The 7 Best Concert Earplugs for a Safer Listening Experience

ProsVariety of ear tip sizes for customizationHigh-fidelityStylish designLoop Earplugs are a favorite among concert-goers and our staff, thanks to their comfortable, stylish, and high-fidelity design. The earplugs have an SNR of 17 decibels, so you'll get moderate noise reduction without blocking out the sound of conversations nearby.Four ear tip sizes come included, as well as a convenient carrying case that you can store in your pocket or hydration pack. The earplugs come in a variety of colors, which is a nice touch considering they're still very visible when you're wearing them.Senior Service Editor, Melanie Yates, likes that these earplugs sit closer to the outer ear rather than deeper inside your ear canal."I like that these earplugs feel just like wearing regular earbuds—they don’t burrow deeply into my ears or create uncomfortable suction. While they may not be able to cancel out the loudest bass, they do take the edge off noisy concert environments, so you can enjoy the music and still hear your friends next to you."Key SpecsNoise Reduction Rating17 dB (SNR)MaterialSiliconeHigh FidelityYesCarrying CaseYesProsLow-profile designThree ear tip sizesHigh-fidelity designConsHard to removeLower NRRI love that Vibes High-Fidelity earplugs are designed to be extremely discreet—so much so that most people won’t even realize you’re wearing them, thanks to the transparent outer tube. The earplugs are structured with an acoustic sound chamber, which enhances music clarity; an acoustic filter for preserving high-fidelity sounds; and silicone tips for a more comfortable wear. The case is small and compact but is still big enough to fit another set or two of silicone earpieces, in case you need to adjust.The earplugs do a pretty decent job of dulling sounds without muffling conversations, and they have an NRR of 15 decibels. I've worn them to several raves and found that I was still able to hear everything around me, just at a more tolerable volume. I didn't feel like I had to constantly remove the earplugs to get the same concert and social experience. The main downside I've come across is that the sound tube is fairly small, which can sometimes make these earplugs harder to remove. Key SpecsNoise Reduction Rating15 dBMaterialSiliconeHigh FidelityYesCarrying CaseYesAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsSmallTwo tip sizesDiscreet designThe three-flange style of these earplugs is intended to create a secure pressure seal to keep them intact (which can feel a little odd the first few times you wear them). They filter up to 21 decibels of noise, and the pack comes with two different sizes so you can find the best fit. The storage case is made with aluminum, so it's very durable and can handle some dings.The earplugs are a reliable choice for our Commerce Photo Editor, Dustin Fenstermacher. "I've played many a DIY show, attended incredibly bass-heavy dance parties, zoned out at ambient sound installations, and attended concerts ranging from soft-spoken to abrasive noise rock," he says. "Unlike the ubiquitous orange earplugs, Eargasm protects from hearing loss without sacrificing the high and low ends of sound. It doesn't feel like they're listening to music underwater in the deep end of a pool."Key SpecsNoise Reduction Rating15 dBMaterialSiliconeHigh FidelityYesCarrying CaseYesProsInexpensiveEasy to useHigh NRRFor those who don’t go to concerts frequently, the 3M Disposable Earplugs are an inexpensive and quick-fix method for dulling louder noises. They are capable of blocking out up to 32 decibels of sound, and they’re made from a soft foam that expands in your ear, conforming to the shape of your ear canal for a tight seal. Note that since these are foam, they don't offer any kind of noise filtration system, so music will likely sound muffled and lose its quality. But they're an affordable and convenient backup, and you can just toss the pair once you leave the event. Key SpecsNoise Reduction Rating32 dBMaterialFoamHigh FidelityNoCarrying CaseNoAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsMolds to your earThree tip sizesHigh NRRIf you’ve found that most earplugs are uncomfortable to wear because they're limited in size and customization, then you may want to try the Decibullz Custom Molded Earplugs. They are made from thermoplastic, so you can warm up the molds in boiling water, and once they have cooled down enough, you can shape them to fit your ear exactly. The earplugs reduce noise levels by 31 decibels, and they are reusable. Some reviewers mention that the molding process can be a bit tricky, but you get endless tries since the thermoplastic can be melted more than once. Key SpecsNoise Reduction Rating31 dBMaterialThermoplasticHigh FidelityNoCarrying CaseCarrying pouchProsSmallHypoallergenicWaterproofYou can protect your children’s hearing at concerts with these Alpine Pluggies earplugs. They're made for children between the ages of 5 and 12, but they can also be used by adults with smaller ear canals. They have an SNR of 25 decibels, and the earplugs are made from the brand’s signature hypoallergenic material.In addition to being useful in noisy environments, these earplugs can also be an ideal option for swimming, since they're waterproof.Key SpecsNoise Reduction Rating25 dB (SNR)MaterialAlpineThermoShapeHigh FidelityNot specifiedCarrying CaseYesAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsThree different filter sets includedDual-chamber carrying caseConsSome customers reported too much attenuation The earplugs from EarPeace come with three different high-fidelity filter sets, from 17 to 20 to 26 decibels of noise reduction, which can come in handy depending on the environment that you're in. Maybe the "max" filter is suitable for all your favorite concerts but blocks out too much sound when you're in a smaller group setting.They're made with reusable silicone and come in a dual-chamber carrying case so you can access the earplugs from either end of the storage container. The structure is similar to Eargasm, so you'll get a secure suction-type seal when wearing these earplugs, and there is a small pull tab for easy removal. Key SpecsNoise Reduction Rating17 to 26 dBMaterialSiliconeHigh FidelityYesCarrying CaseYesAmber is a Reviews Editor with bylines on Popular Mechanics, Runner’s World, Bicycling, and Best Products sites. Specializing in kitchen gadgets, small appliances, lifestyle, and consumer tech, she brings hands-on testing and a detail-oriented approach to every review. In her free time you can likely find her trading trinkets at an EDM festival, searching for hidden gems at thrift stores, or cuddling with her two cats.