Whether you live in a busy urban hub, the night shift has you sleeping during the day, or your partner snores, the right pair of earplugs might be what you need to get the rest you crave. (Our guide to fixing your sleep schedule can help, too.) "Earplugs can absolutely be helpful when trying to fall asleep," confirms sleep science coach Logan Foley. "A quiet environment is key to getting a full, uninterrupted night of sleep." Plus, earplugs are totally safe to sleep with—though sometimes, after prolonged use, you might notice a build-up of wax.
There are all kinds of earplugs on the market, ranging from inexpensive disposable earplugs to noise-canceling electronic options. But not all earplugs are the same since they vary in material and decibel rating. A good pair of earplugs is not only effective at canceling out noise but is comfortable for sleeping in various positions as well. (Stomach sleepers with neck and back pain; here's how to sleep on your back comfortably.) "When shopping for earplugs for sleep, the most important features are fit, comfort, and noise reduction," Foley tells Byrdie.
To help you find a pair of great earplugs, we chatted with Foley to learn more about sleep health and how earplugs can help. Then we conducted hours of research, evaluating models on their design, fit, comfort, and how well they reduce noise by checking their noise reduction rate (aka how many noise decibels each set was equipped to cancel out.) Here are the ones we liked the best for getting a good night's sleep.
Best Overall
Loop Quiet Earplugs
Reusable
Four tip sizes included
Reduces 25 decibels
Ear tips run large
Material: Silicone | Colors: White, black, navy, maroon, mint, blush, +more | Sizes: XS–L tips included
Made of ultra-soft silicone with four tip sizes included so you can find the right fit for your ear, these superstar earplugs are as comfy as can be—yep, even for side sleepers. They stay put while you toss and turn, so you won't have to search your sheets in the morning for a rogue bud.
More to the point, these sleeping companions reduce as much as 26 decibels of noise while you doze. Plus, they're washable and reusable, allowing you to minimize your waste and cut down on money spent on achieving quality sleep. Oh, and did we mention they come in a handful of chic colors, like blush, mint, maroon, and white?
Best Overall, Runner-Up
LYSIAN Ultra Soft Foam Earplugs
Earplugs are recyclable
Comes with a bonus pair of reusable silicone earplugs and a carrying case
Expand into the ear canal without feeling tight
They reduce but don’t completely cancel out sound
Material: PU Foam | Colors: Water blue, green, pink, purple, lake blue, orange, +more | Sizes: One size
Lysian EarPlugs have specifically received stellar reviews on the roommate front for their ability to neutralize the noises around you while you sleep (such as nocturnal footsteps and conversations). They may not be able to completely block the noisiest of sounds, but they are, for sure, the missing component to a restful snooze and a symbiotic relationship with roommates in a busy home. (FYI, this is what happens when you don't get enough sleep.)
These earplugs are made of elastic foam that won’t irritate your ear canal, even if you use them for a long time. They’re also one-size-fits-all because they sponge up and adjust to the shape of your ear canal without feeling dense. Plus, they’re reusable and washable, super soft, and were tested to reduce a total of 38 decibels. And for less than $10, you’ll receive over 50 pairs of colorful earplugs (packed in a tall jar) that are lightweight enough to feel as though you're not even wearing the sleeping accessory throughout the night (or day). Another bonus: They come with an added pair of reusable silicone earplugs and a carrying case.
Best Reusable
Anbow Silicone Ear Plugs
Waterproof
Redues 32 decibels
Comes with travel case
Only one size
Material: Silicone | Color: Blue | Sizes: Universal
Anbow earplugs are not only washable and reusable, but they're made of high-grade, BPA-free silicone. Each pair is soft and has a ribbed, umbrella-like design where they narrow out to ensure a comfy fit all night long—just insert, spin, and you're good to go.
We also appreciate that these earplugs have a 32-decibel noise-reduction rating, so you can rest assured that ambient sounds won't disrupt your sleep. Plus, they're not just for sleeping, you can use them for swimming, too (yes, they’re waterproof). You'll get three pairs when you make your purchase, and each pack comes with a storage box, a convenient carrying case, and a waterproof travel pouch.
Best Budget
Flents Quiet Contour Foam Earplugs
Expands to fit all ears
Reduces up to 33 decibels
Comes with case
Not ideal for smaller ear canals
Material: Foam | Color: Green | Sizes: Self-adjusting fit
On a budget? You won't lose any sleep over the price of Flents Quiet Contour’s green earplugs. These earplugs—that cost less than $10—are made of super-soft—and dare we say, snuggly—latex-free foam. The tapered material is designed to compress effortlessly with your fingers, and then expand within your ears for a custom fit.
This 10-pack comes with a small and handy carrying case that can securely hold one pair of earplugs so you can bring a pair on the road if you need to or keep them easily reachable on your bedside table. What's more, you can count on up to 33 decibels of sound reduction while you catch your beauty sleep. And since their design features a flat end, consumers have noted they are super easy to remove.
Best Value
Mack's Ultra-Soft Foam Earplugs
Great for narrow ear canals
Low-pressure foam
Reduces 33 decibels
May fall out while sleeping
Material: Polyurethane foam | Color: Beige | Sizes: Self-adjusting fit
If you live with a snorer or travel often, it might be worth getting a value pack of disposables—and that’s why we're big fans of Mack's Ultra-Soft earplugs. They’re made with special low-pressure polyurethane foam that compresses and then expands within your ear canal, muffling out sounds and easing away noises so that they appear farther away than they actually are. While Mack’s earplugs focus less on design, their performance proved especially successful for those with narrow ear canals, according to Amazon reviews. However because they do feature a short length, consumers found it was difficult to sometimes remove the earplug from the ear easily.
The cushiony material offers a notably comfy fit in all sleeping positions while reducing an impressive 33 decibels of sound. With 50 pairs, you can bring them on the go and toss them after a single use. They're washable, too, for up to three times of use, so you can also use the same pair for a couple of days if needed.
Best Self-Adjusting
Becheln Reusable Silicone Ear Plugs
Goes over the ear canal rather than lodging within it
Comfortable
Reusable
Texture of the earplug may feel sticky after repeated time
Material: Silicone | Colors: Blue, purple | Sizes: Self-adjusting fit
Belchen earplugs are made of incredibly moldable, high-grade silicone that squishes between your fingers, allowing you to gently press it into your ear opening. Once applied, these in-ear earplugs expand within the shape of your ear rather than narrowing out into the inside of the ear canal. This makes for a customized fit and an exceedingly comfortable feel since their stretchy, silicone material doesn’t come in a stiff shape as foam earplugs do.
While these earplugs only reduce 22 decibels of sound, it is still sufficient muffling to help you drift off to sleep (yet still hear your alarm clock in the morning). In addition, these sleeping earplugs are washable and reusable. You'll get five pairs, which come with a storage box and a smaller travel case.
Best Disposable
Howard Leight by Honeywell Laser Lite Foam Earplugs
Single-use design
Self-adjusting foam
Reduces 32 decibels
May not fit some ear canals
Material: Closed-cell foam | Colors: Pink/yellow | Size: Self-adjusting fit
The Howard Leight by Honeywell two-toned pink and yellow earplugs are by far the best disposables you'll find. Each pair comes individually packaged; if you’re traveling, there’s no need to worry about where to store them safely. The closed-cell material is soft, smooth, and hygienic (they're dirt resistant!), plus it reduces 32 decibels of sound. You could theoretically wash and reuse them, but with a pack of 25 pairs, you can toss them after a single use and still have plenty to spare.
Best Individually Wrapped
3M E-A-R Classic Uncorded Earplugs Pillow Pack
Individually wrapped
Recyclable packaging
Expands to fit all ears
May fall out while sleeping
Material: PVC foam | Color: Yellow | Size: Self-adjusting fit
Anyone who sleeps away from home often should consider getting this 30-pair box from 3M E-A-R Classic. These individually wrapped earplugs come in little cardboard pillow packs, which are recyclable and easy to toss in a bag, suitcase, or purse. They may feel firm with the initial touch, but once the earplug is inserted into the ear canal, its exposed cell surface texture will soften and expand while resisting any movement and creating an effective noise barrier.
The closed-cell, low-pressure PVC (polyvinyl) foam is non-irritating since the brand specifies that these earplugs are moisture, sweat, and humidity resistant. It conforms to the unique curves of your ear canal, and the cylindrical shape is comfortable in a number of sleeping positions.
Best for Travel
Matador Travel Ear Plugs Kit
Carrying and travel cases included
Reduces 32 decibels of sound
Will stay put even on the move
May not fit in some ear canals
Material: Memory foam, silicone | Colors: Black/white | Sizes: Self-adjusting fit
Dogs, babies, and loud chewers and breathers—it can be hard to drown out the sounds on a plane, but the Matador’s compact travel earplugs kit might help. These travel-proof earplugs will fit right into the last space you have left in your jampacked carry-on and will become the TSA-approved item that neutralizes the noises around you. Each kit comes with three pairs of memory foam earplugs, each with a noise-reduction rating of 32 decibels. While these earplugs don't completely cancel noise, you'll experience a significant reduction in disrupting sounds while you snooze, doze off on a plane, or nap while someone else drives on a long road trip.
Just like a high-quality mattress, the plush and squishy material compresses with minimal pressure and then expands to fit your unique shape. You'll get two silicone cases with zipper closures and handy key rings to travel with right beside you.
Reusable
Removable cord
Reduces the sound of high-pitched noises
Wrapped in plastic
Material: Silicone | Colors: Orange/blue | Sizes: Universal
Corded earplug options are never the wrong move because you don't have to worry about losing one or both at any point. That goes for work sites, car naps, and travel adventures, of course—and especially anywhere you tend to toss and turn at night. If you're the type of person who can't be trusted with earbud-style headphones, Quality Plugs have your name on them.
These reusable earplugs are made of ultra-soft silicone and twist in for a secure fit. They layer in size with a triple-flange design (their ribbed detailing narrows out from the bottom to the top) and snuggle their way into the ear canal. Each individually wrapped pair is connected by a 25-inch cord, which you can take off and on as needed. If at any point you’re ready to fly solo without the extended cord, know that these earplugs ranked superior on comfortability, noise cancellation, and their ability to stay put.
Best for Side Sleepers
Eargasm Squishies
Made with proprietary moldable silicone
Gentle on your ear canal
Customizable sizing
Some reviewers felt the silicone was too squishy
Material: Moldable silicone | Colors: Blue | Sizes: Universal
This pick from Eargasms is 50% larger than many competing brands to provide more material per earplug to ensure you get the best fit. Not only is the fit soft and comfortable in your ears but this material is designed to be broken and molded if you have smaller ear canals. With their 22-decibel rate, side sleepers, light sleepers, and travelers found success in canceling out the noise around them even by splitting the earplug in half. While Eargasm earplugs were originally introduced to the market as a hearing protection solution for concerts, the proprietary moldable silicone material they are made of has become a golden ticket for side sleepers. The shape of the earplug is flat at the head, so whichever final fit works best for you, that feeling of having an earplug poke out and push against the pillow is zero to none.
Best Noise-Canceling
QuietOn 3.1 Sleep Earbuds
Active noise-canceling technology
28-hour battery life
Even cancels out ambient sounds
May be too small for bigger ear canals
Material: Polyurethane rubber, stainless steel | Colors: White | Sizes: XS-L tips included
If your standard foam or silicone earplugs aren't enough to block out whatever noise you're dealing with, try these earbuds from QuietOn, which cancel out everything from snoring sounds to city traffic screeches and more with their active noise canceling (ANC) technology. These earbuds may share a design similar to that of regular cordless earbuds, though they don’t have an on-and-off button, can’t connect to Bluetooth, and mute lower frequency sounds in 20 seconds once inserted into the ear canal, such as ambient noise. You’ll get to fully charge these earplugs through their charging case with a USB-C cable. With a single charge, the battery can last up to 28 hours, and because these earplugs are designed with a fixed position and come with different-sized ear tips, they won’t apply pressure to the ear canal for those who sleep on their side.
Most Flexible
PQ Wax Earplugs for Sleep
Customizable fit is suitable for children and adults
Temporarily reusable
Doesn’t cause irritation
Sleeping position can impact wear time
Material: Wax | Colors: Clear | Sizes: Self-adjusting fit
Wearing something in your ear while you sleep can be uncomfortable when you're not used to it, but these earplugs from PQ will solve that problem easily because of their flexibility. Made with wax instead of the usual silicone or foam, these can be stretched and shaped to fit your ears perfectly (and can even be split in half for smaller ear canals). We also love that even though these are not electronic earbuds, they can be reused up to 10 times per pair. They reduce up to 32 decibels of sound, and if you do decide to separate each earplug in half, you’ll get double their worth. Plus, they’re waterproof, so you can use them when you swim, too.
Best for Sensitive Skin
Earjobs Silicone Putty Ear Plugs
Made of high-grade silicone
Doesn’t leave a greasy film on the ear canal after removal
Doesn’t cause a muffled sound
Only three pairs come included in one case
Material: Silicone | Colors: Green | Sizes: Self-adjusting fit
Achy ears caused by earplugs aren't uncommon, and usually, that discomfort comes from one of two things: the pressure of the earplug in your ear or the material the earplug is made of. That’s why we like Earjobs: each earplug is made of a special irritant-free material that is malleable, smooth, and perfect for small or sensitive ears or people who are sensitive to texture.
The Silicone Putty Ear Plugs are sticky, yes, but it's that stickiness that gives them the ability to seal tightly within the ear canal instead of expanding as foam earplugs would. Whether your ear canal is narrow, wide, small, or large, these silicone molded earplugs are flexible and universal in size. They block out up to 23 decibels of noise, given that they won’t cause your ears to ring. And especially good for your little ones, these also worked to prevent any water from entering the ear canal during bathtime.
Best for Hearing Sensitivity
Flare Calmer Earplugs
Comes in standard or mini size
Features detachable lanyard
Caters to those who prefer not to block out noise completely
One pair per pack unless duo pack is purchased
Material: Silicone | Colors: Translucent, purple, mint, grey | Sizes: Standard, mini
If you’re someone who feels uncomfortable when too much noise is blocked out, these might be the earplugs for you. Rather than block out all the noise, these just reduce or turn down sound a notch by blocking out various pitches that might bother you or keep you awake. They are hollow, shell-shaped, and made of durable silicone and are a compatible choice for individuals who feel that auditory concerns are affecting their wellness. Plus, they come in modern colors (including translucent) and are sold in completely recyclable packaging.
Best for Small Ear Canals
Happy Ears Earplugs in Original Small
Recyclable
Washable
Comes in three different sizes
One pair per pack
Material: Silicone | Colors: Translucent and red | Sizes: Standard small
Light sleepers with small ear canals describe Happy Ears Earplugs as “the best of both worlds,” because of how soft, tiny, and effective they are at canceling out noise. Each earplug is oval-shaped, smooth to the touch, and lasts about a year. Because of their shape alone, they’ll slip right into narrow ear canals and ensure up to 25 decibels of noise protection. Reviewers who mentioned often tossing and turning while they sleep gave this pair the seal of approval for staying put throughout the night.
What to Look for in Earplugs for Sleeping
- Noise reduction rate: "Noise reduction rate (NRR) is measured by decibels (dB) and is typically listed in the specifications of earplugs. Higher numbers mean more significant noise reduction," Foley tells Byrdie. "Most earplugs have an NRR between 22 dB to 33 dB. Options within this range will all block out noise, but depending on your specific needs, options on either end of this range may be more appropriate."
- Fit: When shopping around for earplugs, you'll also want to consider the fit. Many options are self-adjusting, meaning the material squishes down and then expands within your ear canal. You'll also find earplugs in a single universal size, which will be suitable for most people but not everyone, as well as designs with interchangeable tips. "Some people have small ear canals, which may be difficult for regular earplugs to fit," Foley explains. "In this case, sleepers should look for a moldable earplug either made of foam or silicone so they can get a custom fit."
- Sleeping position: "Your sleeping position is one of the most important factors for choosing an earplug that will be comfortable and fit to your ears," says Foley. "This can be especially tricky for side-sleepers, as many of the bulkier options can create uncomfortable pressure points. Side-sleepers should look for an option that will be flush with the side of their face, rather than earplugs that may stick out."
Why Trust Byrdie
Theresa Holland is an experienced commerce writer with a background in lifestyle and self-care. When researching this roundup, she spoke to a certified sleep coach and considered the NRR, material, fit, and overall design of earplugs from a range of brands and retailers. She pored over user reviews and combed through the specifications of dozens of options before making her final selections. Theresa has been contributing to Byrdie since 2020, where she covers beauty, health, and fitness.
Chelsea Avila is a commerce contributor at Byrdie who reports on the beauty and fashion market. For this sleep wellness article, Chelsea trusted consumer insight and their experience using each earplug product listed to help update product descriptions and add new products to the roster. Because she has sensitive skin herself, she made sure to scope through reviews detailing how the material of the earplug interacted with the skin around the ear canal.
Byrdie consulted a sleep science coach:
- Logan Foley is a certified sleep science coach with a deep understanding of the factors that contribute to various sleep struggles. As the Managing Editor at SleepFoundation.org, she has ample experience researching and testing various sleep products, including bedding, mattresses, and natural sleep aids.
According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find any earplugs for sleeping from a Black-owned and/or Black-founded business. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com and we will evaluate the product ASAP.