The Best Earplugs for Concerts

Electronics Headphones The Best Earplugs for Concerts Updated May 29, 2026 Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter By Lauren Dragan Lauren Dragan writes about audio tech and OTC hearing aids. She has tested over 2,000 headphones and earbuds in her decade at Wirecutter. Concerts are ephemeral (and frequently expensive) experiences, so we don’t want anything to hinder your enjoyment — including wearing standard foam earplugs that overly muffle the sound. That’s why we recommend using a great pair of universal-fit, concert earplugs, like the Loop Experience 2 set, which is tuned to let you hear more of the music while still protecting your ears from noise damage. Professional musicians and frequent concert-goers may want to upgrade to custom-made earplugs , which sound and fit even better. Everything we recommend Top pick The best earplugs for concerts Loop Experience 2 Although no universal-fit earplugs will reduce different sounds as evenly as a custom-designed set, this pair offers solid noise protection and is the most enjoyable to wear. $35 from Amazon $35 from Walmart May be out of stock Upgrade pick If you want adjustable noise reduction Loop Switch 2 These earplugs offer three levels of noise reduction to suit different uses. They fit comfortably, but the small dials are tricky to read and adjust. $60 from Amazon $60 from Walmart May be out of stock Best for... Best for people who want a semi-custom earplug design Decibullz Professional High Fidelity Earplugs This pair can be molded to fit tougher ear shapes, and it offers a slightly clearer sound than many of the universal-fit earplugs we tested. $80 from Amazon $80 from Walmart What you need to know What is a concert earplug? Standard foam earplugs block all sounds evenly, but concert earplugs are designed to help music sound less muffled. Comfort matters Audiologists say the best earplugs are the ones you’ll actually wear regularly, so choose a pair that fits securely and comfortably. When to go custom If you’re a m