The Best Earplugs For Sleeping: 15 Reviewed And Compared

In this review, I compare 15 earplugs to help you sleep in silence. If you'd like to find out more or buy any, here are the Amazon links:
(Foam - Noise Reduction Rating 33 dB)

2. Howard Leight Small
Discontinued since filming. For smaller ears, I recommend Mack's Ultra Soft (above) or Hearoes Ultimate Softness (below).

(Foam - NRR 32 dB)

(Foam - NRR 33 dB)

(Foam - NRR 32 dB)

(Foam - NRR 29 dB )

(Foam - NRR 32 dB)

(Foam - NRR 32 dB)

(Foam - NRR 33 dB)

(Foam - NRR 33 dB)

(Foam - NRR 33 dB)

(Foam - NRR 33 dB)

(Wax - NRR 27 dB)

(Silicone - NRR 22 dB)

15. Brison
Discontinued since filming. There are other similar soft plastic earplugs, but I haven't tried any new ones recently to recommend.

Disclosure: I bought all of the earplugs and wasn't asked or paid to film this video, but if you decide to get something via my links above, I may receive a commission.

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Noise Reduction Rating (NRR)
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The noise reduction rating next to each earplug above is the official lab-tested rating provided by the companies themselves. Currently, 33 dB is the maximum in the US system. And in my experience, there can be a very big difference in how effective they are between 33 dB and 22 dB, for example. However, the fit in your ear and suitability for your ear canal size also play a role.

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ABOUT
In the video, I discuss a lot of foam earplugs because they typically have the highest noise reduction rating. And if you need to block out loud noise like snoring, next-door music, or loud traffic, you may need a higher noise reduction rating.

I also discuss some silicone, wax, and plastic earplugs, which may suit people who find the feeling of foam expanding in their ears uncomfortable. They typically have a lower noise reduction rating though, so you might find that the trade-off for increased comfort is decreased noise blocking.

⏰ Timecodes ⏰
0:00 introduction
7:32 Mack’s Ultra Soft + Howard Leight Small
9:03 The Ear Buddy
10:20 Hearoes Xtreme Protection + Ultimate Softness
11:52 3M 1100
13:07 Howard Leight Max Lite + Laser Lite
15:03 Moldex Soft Foam + Spark Plugs
16:54 Flents Quiet Time +Quiet Contour
18:16 Quies
19:41 Mack’s Pillow Soft
21:11 Brison

[musicalmarion]

What a lovely quiet video. Isn't it awful we have to resort to this because of other people! Audible cutoff would be such a great concept wouldn't it? Thanks for the advice 😊

[AJ-iunw]

It's been 2 months of 4 hour nights for me. I'm depressed and defeated by the next door neighbors (loud music at 1 AM), upstairs neighbors (doing laundry and tumbling sounds at 2 AM), and my other neighbor (dog barks and whines throughout the day when I try to catch up on missed sleep).

Wish me luck.

[kevindarroch]

Nice video, no annoying noise or too loud music taking away from the presenter. Good basic, solid practical advice showing the range of products available. I am a taller man with a good sized head for my body.

[MrRwhaynes]

I had used corded industrial foam ear plugs for many years to block out snoring, however 3 years ago i discovered corded ribbed plastic ones one Amazon that are far superior at noise blockage and because of the ribs, are quite effective without pushing them in as far as possible. I found that inserting them the pulling them out slightly engages the ribs to expand to block the sound very effectively. But I also found the cord conducts noise of anything it rubs against so its very necessary to cut the cord leaving about 3/4" on each plug and tucking it into an outer ear channel. This way there is still something to grab for removal.

[yinoveryang]

Never used ear plugs in my life as I’m a heavy sleeper. But Just moved into a new flat, with multiple levels of noise, the worst at 3 am, so this video is very useful. My Ear canals are probably small, I find 36db Moldex effective, but uncomfortable and “itchy” to wear. I’ll try some of the others gradually

[kobelcofan]

I've worn earplugs for years almost daily between work and home use. I've used dozens of brands. The best advice I have is to try to buy them in bulk. I love Howard Leight laser lite, max lite, champion, 3m tekk, 3m classic, north, there's so many great ones.

[juliemcdonald]

I was using Flents happily for years and they are making them from lighter foam now or something, but they aren't the same anymore. I too am feeling bad about disposable ones...at this point all I want is my good night's sleep back. It is past 5 in the morning here now and I am up because Flents have let me down.
Thanks for this review. Much love and many blessings.

[MyThoughtzAndOpinionz]

For me, Flent Contour were the best. I like to also wear a Musicozy over top of them for extra silence. EarPlugs are great for apartment living because Sleep deprivation will destroy your health.

[tillycomedy]

absolutely lovely review! all the important information was said, and the editing flows seamlessly. this was very helpful, thank you

[milhouse]

I'm watching this while wearing Howard Leight Laser Lite ear plugs on my ears. 😁

They're the best for me.

[theemclane]

I swear you have a niche that am definitely interested in!!! I would really go all out to invest in my sleep

[lknanml]

Good video. I did the same thing over about a year. I'm a needs to be pitch black and silet light sleeper. Good combo in military aviation. I also used them on the flightline and flights and as a daily motorycle rider since 2009 I use A LOT of them. I have a pair of Ducatis once of which is STUPID loud. (Clank clank clank. Trust me if you hear one you'll know what I am talking about)
After buying stock in Mack earplugs I ended up using the Mack’s Ultra Softs. Tan ones. They REALLY block most noises. Ontop of being a light sleeper I like a slightly cooler room and a fresh air feel which a fan on low does nicely. Guess what I hate? Yep. Fan noise when I sleep. SOOOO. In between the helicopters, other people, fan, AC, fridge and whatever that is crawling in the wall while my cats stare at it the Mack’s Ultra Soft ended up being the best for me.
I might have larger ears. Every once in a while one refuses to come out and requires endless pinching or a random something to get it started but it's very and few and far between uses that it happens.
I've used earplugs to sleep since 2008. Can't recommend the Mack’s Ultra Soft enough. Sometimes you get "duds" They just don't expand enough. Again it's not that often.

I've never had health issues with them being all together and not wrapped. Honestly I would HATE it if they were individually wrapped. I do have an impressive collection of random single pair holders. Military redundancy training and anything worth doing is worth going full stupid so it's not out of ordinary to find 3 or 4 cases on me.
I've tried their other supposedly higher noise blocking plugs. I've never been able to tell the difference so just stick to the size differences until you find one you like. The extra 2 bucks or so never seemed worth it.
Oh. If you keep losing them after taking them out when you wake up have a chat with your cat.
I found a TON of them once while moving some furniture around. Ok. Guess this is the location of my cats secret stash of someone said I could have

[taekin]

thanks for making this video, living with housemates is difficult when you all have different schedules come in and go out at all different times of day.

[marialourdesclavecilla]

Super thanks to the makers of Mack's ear plugs! I have been using your product for many years now, and especially lifesaving during these season of obnoxiously Loud partying, shopping that is simply Devoid of the real meaning of the celebration

[SurGing-vc]

My favorites are Macks Silicone but at some point recently they doubled in price so now im looking at other alternatives. You seem like a nice person because you understand the struggle it is to deal with noise haha. Thanks for the review

[bothered]

Have been using standard foam ear plugs for a while now but thought there must be something better out there, was looking at the silicone ones until I saw your review. I’ll keep looking. Thanks

[RRweb]

Hi. You are brilliant and kind for putting this together. I have been using Mack’s nightly for 2+ years and love them. OLI also replace them nightly. However, I’m concerned that most mornings I feel like I need to itch the inside of my ears and use qtips to itch them. I’ve also been using a lot of qtips just to release the itch. I don’t have hearing issues at all but worry that this may not be good. Have you tested your eardrums or researched if they can get damaged with nightly use? I know the qtips are bad but I don’t go too deep.

Thanks for your feedback

[More_Row]

Might be a bit of strange question, but.., How do you know if you have a small ear canals or large ones. It’s independent of the size of the ears of the person?

[JasonL_Hawaii]

Just stumbled upon this video through searching for ear plugs.
Thank you for the useful information, Ethan.

[ItsAlwaysTimeTea]

Thank you for the information! I have very noisy neighbours. I live in a flat in the middle, so I have people above, below and the sides. Noise comes from everywhere includiing outside!!! Its either people upstairs that bother me or people drilling and hammering the walls almost everyweek (I'm surpised the building is still standing). I currently have the Howard Leight Laser Lite which cut out noise amazingly but I think they are too big! (I bought them a while ago in a huge bulk). I will definitely try some smaller ones you suggested here :) thank you again. Also subbed as I sometimes have trouble sleeping in general.