The Best Ear Plugs for 2021
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Best Ear Plugs
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For this post, I have put together a collection of the best ear plugs currently available.
UPDATED: July 12, 2021.
MY TOP PICK:
If you are looking for the best overall, I recommend the Mack's Ultra Soft Foam Ear Plugs because after trying a lot of options they’re what I used every night for years to help me sleep in a very loud city. They offer a comfortable, malleable shape with a high noise reduction rating (NRR) of 32 decibels.
Whether you are protecting your ears from loud equipment, rock concert or just trying to get a good night's sleep, these are sure to help you out.
Noise Reduction Rating (NRR)
An important feature to note for each product is the Noise Reduction Rating (NRR). The NRR is a unit of measurement used to determine how effective the ear plugs are at reducing noise. This is measured in decibels (dB) with a higher number being better at blocking sound transmission. For example, while wearing a set of ear plugs with an NRR of 30dB, it would reduce a 100dB sound down to 70dB.
It is best if you can figure out the decibel rating of the power equipment or concert you will be using or attending. Knowing what you will be exposed to can help to appropriately prepare with the right hearing protection. For instance, a jackhammer and rock concert can reach painful levels of 130dB and 150dB, respectively. Some plugs are specifically designed for concerts to reduce the incoming sound while minimizing the “muffling” so it is still an enjoyable experience.
There are two materials commonly used for ear plugs: foam and silicone.
Foam Plugs
Foam plugs are more common given their ease of use and basic design. They typically consist of foam that is molded into a tapered shape. The plug is simply compressed by the user, then inserted into the ear canal where it expands to form a seal. These often have an exterior coating to reduce the build-up of dirt, which is especially helpful in construction.
Silicone Plugs
Silicone plugs offer a soft form factor but are not as malleable as foam. Therefore most silicone plugs include multiple tips to provide the best fit for your particular ear canal diameter. Some include attenuation filters that reduce noise to safe levels while preserving the clarity of speech and of music, which is ideal for concerts. Silicone is also waterproof so it is a good choice for swimming.
Reusable vs. Disposable
As the name indicates, reusable plugs can be used repeatedly. These often have a higher up-front cost but can be more affordable over time. Reusable plugs are typically made from silicone since it is more durable and easy to clean. Disposable plugs are designed for one-time use and are typically offer a low upfront cost but can be more expensive over time depending on the frequency of use.
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The following ear plugs use the latest innovative materials to help protect your hearing while offering a comfortable fit.
So here is my list of The Best Ear Plugs for 2021.
Enjoy!
Best Overall: Mack's Ultra Soft Foam Ear Plugs
These are the ear plugs I used personally every night to help me sleep in the middle of a very busy city.
Features a molded shape with a low-pressure, tapered foam for comfort.
Equipped with a high noise reduction rating (NRR) of 32 decibels.
Offers the ability to be used for hazardous noise levels or simply to reduce annoying noises.
Designed for concerts, motorsports, sleeping, power tools, and more.
Runner-up: Eargasm High Fidelity Ear Plugs
The Eargasm High Fidelity Earplugs are a ready-fit means of hearing protection for any noisy environment.
Features a Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) of 16 dBs.
Reduces noise levels proportionally while maintaining sound integrity.
Features an attenuation filter that reduces noise to safe levels while preserving the clarity of speech and richness of music.
Equipped with a soft, clear silicone exterior to fit gently within the ears.
Includes two pairs of different-sized earplug shells to optimize fit.
Best for Visibility: Howard Leight 3301105 Ear Plugs
Howard Leight 3301105 pack is equipped with yellow and magenta colors for effective visibility.
Features a contoured T-shape makes for easy insertion and removal, and the self-adjusting foam is designed to fit most ear canals.
Reduces dirt buildup by using soil-resistant, closed-cell foam skin.
Features 200 pairs of disposable earplugs per pack.
Best Bulk Set: Flents Quiet Please Ear Plugs
The Flents Quiet Please Ear Plugs feature a Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) of 29.
Perfect for hearing protection in loud environments or for ensuring silence when trying to focus or concentrate.
Offers hearing protection from construction, power tools, concerts, and other loud environments.
Made out of a comfortable foam that is easily compressed for insertion and fits comfortably in the ear.
Includes 50 pairs in a convenient storage container.
Best Budget Option: Moldex Ear Plugs
The Drift to Sleep's Moldex foam ear plugs are made out of extra-soft, extra light foam.
Features a tapered shape to fit easily in the ear canal for an effective, sealing fit.
Features a smooth outer surface to avoid irritating the ear canal.
Designed for increased compliance and fewer complaints.
Equipped with al foam that is designed for softness and comfort.
Best for Concerts: DownBeats Reusable High Fidelity Ear Plugs
The DownBeats cut down the damaging noise that you don't want to hear while helping to reduce the muffled effect.
Designed to provide the ability to maintain conversations and hear music at a safe level.
Allows for music to be head while reducing the decibels.
Includes an aluminum case for transport and storage.
Best Silicone: Mack's Pillow Ear Plugs
The Mack's Pillow Soft Silicone Ear Plugs fit a range of ear sizes with the silicone material.
Designed for comfortable long-term use such as sleeping, traveling, or concerts.
Offers the ability to helps reduce unwanted noises effectively
Features a waterproof design for swimming.
Best for Swimming: Speedo Ergo Ear Plugs
The Speedo Ergo ear plugs feature a lightweight silicone form designed for swimmers.
Features a contoured shape provides a snug fit to minimize leakage.
Offers a lightweight, soft, and comfortable design.
Allows for both easy insertion and removal.
Best Non-Muffling: Vibes High Fidelity Ear Plugs
The Vibes High Fidelity Ear Plugs are designed with attenuating filters to reduce decibel levels by up to 22 decibels without muffling the incoming sound.
Offer the ability to continue listening to music and talking to others.
Includes interchangeable multiple-sized ear tips to get the right fit.
Features a low profile design with a clear tube to minimize visibility.
Includes a small pocket carrying case to take them anywhere.
Best for Construction: 3M 1100 Foam Ear Plugs
The 3M 1100 ear plugs conform to the unique shape of each ear for protection and comfort.
Features a tapered design that fits comfortably in the ear canal.
Equipped with a smooth, dirt-resistant surface.
Constructed from soft, hypoallergenic foam.
Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) is 29 decibels.
I hope this list of the best ear plugs was helpful.
If you think I left out one that is important or have a suggestion for a future article, let me know in the comments below.
Brandon Hubbard, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C
