If you play music or spend a lot of time around live shows, you know how easy it is to leave with your ears ringing. That’s why finding the best earplugs for musicians is so important. Ringing is a sign your hearing took a hit, and a lot of us deal with it because loud sound is just part of the job.
If we want to keep making music for the long haul, we need to look after our ears. One of the easiest ways is by using earplugs made for musicians. These aren’t the cheap foam plugs from the drugstore. The right earplugs protect your hearing but still let you hear the details of your music, so you can play or perform without missing a beat.
There are a lot of options out there, and choosing the best earplugs for musicians can feel a little overwhelming. That’s why we put this guide together. We want to help you find earplugs that do their job and still let your music sound just right.
Whether you’ve noticed your ears buzzing after a show or you just want to take care of your hearing from the start, finding the right earplugs can make a huge difference. Let’s look at what’s out there and find the best way to keep our ears healthy.
Best Earplugs for Musicians
We’ve rounded up the best earplugs for musicians, so you can protect your hearing and keep your music sounding great. Here’s our list:
- Earasers Noise Cancelling Earplugs - Best for Comfort & Long Sessions
- Alpine MusicSafe Pro Earplugs - Best Overall
- EAROS ONE 17dB Earplugs - Best Sleek Design & Secure Fit
- Minuendo High Fidelity Acoustic Earplugs - Best High-Fidelity/Fidelity
- Vibes High Fidelity Ear Plugs - Best Earplugs for Concerts
- EarDial HiFi Earplugs - Best Discreet
- Decibullz Custom Molded Earplugs - Best Custom Molded on a Budget
- Etymotic Research ER20XS High-Fidelity Earplugs - Best Budget
- Loop Quiet Ear Plugs - Best Earplugs for Drummers
Earasers Noise Cancelling Earplugs
If you want earplugs that keep your music clear and your ears comfortable, Earasers are a top pick. We recommend these for any musician who cares about sound quality and wants something you can wear for hours.
What we like:
- Excellent Hearing Protection
- Fits comfortably
- Reusable and good for lots of situations
Things to keep in mind:
- May not block enough noise for some
- Limited size options
- Higher price than basic earplugs
Earasers earplugs are made for musicians, so they keep the sound quality sharp while cutting down up to 19 dB of harmful noise. Guitarists, drummers, and singers all get a lot of use out of these. The soft silicone and Smart Seal tech mean they fit your ears well and stay comfortable, even during long practices or gigs. They’re also reusable and blend in so people hardly notice you’re wearing them.
They may not block every bit of noise, especially in really loud spots, but for most music situations, the comfort and sound clarity are tough to beat. If you’re looking for reliable hearing protection, Earasers Noise Cancelling Earplugs are worth checking out before your next show or rehearsal.
Alpine MusicSafe Pro Earplugs
If you want solid sound protection and comfort, the Alpine MusicSafe Pro earplugs are worth a look.
What we like:
- Great sound quality
- Helps prevent hearing damage
- Comes with three sets of filters you can swap out
Things to keep in mind:
- You might notice a small dip in music quality
- Not suited for all music settings
- A bit bulky for discreet use
We’ve used Alpine MusicSafe Pro earplugs during long practices and live gigs, and they hold up well. The special AlpineAcousticFilters keep the music clear while making sure your ears stay protected.
These earplugs include two different filter types, rated at 19 and 22 dB, so you can adjust them to match where you are on stage or how loud things get. The case clips onto your keychain, so you never have to worry about forgetting them.
It’s true, there’s a bit of a trade-off. You might notice a slight change in music quality, and they’re not the most discreet option out there. Still, for most of us and most situations, Alpine MusicSafe Pro earplugs do a great job of keeping our ears safe without ruining the music.
EAROS ONE 17dB Earplugs
If you want clear sound and real hearing protection, EAROS ONE earplugs are one of our favorites. They’re a solid pick for musicians, concert fans, and anyone around loud music.
What we like:
- Sound maintenance and noise reduction
- Smart, well-engineered design
- Comfortable fit with two sizes of tips
Things to keep in mind:
- Some might find them uncomfortable
- Potential issues with fit
- Attracts louder noise when touched externally
From our own experience, EAROS ONE earplugs do a great job of balancing clear sound with hearing protection. They were designed with input from an MIT acoustics expert, so they’re built for people who care about good audio.
The special design gives a deeper seal, so you get strong protection without losing detail in your music. Plus, with two sizes of tips included, you can find what feels best for your ears.
We like these earplugs for gigs, live shows, and even for blocking out road noise if you ride a motorcycle. Just know they might feel a bit tight at first, and if you bump the outside, you’ll hear it. Still, for anyone who wants to protect their ears but keep music sounding natural, EAROS ONE is a great pick.
Minuendo High Fidelity Acoustic Earplugs
If you want earplugs that let you control how much sound gets through, Minuendo is a great option for musicians who care about audio quality.
What we like:
- Adjustable noise reduction
- High-quality sound
- Comfortable fit with various ear tips
Things to keep in mind:
- They cost more than most
- Magnetic locking could be better
- String can get tangled during use
For those of us who want to protect our hearing but still hear music the way it should sound, Minuendo earplugs are hard to beat. Their special membrane design keeps everything sounding natural.
One of the coolest features is the adjustable noise control. You can dial it anywhere from a gentle drop to a big reduction, depending on where you are. That flexibility really sets these apart from other options.
With eleven different ear tips in the box, it’s pretty easy to find a set that feels right for you. The only thing we’d change is the magnetic lock, which sometimes feels a little weak. The string that holds them together can also get a bit knotted, especially if you move around a lot.
All things considered, if you want control, comfort, and sound quality, Minuendo earplugs are a solid choice. If you can look past a couple of small quirks, they’re worth checking out.
Vibes High Fidelity Ear Plugs
If you want to cut down on noise without losing sound quality, Vibes High Fidelity Ear Plugs are a solid pick for musicians.
What we like:
- Protects ears while maintaining sound quality
- You can still talk and hear others easily
- Low-profile and comfortable to wear
Things to keep in mind:
- Not suitable for all ear sizes
- Hard plastic pieces might come loose
- Some people find them uncomfortable after a while
As musicians, we all know how important it is to protect our hearing. Vibes earplugs help reduce volume but keep the music sounding the way it should. They’re almost invisible, so you can wear them at shows or in the studio without anyone noticing.
We’ve tried Vibes earplugs at concerts, during practice, and even on flights. With three sizes included, most of us found a good fit, though some folks had trouble finding the right one or felt a bit of discomfort over time. It’s something to keep in mind if you plan to wear them for long sessions.
One thing we really like is that you can still have conversations while wearing them. You don’t have to choose between protecting your ears and staying connected with your bandmates or friends. If you get a pair, just be gentle with the hard plastic, since it can come apart if handled roughly.
Overall, we think Vibes High Fidelity Ear Plugs are a great option if you want hearing protection without giving up sound quality.
EarDial HiFi Earplugs
If you’re after earplugs that are comfortable, low-profile, and actually work, EarDial HiFi Earplugs are worth a look.
What we like:
- High fidelity, precise noise filtration
- Low-profile design, high transparency
- Made from soft, hypoallergenic silicone
Things to keep in mind:
- Might not fit every ear shape
- Wind noise reduction could be better
- Not the best choice for really loud places
We recently gave EarDial HiFi Earplugs a try and were impressed with how well they filtered noise. We could still enjoy the music and have conversations without any trouble. Since they sit close to your ear and match most skin tones, you can wear them almost anywhere without them standing out.
They’re soft and easy to wear for long stretches, which is a huge plus if you’re at gigs or events all day. The earwax guard is a nice touch and the included aluminum case makes them easy to keep on your keychain. The glowing sticker helps you find them in the dark, which came in handy more than once.
One cool extra is the companion app. It lets you track sound levels around you and see how long you can safely stick around. Just know that if your ear canal is a bit larger or smaller than average, the fit might not be perfect. They also don’t block wind noise very well. For most situations though, if you want earplugs that are easy to wear and nearly invisible, EarDial HiFi is a solid pick.
Decibullz Custom Molded Earplugs
If you want earplugs that fit just right, Decibullz is a great option for personalized comfort and solid noise reduction.
What we like:
- Customizable fit
- Re-moldable design
- Versatile usage
Things to keep in mind:
- Mixed user experiences
- May loosen over time
- Not ideal for motorcycling
What makes Decibullz different is the custom molding system. You heat them up, shape them to your ears, and get a fit that feels made for you. If it’s not perfect on the first try, you can always remold them until they’re just right.
We noticed that they don’t always stay put during long motorcycle rides, and some people have had different experiences with fit. Still, for concerts, work, or even swimming, they do the job well.
Overall, Decibullz earplugs stand out because you get a custom fit and can adjust them as needed. If you want something that feels personal and flexible, these are definitely worth a try.
Etymotic Research ER20XS High-Fidelity Earplugs
If you care about sound quality and comfort, Etymotic Research ER20XS earplugs are a strong pick for musicians.
What we like:
- Clear, natural sound quality
- Comfortable, low-profile design
- Replaceable eartips
Things to keep in mind:
- Might not be suitable for extreme noise
- Hard plastic bit on the outside
- Foam eartips sold separately
The ER20XS earplugs do a great job balancing sound protection and clarity. They lower the volume but still let you hear music and conversations clearly, which is perfect for concerts, clubs, or any live event.
Comfort is a big plus here. These earplugs sit deep in your ear without sticking out, so they work well under hats or helmets. That said, the hard plastic bit on the outside may bother some people.
We also like that you can replace or change the eartips, so you don’t need to buy a whole new pair if you want a different fit. Just know that if you want foam tips for more noise reduction, you’ll need to get those separately.
All in all, Etymotic Research ER20XS earplugs offer reliable sound quality and comfort, making them a smart choice for musicians who want to keep their hearing safe and their music clear.
Loop Quiet Ear Plugs
If you want earplugs that look good and feel comfortable, Loop Quiet Ear Plugs are an easy favorite for us.
What we like:
- Made from soft silicone that’s both reusable and durable
- Stylish round design with four size options
- 26 decibels noise reduction
Things to keep in mind:
- Doesn't block all sounds completely
- Might not fit everyone perfectly
- Not waterproof
We really like how Loop Quiet Ear Plugs look and feel. The round shape stands out, and you can choose from several fun colors. With four sizes in the box, most of us find a fit that works.
These earplugs cut down noise by 26 decibels, so they’re great for sleep, travel, or just blocking out distractions when you need to focus. They won’t silence everything, but they do a good job of keeping things quieter.
One thing to remember: they’re not waterproof, so they aren’t meant for swimming. Still, for everyday use, Loop Quiet Ear Plugs are a stylish and practical way to get some peace and quiet.
Features to Consider When Choosing Earplugs
Noise Reduction Rating (NRR)
Protecting our ears matters, so it’s smart to check the Noise Reduction Rating, or NRR. The higher the NRR, the more noise gets blocked. For most musicians, earplugs with a rating between 25 and 30 dB give the best protection.
Comfort
Comfort is a big deal, especially when we’re playing or listening for hours. Earplugs should fit snugly but not hurt. Look for pairs with different size options or soft materials, so you can find what feels best.
Durability
We all want earplugs that last. Try to choose a set made from sturdy materials that can handle regular use. Spending a bit more upfront for something durable usually pays off in the long run.
Sound Quality
Sound quality matters to all of us. The right earplugs will lower the volume without messing up the music. Look for ones that keep the sound even and clear across all frequencies, so your music still feels right.
Keep these features in mind and you’ll have no trouble finding earplugs that fit your needs.
Final Thoughts
Taking care of our hearing should always come first. As musicians, we count on our ears every day. Skipping earplugs just isn’t worth the risk. Luckily, earplug technology has come a long way. Now we have options that let us enjoy the music and protect our hearing at the same time. Whether you’re playing guitar, singing, or running sound, there’s a pair out there that will work for you.
When you’re choosing earplugs, look for ones that block enough noise, feel comfortable, and keep your music sounding clear. Going for quality earplugs is a smart move for both our health and our music.
If you’re ready to try something new, take a look at some of our top picks or start being more mindful around loud sounds. Finding the right pair can take some trial and error, but it’s worth the effort.
We’d love to hear about your experiences or answer any questions you have. Drop a comment below so we can help each other out. By looking after our hearing, we make sure we can keep making music and enjoying it for years to come.
For more gear recommendations, check out my list of the best home recording studio equipment to see what I use in my own setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, musician earplugs are worth it for protecting our hearing and enjoying music safely. They help us keep listening, performing, and creating music for years to come.