The 10 Best Earplugs For Concerts (2024)
Wearing quality earplugs at concerts can keep the experience enjoyable while preventing possible damage to your ears from high volume levels. With their minimal designs, they filter the sound for you to safe levels while keeping the sound clarity for you to enjoy the concert.
It’s becoming increasingly common to see concert-goers wear earplugs. This is for a very good reason! Our article on the dangers of our everyday listening habits makes for some sobering reading in this regard.
Note: All of the earplugs in this article are universal-fitting earplugs that don’t require custom molds of your ears. They are a great basic level of hearing protection. However, the best type of ear-protection is generally custom fitted earplugs. These are easy to take in and out and tend to offer the best sound isolation. We’ll cover more on those later on in the article.
If you’re looking for quality universal earplugs for concerts:
My top pick is the Eargasm High Fidelity earplugs, premium quality earplugs that are used by many music enthusiasts thanks to their great comfort and sound clarity.
My budget pick is the DownBeats Reusable earplugs, a cost-effective pair of earplugs for protecting your ears.
Disclaimer: This article should not be treated as medical advice. If you are having hearing difficulties then speak with an audiologist.
Contents
- The Best Earplugs For Concerts (2024) – At A Glance
- 1. Eargasm High Fidelity
- 2. DownBeats Reusable
- 3. Alpine MusicSafe Pro
- 4. Loop Experience
- 5. Vibes High-Fidelity
- 6. Mumba High Fidelity
- 7. Etymotic Research ER20XS
- 8. EarDial HiFi
- 9. EarPeace Music
- 10. Hearprotek High Fidelity
- Are Concert Earplugs worth it?
- Universal vs Custom Earplugs for Concerts
- How much should you spend on Concert Earplugs?
- Can you use regular foam Earplugs for Concerts?
- What to look for in Concert Earplugs when buying?
- Conclusion
The Best Earplugs For Concerts (2024) – At A Glance
And now onto the full list:
1. Eargasm High Fidelity
As one of the best-selling earplugs, Eargasm High Fidelity Earplugs are ideal for concerts thanks to their 21 decibels of high fidelity sound reduction, discreet looks, and reasonable prices. Instead of blocking the sound, these ensure top-quality sound reaches the ears by filtering the desired frequencies.
Pros
- Great sound reduction
- Highly clear sound
- Discreet looks
- Easy to clean
- Has a nice waterproof case
Cons
- Does not have replaceable tips
- They may not be comfortable for small ears
These earplugs are highly easy to clean and are made with hypoallergenic soft silicone for increased comfort. They also come with a nice waterproof case to store them whenever needed.
The earplugs come in two different shell sizes, which you can use according to your ear size. However, I must say that users with small ears may find them a bit uncomfortable as the included sizes are more suited towards medium to large ears.
Another small drawback is that these earplugs do not have replaceable tips.
| Material | Soft Silicone |
| Noise Reduction | 21 dB |
| Size | Medium, Large |
| Case Included | Yes – Waterproof Case |
In short, Eargasm High Fidelity is one of the best options to use in concerts to prevent any damage done by high noise levels while enjoying high-quality sound with up to 21 decibels of noise reduction.
2. DownBeats Reusable
The DownBeats Reusable earplugs are an affordable pair of earplugs with a discreet look, great noise reduction, and a durable case that comes with the plugs. The earplugs are great for concerts, studios, loud work environments, and fitness classes, with up to 18 dB noise reduction.
Pros
- Affordable price
- Discreet design
- Comes with a durable case
- Fits perfectly with smaller ears
Cons
- The sound quality gets a bit reduced
- Gets uncomfortable after a few hours of use
The earplugs come in a single size and are more suited for people with small ears. With their compact and tiny design as well as their transparent color, the earplugs are very hard to notice when you wear them. Plus, a compact aluminum case is included in the pack.
On the downside, the sound quality slightly gets reduced when you use these earplugs, but the difference is minimal. The more important issue is that it gets a bit uncomfortable after a few hours of use. But, this issue is not exclusive to this product, as most earplugs suffer from the same issue.
| Material | Silicone |
| Noise Reduction | 18 dB |
| Size | Universal |
| Case Included | Yes – Compact Aluminum Case |
Overall, if you are after an affordable solution for protecting your ears and enjoying concerts without any kind of disturbing noise, the DownBeats Reusable earplugs are a great choice.
3. Alpine MusicSafe Pro
The Alpine MusicSafe Pro are good quality earplugs with three filter types that offer different noise reduction levels of 16, 19, and 22 dB. The universal molds and the barely-visible design make for the ideal earplugs with a somewhat affordable price tag.
Pros
- 3 noise reduction options
- Comfortable fit
- Great bundle included
- Good price
Cons
- A little discomfort after using them for a prolonged period
These earplugs are universally fitted and comfortable too, except when used for a prolonged period, but that’s rather normal with most concert earplugs. Aside from that, they come with a great bundle that includes a travel box that’s compact, a wearable cord to prevent losing them, and a cleaning spray.
As these are concert earplugs, the cleaning spray will come in handy if you want to use them regularly. It will disinfect the earplugs, making them reusable all the while resulting in good longevity of use.
| Material | Plastic |
| Noise Reduction | 16, 19, 22 dB |
| Size | Universal |
| Case Included | Yes – Travel Box |
All in all, the Alpine MusicSafe pro are good quality earplugs with different noise reduction options, comfortable fit, solid price, and a great bundle that is included with the purchase.
4. Loop Experience
If you need a versatile pair of earplugs, Loop Experience is the ideal choice as it comes with many different tips in different sizes. They offer up to 18 dB of noise reduction and are quite comfortable with their silicone ear tips and metallic acoustic channel.
Pros
- Good noise reduction
- 4 different sizes for the perfect fit
- Comfortable and stable fit
- High sound quality
Cons
- The design is not discreet and not for everybody
These are some of the most versatile earplugs you can use in many places. They are highly comfortable thanks to different-sized tips, but some users say the small-sized ear tips are too small, causing discomfort.
The earplugs allow for clear lows while protecting your ears from loud noises that may harm your hearing due to their noise cancelling nature. Plus, the earplugs come in 4 different colors for different tastes, but the design is quite noticeable and not for everyone.
| Material | Silicone, Foam |
| Noise Reduction | 18 dB + 5 dB with the muter |
| Size | ExtraSmall, Small, Medium, Large |
| Case Included | Yes – Hand Carry Case |
Overall, the Loop Experience plugs are a great pair of earplugs and offer great specifications that ensure sound filtering as well as comfort for almost everybody.
5. Vibes High-Fidelity
Well-known for their almost invisible design, the Vibes High Fidelity earplugs offer great hearing protection to use in concerts due to their great noise reduction levels. Due to their 22 dB of noise reduction capacity and great sound filtering design, they ensure clear sound at healthy volume levels.
Pros
- Highly comfortable and stable fit
- Discreet design, almost invisible
- Comes with different tip sizes
- Durable
Cons
- Easy to misplace
- Muffles the sound slightly
Made from silicone, the Vibes High Fidelity earplugs come with three different ear tip sizes to fit every ear perfectly. There are small, medium, and large size ear tips, which are all durable, reusable, and hypoallergenic.
On the drawback side, as these are small transparent earplugs with white ear tips, sometimes it gets hard to find them when they are not in their case. So you have to be careful when managing them. Additionally, they do muffle the sound slightly.
| Material | Silicone |
| Noise Reduction | 22 dB |
| Size | Small, Medium, Large |
| Case Included | Yes – Hard Plastic Case |
To summarize, the Vibes High-Fidelity earplugs are a great pair for concert-goers with a highly discreet design, great sound reduction levels, and the comfort they bring to your ears.
6. Mumba High Fidelity
The Mumba High Fidelity earplugs are some of the most cost-effective earplugs you can find, thanks to their high noise reduction level of up to 24 decibels, discreet design, and affordable price tag.
Pros
- Great value for the price
- High noise reduction levels
- Discreet, transparent design
Cons
- Only large and small sizes
- Slightly hard to pull on and off
These earplugs are made from soft silicon and are washable, hypoallergenic as well as comfortable. But, the ear shells only come in large and small sizes, which may not fit everybody.
On the other hand, they come with a small twist-tap container with a keychain for storing the earplugs and extra shells. The earbuds are slightly hard to pull on and off as they are quite small. But you get used to them pretty fast.
| Material | Soft Silicone |
| Noise Reduction | 24 dB |
| Size | Small, Large |
| Case Included | Yes – Small Twist-Top Container |
The Mumba High Fidelity earplugs offer a great way to enjoy nightclubs and concerts with their affordable price tag and innovative design.
7. Etymotic Research ER20XS
Designed by Etymotic, one of the first earplug brands, the Research ER20XS are popular earplugs among musicians. The earplugs offer great value for the price with their high fidelity sound filtering system and discreet design.
Pros
- Great value for the price
- High-fidelity sound quality
- Replaceable ear tips
- Discreet design
Cons
- Not the most comfortable earplugs
The star of the show is the high fidelity sound quality as the earplugs reduce the sound by 20 decibels very evenly. They do not muffle the sound or block any frequency. Instead, they filter the high volumes evenly to safe levels. Also, they have a stem-less soft silicon design, making them harder to be noticed when used.
The ear tips are replaceable, and you need to change them every 3 to 6 months, depending on the frequency of use. On the down part, the earplugs are not the most comfortable. However, this may not be an issue if they fit your ear well. That is why there are three size options, including large, standard, and universal fit.
| Material | Silicone, Plastic |
| Noise Reduction | 20 dB |
| Size | Standard, Large, Universal |
| Case Included | Yes – Carry Case |
In short, if sound quality comes before anything for you and you do not want to spend much on hearing protection equipment, the Etymotic Research ER20XS might be the ideal choice.
8. EarDial HiFi
The EarDial HiFi are highly-rated concert earplugs that offer a high-fidelity sound filtration of up to 20 decibels, a low-profile design, an aluminum case, and a companion app for an affordable price.
Pros
- Filter the sound without sacrificing quality
- Low-profile design
- Comes with a companion mobile app
Cons
- Not very stable
- Universal fit may not be for everyone
The companion app is a great touch as it shows how loud your environment is and how long you can stay there safely, both with and without using the earplugs. It is quite nice and handy to learn how much exposure is dangerous when you are in a loud environment.
The precise noise filtration is great as you can hear your environment easily while enjoying music at safe levels. Also, the soft silicone earplugs are quite comfortable for most ears. But, on the down part, the universal fit may not be the best fit for every ear canal and cause discomfort or instability.
| Material | Soft Silicone |
| Noise Reduction | 20 dB |
| Size | Universal |
| Case Included | Yes – Compact Aluminum Case |
The EarDial HiFi earplugs are a great choice if you want good sound quality at safe levels while knowing precisely when and how long you should use the earplugs.
9. EarPeace Music
Designed by musicians for musicians and music enthusiasts, the EarPeace Music plugs are a great pair with three different noise filtration level options. The design is highly comfortable and offers up to 26 dB of noise filtration with medium, high and max filters.
Pros
- Very strong noise filtration up to 26 dB
- Three different earplugs for different levels of filtration
- Comfortable and stable fit
Cons
- Do not come in large size
- Might be too small for some
The soft and hypoallergenic silicone plugs offer high-fidelity sound with their even noise filtration system. Plus, they are highly comfortable and stable for most ears. But the lack of large size may be an issue for some.
Furthermore, you can easily change the attenuation filter and use the one you need depending on the environment. Changing the filters are highly easy, and the hard plastic case can store them all.
| Material | Silicone |
| Noise Reduction | 26 dB |
| Size | Small or Medium |
| Case Included | Yes – Hard Plastic Case |
The EarPeace Music plugs are one of the most popular earplugs among musicians and are trusted by famous names such as Metallica, NPR, Red Bull, Berklee College, and many more.
10. Hearprotek High Fidelity
The Hearprotek High Fidelity earplugs are some of the most affordable silicone earplugs on the market that offer great value for the price offered. They evenly filter the sound to safe levels while they are barely noticeable, thanks to their discreet design. Plus, they come with a plastic case, a carabiner, and a neck cord.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Low-profile design
- Noise-filtration levels up to 20 dB
Cons
- Do not come in large size
- Not the most comfortable earplugs
The Hearpotek High Fidelity ear plugs bundle comprises a small pair and a standard-sized pair along with the accessories. The standard size fits 80% of every man and woman, while the small pair is better for a more stable fit if you want to dance or move a lot. But, the lack of a large size might be an issue for large ears.
Also, as this is a cost-effective pair of earplugs, it is not the most comfortable on the market. The silicone is hard compared to other models on the list, which irritates the ears after long periods of use.
| Material | Silicone |
| Noise Reduction | 20 dB |
| Size | Small and Standard |
| Case Included | Yes – Aluminum Case |
If you want good sound quality from your earplugs without spending much, then the Hearprotek High Fidelity earplugs are the ideal choice to use in concerts, music festivals, nightclubs, stadiums, and anywhere with high volume levels.
Are Concert Earplugs worth it?
Concert earplugs are definitely worth it as they protect your ears and hearing from any kind of permanent and temporary damage done by too-loud environments. They filter the noise very well, allowing you to enjoy the music to the deepest detail without the risk of any damage.
They are especially important for people with noise sensitivity and hearing problems. Earplugs are a necessity for everybody if they are spending long periods in loud environments such as construction sites, concerts, nightclubs, studios, festivals, and more. As hearing loss can not be reversed in some cases, musicians must use earplugs (especially drummers) to protect their ears.
Universal vs Custom Earplugs for Concerts
The universal earplugs in this article are very useful but if you have the budget and feel like you’re going to be wearing the earplugs a lot, then it’s certainly worth considering custom-fitted earplugs.
Custom-fitted musicians earplugs are widely available, and even relatively basic ones from an audiologist often do a great job (though they may cost between $100-200 and require either a scan or impression of your ears).
With custom-fitted earplugs, you are likely to get a better seal on your ears and you will likely find it quicker to take them off and on as a result.
How much should you spend on Concert Earplugs?
Fortunately, there are many great earplugs on the market today for affordable prices. Earplugs are often affordable products and offer great value for their price. For the price of a meal, you can get a decent pair of earplugs to protect your ears and enjoy music much better. It’s a no-brainer.
Can you use regular foam Earplugs for Concerts?
You can use foam earplugs for concerts to prevent damage done by high volume, but foam earplugs often block the sound, reducing the sound quality. Silicone earplugs are more comfortable and filter the noise instead of blocking it, which allows for a higher quality sound.
What to look for in Concert Earplugs when buying?
The most important things to consider when buying concert earplugs are the noise reduction levels, material, and price.
The noise reduction rating should be at a minimum of 15 dB to prevent harmful noise levels and enjoy the music to the deepest detail. So, ensure that your earplugs are around this level.
The best materials for concert earplugs are silicone and hard plastic. Foam and aluminum earplugs are not the best as foam does not filter the sound successfully as it blocks most of it, and aluminum earplugs are often uncomfortable to use for longer periods.
Conclusion
Earplugs are a must for concerts as they prevent hearing loss and tinnitus caused by high-volume music. They filter the sound successfully, allowing the frequencies to enjoy music with all the depth and detail while reducing the overall volume to safe levels.
My top recommendation are the Eargasm High Fidelity, one of the best-selling and most popular earplugs today with their premium design, high comfort, and clear sound.
For tighter budgets, I recommend checking out the DownBeats Reusable, a great earplug pair with a cost-effective design to get the job done without breaking the bank.
