Automotive
Baby Products
Beauty
Books
Business, Industry & Science
Computers & Accessories
DIY, Garden & Tools
Electronics & Photo
Fashion
Grocery
Health & Personal Care
Home & Kitchen
Large Appliances
Musical Instruments & DJ
PC & Video Games
Pet Supplies
Sports & Outdoors
Stationery & Office Products
Toys & Games
Household goods
PC and cameras
Home appliances and electronics
Cosmetics and skincare
Health
Food and drinks
Kitchen supplies
Clothing
Shoes
Accessories
Kids and baby
Interior and furniture
Hobbies
Outdoor
DIY and tools
Sports and fitness
Pets
Books, CDs, DVDs
Games
Cars and motorcycles
Gifts
Housing equipment and renovation
Travel
Smartphones and mobile phones
Music
Smartphone applications
While you probably already knew this, science has recently confirmed that noise adversely affects our sleep quality. This, in turn, can affect our physical and mental health. So, if you’ve got a partner who snores, noisy neighbours that like to do DIY early in the morning, or you live in a highly-populated area with honking horns at all hours, a decent pair of earplugs could be just the fix you need.
Earplugs aren’t the most complicated of purchases, but there are some features worth keeping an eye out for. So, be sure to check out our buying guide before reading through our ranking of the best products to buy at Amazon and eBay. From single-use foam sets to reusable silicone plugs, you'll find the perfect pair on our list!
A recommendation service that carefully researches each product and consults with experts across many disciplines. We are constantly creating new content to provide the best shopping experience from choosing ‘cosmetics’ to ‘food and drink’, ‘home appliances’ to ‘kids and baby’ products, reaching users all across the United Kingdom.
Table of Contents
In this section, we’ll explore the (small) world of earplugs for sleeping. We’ll be comparing the different materials available, getting an understanding of the noise reduction rate, and exploring whether bulk-buying pairs is always better.
First up, when it comes to the different materials there are three big hitters: foam, silicone, and wax. Let’s have a look at each one individually and think about their pros and cons.
Most earplugs available today are made from memory foam. This material is very effective at reducing noise (we'll look at this in more detail later) and is often the cheapest option. Foam plugs are generally fitted by twisting them so that they become compressed, then placing and holding them inside your ear until they expand to their full size again.
Unfortunately, some users find that foam earplugs can be uncomfortable if you wear them for long periods of time. The two most common physical problems are a feeling of itchiness and a sensation of pressure in the canal. Also, as foam plugs are only supposed to be worn once, you'll need to buy them frequently or in bulk.
Silicone plugs, also known as mouldable plugs, have been around for quite some time - actually, silicone was the first material to appear on the earplug market! To use these, squeeze them into a little ball and sit them at the top of your ear canal.
This style is typically softer than foam or wax options, plus they're naturally antibacterial so will have a longer lifespan. Furthermore, as they don’t enter the ear canal, they won’t cause any uncomfortable sensations if you’re not too keen on sticking things down your lugholes.
Silicone plugs do have some downfalls too though. Due to their design, they don't provide as snug a fit as foam, which can lead to them falling out occasionally. Also, they tend to be less effective at blocking out noise.
Last on our list is wax, which is less common than the other two materials that we've mentioned. Wax earplugs are fitted in the same way as silicone ones, so they too avoid entering the ear canal. Instead, they occupy the space just above it.
While they're comfortable and won't put too much pressure on your ears, wax plugs are prone to falling out. In addition, they have a pretty short life span, so you’ll need to change them more frequently than foam or silicone plugs.
Noise Reduction Rate (NRR) is used to determine the effectiveness of items such as earplugs and earmuffs. NRR is measured in dB (decibels) and, as you’d expect, the higher the dB, the less sound you’ll hear.
The maximum rating is 33dB - while some companies will claim that their product can reach 34 or 35, this is usually through a combination of muffs and plugs, not just a single product.
When it comes to finding the right product for you, it all depends on how loud the sounds that you're trying to block out are. If you want to avoid being woken up by outside noises like the odd dog walker in the morning, a dB in the mid-20s should be sufficient. Those with partners who snore so loud that it sounds like a bumblebee getting sucked into a black hole, however, should look for something with a higher dB!
The last thing to consider is how many of these handy little accessories you want to buy. You can pick them up in a single pack or a batch of 60 pairs, it's totally up to you!
All we would recommend is that if you’re new to using earplugs, it's probably worth starting off with smaller packs until you find the right ones for you. While you'll save money by buying in bulk, you don’t want to be stuck with tons of earplugs that you find uncomfortable!
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Price | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Mighty Plugs The World's Finest Natural Earplugs | £9.50 Mid | Truly the World's Finest Earplugs! | ||
2 | Howard Leight Max-1 Foam Earplugs | £4.29 Low Mid | Impressive Noise Reduction and an Innovative Design | ||
3 | Radians Custom Moulded Earplugs | £29.34 High Mid | Supreme Comfort That Should Last a Long Time | ||
4 | Mpow Soft Foam Earplugs | £11.99 High Mid | By Far The Most Economical Option | ||
5 | BioEars Soft Silicone Earplugs | £5.99 Mid | Plugs With a Prolonged Lifespan, Thanks to Special Ingredients | ||
6 | Blox Natural Wax Earplugs | £7.25 Mid | Supple, Adaptable Plugs Made From Natural Materials | ||
7 | Flents Quiet Please Foam Earplugs | £42.99 High | Great Value and Surprisingly Malleable | ||
8 | Mack's Pillow Soft Silicone Putty Ear Plugs | £4.95 Low Mid | Designed for Swimmers but Brilliant for Everyone | ||
9 | Ohropax Wax Earplugs | £5.92 Mid | Wax Plugs From a Classic Company | ||
10 | Hush Plugz Silicone Earplugs | £2.99 Low | A Versatile Pack That's Very Affordable |
When it comes to finding the best earplugs around, it’s hard to argue with Mighty Plugs' claim that their product is "The World’s Finest"! Not only do these plugs have an amazing NRR, but they’re also extremely comfortable due to their malleability.
That’s not all though - they have a long life span too, due to the use of natural beeswax. Plus, this material makes them hypoallergenic, so you won't need to worry about ear infections. They're a little pricey for one pair, but can you really put a price on a good night’s sleep? We say these plugs are worth the few extra quid!
The Max-1 Foam earplugs from Howard Leight have a slightly different design from the average foam earplug - instead of being tubular, they're bell-shaped. This means that they fit naturally around the contours of the ear canal, making them less likely to cause the wearer irritation.
As you’d expect from foam plugs, these have a high noise reduction rating, blocking out an impressive 33dB. There are also various pack sizes available, so while we’ve opted for the single pack, you can buy bundles containing up to 200 pairs!
If you're looking for comfort over noise reduction, then you'll definitely want to try these customisable earplugs from Radians. They come with easy-to-follow instructions to help your new purchase mould perfectly to your ear shape in around 10 minutes.
Made from silicone, the NRR of these plugs is around 26dB. They're a bit expensive, but we think they're worth the investment - as well as being non-toxic and hypoallergenic, they can be washed, so they'll last you a while!
The first thing to be aware of when considering these earplugs is their high NRR rating, which the brand states is 34dB. While this may not quite be the case, due to factors that we mentioned earlier, the fact that they're made from foam and have many favourable reviews means they must do a decent job!
Another feature we like is that you can get 60 pairs for just over £10 - this means each set comes in at less than 20p per nap! So, even though you'll still need to re-purchase them, they shouldn't break the bank.
BioEars are one of the best-selling options on Amazon and have received over 3,000 positive reviews! They have a soft silicone design that's infused with ACTIValoe antimicrobial protection, which keeps them in good condition for longer.
These plugs have an NRR of 23dB and come with a carry case. We particularly like that they're available in various pack sizes - this means you can try them without committing to a large purchase before knowing how they perform!
Belgian brand Blox started their journey to providing quality ear protection in 2007 and have since become one of the best companies in the market. They produce a wide range of plugs for all occasions, but we've opted for their natural wax ones.
These plugs are made using beeswax and cotton, meaning that they're supple and adaptable. Although they offer optimal comfort and do reduce background noise, their NRR is a little low so they may not work for everyone.
Upon first inspection, these earplugs from Flents have a small cylindrical design with flat ends but they're surprisingly soft and malleable. Simply squeeze them before placing them into the ear canal where they'll slowly expand.
The box comes with 50 pairs, so they work out at just under £1 per snooze. But, as with all plugs made from this material, you're going to need to re-purchase them frequently, due to their short life span.
Using an exclusive formula that's both non-toxic and hypoallergenic, these putty plugs are wondefully comfy. Originally designed in the 1960s for swimmers, they've become a go-to for people from all walks of life who struggle with sleeping.
The pack comes with 6 pairs and a carry case, should you need to take them with you on a trip. The NRR is a little on the low side, so they'll probably be better for light sleepers who want to block out a moderate amount of noise, rather than those living in a city centre with constant sirens.
Ohropax has been in the game a long time, so they know a thing or two about keeping noise out! These plugs are made from wax and will mould nicely to your ears. Plus, they're reusable, so this will make them a more economical choice over time.
That said, some customers have found that the consistency of the wax is a little oily or sticky. This means people with longer hair might find that it gets stuck to the plugs!
The first pair of trusty plugs in our list are from Hush Plugz. This 7-pack is ideal for various situations alongside sleeping, such as travelling and swimming, which makes them a versatile option. Plus, they're excellent value for money, as they come in at under £3.
There is one issue though - the company doesn't provide information about the NRR. Therefore, we're unable to get a good understanding of how much noise they will block out. Still, for the price, they're surely worth a go!
It can be hard to fall asleep if you don't have the right snoozing aids! Check out our favourite pillows and more sleep-tastic accessories that'll help you to drift off comfortably in no time...
Buying the perfect pair of earplugs for sleeping can be tricky but even if the first or second set you try doesn't quite block everything out, you shouldn't give up looking! Luckily, they're not too much of an expense, so we're sure with a bit of persistence you'll be able to find your ideal fit. Here's to a great night's sleep!
Author: Lewis Clark
No. 1: Mighty Plugs|The World's Finest Natural Earplugs
No. 2: Howard Leight|Max-1 Foam Earplugs
No. 3: Radians|Custom Moulded Earplugs
No. 4: Mpow|Soft Foam Earplugs
No. 5: BioEars|Soft Silicone Earplugs
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
Automotive
Baby Products
Beauty
Books
Business, Industry & Science
Computers & Accessories
DIY, Garden & Tools
Electronics & Photo
Fashion
Grocery
Health & Personal Care
Home & Kitchen
Large Appliances
Musical Instruments & DJ
PC & Video Games
Pet Supplies
Sports & Outdoors
Stationery & Office Products
Toys & Games
Household goods
PC and cameras
Home appliances and electronics
Cosmetics and skincare
Health
Food and drinks
Kitchen supplies
Clothing
Shoes
Accessories
Kids and baby
Interior and furniture
Hobbies
Outdoor
DIY and tools
Sports and fitness
Pets
Books, CDs, DVDs
Games
Cars and motorcycles
Gifts
Housing equipment and renovation
Travel
Smartphones and mobile phones
Music
Smartphone applications