When it comes to a good night’s sleep, managing sound is key. While you may be able to create a soothing sleep sanctuary in your own bedroom, there’s not much you can do about noisy neighbors, barking dogs or whistling trains. Fortunately, the solution might be easier (and smaller) than you think: earplugs. The best earplugs for sleeping are designed to comfortably muffle ambient sound for more restful nights.
The best earplugs for sleeping are comfortable, effective and safe.
Illustration: Forbes / Photos: Retailers“Quality earplugs can reduce noise from anywhere from 15 to 30 decibels,” says Katie Koebel, M.Cl.Sc. and senior manager of audiology at Hearinglife Canada. That level of noise reduction means incessant barking is pleasingly muted, but you’ll still hear something important like a fire alarm or your alarm clock. Kobel says earplugs that have been properly designed and fit well can be safely worn every night, so the key is finding the right pair. Our top pick overall, the Original Earplug from Happy Ears, is an affordable, reusable option that comes in three sizes to ensure a great fit. Read on for eight other earplugs designed to help you snooze more soundly.
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HappyEars US
Style: In-ear | Noise cancellation: None | Key features: Washable, reusable, available in three sizes
Earplugs don’t work properly if they don’t fit properly, which is why Happy Ears Original Earplug comes in small, medium and large sizes. You can test all three in the brand’s Discovery Pack to find the right fit. The reusable earplugs have an oval shape to fit properly—and more comfortably—into the inner ear canal, plus a short stem that makes them easy to insert and remove. The shorter length also means more comfort if you’re a side sleeper. According to the brand, Happy Ears reduce volume by 25 decibels and they do so more evenly across all frequencies than other non-custom brands.
While most of the earplugs on our list are made with foam or silicone, Happy Ears are made with thermoplastic, which makes them durable enough to be used for swimming or showering. They’re easily cleaned with soap and water or rubbing alcohol.
The company offers a money-back guarantee on its Discovery Pack, which is priced at $35. We also like the eco-friendly packaging, which includes heat-sealed paper and water-based inks that are recyclable, compostable and biodegradable.
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What the reviews say: There are over 3,600 5-star reviews for Happy Ears, and many customers rave about their size and comfort. “So tiny I didn’t believe they’d work. But they do,” says one. Another writes, “I love everything about these earplugs and this company. The plugs are tiny, environmentally friendly and made in three sizes—perfect for my small ears. They fit well and block sound better than foam ones, can be used for a long time instead of creating more waste, and are neat and compact in my small, space-challenged city apartment.”
Amazon
Style: In-ear | Noise cancellation: None | Key features: Slow rebound, high value, choice of colors
If you’re looking for the most bang for your buck, these foam ear plugs from Lysian might be right for you. They come in just one size, but the soft, non-toxic polyurethane foam compresses easily and has a slow rebound. That makes it easy to position them properly before they expand in the ear canal to block sound by up to 31 decibels. According to reviewers, the earplugs also fit comfortably without creating pressure. There are 60 pairs of earplugs in one bottle, which costs around $9. Each bottle comes with a bonus pair of reusable silicone ear plugs in their own case.
On the downside, the brand says its foam earplugs should be replaced after five uses, so they aren’t particularly eco-friendly. They aren’t washable, either.
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What the reviews say: There are over 15,500 reviews for these earplugs, and the majority are 5 stars. One reviewer, who uses them to block the sound of a snoring partner, writes, “I’ve tried multiple types of ear plugs but these by far work the best. They are comfortable to sleep in and you really get a lot of value for your money.”
Amazon
Style: In ear | Noise cancellation: None | Key features: Personalized fit, reusable up to 10 times, washable
These ear plugs are made with a soft wax that molds to the contours of your ear, regardless of its size. They’re designed to sit flush in the ear instead of fitting into the ear canal, and they have the highest noise reduction of any earplugs on our list—32 decibels. While that won’t completely block out a snoring partner, reviewers say it’s enough for a good night’s sleep.
Each package comes with 28 wax pillows, and according to the brand, they’re washable and can each be reused up to 10 times. Fair warning that lint and hair stick easily to the soft wax, but many reviewers say they get a lot of mileage out of these earplugs. PQ also includes a small case to keep the set you’re currently wearing clean and ready for reuse.
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What the reviews say: There are thousands of reviews for these earplugs, which have an overall rating of 4.4 stars. One customer writes, “I didn’t sleep well with my snoring husband until I found these. I love the way they mold and fit to my ear.” Another says, “This literally is the only thing that my husband has used to block out my snoring that has actually worked.”
CURVD Earplugs
Style: In-ear | Noise cancellation: None | Key features: Multiple sizes and colors, reusable, carrying case included
These eco-friendly earplugs are made with soft, flexible, FDA-approved silicone. The ergonomic shape is designed to fit into the natural curves of the ear so they’re easy to insert and remove, and fit comfortably inside the ear canal. The earplugs also have a low profile that works well for sleeping, but as the name implies, Curvd Everyday Earplugs can be used to soften sounds up to 30 decibels out of bed as well. Each pair comes with silicone tips in four sizes (extra small, small, medium, large) and a sturdy aluminum case so you can take them wherever you go.
Curved earplugs come in six colors. Returns are accepted within 100 days of purchase, and the earplugs also have a lifetime warranty that protects against factory defects.
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What the reviews say: “I've finally found something I can wear all night, they work, they don't hurt in the morning and they are reusable,” says one customer. Another, who says she uses earplugs every night because of a snoring husband, writes, “I have smaller ears and these fit great. They are comfortable, seal well and block out unwanted sound. Totally recommend.”
Amazon
Style: In-ear | Noise cancellation: None | Key features: Slimmer fit for small or sensitive ear canals, high noise reduction rating
Mack’s soft foam earplugs are nothing fancy, but they have thousands of enthusiastic fans. They’re made with polyurethane foam that slowly releases to fill the ear canal for noise reduction. The slim fit design has a skinnier, more tapered shape than standard-sized foam earplugs, which might make them more comfortable if you have small or sensitive ear canals. The smaller fit also works well for side and combination sleepers.
One drawback to these disposable earplugs is that they can't be cleaned. Once they’re been used a few times or have become dirty, they need to be thrown out, which means there’s an environmental consideration. On the plus side, they’re really well priced. Fifty pairs of earplugs are about $15 and come in a plastic jar with a flip-top for quick and easy access.
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What the reviews say: Mack’s Earplugs have close to 7,000 5-star reviews on Amazon. “These earplugs are soft, narrow, insert easily, don’t hurt and stay put all night. Plus they block out most sounds so I get a good night’s sleep,” says one customer. “My hubby snores like a lumberjack. I had not had a decent night’s sleep in months and months. These ears plugs work wonderfully. They are easy to use and very comfortable,” writes another.
Amazon
Style: In-ear | Noise cancellation: None | Key features: Reusable, low profile, choice of colors
These inexpensive earplugs are designed to cover the ear canal instead of fitting inside, which makes them a good option if you have sensitive ears. They have no stem, so they’re especially comfortable for side sleepers. The soft silicone is BPA free and molds to the curves of the ear to muffle noise by up to 30 decibels. Plus, they’re waterproof, which means you can also use them in the pool or the shower.
Becheln earplugs are reusable, and the price really can’t be beat. You get four pairs of earplugs for under $9, along with a compact travel case.
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What the reviews say: There are close to 30,000 reviews for these earplugs, and the majority are 5 stars. “These earplugs are great. They mold nicely to your ears and even better, they stay put even through the tossing and turning. I keep them in all night,” says one customer. Another calls them “very comfortable, extremely effective” and says they have the “perfect amount of noise canceling. I’ve always hated earplugs until I came across these. Would absolutely recommend.”
Quieton
Style: In-ear | Noise cancellation: Yes | Key features: Rechargeable, multiple sizes included, long battery life
This pick from Quieton is an alternative to traditional foam earplugs, which can have a hard time muffling low-frequency sounds in particular. Quieton doesn’t use color noise to drown out environmental sounds and it doesn’t have Bluetooth connectivity. Instead, it relies on premium active noise canceling technology to reduce noise across all frequencies by around 30 decibels.
According to the brand, they’re the world’s smallest active-noise canceling earbuds, which makes them suitable for side sleepers. Each pair of earbuds comes in its own charging case and a selection of soft memory foam eartips in varying sizes (extra small, small, medium, large) that gently expand in the ear canal for a great fit. Fully charged Quieton earbuds can last up to 28 hours. At $289, they’re very expensive, but Quieton offers a 60-day return policy, which gives you plenty of time to test them out.
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What the reviews say: One reviewer says they’re “pleasantly surprised how much noise it blocked out from the house.” Another writes, “I am amazed at how well the Quieton 3.1 works. I am a light sleeper who was affected by the slightest noises through the night. Now, totally quiet. After a few weeks and the correct size foam tips I can’t even tell I’m wearing them, even sleeping on my side.”
Loop
Style: In-ear | Noise cancellation: No | Key features: Reusable, choice of colors, includes multiple ear tip sizes
Loop Quiet earplugs are made with soft silicone, making them reusable and easy to clean. They also have an almost foolproof design for easy insertion and discretion. Each earplug has a ring that gives you something to grip and gently rotate for a perfect fit. The ring tucks up into the opening of the ear canal so the Loops aren’t visible from the front and feel more comfortable if you sleep on your side.
Each set of Loops comes with removable silicone ear tips in four sizes, from extra small to large, and other sizes are available for order. The earplugs reduce noise by roughly 26 decibels and come in seven colors. They’re also reasonably priced at just under $25 per pair. Loop offers a 100-day return window and a 2-year warranty on its earplugs.
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What the reviews say: Loop has plenty of fans and close to 10,000 5-star reviews on the brand’s website. One customer writes, “A dream (pun intended) for anyone seeking a peaceful night's sleep. Their exceptional comfort fits perfectly in the ear, making them ideal for all-night use, while the superior noise isolation efficiently blocks out unwanted sounds, ensuring an undisturbed rest. A perfect sleep companion."
Amazon
Style: In-ear | Noise cancellation: None | Key features: Reusable
For those with smaller ears, many earplugs on the market simply don’t fit, and can cause pain or too much pressure in the ear canal. The PQ Small Earplugs For Sleep provide a tight seal for smaller ears to block out noise and stay in place. The brand says they’re 30% smaller than standard earplugs. When you purchase from PQ, you get 40 plugs and a small carrying case for when you’re on the go. The brand says each earplug can be used up to 20 times.
They’re made of hypoallergenic foam to mold to your ear and prevent inflammations. They’re also European EN 352-2 standard-certified, which means they meet certain material, performance, construction and safety requirements.
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What the reviews say: “I wasn't sure what to expect with these since I've tried to so many of these earplugs and they all hurt my ears,” begins one review. “These are amazing. They are small, soft and fit perfectly in my ear, and are very good [at] canceling sound. [I’m] looking forward to getting some good sleep and will definitely be ordering again.” Another adds, “The quality is really good. They fit really well and they definitely cut out noise.”
The Forbes Vetted team has decades of combined experience writing sleep content. In addition to our own independent research, we also turned to audiology experts for direction and insight to write this piece. Paul Jackon, an audiologist at Hearing Excellence Clinic, joined Katie Koebel, M.Cl.Sc. and senior manager of audiology at Hearinglife Canada, in sharing expertise and recommendations.
After corresponding with our experts, we began our research by looking for earplugs that are specifically designed for sleep. We read through hundreds of customer reviews and only included earplugs with overall ratings of 4.1 and above. Our final list includes earplugs that should appeal to a range of sleepers, with varying materials, styles, noise reduction ratings and prices.
There are a lot of options in the world of earplugs for sleeping. As you shop, you need to consider the benefits and drawbacks of different materials while also keeping price point, reusability and level of noise reduction in mind.
Your personal circumstances are a great starting place for finding the best pair of earplugs for sleep. If you’re dealing with an especially noisy sleep environment, look for higher noise reduction ratings. Koebel recommends earplugs that can block between 20 to 25 decibels of sound for effective sleep.
You may also want to consider custom-fitted earplugs. Jackson says this is the better choice if you need to block louder sounds.
Foam, silicone and wax are all common materials in earplugs, and they can dictate comfort, efficacy and cost. For example, Koebel says foam earplugs are the most readily available and least expensive option, and you often find them sold in bulk. Silicone is on the higher end of the price spectrum, but silicone earplugs are also reusable and quite durable so you can reasonably expect them to last.
For many people, the price tag is one of the most important considerations in earplugs for sleep. You may assume disposable earplugs cost less, but many reusable options are comparably priced and actually save you money over the long term.
Don’t make the mistake of assuming any earplugs are safe for sleep. “Always make sure you get some that have been specifically designed for sleeping, rather than just generic earplugs,” cautions Jackson. He adds that people who suffer from ear infections or constant ear wax buildup should avoid wearing earplugs on a regular basis, since they could make these conditions worse.
The same is true if you have tinnitus, adds Koebel. If that’s the case, she recommends using a sound machine or white noise from a fan, which can also help drown out the ringing while you sleep, instead of earplugs.
The most effective earplugs will always be the pair that fits properly and comfortably, so it can take some trial and error. Many of the earplugs on our list, including Happy Ears, Curvd, QuietOn and Loop, include multiple ear tips so you can find what works best.
“Most earplugs that are made for sleeping are safe to wear each night,” says Koebel. She recommends cleaning both the plugs and the outer ear every night before insertion and replacing disposable earplugs every month or so (or more frequently) based on the manufacturer’s directions. “Ensure your earplugs are made from a soft synthetic material that won’t break off in the ear or cause any discomfort,” she adds. “It’s not recommended to sleep with hard plastic earbuds that are made for listening to music, as this can cause pain over time.”
Custom-fit earplugs generally block more sound compared to off-the-shelf products, says Jackson, because “they’re specifically made to fit each individual person's ear.” However, moldable earplugs, like those from PQ, fit closely into the contours of your ear and can be an effective and more economical option.
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We zeroed in on some of the best earplug options out there by considering a range of prices, materials, and designs. We looked at features such as:
Noise reduction rating (NRR) is an average reduction of noise with directed use in laboratory tests. We include an NRR with the products listed below — products with higher NRRs can reduce noise better than products with lower NRRs.
We analyzed the claims made by each product manufacturer, and we contrasted them with user critiques and reviews to provide you with accurate information.
Here are our options to get ready for your best night’s sleep.
Here’s what to consider when choosing the best earplugs for a great night’s sleep:
Earplugs are generally considered safe. However, no matter what type of earplug you decide works best, make sure you know the potential risks.
External white noise machines can be used in addition to earplugs to completely muffle other sounds. They can also be used instead of earplugs.
Other devices are also available that you can wear for noise reduction during sleep, including earmuffs. While they typically provide high NRR, most people find earmuffs uncomfortable to wear during sleep since they fit over the head like standard headphones.
Earplugs are generally thought to be safe. However, it’s important to use them correctly and clean them properly if they’re reusable.
If they’re designed to be single-use, don’t be tempted to reuse them. Instead, throw them away, and use a new pair each night.
An NRR (noise reduction rating) is a rating that shows how many decibels of noise a pair of earplugs can block. The higher the NRR, the more sound the earplugs will block when used as intended.
Depending on the NRR, earplugs may be able to block out some sounds of snoring. However, it’s unlikely they’ll be able to block the sound of snoring completely.
Best is a subjective term. You may have to experiment with several types of earplugs before you land on the type that’s best for you.
In general, look for earplugs that significantly block out noise plus fit your ears comfortably and snugly. You don’t want them to fall out while you’re asleep. You also don’t want them to get pushed too far back into your ear canal.
It’s best to avoid hard silicone earplugs, which users typically find uncomfortable to sleep with.
The best earplugs for sleeping can be made from a variety of materials, such as:
All of these types will remain comfortably in your ears, provided that they mold to your ear canal and fit well. If you have trouble finding earplugs that stay in while you’re asleep, consider getting a custom-made, reusable pair.
For noise blocking during sleep, foam beats out hard silicone. However, soft silicone has many of the same benefits as foam, plus more durability.
You can experiment with soft silicone and foam earplugs to determine which provides you with the most comfort and relief from external sound.
When noise interferes with sleep, not only is it exhausting, but it’s also detrimental to health.
Earplugs are an inexpensive and effective solution, with many types of earplugs to choose from, including noise-masking options.
Factors to consider when choosing earplugs include the size of your ear canal and personal preferences about materials.