Skip to content

Top Navigation

Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure
  • Trip Inspiration
  • Travel Guides
  • Plan Your Trip
  • World's Best
  • Destination of the Year
  • A-List Travel Advisors
  • Cruises
  • Travel Tips
  • News
  • Food + Drink
  • Travel Accessories
  • Check-In

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Join T+L Club this link opens in a new tab
  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Help
  • Logout
My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Join T+L Club this link opens in a new tab
  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Subscribe
Book Now
Pin FB

Explore Travel + Leisure

Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure
  • Explore

    Explore

    • World's Best

      World's Best

      The greatest islands, cities, hotels, cruise lines, airports, and more — as voted by you. Read More
    • The 50 Best Places to Travel in 2022

      The 50 Best Places to Travel in 2022

      Whether you're traveling solo or planning a family vacation, here are the 50 best places to visit in 2022. Read More
    • Let's Go Together Podcast

      Let's Go Together Podcast

      Start listening to T+L's brand new podcast, Let's Go Together! Hosted by Kellee Edwards. Read More
  • Trip Inspiration

    Trip Inspiration

    • Trip Ideas
    • Weekend Getaways
    • Spring Travel
    • Summer Travel
    • Fall Travel
    • Winter Travel
    • Solo Travel
    • Romantic Getaways
    • Luxury Travel
    • Beach Vacations
    • Adventure Travel
    • Road Trips
    • Family Travel
    • National Parks
    • Holiday Travel
    • Travel Photography
    • Photo of the Day
    • Culture + Design
    • Like a Local
    • Travel To
    • 50 Years of Travel + Leisure
  • Travel Guides

    Travel Guides

    See All Travel Guides
    • Mexico City
    • Maui
    • Charleston
    • Tulum
    • New York City
    • London
    • Paris
    • Iceland
    • Los Cabos
    • See More Travel Guides
  • Plan Your Trip

    Plan Your Trip

    Norwegian Cruise Line Will Require Vaccinations for All Passengers and Crew

    Norwegian Cruise Line Will Require Vaccinations for All Passengers and Crew

    Norwegian Cruise Line hopes to resume sailing out of the U.S. on or around July 4.
    • Travel Deals
    • Attractions
    • Travel + Leisure GO
    • Amusement Parks
    • Festivals + Events
    • Bus and Train Travel
    • Flight Deals
    • Budget Travel
    • Hotels + Resorts
    • Disney Vacations
    • Airlines + Airports
    • Ground Transportation
    • Get Outside
    • Wanderlust
  • World's Best

    World's Best

    • Top Hotels
    • Top Cities
    • Top Islands
    • Domestic Airlines
    • International Airlines
    • Tours
    • Safaris
    • See All World's Best
  • Destination of the Year
  • A-List Travel Advisors
  • Cruises

    Cruises

    • Find A Cruise
    • Caribbean Cruises
    • River Cruises
    • European Cruises
    • All-Inclusive Cruises
    • Family Cruises
    • Alaskan Cruises
    • Disney Cruises
    • See All Cruise Vacations
  • Travel Tips

    Travel Tips

    • Travel Trends
    • Packing Tips
    • Points + Miles
    • Budgeting + Currency
    • Customs + Immigration
    • Responsible Travel
    • Travel Etiquette
    • Travel Warnings
    • Weather
    • Mobile Apps
    • See All Travel Tips
  • News

    News

    • Wellness
    • Celebrity Travel
    • Animals
    • Jobs
    • Offbeat
    • See All News
  • Food + Drink

    Food + Drink

    • Restaurants
    • Wine
    • Beer
    • Cocktails + Spirits
    • Bars + Clubs
    • Celebrity Chefs
    • Cooking + Entertaining
    • Food Fairs + Festivals
    • World's Best Restaurants
    • A Spirited Occasion
    • See All Food + Drink
  • Travel Accessories

    Travel Accessories

    • Travel Bags
    • Shoes
    • Travel Tech
    • Shopping
    • Style
    • Gift Guides
    • See All Travel Accessories
  • Check-In

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Join T+L Club this link opens in a new tab
  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Help
  • Logout
My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Join T+L Club this link opens in a new tab
  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Sweepstakes
Book Now

Follow Us

  1. Home
  2. Trip Ideas
  3. Yoga + Wellness
  4. The 9 Best Earplugs for Sleep, Travel, and More

The 9 Best Earplugs for Sleep, Travel, and More

By Dobrina Zhekova and Amina Lake Abdelrahman Updated June 02, 2020
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
Skip gallery slides
Pin
best earplugs for sleeping and travel
Credit: Getty Images
One of the most challenging aspects of traveling is getting enough sleep — let alone enough high-quality sleep. Between long flights, airport transfers, foreign beds, and jet lag, you likely aren't getting recommended seven to nine hours. And if you’re a very light sleeper by nature, even a short nap is out of the question when you are surrounded by dozens of strangers (and a screaming baby or two) on a plane. Luckily, there are several styles of earplugs available to block out loud noises — wherever you happen to be right now. 

“Some sleepers are just more sensitive to any ambient noise during the night — cars on the street, other late-night wakers walking around, clocks ticking, and more. In these cases, earplugs may help,” said Dr. Nina L. Shapiro, director of pediatric ear, nose, and throat at the Mattel Children's Hospital UCLA and professor at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.

But how do you know which earplugs are the best for you?

“Earplug choice is based on several factors — degree of noise you wish to block out, [or noise reduction rating, measured as number of decibels blocked], comfort, and dual function,” Dr. Shapiro explained.

Related: The Best Sleep Masks for Traveling

Basically, the higher the noise reduction rating (or NRR), the more sound blocked. For example, quiet speech is about 20 decibels, conversational speech is about 40 decibels, and an alarm clock is about 70 to 80 decibels. Most earplugs cover a range of 15 to 30 decibels.

Foam plugs, which are the most popular option, typically block 20 to 30 decibels of sound. “Many foam earplugs are disposable, so minimizing frequent use will minimize chance of skin infection,“ Dr. Shapiro said. She also explained that while there is no danger in using earplugs, some can cause irritation to the ear canals and potentially lead to an infection called otitis externa. You should stop use  immediately if you feel anything bothersome and consult your doctor.

Another material option is silicone — most of these can be molded to fit the exact shape of your ear canal and are easy to clean with soap and water. If you opt for something more high-tech, such as noise-canceling earbuds or headphones, make sure to frequently wipe them with antibacterial wipes.

These are the best earplugs to ensure you get the best sleep you can (no matter where you are in the world): 

Best Overall: Mack's Ultra Soft Foam Earplugs
Best Value: Flents Ear Plugs with Case
Best for Travel: EarPlanes Earplugs 
Best Noise-Canceling Option: Flents Quiet Time Foam Earplugs
Best Moldable Option: Decibullz Custom Molded Earplugs
Best Contoured Option: Howard Leight Laser Lite Uncorded Earplugs
Best Reusable Option: Mack's Pillow Soft Silicone Earplugs
Best Corded Option: 3M Reusable Corded Earplugs
Best Noise-Canceling Earbuds: Bose QuietComfort 20 Acoustic Noise Canceling Headphones
Start Slideshow

1 of 9

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Best Overall: Mack's Ultra Soft Foam Earplugs

Ear Plugs
Credit: Courtesy of Amazon

macks-ultra-soft-foam-earplugs-50-pair-AMZN-EAR0620.jpg

With over 3,400 positive reviews, these are the most popular earplugs on Amazon. They’re soft, comfortable, and even discreet thanks to their neutral color (unlike many others that come in bright hues). “Best ones I've used yet for sleeping,” wrote one customer. “I can barely hear anything other than my own heartbeat.”

NRR: 32

To buy: amazon.com, $10/50 pairs

1 of 9

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 9

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Best Value: Flents Ear Plugs with Case

Ear Plugs
Credit: Courtesy of Amazon

If you’re looking for an affordable, no-frills option, try these soft foam earplugs from Flents. They’re specifically designed for sleeping, so they’ll block out snoring, television sounds, and other loud noises. At just $3 for 20 pieces (plus a carrying case!), the earplugs come out to less than 30 cents per pair — a price that can’t really be beat. 

NRR: 32

To buy: amazon.com, $3 (was $5)/10 pairs

2 of 9

3 of 9

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Best for Travel: EarPlanes Earplugs

Ear Plugs
Credit: Courtesy of Amazon

These popular earplugs are designed to be worn while on a plane, so they’re perfect for helping you sleep while traveling. They are made of soft hypoallergenic silicone to provide maximum comfort even if you are a side sleeper. Plenty of reviewers say they’ll never fly without them again — the brand even says that these earplugs have been tested by US Navy pilots. 

NRR: 20

To buy: amazon.com, $7/pair

3 of 9

Advertisement

4 of 9

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Best Noise-Canceling Option: Flents Quiet Time Foam Earplugs

Ear Plugs
Credit: Courtesy of Amazon

You'll wake up well-rested even in the noisiest of environments thanks to these hypoallergenic, super-soft foam earplugs with the highest NRR on our list. They’re easy to insert and remove, and they work just as well on a plane as they do in a pool.

NRR: 33

To buy: amazon.com, $14/50 pairs

4 of 9

5 of 9

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Best Moldable Option: Decibullz Custom Molded Earplugs

Ear Plugs
Credit: Courtesy of Amazon

If foam earplugs don’t feel comfortable to you, then try out these best-selling silicone ones for a snug fit. They are extremely easy to mold to the contours of your ears and will help you get a good night’s sleep. If they don’t fit perfectly the first time, you can simply reheat them and then mold them again. 

NRR: 31

To buy: amazon.com, $26/pair

5 of 9

6 of 9

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Best Contoured Option: Howard Leight Laser Lite Uncorded Earplugs

Ear Plugs
Credit: Courtesy of Amazon

Fall asleep easily in-flight with these small T-shaped earplugs that are easy to insert and remove — even if you have smaller ears, according to reviewers. They come individually packaged and are made from low-pressure, smooth, soil-resistant foam that expands once you insert the earplugs into your ears.

NRR: 32

To buy: amazon.com, $10/25 pairs

6 of 9

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 9

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Best Reusable Option: Mack's Pillow Soft Silicone Earplugs

Ear Plugs
Credit: Courtesy of Amazon

These multifunctional, waterproof earplugs are great for sleeping, swimming, riding airplanes, and attending concerts. They are made from silicone that’s washable and reusable. One reviewer says these earplugs are “soft and pliable” so they fit perfectly in their ears. 

NRR: 22

To buy: amazon.com, $4/six pairs

7 of 9

8 of 9

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Best Corded Option: 3M Reusable Corded Earplugs

Ear Plugs
Credit: Courtesy of Amazon

Corded earplugs are great for people who always seem to lose one earplug from a pair. When you don’t need to block out background noise, just keep them around your neck while not in use. These are made from a three-tiered soft material for a super snug fit and excellent noise reduction.

NRR: 25

To buy: amazon.com, $6/three pairs

8 of 9

9 of 9

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Best Noise-Canceling Earbuds: Bose QuietComfort 20 Acoustic Noise Canceling Headphones

Ear Plugs
Credit: Courtesy of Amazon

Even though they’re not technically earplugs, these in-ear headphones are a great option if you’re looking for something multifunctional, since they can cancel out noise and play your favorite soothing music. (Good to know: The battery lasts up to 16 hours on a full charge.) The buds are designed to securely and comfortably stay in your ears, so you don’t need to worry about them falling out mid-nap.

NRR: N/A

To buy: amazon.com, $249/pair

9 of 9

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Dobrina Zhekova and Amina Lake Abdelrahman

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 9 Best Overall: Mack's Ultra Soft Foam Earplugs
    2 of 9 Best Value: Flents Ear Plugs with Case
    3 of 9 Best for Travel: EarPlanes Earplugs
    4 of 9 Best Noise-Canceling Option: Flents Quiet Time Foam Earplugs
    5 of 9 Best Moldable Option: Decibullz Custom Molded Earplugs
    6 of 9 Best Contoured Option: Howard Leight Laser Lite Uncorded Earplugs
    7 of 9 Best Reusable Option: Mack's Pillow Soft Silicone Earplugs
    8 of 9 Best Corded Option: 3M Reusable Corded Earplugs
    9 of 9 Best Noise-Canceling Earbuds: Bose QuietComfort 20 Acoustic Noise Canceling Headphones

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing this link opens in a new tab
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab
    • Travel + Leisure Wine this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Follow Us
    Subscribe to Our Newsletters
    Sign Up
    MeredithTravel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Travel + Leisure. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.travelandleisure.com

    View image

    The 9 Best Earplugs for Sleep, Travel, and More
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.