Everyone needs a good night's sleep, but unfortunately we don't always get one as excessive or distractive noise can stop us from getting that sleep we so desperately need. That's why we've researched the best earplugs for sleeping to help reduce that unwanted noise.
We found that the best earplugs for sleeping are easy to fit, comfortable to wear, and fulfill the purpose of either noise reduction or noise cancelation. So whether you need earplugs on a daily basis or just periodically, are on a budget or have money to spend, we've handpicked the best and most effective earplugs for sleeping on the market.
Quick List - Top Earplugs For Sleeping
World's Finest Mighty Plugs
An All-Natural Earplug with the Highest NRR Rating
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Table of Contents
We're stating the obvious here, but not all earplugs are made equal. Should you get wax? What about foam? And what is this "NRR" you speak of? We'll answer all of your questions and guide you towards your perfect pair of plugs for a great night's sleep.
There are two main types of earplugs: noise reducing and noise canceling (and no, we're not talking about headphones). Check out which ones are right for you based on your lifestyle and environment.
Noise reduction earplugs fit snugly in the ear canal, forming a seal to physically block sounds and reduce their volume. They block all types of sounds equally and don't differentiate between different types, so they'll block your partner's snoring, but will also block your morning alarm!
Noise reduction earplugs don't cancel sound completely, and some muffle the quality of the sound that can still be heard. If you find this distracting, then high fidelity earplugs are a good option as they reduce the volume of the sound without losing any quality.
These earplugs use electronic signals to effectively cancel sounds. Some noise-canceling earplugs also have noise reduction properties as they also sit in the ear canal and form a seal.
Due to the more advanced technology in these earplugs, they're more expensive than noise reduction earplugs. High-end models can also play ambient music or white noise to help you sleep.
Overall, noise-canceling earplugs are more effective at blocking all types of noise than noise reduction earplugs.
The Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) measures the effectiveness of earplugs at blocking noise. The higher the rating, the more effective the earplug is.
Unless you're trying to sleep in an especially noisy place, there is no reason to need earplugs that have an NRR of 30db or above, as these are more commonly used for concerts or construction sites.
Earplugs come in a variety of materials and they all have their own pros and cons. Things to consider when you choose a type of earplug is price, longevity, comfort and effectiveness.
The soft material of foam earplugs can mould to the shape of your ear to reduce noise, although they do not cancel it. They are usually one size fits all and can be difficult to fit correctly when they are first used.
Foam earplugs can be cleaned and reused, but only for two to three uses at most. When a foam earplug no longer returns to its original shape, it should be discarded. Foam earplugs are the cheapest option, but some people report that they can irritate ears with regular use.
Wax earplugs often come wrapped in cotton wool, which needs to be removed before the earplugs can be used. Due to the natural properties of wax, they can be molded to fit your ear perfectly to the point of even being waterproof! This gives them excellent noise reduction properties, but they do not cancel noise.
It can take some practice to fit them correctly as they should not go inside the ear canal. When they are removed in the morning, there is usually a waxy residue left behind. Many wax earplugs are single-use, but others can be reused for a couple of nights.
Silicone earplugs come in many different varieties—from noise reduction to noise canceling. They have more longevity than other materials and can be washed and reused.
Earplugs made from hard silicone are especially long-lasting but can be uncomfortable for people who sleep on their side and are more prone to falling out of your ear.
Soft silicone earplugs behave similarly to wax earplugs as they can mold to your ear, however they aren't as effective at blocking sound. Some of the most expensive earplugs on the market are a mix of materials but will have silicone earbuds. These earbuds often come in different sizes and can be replaced if needed.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Mack's Mack's Original Soft Foam Earplugs | ![]() | A Good Value, Foam Earplug That Can be Used Regularly | |
2 | Kuyax Premium Silicone Earplugs | ![]() | The Most Comfortable Earplugs for Side Sleepers | |
3 | World's Finest Mighty Plugs Snore Blocking Ear Plugs | ![]() | An All-Natural Earplug with the Highest NRR Rating | |
4 | ANBOW Reusable Silicone Earplugs | ![]() | Long-Lasting, Washable Earplugs | |
5 | Peace&Quiet PQ Pillow Earplugs | ![]() | Subtle and Comfortable Wax Earplugs | |
6 | Mack's Pillow Soft Silicone Putty Earplugs | ![]() | Soft, Comfortable, and Suitable for Extended Wear | |
7 | Flents Quiet Please Foam Earplugs | ![]() | Made from Soft Foam for Occasional Use | |
8 | Flent's Quiet Contour Earplugs | ![]() | Contoured Foam Earplugs for an Easier Fit | |
9 | OHROPAX Wax Earplugs | ![]() | Affordable Wax Earplugs in Hygienic Wrapping | |
10 | BRISON Ear Plugs Set | ![]() | High Fidelity Earplugs That Guarantee a Good Quality of Sound |
These earplugs offer the best combination of a high noise reduction rating with a low price. Like other foam earplugs, fitting them correctly can take some getting used to, but once fitted they will block most noise and ensure you get a good night's sleep.
With a noise reduction rating of 32 decibels, you should be able to block out the sound of loud sounds pretty well. Reviewers support the claim that it blocks out noise from snoring spouses, barking pets, and construction alike; however, they do also block out alarm clock tones, so it'd be a good idea to set a loud alarm close to you!
Also, if you're a side sleeper, you may experience some soreness halfway through the night. It's a godsend for back sleepers, though!
These earplugs offer a high noise reduction rating with the utmost comfort. The soft silicone is easy to fit and molds to your ear without leaving a residue behind.
Reviewers with smaller than average ears or those that find foam earplugs to be uncomfortable particularly liked these silicone earplugs. With a noise reduction rating of 32 decibels, they're effective at blocking all noise.
If you're a side sleeper or struggle to make foam earplugs fit comfortably, these earplugs will suit you perfectly.
These wax earplugs have the highest noise reduction rating of any earplug on the list at 34 decibels and will ensure a good night's sleep in even the noisiest of surroundings. Reviewers state they have even successfully used these earplugs on shooting ranges.
They are made from beeswax (the blue color is food coloring) and the manufacturer states they can be used 40-50 times. Reviews confirm this, with users saying they have had 2-3 months use so although they're expensive, they will last.
These are the best option for anyone who has experienced irritation from other earplugs in the past.
With this set of silicone earplugs, you get two pairs of loose earplugs and one pair that is connected by a wire—giving you the choice of whichever suits you most. The noise reduction rating of 32 decibels ensures that all noise is reduced.
Reviewers report that fitting these earplugs is very easy, unlike some other earplugs that may take some practice to fit correctly.
They may be uncomfortable for side sleepers, but some side sleepers have cut the stems to make them more comfortable. These earplugs come highly recommended for people that travel.
These clear wax earplugs can be worn without drawing any attention—some reviewers have even worn them at work without their colleagues noticing!
They easily mold to your ear and are effective at blocking unwanted noise, due to their noise reduction rating of 32 decibels. Reviewers state that they aren't as reusable as most other earplugs and can leave a residue behind.
If you want to wear earplugs without anybody knowing you are, while still wearing earplugs that are comfortable and effective, these are best for you.
These soft silicone earplugs are comfortable for all users, as long as they are worn correctly. Several reviewers state that fitting the earplugs takes some practice, but that they are effective once this is mastered.
The noise reduction rating isn't as high as some other soft silicone earplugs at 22 decibels, but they are good for extended wear. Reviewers can also wear these earplugs on airplanes to help those who suffer from differences in air pressure while flying.
If you want to block noise but still hear your alarm clock in the morning, these earplugs are a good choice.
These latex-free, soft foam earplugs are not as washable and reusable as some other foam earplugs, which makes them ideal for occasional use. Some reviewers that have reported irritation with other foam earplugs prefer these due to their softness.
They have a good noise reduction rating of 29 decibels, but won't completely block loud noises. Reviewers with smaller ears recommend these.
They come with a protective case that can fit one pair, so if you only need earplugs occasionally, they are a good choice!
The contoured shape of these foam earplugs makes them easier to fit than some other foam products that can take some getting used to. Reviewers with smaller ears also commented on their comfortable fit.
These earplugs offer a high noise reduction rating of 33 decibels for a cheap price, although some reviewers reported that they worked too well and blocked morning alarm calls. These are a great option for those who are looking to try foam earplugs for the first time.
Like other wax earplugs, these are comfortable to wear and effectively block the ear against unwanted noise. Reviewers who are side sleepers, in particular, recommend them.
The noise reduction rating of 23 decibels is low compared to some other brands, but that is reflected in the cheaper price.
If you want to try wax earplugs without breaking the bank, these are a good option. They come wrapped in cotton to keep them hygienic until used and to stop them from sticking together in the tin.
The most expensive earplugs per unit on this list, they're also the only ones that are high fidelity. They will block noise while ensuring that the noise that filters through isn't muffled.
Reviewers state that they are comfortable as the silicone is softer than might be expected. These are fully washable, come in a handy case, and can also be used in other situations, such as at concerts.
If you want multi-purpose earplugs or find that muffled noise distracts you, these are the best earplugs to choose.
Whether you're engaging in self-care, trying to wake up on time, or weren't able to get enough shut-eye, we've got what you need to make it through the day (or night)!
No. 1: Mack's|Mack's Original Soft Foam Earplugs
No. 2: Kuyax|Premium Silicone Earplugs
No. 3: World's Finest Mighty Plugs|Snore Blocking Ear Plugs
No. 4: ANBOW|Reusable Silicone Earplugs
No. 5: Peace&Quiet|PQ Pillow Earplugs
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