Top 11 Noise Cancelling Earplugs for Sleeping

Whether one has to spend the whole night with a loud snoring partner, experience loud city traffic, or have a barking dog next door, the noisy environment is often strong enough to prevent a healthy sleep at night. Noise-cancelling earplugs improve sleep quality and reduce the risk of associated diseases like hypertension, obesity, and heart disease. People living in cities and light sleepers find these plugs very helpful.

Noise reduction rate (NRR) measures the ability of earplugs to block sound. Higher NRR means the earplug is more effective for the job. To block unwanted sounds better, selecting the products with higher NRR is necessary. Noise-cancelling earplugs with an NRR rating of more than 25 are recommended for light sleepers and those living in noisy environments. 

We decided to test and rank the best 11 noise-cancelling earplugs. For this purpose, we chose 25 sleeping earplugs and used them continuously for two weeks. Each product is rated for its value, comfort, and noise reduction. The otolaryngologist in the Welzo team of experts reviewed and rated these products based on their clinical findings.  Let's have quick reviews of our best earplugs.. 

Product’s Specifications 

Earfit 3M Comfort Earplugs

Price & availability: £1.84 (buy Earfit 3M Comfort Earplugs Pack of 2 at Welzo)

Colour: Variable

Material: Flexible, soft foam

Recommended for: Suitable for swimming, working, sleeping and general noise reduction. 

User rating: 4.5/ 5 

Why do we choose it?: The Earfit Earplugs are exceptionally attractive, cost-effective and valuable choices. They are designed using flexible and soft foam to ensure a snug fit in all ear shapes. These devices are ideal for protection against all loud noises during swimming, working, and sleeping. The pack includes two pairs, making one always in the backup. It is easy to use and carry and a less costly long-term option. 

Despite their low price, these Earplugs offer reliable performance, protection and comfort. Overall, these Earplugs by Earfit are an economical and practical choice for daily needs and long-term use.

Hush Plugz Medical Grade Silicone Ear Plug

Price & availability: £2.81 (buy Hush Plugz Medical Grade Silicone Earplug Pack of 7 at Welzo)

Colour: Variable

Material: Medical-grade silicone

Recommended for: Swimming, relaxing, travelling, studying, sleeping and reducing background noise. 

User rating: 5/ 5 

Why do we choose it?: The Hush Plugz Silicone Earplugs by Welzo are a cost-effective solution for those searching for noise reduction in various conditions. This pocket-size and sturdy pack contains seven pairs designed for travelling, studying, and sleeping, and it even reduces the risk of ear infections. They are made from medical grade and safe silicone and are easy to install and remove. 

Roll the plugs between the fingers to soften them before use, form a soft ball and place it on the ear canal. Flatten its edges for a more secure fit. Overall, Hush Plugz's ear plugs are user-friendly and versatile for protecting ears and managing noise levels.

Safe & Sound Snug-fit Foam Earplugs

Price & availability: £3.20 (buy Safe & Sound Snug-fit Foam Earplugs Pack of 2 at Welzo)

Colour: Light colours, e.g., light blue & beige

Material: Soft foam

Recommended for: Hearing protection in sports events, construction sites & concerts and relaxation during sleeping, relaxation and travelling. 

User rating: 4.5/ 5

Why do we choose it?: The Safe & Sound Earplugs deliver trustable hearing protection and focus on portability and comfort. They fit snugly into the ear canal and effectively reduce noise levels, making them suitable for loud environments, e.g., construction sites and concerts. Its soft, foamy material ensures comfort, even during long-term and extended use, and adjusts easily to the shape of the ears so that they stay in place. 

Each pair has a convenient carrying case that is easy to keep in the bag and attached for better portability. These earplugs are thus a practical choice for those struggling with noise and experiencing hearing problems. 

Medisure Foam Earplugs

Price & availability: £0.94 (buy Medisure Foam Earplugs Pack of 4 at Welzo)

Colour: Neutral, e.g., beige

Material: Soft foam

Recommended for: Lowers noise levels at workplaces, sports events and concerts. . 

User rating: 4.5/ 5

Why do we choose it?: The Mediasure Foam Earplugs are extremely cost-effective options for ear protection and noise reduction. They are designed to shield ears from loud noises and contain confirming and soft foam to ensure a comfortable and snug fit. This practical fitting reduces accidental falls and discomfort. These earplugs are not just portable and small-sized but also useful, making them a ready solution for various activities, whether you're at a sports event, concert, or workplace. 

With dozens of reviews from satisfied clients, their comfort and effectiveness are beyond doubt, offering a practical solution for those looking to protect their hearing without sacrificing convenience.

Noise-x Bullet Shaped Foam Earplugs

Price & availability: £2.74 (buy Noise-x Bullet Shaped Foam Earplugs 2 Pairs at Welzo)

Colour: Neutral colours, e.g., blue and beige

Material: Hypoallergenic, high-quality foam

Recommended for: Sleep, workplace and travel

User rating: 5/ 5

Why do we choose it?: The Noise-x Earplugs deliver outstanding comfort at an affordable price of just £2.74 for two pairs. Its excellent noise reduction rating of 32 allows it to be exceptional in blocking disruptive sounds, making it ideal for peaceful sleep in concert venues and noisy workplaces. They are designed from hypoallergenic and ultrasound foam and fit comfortably into the ear canal for extended wear abilities. 

Its bullet design improves noise isolation and is available in portable and compact cases for quick storage. They are easy to use, fit, and secure, offering superior performance and excellent value. It is usable for all occasions and is regularly used.

Loop Quiet 2 Ultra Comfort Noise Reducing Earplug

Price & availability: £24.95 (buy Loop Quiet 2 Ultra Comfort Noise Reducing Earplugs at Amazon UK) 

Colour: Violet

Material: Silicone

Recommended for: Noise protection 

User rating: 4/ 5

Why do we choose it?: The Loop Quiet 2 Earplugs are a practical and stylish solution for those struggling with noise pollution and have a helpful value sound reduction rating of 24 dB. They are designed from flexible silicone for versatility and comfort, making them superb products for travel, concentration, sleep and general noise reduction. The set contains four sizes of ear tips for a better customisable fit and works equally for side sleepers and those with smaller ears. These Earplugs are easy to twist and insert into the place and offer reliable noise isolation without the risk of stocking out. 

It contains a portable carry case for better hygiene and convenience. With thousands of units sold with good ratings, it is famous for people looking for comfortable and adequate hearing protection. 

Loop Experience 2 Stylish Earplugs

Price & availability: £29.95 (buy Loop Experience 2 Stylish Earplugs at Amazon UK)

Colour: Rosa

Material: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, Silicone

Recommended for: Noise protection

User rating: 4.4/ 4

Why do we choose it?: The Loop Experience 2 Earplugs offer practical and stylish hearing protection tailored to all events. With an SNR of 17 dB, these devices help preserve the volume without compromising sound clarity, making them suitable for sporting events, festivals and concerts. They are designed using acrylonitrile butadiene styrene and Silicone and offer a comfortable fit with four sizes of ear tips (L, M, S and XS) for better customisation, ensuring a secure placement while moving and dancing. They are easy to clean, reusable, and a reliable and durable choice for regular and long-term use. 

Each purchase includes a portable keychain carry case for more convenience. With a reasonable rating of 4.4/ 5 based on dozens of reviews, these devices offer high-quality noise reduction for various types of loud environments.

Loop Engage Plus Earplugs for Low-Level Noise Reduction

Price & availability: £39.95 (buy Loop Engage Plus Earplugs 8 pairs at Amazon UK)

Colour: Dusk

Material: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene

Recommended for: Noise protection

User rating: 4.3/ 5

Why do we choose it?: The Loop Engage Plus Earplugs effectively reduce noise levels while maintaining clear speech. These earplugs are effective hearing protection devices with an SNR of 16 dB and an additional 5 dB with the Loop Mute option. Nevertheless, these devices do not block the regular voices, e.g., conversations. Its advanced filer technology and acoustic channel reduce the occlusion effect while lowering the echoing feeling associated with the earplugs. Each set contains four sizes of ear tips for a better customisable fit, as well as an additional carrying case and foamy tips for better convenience. 

They are prepared using acrylonitrile butadiene styrene and are eco-friendly and reusable. With a reasonable 4.3/ 5 rating based on thousands of reviews, it is an effective and reliable choice for parenting, noise sensitivity and social gatherings. 

Loop Engage Equinox Reusable & Noise-Reducing Earplugs

Price & availability: £29.95 (buy Loop Engage Equinox Reusable & Noise-Reducing Earplugs at Amazon UK)

Colour: Engage Equinox

Material: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, Silicone

Recommended for: Noise protection

User rating: 4.3/ 5

Why do we choose it?: The Loop Engage Equinox Earplugs offer a high-quality choice for managing while helping to maintain clear communication. These devices reduce the ambient noise without obstructing the average spread and have an SNR of 16 dB. They are ideal for parenting, social gatherings, and those with noise sensitivity issues. These Earplugs are available for four silicone ears. Tip sizes of L, M, S and XS ensure a customizable and comfortable fit. They are easy to adjust and offer a secure fit throughout the day. 

These earphones are available in a sturdy carrying case and last up to 5 years. Overall, these earplugs combine comfort with functionality and are a sustainable and effective solution for noise protection.

StyAso Earplugs for Swimming & Sleeping

Price & availability: £9.23 (buy StyAso Earplugs for Swimming & Sleeping at Amazon UK)

Colour: White/ black

Material: Silicone

Recommended for: Noise protection

User rating: 4.3/ 5

Why do we choose it?: These Earplugs by StyAso have an excellent noise reduction rating of 33 dB, making them a suitable choice for noisy environments, swimming, sleeping and all activities in a loud environment. They are made using hypoallergenic and soft silicone, have a comfortable fit and are unnoticeable once inserted into the ears. These earplugs are available in all four sizes, allowing a comfortable and customizable fit for children and adults. 

They are versatile and suitable for activities requiring hearing protection and concentration. Each set has eight additional ear tips in variable sizes, a pair of earplugs, and a keychain case for better convenience. They are washable, reusable, and eco-friendly, with better efficacy and noise-cancellation effects.

EnixwH Silicone Earplugs for Sleeping

Price & availability: £15.48 (buy EnixwH Silicone Earplugs for Sleeping at Amazon UK)

Colour: Black

Material: Silione

Recommended for: Dust protection/ noise protection

User rating: 3.3/ 5 

Why do we choose it?: The EnixwH Earplugs deliver superb comfort and effectively reduce noise levels with an excellent SNR value of 32 dB. They are prepared from food grade, soft, non toxic silicone, and are comfortable for all-day use. These devices include a small storage case for better convenience and are available in four sizes for custom fit. They effectively block loud noises, e.g., street sounds and snoring, without isolating a person from surrounding conversations. 

These earplugs are washable, reusable and sustainable products that offer good value for money. They are ideal for working in a loud environment, studying, sleeping, and balancing noise reduction with comfort.  

Frequently Asked Questions 

Is it okay to sleep with noise-cancellation earplugs? 

It is okay as soon as one avoids putting them too deep into the ears and replaces them regularly. Some people use them for night sleep, which makes a difference for light sleepers and those living in noisy environments. 

What is the highest possible noise reduction rating (NRR) for earplugs? 

The highest possible noise reduction rating (NRR) for earplugs is 33, reflecting the noise reduction level with each device when used alone. Ear muffs, on the other hand, have an NRR value of 31. Combining these devices yields an NRR of 36. 

The noise of how many dB the noise cancellation devices can block? 

Properly fitted ear muffs and plugs adequately block 15-30 dB noise levels. Worn-out, dirty, and improperly fitted earplugs irritate the ears and cause improper sealing. Other research has found that they are able to reduce noises as high as 31-44 dB. 

What are the ways to completely block unwanted noises? 

The methods with good efficacy are regularly wearing earplugs, using a fan regularly for consistent noise, installing new and heavy curtains on windows, using acoustic tiles and muffling wall decorations, using a thicker bedroom door, and regularly purchasing new windows. 

What are the substitutes for noise-cancellation earplugs for healthy sleep? 

For healthy sleep, the best alternatives to noise-cancellation earplugs are noise-cancellation headphones, moldable earplugs, white noise machines, and meditation and relaxation techniques. 

Can cotton balls be used as replacement earplugs? 

Cotton should never be used as a replacement for earplugs or noise-cancellation devices. It doesn't block high-frequency noises and provides no protection against high-level noises. Ear muffs and ear plugs are far better devices than cotton. 

Bottom-line 

The right noise-cancellation devices, such as earplugs, significantly improve sleep quality. The earplugs on this list offer the best noise reduction rate (NRR) and comfort, whether one lives in a bustling neighbourhood, a noisy environment, or with a snoring partner. 

Each choice is based on ease of use, comfort and effectiveness, ensuring the best fit for all personal needs. Investment in these high-quality earplugs is a small yet significant step towards better sleep quality and overall well-being.