
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[/su_row]
We love this earplug’s soft and tapered foam, which conforms to your ear canal. While wearing it, we immediately noticed noise filtering with only a slight muffle, offering the same or similar fidelity. It is highly recommended to use these on construction sites and airplanes, where sound fidelity is not as urgent.
These earplugs are NRR 33dB-rated, which means they can reduce noise by up to 33 decibels. This is a godsend in heavy construction areas and shooting ranges, with constant pops and whirring noise that can cause hearing damage with prolonged exposure. Kudos for being latex and PVC-free, a synthetic plastic polymer that is especially hazardous to children. If you’re a little bit more sensitive in general, you might be interested in reading into the best mattress for sciatica.
#4 Eargrace Noise Reduction Ear Plugs
Award: BEST SIZE SELECTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: These are the best reusable earplugs, thanks to a noise reduction rating of SNR 31dB and a human ear canal shaped design with the choice of three sizes (small, medium, and large)
[su_row]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#4DB227″ radius=”0″]
[su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#4DB227″]
- Protects an impressive 31 dB of sound
- Comfortable silicone material conforms to ears
- Choice of three sizes to suit a variety of ear types
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#B2B9C3″ radius=”0″][su_list icon=”icon: ban” icon_color=”#B2B9C3″]
- Lost sound fidelity; not ideal for concert music listening
- Incorrect size may cause discomfort (falling out; too snug)
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[/su_row]
Our favorite feature with these earplugs is their non-toxic silicone material, which is soft and durable on the skin. Plus, they fit snugly in the inner ear canal for a tight seal to better block out noise. With a 31 dB noise reduction level, we noticed a big difference in the quality of sleep with partner snoring sound nearly non-existent.
This earplug set comes with three pairs and includes a sleek, circular PU bag for convenient carrying. Three sizes (small, medium, large) accommodate all ear canal sizes. Bonus points for being washable and reusable, so it can be shared with multiple family members if needed. You could use these headphones to block out noise when you’re trying to sleep on your best pillow for sleeping.
#5 3M 90716-80025T Corded Reusable Earplug
Award: BEST FOR WORK
WHY WE LIKE IT: These are the best earplugs for work, comfortable tri-flange design and extra-long cords, great for people who want to prioritize quick removal when speaking to work colleagues who constantly interrupt.
[su_row]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#4DB227″ radius=”0″]
[su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#4DB227″]
- Tri-flange design matches the canal
- Easiest to remove
- Comes in a 3-pair pack & storage case
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#B2B9C3″ radius=”0″][su_list icon=”icon: ban” icon_color=”#B2B9C3″]
- Some users may find the blue cord distracting
- May need frequent readjustment with larger ear canals
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[/su_row]
These earplugs are very well constructed, using a tri-flange design that contours with your ear canal for a snug fit. An attached thin blue cord can be pulled gently for removal, which works for people who may become overly cautious about jamming an earplug in too deep. Plus, with no roll down, earplugs are not at risk of getting dirty, so they can be reused time and time again.
Our only knock is that these earplugs come with a 25dB noise reduction rating (most of our recommended picks are above 30). However, it is more than suitable for lower volume activities like sleeping and studying. A 3M-branded carrying case is also included for easy carrying. All in all, we were very impressed with this corded reusable earplug’s overall build quality. If you want to use these headphones when you’re working outside, you’ll also want to see our guide to the best tools.
#6 Mack’s Pillow Soft Silicone Earplugs
Award: BEST FOR UNINTERRUPTED REST
WHY WE LIKE IT: These are the best earplugs for sleeping with a snorer, coming in a 6-pack with a ‘putty’ design with no portion touching the deeper inner ear for comfort.
[su_row]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#4DB227″ radius=”0″]
[su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#4DB227″]
- Snug airtight and waterproof seal
- Noise reduction rating of 22 decibels
- Non-toxic and non-allergenic
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#B2B9C3″ radius=”0″][su_list icon=”icon: ban” icon_color=”#B2B9C3″]
- Dust and debris may easily gather on wax
- May need constant readjustment if not worn correctly
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[/su_row]
Unlike many of our earplug recommendations with tri-flange and S-shaped designs, these earplugs for snoring are slightly pear-shaped, creating an airtight and waterproof seal around the inner ear without pressure. It is built more like a cover while molding to your outer ear’s contours. We especially like it for sleep, where side sleeping will not cause discomfort. Even light sleepers can benefit.
Each pair of earplugs has a noise reduction rating NRR of 22 decibels, which is more than enough to drown out the sound of your snoring partner. Kudos for being non-toxic and non-allergenic, especially useful for people suffering from common skin allergies.
#7 Amazker Earplugs
Award: BEST DECIBEL RATING
WHY WE LIKE IT: These soft foam earplugs come in a contoured foam S-shape design for comfort and monstrous 60-pack, with a decibel protection rating of 35 dB.
[su_row]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#4DB227″ radius=”0″]
[su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#4DB227″]
- Comfortable S-shaped design
- Comes with durable aluminum carry case
- Easy to insert in ear
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#B2B9C3″ radius=”0″][su_list icon=”icon: ban” icon_color=”#B2B9C3″]
- Takes a while to expand in-ear (30 to 60 seconds)
- Not washable or reusable
[/su_list][/su_box][/su_column]
[/su_row]
We love the way these earplugs are designed. An S-shaped design and soft foam adhere well to your ear canal’s contours. Simply pinch, twist in, and let it expand to create an airtight seal. Its memory foam is neither too soft nor too rigid – just soft enough not to notice with prolonged wear.
Our only knock is that its memory foam composition rebounds very easily in-ear, taking as much as 60 seconds to fully expand. However, its 35-decibel noise reduction rating may be more than enough to compensate. All in all, we were very impressed with these soft foam earplugs’ overall build quality.
How We Decided
In determining the best earplugs to buy, we explored type (in-ear or over-ear), allergies (material type), effectiveness, and auxiliary features such as carry cases.
Most of our recommendations are in-ear, with the exception of Mack’s Pillow Soft Silicone Earplugs which act more like an ear cover. In-ear earplugs do an excellent job of creating an airtight seal, producing noise reduction ratings as high as 35 decibels. In-ear earplugs can be made of many materials, including silicone, PU foam, and memory foam, all of which contract and expand comfortably in the inner ear without causing discomfort.
Effectiveness is a critical factor. For good hearing protection, we recommend a minimum noise reduction eating of up to 22 decibels, which can easily drown out tossing and turning snorers and light activity. For the best earplugs for concerts and heavy construction areas, look for a minimum noise reduction rating of 30 decibels.
We focused on earplugs that were non-toxic and non-allergenic. Many earplugs are made using latex, which has been known to cause severe skin allergies in some people.
Lastly, we focused on auxiliary features. Some of these include carrying cases for easy portability and long thin cords that allow users to quickly remove them without squeezing. It is also a plus for people extra conscious of an earplug that may get in too deep, especially if they have larger ear canals. Kudos for earplugs that also come in three sizes-small, medium, and large, offering an even better custom fit.
Best Earplugs Buyer’s Guide
The Most Important Features to Consider
- Type (In-Ear or Over)
Our recommendations cover both in-ear and over-the-ear earplugs. In-ear earplugs do an exceptional job of noise reduction, as high as 33 decibels. Our sole over-the-ear earplug, the #6 Mack’s Pillow Soft Silicone Earplugs, works great to reduce the sound during sleep by relieving any in-ear pressure which may cause discomfort for some. These are also the best earplugs for traffic noise. Find earplugs that conform well to your inner ear and you have a winner. - Allergies and Material Type
We like silicone, memory foam, and PU foam earplugs, which contract and expand in-ear for a snug fit. Kudos for earplugs that are non-toxic, allergenic, and latex-free, all known for causing mild to severe skin allergies. - Effectiveness
Look for a minimum noise reduction rating of 22 decibels for sleepers and 30 decibels for concert and heavy construction areas. NRR 30dB+ rated earplugs are also the best earplugs for shooting. We feel this noise reduction level brings down those heavy volumes and consistent loud noises to a manageable level while allowing users to continue experiencing key sound cues. - Auxiliary Features
We love earplugs that come with carrying cases, which keep them moisture-free and hygienic, especially on long flights. Extras also include thin cords that allow for easy earplug removal and eliminate any fears and earplugs can dig deep into the ear canal.
