Best Earplugs for Concerts in 2024: Sound Quality, Comfort, and Protection

This laboratory review includes sound quality and sound protection ratings for the top 9 earplugs including Loop, Eargasm, and Etymotic.
Expert review by Abram Bailey, AuD
Best Earplugs For Concerts

We put the top 9 earplugs through a series of objective tests in our audio recording lab.

Earplugs can save your hearing and sound great at the concert too

Earplugs are a low-cost readily available means to protect our ears from loud music and hearing injury. In recent years, we have seen an uptick in available options specifically geared towards musicians and concertgoers. This is beneficial as it can improve general awareness of hearing loss and music induced hearing disorders. However, it also brings new challenges as it can be difficult to navigate each company's claims and product offerings.

While musicians' earplugs vary, it is generally understood that they prescribe to the same ideology of uniform sound reduction. This stems from the presupposition that the best earplug for music is tantamount to “turning the volume down” and not otherwise affecting sound quality. While this is the ultimate goal, it is often unclear if earplugs accomplish this.

Best Earplugs for Concerts: We reviewed the top 8 earplugs in our audio lab

To help clear the waters, we took a look at 8 of the most popular, and highly regarded, passive non-custom earplugs on the market for music. Not only did we rigorously test these devices in real-world situations, but we also put them through a series of measurements in the HearingTracker lab. This allowed us to objectively assess their performance and see just how uniform each device attenuates sound.

Knowles Electronics Manikin for Acoustic Research

All earplugs were measured in an acoustically treated audio lab using this Knowles Electronics Manikin for Acoustic Research (KEMAR). Stereo audio recordings are available for each set of earplug below.

Watch and Listen

We've sifted through hundreds of articles and videos promoting the world's "best concert earplugs" and found very little of substance. Most reviewers compare plugs based on surface level "features" like style, comfort, and packaging ... and these reviews tend to be entirely subjective; a product of the reviewer's own tastes and biases. Some reviews go into a little more detail and dig into the product specifications provided by the manufacturer. But how many reviews include first-hand audio lab testing and audio samples? We counted, and the answer is "zero"!

Well, get ready to experience the world's BEST earplug review, performed in an acoustically-treated lab, by audio engineer and doctor of audiology, Dr Steve Taddei (that's me!). You'll be able to hear my top 3 earplugs for yourself, so grab a pair of headphones, strap in, and be prepared to experience our next level earplug review.

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#1 - Loop Experience

4.5
4.5 stars stars
PRICE
$39.95
LISTED NRR
18 - 23 dB
DERATED NRR
5.5 - 8 dB

Loop Experience plugs set a high bar with their comfort, unique style, and sound quality. If you need more protection, Loop even has you covered with their Mute which adds an additional 5 dB of sound protection.

Loop Experience Pro Earplugs

Unboxing the Loop Experience Pro.

Loop is a newer earplug company that has gained much attention due to the comfort, visual style, and sound quality of their devices. For musicians and audiophiles, Loop offers the Experience high-fidelity earplug which claims to provide 18 dB of uniform sound attenuation. A “Mute” is also available providing an additional 5 dB of protection.

Open Ears (No Earplugs):
Loop Experience:
Loop Experience - Level Matched:
Loop with Mute:
Loop with Mute - Level Matched:

I was very impressed with my set of Loop Experience earplugs. The acoustic channel within the “loop” portion did well to restore ear canal resonance and keep music natural sounding. The physical shape and size of the earplug also made insertion a breeze and retention within my ear a nonissue. These devices provide exceptional sound quality and the overall feel made the Loop stand out.

Loop Experience Pro Insertion Loss

Figure 1: Loop Experience sound attenuation as measured on KEMAR in our lab. The gray region corresponds to limitations of both humans and our manikin. Lines near, intersecting, or surpassing this region may not accurately represent earplug use on your ears. Note: Loop Earplugs now refers to the Experience Pro as the Experience Plus.

Product Highlights

Great sound quality and uniform attenuation
Mute adds another layer of attenuation if needed
Modern style
Good ear retention due to loop

Drawbacks

Some may want a more inconspicuous earplug
Carrying case could be better

Hands-On Review & Lab Test Ratings

Metric Rating
Sound Quality 4.5
Sound Protection 5
Reduction Rating 5
Uniformity 5
Value 5
Fit & Comfort 5
Occlusion 4
Price 4
Build Quality 5
Extra Features 3
Visibility 3
Overall Score 4.48

#2 - Etymotic Research ER20xs

4.1
4 stars stars
PRICE
$19.95
LISTED NRR
13 dB
DERATED NRR
3 dB

Etymotic Research is a pillar in the earplug world - and for good reason. The redesigned ER20XS may be the best no-nonsense earplug on the market offering superb sound quality at an unbeatable price. 

Er20xs

Unboxing the Etymotic Research ER20xs.

ER20 earplugs are a staple in the high-fidelity world and are often regarded as the preeminent non-custom hearing protection device for audio professionals. ER20XS plugs are the successor to this original model offering improvements to both the physical design and acoustic filter response above 4000 Hz. 

Open Ears (No Earplugs):
ER20xs:
ER20xs - Level Matched:

My experience with ER20XS earplugs held true to their lineage. They offer a moderate amount of sound reduction (13dB) and remarkable sound quality. Unlike some other plugs in this range, there is an audible openness in the higher frequencies where strings, speech consonants, and cymbals lie. This can likely be attributed to the updated filter and it seemed to minimize my perception of occlusion, or the often undesirable boomy isolating quality associated with earplugs.

Etymotic Research Er20xs Insertion Loss

Figure 2: Etymotic Research ER20xs sound attenuation as measured on KEMAR in our lab. The gray region corresponds to limitations of both humans and our manikin. Lines near, intersecting, or surpassing this region may not accurately represent earplug use on your ears.

Product Highlights

Excellent sound quality and uniform attenuation
Low cost
Lower perception of your voice

Drawbacks

Deeper insertion may be uncomfortable for some users
Only one size and filter option comes per device

Hands-On Review & Lab Test Ratings

Metric Rating
Sound Quality 5
Sound Protection 3
Reduction Rating 5
Uniformity 4
Value 5
Fit & Comfort 4
Occlusion 4.5
Price 5
Build Quality 3.5
Extra Features 2
Visibility 3.5
Overall Score 4.1

#3 - Eargasm High Fidelity

4.0
4 stars stars
PRICE
$38.88
LISTED NRR
16 dB
DERATED NRR
4.5 dB

Eargasm’s High-Fidelity plugs hold true to their name. The robust silicone earpiece and tuned acoustic membrane make for a true-to-life listening experience. All plugs come with a resilient metal carrying case.

Eargasm

Unboxing the Eargasm High Fidelity earplugs.

Eargasm High Fidelity plugs are highly acclaimed due to their reported clarity. After unboxing and trying them on a few instruments, I too was impressed with their sound and found them to offer one of the most uniform profiles I have experienced. These earplugs are definitely in the top three regarding sound quality and being able to preserve musicality. 

Open Ears (No Earplugs):
Eargasm - Hi-Fidelity:
Eargasm Hi-Fidelity - Level Matched:

Eargasm High Fidelity plugs come with both standard and small soft silicone ear tips, one pair of acoustic filters, and a fantastic metal keychain carrying case. While these earplugs are nearly a home run regarding sound quality, getting a good fit was more difficult than I normal experience. The smaller ear tips helped which leads me to think their sizes run a little large.

Eargasm High Fidelity Insertion Loss

Figure 3: Eargasm High Fidelity sound attenuation as measured on KEMAR in our lab. The gray region corresponds to limitations of both humans and our manikin. Lines near, intersecting, or surpassing this region may not accurately represent earplug use on your ears.

Product Highlights

Great sound quality and uniform attenuation
Comes with durable keychain carrying case
Multiple ear tip sizes included

Drawbacks

May be difficult to insert properly and obtain good attenuation
Filters are difficult to insert and remove

Hands-On Review & Lab Test Ratings

Metric Rating
Sound Quality 5
Sound Protection 3
Reduction Rating 3
Uniformity 4
Value 5
Fit & Comfort 3.5
Occlusion 4
Price 4
Build Quality 4
Extra Features 3
Visibility 4.5
Overall Score 3.97

#4 - Eargasm Slide

3.9
4 stars stars
PRICE
$58.88
LISTED NRR
15 - 22 dB
DERATED NRR
4 - 7.5 dB

While not as musical as Eargasm High-Fidelity plugs, they are a strong contender. The adjustable attenuation and included ear tip options make these versatile and customizable. 

Eargasm Slide

Unboxing the Eargasm Slides.

Eargasm Slide is another hearing protection device offering adjustable sound attenuation. I find this feature very useful and am happy to see it being offered by more companies. The mechanical “slide” switches between an open and closed position having an NRR of 12 to 22 dBs, respectively. I found this earplug easier to use compared to other adjustable options as the slide is relatively large and accessible on the faceplate. 

Open Ears (No Earplugs):
Eargasm - Slide Open:
Eargasm - Slide Open - Level Matched:
Eargasm - Slide Closed:
Eargasm - Slide Closed - Level Matched:

Slide is a sibling to Eargasm’s acclaimed High Fidelity earplug. It uses a different acoustic filter and sound bore system which is unfortunate as I found neither the open nor closed setting to offer comparable sound quality. For that reason I would say that Slide falls short of the “high-fidelity” realm. However, it offers significant sound attenuation when closed which I found adequate for louder power tools and more extreme instruments. This is therefore a great device for those with sensitive hearing.

Eargasm Slide Insertion Loss

Figure 4: Eargasm Slide sound attenuation as measured on KEMAR in our lab. The gray region corresponds to limitations of both humans and our manikin. Lines near, intersecting, or surpassing this region may not accurately represent earplug use on your ears.

Product Highlights

Adjustable attenuation with Slide feature
Comes with durable keychain carrying case
Multiple ear tip sizes and styles included
Offers considerable sound attenuation

Drawbacks

Other devices may offer better sound quality
Some may want a more inconspicuous earplug

Hands-On Review & Lab Test Ratings

Metric Rating
Sound Quality 3.5
Sound Protection 5
Reduction Rating 5
Uniformity 4
Value 4
Fit & Comfort 4
Occlusion 3
Price 3
Build Quality 5
Extra Features 4
Visibility 2
Overall Score 3.88

#5 - Minuendo Lossless Earplug

3.8
4 stars stars
PRICE
$159.00
LISTED NRR
7 - 25 dB
DERATED NRR
0 - 9 dB

Minuendo earplugs come at a high price but have a lot to offer. While some may not like the larger profile, their stepless slider and assortment of ear tips ensures your hearing will be protected.

Minuendo Earplugs

Unboxing the Minuendo earplugs.

Minuendo Lossless Earplugs are a newer hearing protection device offering adjustable sound attenuation. A sliding lever on the device’s outer shell allows you to gradually change the sound reduction from a reported NRR of 7 to 25. This can be a very handy feature as sound levels and hearing needs vary in music situations. I find this feature very convenient and reach for the slider regularly when using these devices. 

Open Ears (No Earplugs):
Minuendo - Open:
Minuendo - Open - Level Matched:
Minuendo - Medium:
Minuendo - Medium - Level Matched:
Minuendo - Closed:
Minuendo - Closed - Level Matched:

For those prone to fit issues, Minuendo may be worth considering as they offer an array of both silicone and foam ear tips. This made getting a good acoustic seal, and overall fit, easy. Regarding sound quality, the stepless slider works well and offered me impressive control over sound entering my ear canals. With the adjustable lever closed, there is considerable sound reduction. Adjusting the lever towards the open position with less reduction drastically changed the sound profile providing more openness and high frequency audibility. 

Minuendo Insertion Loss

Figure 5: Minuendo Lossless Earplug sound attenuation as measured on KEMAR in our lab. The gray region corresponds to limitations of both humans and our manikin. Lines near, intersecting, or surpassing this region may not accurately represent earplug use on your ears.

Product Highlights

Stepless sound attenuation adjustment
Good sound quality
Multiple ear tip sizes and styles included
Comes with a durable case and neckloop

Drawbacks

Devices are expensive compared to other non-custom options
Other devices may offer slightly better sound quality
Slider is difficult to adjust in ear
Earplug size can make fit difficult

Hands-On Review & Lab Test Ratings

Metric Rating
Sound Quality 4
Sound Protection 5
Reduction Rating 5
Uniformity 3
Value 4.5
Fit & Comfort 3.5
Occlusion 4
Price 2
Build Quality 5
Extra Features 4
Visibility 2
Overall Score 3.83

#6 - Alpine MusicSafe Pro

3.8
4 stars stars
PRICE
$29.95
LISTED NRR
16, 19, and 22 dB
DERATED NRR
4.5, 6, and 7.5 dB

While not as “hi-fidelity” as we had hoped, Alpine MusicSafe Pro comes stocked with everything needed to protect your hearing. Multiple filters, a case, and cleaning supplies are a few of the included accessories. 

Alpine Music Safe Pro

Unboxing the Alpine MusicSafePro earplugs.

Alpine is a contender within the earplug world offering an array of solutions for motorsports, sleep, water, travel, and more. Their MusicSafe devices are engineered specifically for the musical realm and were my go-to choice for years due to the multiple filters and comfort. Their design has improved throughout the years which lends confidence to the product and the company's commitment to hearing conservation. For example, the silicone ear tips have become more robust and their acoustic filters are now cased in a larger more resilient plastic housing.

Open Ears (No Earplugs):
Alpine - Low Filter:
Alpine - Low Filter - Level Matched:
Alpine - Medium Filter:
Alpine - Medium Filter - Level Matched:
Alpine - High Filter:
Alpine - High Filter - Level Matched:

While these devices have much to offer, their sound attenuation is not very uniform as all filters provide significantly greater reduction in the higher frequencies. This amounts to a more muffled sound quality and greater perception of occlusion. While this is undesirable from a high-fidelity standpoint, they fit well and can therefore provide greater protection on a consistent basis. 

Alpine Insertion Loss

Figure 6: Alpine MusicSafe Pro sound attenuation as measured on KEMAR in our lab. The gray region corresponds to limitations of both humans and our manikin. Lines near, intersecting, or surpassing this region may not accurately represent earplug use on your ears.

Product Highlights

Includes acoustic filters of varying sound attenuation
Spare ear tips included
Comes with case, neckloop, and cleaning solution

Drawbacks

Other devices may offer better sound quality

Hands-On Review & Lab Test Ratings

Metric Rating
Sound Quality 2
Sound Protection 5
Reduction Rating 5
Uniformity 2
Value 4
Fit & Comfort 5
Occlusion 2.5
Price 4
Build Quality 4
Extra Features 5
Visibility 4
Overall Score 3.82

#7 - NPR Music x EarPeace

3.8
4 stars stars
PRICE
$39.95
LISTED NRR
20 dB
DERATED NRR
6.5 dB

The NPR Music x EarPeace offers reliable protection at a modest cost. These earplugs are extremely comfortable and easy to get in, though other devices may offer a more musical sound quality.

Npr Music X

Unboxing the NPR Music x EarPeace earplugs.

EarPeace recently collaborated with National Public Radio (NPR) creating the NPR Music x EarPeace earplugs. This exclusive device offers their “true to life audio experience” and boasts a newly patented contoured shape which improves fit and comfort. While Music x is unique due to the collaboration and shape, EarPeace confirmed that it is otherwise identical to the highly acclaimed Music Pro earplug with high protection filter.

Open Ears (No Earplugs):
NPR Music x EarPeace:
NPR Music x EarPeace - Level Matched:

The soft silicone multi-flange ear tips are certainly comfortable and, as multiple sizes were included, I easily found a good fit. The extended pull tab also helped with getting these devices in and out as the earplugs sat nearly flush with the opening of my ear canals. Regarding sound quality, I was slightly underwhelmed as clarity diminished considerably with NPR Music x EarPeace inserted. They were more characteristic of industry oriented hearing protection and I did not find them to hold up to the “high-fidelity” uniform attenuation claim.

Earpeace Npr Musicx Insertion Loss

Figure 7: NPR Music x EarPeace sound attenuation as measured on KEMAR in our lab. The gray region corresponds to limitations of both humans and our manikin. Lines near, intersecting, or surpassing this region may not accurately represent earplug use on your ears.

Product Highlights

Inconspicuous
Multiple ear tip sizes and extra acoustic filters included
Comes with durable keychain carrying case

Drawbacks

Other devices may offer better sound quality

Hands-On Review & Lab Test Ratings

Metric Rating
Sound Quality 3.5
Sound Protection 3
Reduction Rating 3
Uniformity 4
Value 4
Fit & Comfort 5
Occlusion 3.5
Price 4
Build Quality 4
Extra Features 3
Visibility 4.5
Overall Score 3.77

#8 - Vibes Hi-Fidelity Earplugs

3.2
3 stars stars
PRICE
$26.95
LISTED NRR
15 dB
DERATED NRR
7.5 dB

Vibes High Fidelity earplugs are lightweight and offer a nearly invisible fit. While the overall design makes them great for long term wear, our testing suggests other devices may provide more uniform sound attenuation. 

Vibes Earplugs

Unboxing the Vibes earplugs.

Vibes are a newer earplug on the market claiming to provide that clearer sound quality with equal reduction from bass to treble regions. This is thanks to their specially designed sound tube and acoustic filter. Vibes lists an NRR of 15 dBs with approximately 22 dBs of average sound attenuation. 

Open Ears (No Earplugs):
Vibes:
Vibes - Level Matched:

Vibes have a smaller profile due to the slender sound tube and singular flange silicone ear tips. As a result of this, Vibes were lightweight and sat deeper in my ear canals making them less visible. I was also able to obtain a good fit with the two provided sizes. While I liked the overall fit of Vibes and found them comfortable, I did not find them to preserve the high frequencies as well as other devices on this list. This was reflected in our Uniformity rating which objectively measured their “flatness” between 250 and 4000 Hz.   

Vibes Insertion Loss

Figure 8: Vibes High Fidelity Earplug sound attenuation as measured on KEMAR in our lab. The gray region corresponds to limitations of both humans and our manikin. Lines near, intersecting, or surpassing this region may not accurately represent earplug use on your ears.

Product Highlights

Inconspicuous
Multiple ear tip sizes

Drawbacks

Other devices may offer better sound quality
Carrying case could be better

Hands-On Review & Lab Test Ratings

Metric Rating
Sound Quality 3.5
Sound Protection 3
Reduction Rating 3
Uniformity 2
Value 3
Fit & Comfort 4
Occlusion 2.5
Price 4
Build Quality 3.5
Extra Features 2
Visibility 4.5
Overall Score 3.17

Not all earplugs are created equal

Earplugs are an extremely efficient tool to protect our hearing and there are many viable options on the market. With that in mind, our testing suggested that some devices may perform better than others especially when it comes to sound quality and hearing protection. This can be seen in Figure 10 as sound attenuation and flatness vary significantly among earplugs. As all devices we tested claimed to offer higher fidelity sound for musicians and or concertgoers, they should all be relatively “flat”. 

Earplug Sound Reduction

Figure 10: Sound attenuation of all tested earplugs as measured on KEMAR in our lab. The gray region corresponds to limitations of both humans and our manikin. Lines near, intersecting, or surpassing this region may not accurately represent earplug use on your ears.

While “flatness” is important, sound protection is also worthy of discussion. This is why we have a Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) which estimates an earplugs effectiveness at reducing sound entering our ear canals. NRR values can range up to roughly 33 dB with higher numbers corresponding to more overall protection. The NRR of all devices we tested can be seen in Figure 11.  

Nrr

Figure 11: Manufacturer listed Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) from least to greatest for all devices tested.

While manufacturers obtain NRRs through a standardized process1, it is well understood that it may not accurately reflect the noise reduction people experience in real-world situations2. This is due to many variables which generally amount to earplugs offering less protection than listed. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) even recommends a safety factor, or 50% derating, to the NRR to better account for this variability. 

The differences between NRR and real-world protection is concerning as it is not widely known. Furthermore, the dB value itself can mean little without more information about the exposures you face. As an example of how NRR corresponds to real-world protection, Figure 12 below shows an estimate of how long each device protects you at a typical 100 dBA concert. These estimates assume no other hazardous exposures throughout the day and are derived using the following steps:  

First estimate the protected exposure level using a 7dB correction for dBA measures and 50% derating per OSHA (this is also how the derated NRR values above were calculated): 

  • Protected exposure (dBA) = Unprotected exposure (dBA) - 0.5NRR-7

Then we calculate the maximum allowable time at that given exposure. For this we used the recommended exposure limits (REL) outlined by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)2:

  • Time (hours) = 82(Protected exposure (dBA) - 85)/3

After performing these steps, we get a better representation of how much protection these devices offer, i.e. how long do you have at a 100 dBA concert? It is worth noting that, per NIOSH, you have 15 minutes at 100 dBA before injury occurs. So in this example the 15 minute mark has been noted by a black dashed line. Notice that many of these devices may not offer enough protection even for a shorter 1 hour show.

Estimated Time Protected

Figure 12: Estimated time each earplug offers before sound dose becomes hazardous for a typical 100 dBA concert. This number was calculated based on the OSHA 50% derating recommendation and reference durations set forth by NIOSH. Estimates based on our lab measurements were also included. However, they may not reflect real-world protection as measurements were performed on a manikin.

Now realistically most of the devices we looked at will provide adequate protection for most music situations if worn properly. However, as stated earlier real-world attenuation is generally less than expected. So we must still be cautious. 

The take-away here should be the importance of proper education and technique when inserting earplugs. Be sure to follow manufacturer recommendations and find help online with videos if needed. You can also visit an audiologist experienced in music and hearing conservation to ensure earplug fit in a sound booth. They can also perform a baseline hearing test, or re-test, to ensure your hearing has been protected over the previous festival or touring season. Ultimately, there are many great options to choose from and there is no longer a reason to avoid hearing protection due to the dreaded “muffled” sound quality. It has never been easier to get earplugs, wear them, and enjoy your music. 

Disclaimer: The measurements, sound samples, and metrics provided in this review are meant to be informative and not intended to be interpreted as standardized laboratory measurements. Much of the data was obtained on an anthropomorphic manikin however, it does not perfectly replicate the many complexities found in human anatomy and hearing.

References 

  1. American National Standards Institute. (1974) American National Standard for the Measurement of Real-Ear Hearing Protector Attenuation and PHysical Attenuation of Earmuffs (ANSI S3.1901974). New York: American National Standards Institute. 
  2. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. (1998) Criteria for a Recommended Standard: Occupational Noise Exposure-Revised Criteria 1998. (Publication No. 98-126). Atlanta, GA: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.