7 Best Soundproof Ear Plugs for Sleeping, Work and More

Loud noise is not just plain annoying; it is also detrimental to your health and overall well-being. A good pair of soundproof earplugs can help you handle noisy situations in a better way. 

Whether you are trying to sleep, focusing at work, or want to protect your ears while swimming, earplugs are a worthy investment. You can purchase a design that fits inside the ear canal or go for a set that sits in the outer ear canal. Their size and shapes also vary from model to model. However, one thing is for sure; they are an affordable and easy way to cancel out uncomfortably loud sounds (and water too). 

So how do you choose a suitable pair of earplugs from the vast sea of choices? Why by checking out our list of the 7 best soundproof earplugs below! 

Top Picks For Best Soundproof Ear Plugs 

Here are our top picks for the best soundproof ear plugs:

ProductFeaturesLink
Vibes High Fidelity Ear Plugs
(Best Overall)
– Low profile design 
– Include ear tips of 3 different sizes 
– Lower sound volume by up to 22 decibels
– Virtually invisible 
– Reusable 
– Snug-fitting
Amazon
Kuyax Premium Silicone Ear Plugs 
(Runner Up)
– Customizable
– High-grade silicone construction 
– Come in a convenient carry case
– Washable 
– Reusable 
– Hypoallergenic 
Amazon
Mack’s Ultra Soft Foam Ear Plugs
(Best Budget Option)
– Sold as a set of 50 pairs 
– Reduce up to 33 decibels of noise 
– Made with comfortable Polyurethane Foam
– Non-toxic 
– Ergonomically-shaped 
– Very soft 
Amazon

Best Soundproof Ear Plugs

1. Vibes High Fidelity Ear Plugs

Vibes High Fidelity Ear Plugs offer a better solution where other ear plugs block your ear canal to muffle the surrounding noise. They incorporate sound tubes in their design that reduce noise levels by up to 22 decibels. 

Vibes ear plugs don’t aim to cancel out the noise around you. Instead, the hollow sound tubes function as sound-enhancing acoustic filters to reduce the overall volume. This way, you can still hear everything around you but at a bearable volume. 

The earbuds are made out of soft silicone. Vibes has designed them to be low-profile, so they sit snugly inside your ears without sticking out too much. The sound tubes are also transparent, so the ear plugs are virtually invisible. 

To ensure the right fit, the earbuds come in three different sizes. You can try them all to find your perfect fit. Plus, a carry case is included in the package that makes it easy to carry and store your pair.

While Vibes High Fidelity Ear Plugs are great for concerts, driving, motorbiking, etc., their hollow tube design is not suitable for swimming. We also advise you to avoid them while sleeping. Their sound tubes stick out, which can be uncomfortable for side sleepers.

Another notable feature is their reusability. The silicone material is completely waterproof, so you can easily wash and reuse the ear plugs several times. 

Pros

  • Transparent outer shells make them invisible
  • Multiple sized tips ensure the right fit 
  • Silicon earbuds are soft and washable 
  • Deliver great sound quality
  • Come with a carrying case 

Cons

  • Not ideal for sleeping or swimming purposes

2. Kuyax Premium Silicone Ear Plugs 

If you want a perfect balance of comfort and noise reduction, the Kuyax Premium Silicone Ear Plugs are a good choice. They come as a moldable silicone putty that you can shape before putting it inside your ear. It creates a thick barrier between your outer ear and the surrounding noise, which muffles them significantly. 

Kuyax ear plugs have a high noise reduction rating (NRR) of 32 decibels. Meaning they are capable of making a huge difference in reducing the distracting noises. Whether you are taking off in an airplane, reading, or trying to focus on your work, these ear plugs ensure you remain undisturbed. 

Plus, their high-grade silicone construction makes them waterproof, so you can also wear them while swimming to protect your ears from water exposure. Since no pointy ends are sticking out, you can also wear them while sleeping. They are great for side sleepers too. 

These Kuyax ear plugs are both washable and reusable. You can even cut one of these into two pieces to make them suitable for kids and young adults. However, you might find them a bit sticky while molding. 

What’s more? They come inside their own plastic case, so you can easily store them in a clean and safe environment when not in use. Plus, the carrying case is also clear, so you can see how many pairs are left. 

Pros

  • High NRR of 32 decibels 
  • Come as a set of four pairs 
  • Can mold to fit inside any ear
  • No tips or end poke out 
  • Great for swimming, sleeping, and general noise reduction 

Cons

  • They are a bit sticky 

3. Mack’s Ultra Soft Foam Ear Plugs

Mack’s is a well-known and reliable name in the earplug market. Their Ultra Soft Foam Ear plugs are among the highest-rated and best soundproofing ear plugs currently available on the market. They come as a set of 50 pairs, making them both an affordable and a worthwhile purchase.

These ear plugs are made using super low-pressure and slow-release polyurethane foam. Meaning once pressed to insert in-ears, they slowly release for a secure and comfortable fit. The tapered foam provides unrivaled comfort and blocks up to 33 decibels of noise. 

Mack’s Ultra Soft Foam Ear plugs come in a universal size. However, they are ergonomically designed to fit inside most ears. The slow-release features also ensure that they do not pop out unexpectedly.

Since they are not washable, you should not reuse them. Once soiled, you should dispose of the pair and take out a new one. That’s why these Mack’s ear plugs come as an affordable set of 50 pairs. 

Although their foam construction makes them unfit for swimming, they are still suitable for numerous applications. You can wear them to sleep, onboard the trains and airplanes, at construction sites, sporting events, concerts, etc. With the high NRR, they are great for noise reduction. 

Pros 

  • Comfortable to wear for long durations
  • Reduce up to 33 decibels of noise 
  • Non-toxic and safe to use 
  • Contains 50 pairs of foam ear plugs 
  • The slow-release foam ensures a secure fit
  • Neutral color is easy on the eyes
  • Doesn’t irritate your ears even after prolonged use 

Cons

  • Not suitable for swimming

4. ANBOW Waterproof Noise Reduction Ear Plugs

No matter what kind of noisy environment is giving you a headache, the ANBOW Waterproof Noise Reduction Ear plugs can bring you a significant level of comfort. They feature a soft and flexible silicone construction that you can wear for long periods without feeling uncomfortable. Plus, they come in a universal size that is suitable for most adult ears. 

We found them very easy to use. There is no need to roll these between your fingers as you would do with a foam one. Instead, you just have to place it inside your ear and lightly twist it for a secure fit. 

Where most ear plugs are susceptible to getting lost, the ANBOW ear plugs work with the included string to keep them from being misplaced. All you have to do is insert the ends of the cord in each unit to attach them with each other. Now you don’t have to worry about losing them at all. 

The ANBOW Waterproof Noise Reduction Ear Plugs come as a set of three individually packed pairs. Each plastic container is quite sturdy with a nice heft and feel. Additionally, you also get a waterproof travel pouch as a bonus. 

Pros

  • Sold as a pack of three pairs
  • Comes with storage containers and a travel pouch 
  • Designed to be used with a string 
  • Easy to wear 
  • Hypoallergenic, washable, and reusable 

Cons 

  • Not comfortable for side sleeping 

5. Flents Quiet Contour Ear Plugs

As their name suggests, Flents Quiet Contour Ear Plugs really do silence your surroundings. Some users claim that these are so effective at noise cancellation that they have actually missed their alarms. Seeing the high noise cancelation capacity of 33 decibels, we can’t help but agree.

Flents Ear Plugs are a versatile product that not only ensures quality sleep; their thoughtful design also protects your hearing in noisy environments. Their contour shape ensures the ultimate fit, while the soft foam construction makes them comfortable. The lightweight foam easily tapers to morph according to your ear anatomy. 

The Quiet Contour offers great value both in terms of functionality and affordability. You can choose to purchase them in sets of 10, 50, or 55 pairs, each for a minimal cost. 

Pros

  • Have a high NRR of 33 decibels 
  • Versatile and easy to use 
  • The green color makes them stand out 
  • Made with super soft foam
  • Available as sets of 10, 50, and 55 pairs

Cons 

  • You have to press them before insertion 

6. Eargasm High Fidelity Ear Plugs

At first glance, the Eargasm High Fidelity Ear Plugs may look like any standard silicone ear plugs, but a closer look reveals their actual potential. These high-fidelity ear plugs filter out the annoying high sound frequencies, allowing only the good ones to pass through. Hence you hear what’s happening around you at a more comfortable sound level. 

Each package of Eargasm ear plugs contains two different-sized shells. One is a standard, while the other pair is slightly smaller for people with smaller ears. There is also an ergonomically designed aluminum case that stores your ear plugs and also doubles up as a keychain.

These ear plugs have a 16 decibels NRR to bring about up to 21 decibels drop in noise levels. Plus, you can choose between blue, transparent, and rainbow color options. 

Pros 

  • It contains shells in two varying sizes 
  • Discreet and low profile design
  • Available in three color options 
  • Allow good high frequencies to pass through 
  • Easy to insert and remove 

Cons

  • Not as comfortable as foam earplugs

7. AXBUS Reusable Silicone Ear Plugs

If you are tired of using the same color ear plugs every day, here is a model that might interest you. The AXBUS Reusable Silicone Ear Plugs come as a set of 16 individually packed ear plugs in 4 different colors. You can choose one according to your mood or to match your outfit. 

These ear plugs are made with soft silicone material. They are BPA-free, skin-friendly, durable, waterproof, and very easy to clean. You can also wash them to keep using them again and again. 

The AXBUS ear plugs feature a triple-flanged design that is comfortable to wear for longer durations. You can easily put them in and out of your ears. The flexible silicone adjusts itself according to your ear anatomy for a secure fit so it won’t fall out. 

Pros

  • Boast a NRR of 32 decibels 
  • Set of 16 pairs in 4 color options 
  • Adjust according to your ear for a snug fit
  • 16 storage cases and eight cords are also included 
  • The flexible material is soft and comfortable 

Cons

  • No size options

Buying Guide for Best Soundproof Ear Plugs 

When choosing the best soundproofing ea rplugs, you should look out for the following features:

Size

Ear plugs come in a variety of sizes to facilitate various users. There is no one-size-fits-all involved here. 

Just as a too big or too small cork does not fit inside a bottle, a pair of ill-sized ear plugs also won’t achieve the acoustic seal you are after. 

Depending upon the size of your ears, you should choose between a small, medium, or large pair. Or you can also purchase a moldable set that adjusts itself according to your ear anatomy.

Material

Ear plugs are manufactured in a variety of materials. These include foam, latex, silicone, and wax.

Foam ear plugs are usually the most affordable and comfortable to wear. They are also the most readily available option, usually sold in bulk quantities. 

Silicone ear plugs are reusable, waterproof units that don’t penetrate the ear canal much. These usually sit at the entrance of the ear to protect your ears from shrill noises. You will find them in sets containing 3 to 8 pairs.

Wax ear plugs are considered to be the most effective at canceling unwanted noise. However, they are also the most expensive of the lot despite their single-use application. 

Some ear plugs also use latex in their construction. While it may not be a problem for most users, people who suffer from latex allergy should carefully check product descriptions to find a latex-free model for themselves. 

Disposable vs Reusable

Disposable ear plugs are intended for single use. In contrast, reusable ones can be used multiple times. Their durability is what makes them lasting enough for you to use them several times. 

Single-use, disposable ear plugs are engineered with less durable materials for better affordability. On the other hand, reusable ear plugs are composed of more durable materials to withstand several uses. Hence they are more costly. 

Comfort 

Since you will wear your soundproof ear plugs for hours at a time, their comfort level becomes an utmost priority. The construction material does play a major role in determining their comfiness. The size and shape of the earplug also matter. 

Unfortunately, there is no easy way to determine which ear plugs are more comfortable for you. It is a trial and error process where you have to try on a few pairs to find the most comfortable for yourself. And that’s where a trial period comes in handy. 

Many sellers offer a trial period with their earplug models. You can use this trial period to figure out if their product is comfortable for you or not. If you are not satisfied with its performance, you can return it for a full refund.

This way, you can try different options to find the set that is more comfortable and satisfactory for you. 

FAQ

Are there any ear plugs that block all noise?

According to our research, there are no ear plugs that actually block out all the noise. The best soundproof ear plugs do attenuate loud noises, but they cannot turn you utterly deaf to all sounds. You will still hear most of the things going on around you. 

Is it bad to wear ear plugs to sleep? 

Most earplug models are safe to wear to sleep. But it is still considered a wrong practice because of the earwax buildup, which can cause auditory problems in the long run. 

Can ear plugs damage hearing? 

If used frequently, ear plugs can push the earwax deeper into the ear canal, causing problems like tinnitus or temporary hearing loss.

Conclusion

Ear plugs are a great choice for canceling out uncomfortably loud noises. They protect your ears from sensory damage, ensure better sleep quality, and help you focus better. However, choosing the best soundproofing ear plugs for yourself is not an easy task. You have to consider their material, size, and comfort level before settling on a suitable option. 

As you already saw on our list of the best soundproofing ear plugs, Vibes High Fidelity Ear Plugs filter higher frequencies to deliver a comfortable listening experience. In comparison, Mack’s Ultra Soft Foam Ear Plugs take our award for the best budget pick for their functionality and cost-effectiveness.