The Best Earplugs For Sleeping Muffle Noise Comfortably And Safely

Style: In-ear | Noise cancellation: None | Key features: Washable, reusable, available in three sizes

What you’ll love:

• Three sizes
• Reusable and washable
• Durable and versatile

Keep in mind:

• Some customers reported sizing issues
• May not block enough sound

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 ABS and 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.

What the reviews say: There are over 3,900 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.”

Style: In-ear | Noise cancellation: None | Key features: Slow rebound, high value, choice of colors

What you’ll love:

• Inexpensive
• Soft foam
• High noise-reduction rating of 31 decibels

Keep in mind:

• One size only
• Can’t be washed

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, nontoxic 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 $8. Each bottle comes with a bonus pair of reusable silicone ear plugs in their own case (the company suggests this extra pair is noise-cancelling and can be used for swimming). 

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.

What the reviews say: There are over 18,500 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.” Another says, “They really block out sound (like cats meowing or jumping around, people talking and lawn mowers) and for the price, this is a great value. Love the color, too.”

Style: In-ear | Noise cancellation: None | Key features: Personalized fit, reusable up to 10 times, washable

What you’ll love:

• High noise-reduction rating of 32 decibels
• Customizable fit
• Inexpensive

Keep in mind:

• Wax collects lint and hair
• Insertion can be tricky

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 inside 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 ten 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.

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.”

Style: In-ear | Noise cancellation: None | Key features: Multiple sizes and colors, reusable, carrying case included

What you’ll love:

• Inexpensive
• Ergonomic design for comfort and ease of insertion/removal
• Comes with an aluminum case

Keep in mind:

• May not block enough sound

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 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, so they’re a great set when you’re traveling. 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.

Curvd 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.

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 writes, “I got them for concerts originally, and have ended up using them for movie theaters and travel as well. Love the case they came with, too.”

Style: In-ear | Noise cancellation: None | Key features: Slimmer fit for small or sensitive ear canals, high noise-reduction rating

What you’ll love:

• High noise-reduction rating of 31 decibels
• Designed for sensitive ear canals
• Inexpensive

Keep in mind:

• Not reusable
• No stem or grip for easy removal

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-size 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’ve 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.

What the reviews say: Mack’s Earplugs have over 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. “I have small ear canals and these work perfectly. [I] can wear [them for] multiple hours without pain,” writes another.

Style: In-ear | Noise cancellation: None | Key features: Reusable, low profile, choice of colors

What you’ll love:

• Low profile works well for side sleepers
• Inexpensive
• Reusable

Keep in mind:

• No stem or grip for easy removal

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.

What the reviews say: There are over 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 says, “These are the best ear plugs that I have ever tried. I am a side sleeper with a very narrow ear canal. I cannot feel these when sleeping on my side.”

Style: In-ear | Noise cancellation: No | Key features: Reusable, choice of colors, includes multiple ear tip sizes

What you’ll love:

• Reusable
• Includes multiple eartips
• Easy to insert

Keep in mind:

• May not block sound enough

Loop Quiet 2 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 two-year warranty on its earplugs.

What the reviews say: Loop has plenty of fans and over 3,000 5-star reviews on the brand’s website. One customer writes, “I use these for sleeping and I think they’re really good. Much more comfortable than disposable ear plugs with slightly less noise attenuation.” Another confirms, “[They’re] reusable, easy to clean, blocks out most noises.”