Getting a good night’s sleep isn’t always easy—especially when noise keeps interrupting your rest. Whether it’s a snoring partner, loud neighbors, or street traffic, unwanted sounds can make falling and staying asleep feel impossible. That’s where the best earplugs for sleeping come in.
The right pair can help block distractions, creating a quieter, more peaceful sleep environment. But with so many options out there, how do you know which ones actually work? In this guide, we’ll walk you through the five best earplugs for sleep in 2025, what to look for when choosing the perfect pair, and how to use them properly for maximum comfort and effectiveness.
5 Best Earplugs for Sleeping in 2025
Here, we’ve curated a list of the five best-rated earplugs for sleeping that cater to different needs, whether you’re a side sleeper, need extra noise blocking, or have small ears requiring a snug fit. Let’s take a closer look:
Best Earplugs for Snoring: soundcore Sleep A20
Sharing a bed with a snoring partner? The soundcore Sleep A20 does more than blocking those sounds! It boasts an advanced 4-Point Noise Masking System that combines passive noise blocking, sound masking, and Smart Volume Control to keep unwanted noise out. The twin-seal ear tips create a snug fit, ensuring maximum sound isolation.
Designed with Air Wing technology and a 3D ergonomic shape, wrapped in an ultra-soft material that eliminates pressure points, they are one of the best earplugs for side sleeping too.
Need the help of white noise or relaxing sounds to drift off? The Sleep A20 earbuds connects via Bluetooth 5.3, allowing you to stream your favorite sleep sounds or access a customizable white noise library. You can also use them in sleep mode, which plays pre-loaded relaxing sounds.
They last up to 14 hours on a single charge, with an additional 80 hours from the charging case, so you don’t have to worry about being woken up mid-sleep. Plus, the built-in MEMS sensor and sleep analytics track your movement and sleeping positions, providing valuable insights into your sleep quality.
What’s Good:
- Blocks snoring and other noises with an advanced 4-point Noise Masking system
- Soft material and ergonomic designprevent ear pain for side sleepers
- Up to 14 hours of battery lifein sleep mode and 80 hours with the charging case
- Stream relaxing sounds or customize white noise seamlessly with Bluetooth 5.3
- Sleep tracking feature and MEMS sensormonitor your sleep positions and movement for better insights
Best Earplugs for Small Ears: Mack’s Slim Fit Soft Foam Earplugs
If you have small or sensitive ear canals, Mack’s Slim Fit Soft Foam Earplugs are specifically designed to be 20% smaller than standard foam earplugs. The super low-pressure foam expands gently inside the ear canal, ensuring a snug yet comfortable fit without causing discomfort.
They offer a Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) of 31 decibels, making them effective for blocking out snoring, traffic, and other nighttime disturbances. Their tapered shape makes them easy to insert and remove, and the smooth outer surface enhances hygiene.
What’s Good:
- Specifically designed for small and sensitive ear canals
- Soft, slow-release foamfor a gentle, comfortable fit
- NRR 31 dBfor excellent noise reduction
- Convenient flip-top storage jarfor easy access
Best Earplugs for Side Sleepers: Eargasm Squishies Moldable Earplugs
Side sleepers often struggle with traditional earplugs pressing uncomfortably into their ears. Eargasm Squishies Moldable Earplugs solve this issue with super-soft, moldable silicone that gently conforms to any ear shape.
These earplugs are 50% larger, giving you extra material for a more secure fit. If you have smaller ears, you can break them into smaller pieces to customize the size. With an NRR of 22 dB, they are effective at muffling background noise while maintaining comfort throughout the night.
What’s Good:
- Soft, moldable siliconefor a custom fit
- Great for side sleepers—no pressure inside the ear canal
- NRR 22 dB—reduces noise without complete isolation
Best Adjustable Earplugs for Sleeping: Loop Dream Earplugs
If you’re looking for a pair of customizable earplugs that balance comfort and noise reduction, Loop Dream Earplugs are a fantastic choice. Designed with a closed-loop shape and made from ultra-soft silicone, these earplugs reduce pressure on the ear while ensuring a snug fit.
They come with four different ear tip sizes, allowing you to find the most secure and comfortable option. With a noise reduction rating (SNR) of 27 dB, these earplugs effectively muffle common nighttime disturbances like snoring, traffic, or noisy neighbors.
What’s Good:
- Customizable fitwith four ear tip sizes
- Soft silicone designminimizes ear pressure
- NRR 27 dBfor strong noise reduction
- Stays in placeeven for restless sleepers
Best Earplugs for Noise Blocking: Ozlo Sleepbuds
For those who need maximum noise blocking, the Ozlo Sleepbuds offer an advanced solution combining passive noise reduction and science-backed sleep sounds. Their ultra-soft silicone tips mold to your ears for a comfortable yet highly effective seal, making them ideal for side sleepers.
Being one of the best earplugs for snoring partner, Ozlo Sleepbuds use Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology, allowing you to stream soothing sounds throughout the night. They provide up to 10 hours of playtime on a single charge and automatically switch to built-in noise-masking sounds when you fall asleep.
What’s Good:
- Excellent noise blockingwith silicone ear tips and sound masking
- 10-hour battery life, plus extra power from the smart case
- Sleep detection technologyauto-switches from streaming to noise masking
What to Look for When Choosing Earplugs for Sleeping
When asking “What are the best earplugs for sleeping?”, the perfect pair depends on your specific needs. Let’s break down what matters most, so you can make an informed choice:
Noise Reduction Rating (NRR)
Start by checking the Noise Reduction Rating (NRR), which measures how much sound the earplugs can block (usually between 15–33 decibels). A higher NRR means more noise reduction, but balance this with comfort!
If you’re in a very loud environment, earplugs with a high 30+ dB rating offer maximum protection, though they might feel bulky if you’re sensitive to pressure. For everyday snoring, city traffic, or noisy neighbors, the best earplugs for sound reduction with a rating between 25-30 dB strike the perfect balance between quiet and comfort.
On the other hand, if you need to stream soothing music, white noise, or audiobooks to help you drift off, consider using high-tech sleep earbuds that fit comfortably and offer advanced noise-masking technologies to block out unwanted sounds.
Comfort and Material
You’ll be wearing these all night, so comfort is king! A good pair should fit snugly without causing pressure or pain, especially if you’re a side sleeper. They come in different materials and designs:
- Foam earplugs expandto fit your ear canal. They’re soft and great for blocking noise but may not last long.
- Silicone or moldable earplugscreate a custom seal and are ideal for side sleepers.
- Waxmodels are similar to silicone. They create a custom seal and are great for extended wear.
- Ergonomic or looped designshelp reduce ear pressure.
Fit and Size
Ear canals vary, so look for options with multiple sizes or tapered designs. A good seal blocks noise but avoid earplugs that feel “forced” into your ears—discomfort will keep you awake. For side sleepers, opt for those slim, low-profile earplugs that don’t stick out.
Reusable vs. Disposable
Disposable foam plugs are cheap upfront but add up over time. Reusable silicone or wax pairs cost more initially but save money long-term. Just rinse them regularly! If you’re prone to losing earplugs, a mid-priced reusable pair might strike the best balance.
How to Properly Use Earplugs for Sleeping
Once you’ve picked out the best earplugs for sleeping with a snorer, using them the right way ensures maximum noise reduction and all-night comfort. Here’s how:
1. Clean Your Hands and Earplugs
Always wash your hands before handling earplugs. If using reusable earplugs, clean them according to the manufacturer’ instructions to prevent ear infections.
2. Insert Earplugs Correctly
- Foam Earplugs: Roll the earplug into a tight cylinder, pull your ear slightly upwardto straighten the canal, and insert the earplug. Hold it in place for a few seconds to allow it to expand and seal the canal.
- Silicone or Wax Earplugs: Mold the earplug into a small ball, place it over the ear canal opening, and gently press to create a seal. Avoid pushing them deep into the ear canal.
3. Check for a Secure Fit
Properly inserted earplugs should reduce ambient noise significantly. If they feel uncomfortable or don’t seem effective, try adjusting them or consider a different type or size.
4. Remove Them Gently
Don’t yank them out! Instead, twist and slowly pull to prevent discomfort or damage to your ears.
Conclusion
A solid night’s sleep can make all the difference in how you feel and function during the day, and the best earplugs for sleeping can be a simple yet effective solution. Whether you need something ultra-soft, small, or designed for maximum noise reduction, there’s a perfect pair out there for you. Just remember to choose earplugs that fit well, provide the right level of sound blocking, and feel comfortable enough to wear all night. With the right pair and proper use, you can finally enjoy the deep, uninterrupted sleep you deserve—no more tossing and turning because of noisy disruptions!
FAQs
What are the most effective earplugs for sleeping?
The most effective earplugs for sleeping are those that block noise (25-30 dB NRR) while remaining comfortable for all-night wear. Foam earplugs like Mack’s Slim Fit are great for small ears, while silicone moldable earplugs like Eargasm Squishies offer a custom fit for side sleepers. Need soothing sounds to fall asleep? The soundcore Sleep A20 earbuds combine noise blocking with sound masking, letting you stream white noise or relaxing audio for a deeper sleep.
Is it OK to sleep with earplugs every night?
Yes, it’s generally safe to sleep with earplugs every night as long as you use them correctly and keep them clean. Prolonged use may lead to earwax buildup or mild irritation in some people. To prevent issues, choose comfortable, well-fitting earplugs, clean reusable ones regularly, and give your ears a break if you notice discomfort.
Do Loop earplugs actually protect your ears?
Yes, Loop earplugs provide certified hearing protection by reducing noise levels and helping prevent hearing damage. They are designed with a Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) of up to 27 dB, which helps lower the impact of loud sounds while still allowing you to hear important noises. They are especially useful for sleeping, concerts, travel, and daily noise reduction, offering both comfort and protection.
Are custom earplugs worth it for sleeping?
Custom earplugs can be worth it for sleeping if you struggle with noise and find standard over-the-counter options uncomfortable. They are molded to fit your unique ear shape, providing a precise and comfortable fit that enhances noise reduction and comfort.
