Getting a good night's sleep is something we’ve all struggled with from time to time – and when we can’t sleep, it can be down to disturbances around us, whether that's a snoring partner, a busy environment or noisy neighbours.
Earplugs can be a real help when getting a full night’s sleep feels impossible. Luckily the best earplugs for sleeping have come a long way in the last few years - and we no longer have to settle for ear plugs that irritate us or fall out while we sleep.
From sleeping on a plane and in noisy environments, plus next to a dreaded snorer we’ve tested the best earplugs for sleeping – so you can find the right pair for you.
How we tested earplugs for sleeping
I spent over a month rigorously putting these earplugs to the test, as I slept, worked and travelled. Call it sleeping on the job, or just doing my bit to give you honest opinions about the best earplugs for sleeping on the market, I assessed the earplugs on design, fit and performance.
I used them on trains, while I camped, working at home and in coffee shops, plus next to snorers to see if they blocked out sounds and helped me get a longer, less interrupted sleep.
I looked at the following areas when assessing the sleep earplugs:
- Noise reduction: arguably the most important aspect, I looked at whether the earplugs blocked out different noises, from snoring and talking to traffic and general hustle and bustle
- Comfort and fit: I asked whether the earplugs stayed in place throughout the night and if they caused any irritation
- Ease of use and design: I assessed whether the earplugs were easy to put in the ears. I also took storage into consideration, alongside whether they were noticeable when they were being worn
- Value for money: how do the price and performance of the earplugs compare to other models I tested?
Jump to section
- The best earplugs for sleeping at a glance
- The best earplugs for sleeping 2025
- Is it safe to wear earplugs for sleeping?
- Are foam or silicone earplugs better for sleeping?
The best earplugs for sleeping at a glance
- Best earplugs for overall deep sleep: Loop Quiet 2, £19.95
- Best earplugs for comfort while sleeping: Loop Dream, £44.95
- Best earplugs for sleeping in loud environments: Alpine Silence earplugs, £21.95
- Best discreet earplugs for sleeping: Happy Ears earplugs, £26.50
- Best earplugs for noisy environments: Earth's Secret Mute earplugs, £29.99
- Best earplugs for sleeping with a snorer: Alpine Deep Sleep, £12.95
- Best earplugs for travelling: Slumberite Noise-Cancelling earphones, £19.95
- Best value earplugs for sleeping: Sennheiser SoundProtex Plus earplugs, £64.99
- Best earplugs for napping: Mixx Assistive Audio earplugs, £20
- Best mouldable earplugs: Alpine Hearing Protection Soft Silicone earplugs, £7.99
The best earplugs for sleeping to buy 2025
Loop Quiet 2 earplugs
Available from Loop (£19.95), Amazon (£19.95)
Best earplugs overall for deep sleep
Pros:
- Neat fit
- Good price point
- Impressive sound proofing
Cons:
- White versions could get dirty quickly
Star rating: 5/5
Like the other Loop's I tried, these come with four different tip sizes, making it easy to find the right fit. The small loop design sat neatly in my ear, too, and the tiny earbud slotted in quickly and stayed secure all night without slipping.
Made from flexible silicone, they’re easy to adjust and feel durable enough for long-term use. The soundproofing was impressive too: I tested them at home with the windows open, but I can imagine they’d be just as effective on a long-haul flight or in a noisy hotel. They were barely noticeable once in, making them a good choice for side sleepers, like me, and I didn’t experience any irritation even after wearing them for hours.
My only slight concern is the colour - we tried the white versions, and we can imagine they’ll get dirty quickly, but with a lifespan of around three - six months (longer if you clean them regularly), they strike a good balance between performance and value. They’re also cheaper than the Loop Dream version below, so you’re getting high-quality earplugs at a more accessible price point.
undefinedLoop Dream earplugs
Available from Loop (£44.95), Amazon (£44.95), Healf (£44.95)
Best earplugs for comfort while sleeping
Pros:
- Very comfortable
- Lasts for around three months
- Great noise cancellation in different environments
Cons:
- Expensive
Star rating: 4.5/5
I’m a side sleeper, so finding earplugs that not only block out noise but also feel comfortable all night is really important - and these tick both boxes. If you’re new to Loop, like I was, make sure you test the different ear tip sizes. I tried a few before realising the x-small fit me best.
At first, I found it a little fiddly to get the positioning right (even after checking the instructions), but once I did, they felt snug, secure and gave me the quietest night’s sleep I’ve ever had. I tested them at home and while camping, and both times the results were the same: peaceful, uninterrupted sleep.
They’re easy to clean with soapy water, and the included case makes it easy to keep them safe when you take them out. Loop earplugs are designed to last for around 100 days - but we think if you regularly cleaned them, the tips wouldn’t need changing just as quickly. I’ve also found them handy for powering through work in a noisy office.
undefinedAlpine Silence earplugs
Available from Amazon (£15.95), Alpine Silence (£18.65)
Best earplugs for sleeping in loud environments
Pros:
- Comfortable and flexible
- Excellent suction
- Soundproof
Cons:
- Could get dirty easily due to the holed design
Star rating: 4.5/5
These Alpine earplugs really live up to their name - and are my favourite from the brand when it comes to design, quality and performance. The plug slides into the ear canal with ease, creating a strong suction that keeps them secure all night. The clever V-shaped design fits snugly without any overspill, making them especially comfortable for side sleepers.
I tested them during a stay at a busy hotel and later while working in a coffee shop. Both times, they dulled background noise effectively, helping me sleep soundly and stay focused the next morning.
Each set comes with four adjustable sizes (the medium fit me best) and you can choose from six colours. After use, they slot neatly into a sturdy plastic case that clips onto your keys or bag. Comfortable, flexible and easy to clean, they’re designed to last up to three months - making them a reliable and stylish choice. Attractively priced for their quality, they’re one of the most affordable on our list.
undefinedHappy Ears Earplugs
Available Happy Ears (£26.50)
Best discreet earplugs for sleeping
Pros:
- Great shape
- Easy to insert
- Excellent noise reduction
Cons:
- Easy to lose
Star rating: 4/5
These are the tiniest earplugs I’ve ever tested - and perfect for my equally tiny ears. Shaped like little mushrooms, they come in three sizes, with the smallest fitting me comfortably. Their unique shape makes them easy to insert directly over the ear canal with no awkward overspill - a big win when you’re half asleep.
I wore these when I attempted to get an early night over a weekend - I live near a high street and normally get the overspill sounds of people exiting the pub. However, even with my window open, I didn’t hear a sound and quickly fell into a deep sleep.
The brand’s discovery pack includes all three sizes so you can find your best fit. When you reorder, you can choose just one size, which makes it cheaper. Even better, the latest versions are made from recycled ocean plastic and can be reused for months - a sustainable bonus. I could definitely see myself packing these for trips, as they’re so discreet.
The only downside? Their tiny size makes them easy to misplace, whether that’s on your bedside table or in the bottom of a travel bag. Each pair does come with its own case, but the case itself is small enough to get lost too.
Available from:
Earth’s Secret Mute earplugs
Available from Earth's Secret (£29.99)
Best earplugs for noisy environments
Pros:
- Insert well
- Great for side sleepers
- Impressive sound blocking
Cons:
- Unattractive
- Only two sizes
Star rating: 4/5
These may be the least attractive earplugs I tested, but they certainly didn’t disappoint when it came to blocking out noise at night. They were easy enough to insert, though it took a little fiddling to get the small version (they come in both small and medium) positioned correctly against my outer ear so I could sleep comfortably on my side.
The material - a hypoallergenic, medical-grade thermoplastic elastomer - felt firmer than some of the softer silicone plugs I’ve tried, so I expected irritation. Surprisingly, once in, I could barely feel them. I wore them while camping at a busy site and they dulled the chatter and music around me enough to sleep soundly. They also came in handy in a noisy office, taking the edge off background distractions.
Each pair comes with a zip-up case that’s large enough not to get lost at the bottom of a travel bag, and with regular washing they should last a few months. At just under £30, they’re a solid investment if you need reliable earplugs for travel or noisy environments.
undefinedAlpine Deep Sleep
Available from Amazon (£11), Alpine (£12.95)
Best earplugs for sleeping with a snorer
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Travel case
- Different sizes
Cons:
- Get dirty easily
- Fall out while sleeping
Star rating: 3.5/5
Alpine’s deep sleep earplugs have an oval 3D shape, which makes them easy to insert and helps them seal securely over the ear canal. They’re designed to block up to 27dB of sound, and compared to other Alpine plugs I tested, they did a noticeably better job. I even took them on a trip where I shared a room with a snorer — while I could still hear them faintly, the noise was far less intrusive.
Each pair comes with a handy storage case, so they’re less likely to go missing. The layered design does mean they can pick up dirt more easily, but they’re simple to clean with soap and water. The brand claims they last for up to 100 nights, though in reality, I suspect they may wear out or get grubby before then.
Comfort-wise, they’re a strong contender. I could barely feel them once in, and they did not irritate, although they did fall out a couple of times during the night. Because they’re so discreet, they’d be ideal for wearing on a flight or even in an office nap pod. At just under £13, they’re also great value.
undefinedSlumberite Noise-Cancelling Earphones
Available from Slumberite (£19.95)
Best earplugs for travelling
Pros:
- Good noise reduction
- No irritation
- Comes with carry case
Cons:
- Fall out easily
- Expensive
Star rating: 3.5/5
Slumberite earplugs come with four different tip sizes that easily attach to the ring-style plug. They’re shaped similarly to Loops, but slightly bigger. While they inserted quickly, I found they didn’t always stay put - especially if I tossed and turned during the night. This seemed more down to the overspill of the loop design than the earplug itself.
When they did stay in, the sound-blocking was impressive. I found them particularly handy for napping on a train or tuning out background chatter in a coffee shop. Made from hypoallergenic silicone, they felt comfortable, caused no irritation and are even waterproof, so they can double up as swimming earplugs.
Each pair comes with a small oval carry case on a keychain, making them easy to keep track of. They’re washable too, but the tiny hole in the plug means they can pick up dirt easily, which may shorten their lifespan. At just under £30, they sit at the pricier end of the scale, and given their limited reusability, they may not offer the best long-term value.
Available from:
Sennheiser SoundProtex Plus earplugs
Available from Sennheiser (£64.99), Amazon (£69.67)
Best value earplugs for sleeping
Pros:
- Good design
- Four filters
Cons:
- Filters not as impressive as expected
- Expensive
Star rating: 3.5/5
I had high hopes for these earplugs, since they come with interchangeable filters designed for different noise levels. But when I tried the ‘high’ filter for sleep, it didn’t even block out the sound of my bedroom fan - so it’s unlikely to cut through louder noises like snoring. The other filters (four in total) worked better: the mid filter dulled background travel sounds, while the low filter was useful for creating quiet while I worked. Still, for the price, I was expecting stronger soundproofing.
The cone-shaped plugs come in three sizes (S, M, L), with the filters attaching directly to the tip. While this makes them versatile, the tiny filters are fiddly and easy to misplace. A pouch is included for storage, but I’d still worry about dropping or losing them.
On the plus side, they’re comfortable to wear and easy to clean, though being inserted directly into the ear canal means they get dirty faster than some others. At nearly £70, they’re the most expensive earplugs on this list - and while they could last around a year, the noise-blocking performance didn’t live up to the price tag. If you’re after serious soundproofing against snoring or heavy traffic, these probably aren’t the right choice.
undefinedMixx Assitive Audio earplugs
Available from Robert Dyas (£19.99), Mixx (£20), Maplin (£20)
Best earplugs for napping
Pros:
- Flexible material
- Good design
Cons:
- Fall out easily
- Material is flimsy
- Sound blocking not as effective
Star rating: 3.5/5
Although these earplugs are designed in a similar style to the SoundProtex plugs, I found they didn’t insert into the ears as easily. Made from soft, hypoallergenic silicone, they felt flexible in the hand but not particularly sturdy once in place. It took me a while to get them comfortable, and they fell out during the night. They come in three sizes, but honestly, each one felt pretty much the same.
When I tested them during a Sunday afternoon nap, they worked better, blocking out traffic and general outside noise. In a loud coffee shop, though, their performance wasn’t as strong. On the plus side, they come with a sturdy oblong case that snaps shut automatically, so storage feels secure.
As they didn’t stay in comfortably, I don’t think they’d be suitable for side sleepers, though I didn’t experience any irritation while wearing them. They can be reused up to 30 times, but at £20, I’m not convinced their performance justifies the price.
undefinedAlpine Hearing Protection Soft Silicone Ear Plugs
Available from Amazon (£6.99), Alpine (£8.95), Boots (£8.99)
Best mouldable earplugs
Pros:
- Easy to adjust in-ear
- Well-priced
- Packed separately
Cons:
- Only muffles a few sounds
- Falls out easily
Star rating: 3/5
These are some of the most mouldable earplugs we tried. Made from soft silicone, they adapt to most ear shapes, so there’s no need to fuss over sizing. They come in their own cases for easy storage and are said to block out up to 28dB of sound.
Because my ears are on the smaller side, I used just half an earplug in each ear (they separate easily). They dulled the background noise, but I could still hear passing traffic, so I imagine a snorer would cut through, too. That said, they were comfortable to wear. I could feel them in my ears, but unlike other silicone plugs I’ve tested, they didn’t irritate me - possibly thanks to the aloe vera infused into the material. They stayed put as I drifted off, but tended to fall out during the night.
They’re not the most discreet option, so better suited to home use than long-haul flights. Each pair lasts around four nights before needing to be replaced, and at roughly 60p a pair, they’re a solid choice for anyone on a budget and medium to heavy sleepers who live in quieter, suburban areas.
undefinedIs it safe to wear earplugs for sleeping?
For most of us, it’s perfectly safe to wear earplugs while sleeping. Earplugs designed specifically for sleep, such as the ones we’ve tested, are usually made from soft, hypoallergenic, flexible materials, so they’re comfortable enough to wear all night.
However, there are a few things to be aware of if you use them every night. Wearing earplugs every night can sometimes lead to earwax build-up, since they can push wax deeper into the ear canal, and if plugs aren’t cleaned or replaced often enough, there’s also a risk of ear infections.
Poorly fitting earplugs may cause mild irritation or pressure, and some types are more likely to fall out if you move around in your sleep. To avoid problems, it’s best to clean or replace them regularly, choose comfortable silicone designs and give your ears a break if you notice any discomfort.
Are foam or silicone earplugs better for sleeping?
Foam earplugs are usually softer, cheaper and expand to fill the ear canal, which makes them good at blocking out loud or sudden noises like snoring or traffic. The downside is that they’re often single-use, less eco-friendly and can sometimes fall out or cause irritation if you wear them nightly.
Silicone earplugs are reusable, washable and more durable, making them a good for longevity. They’re normally mouldable, which means they can be shaped to fit your ear comfortably and some designs sit flatter against the ear, making them a good choice for side sleepers. They’re also usually more discreet and comfortable to wear all night long.
Related guides
How to get to sleep
10 tips for better sleep hygiene
5 diet changes to improve your sleep
How to sleep better
How much sleep do I need?
You're not sleeping wrong - you're just overthinking it
More health and wellness reviews
Best sleep supplements
Best sleep trackers
Best vitamin D supplements
Best magnesium supplements
Best collagen supplements
Best multivitamins
source https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/review/best-earplugs-for-sleeping
Comments
Post a Comment