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Best Earplugs for Concerts in 2024

We analyzed top picks from leading reviewers to find the best for every use case

By ShopSavvy Team

Published: January 10th, 2024

Last Updated: April 28th, 2024

🎶Going to concerts is always a blast, but the loud music can really mess with your hearing if you're not careful. It’s important to find earplugs that protect your ears without ruining the music.

We’ve sifted through a ton of expert opinions and product details to bring you the best concert earplugs out there. Whether you’re looking for the best overall pair, something affordable, or earplugs that meet specific needs, we’ve got you covered.

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Overall Best: Loop Experience High Fidelity Ear Plugs

Loop Experience Noise Reduction Ear Plugs – High Fidelity Hearing Protection for Concerts, Motorcycles, Drummers, Work and Noise Sensitivity – Ear Tips in XS, S, M, L – 20dB Noise Cancelling - Black

The Loop Experience High Fidelity Ear Plugs are our top choice, and for good reason. These earplugs boast an NRR of 18 dB, which effectively reduces harmful noise while preserving the music's clarity. What sets them apart is their blend of exceptional sound quality, comfort, and stylish design. They come with multiple ear tip sizes to ensure a great fit for any ear shape, enhancing both comfort and effectiveness. Plus, their keychain carry case offers a convenient way to keep them accessible at all times. For concert regulars who want to immerse in the music while safeguarding their hearing, the Loop Experience Ear Plugs are a fantastic investment.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$34.95 at Amazon

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Runner-up: Etymotic ER20XS

Etymotic High-Fidelity Earplugs, ER20XS Standard Fit, Polybag Package, 1 pair

The Etymotic ER20XS earplugs are our runner-up, known for their outstanding sound quality and reliable performance. With a noise reduction rating (NRR) of 20 dB, these earplugs excel at lowering harmful noise without distorting the music. They feature replaceable filters and come in various sizes for a customizable fit, ensuring comfort no matter how long the concert lasts. These earplugs are ideal for audiophiles who demand high-fidelity music and dependable hearing protection.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$14.88 at Amazon

More Answers

Still curious about the Etymotic ER20XS Earplugs? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

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Are the Etymotic ER20XS earplugs comfortable for long-term wear?

The Etymotic ER20XS earplugs seem to get a lot of positive feedback for long-term comfort, especially at concerts or other loud events. From what we've found, they manage to balance sound reduction pretty well without messing up the quality of the music. So if you're into keeping your hearing safe but still want to enjoy all the details of the sound, these might be for you. They cut noise by about 13 dB, which isn't the highest ever, but still pretty effective. These earplugs are designed to be low-profile and don't have a long stem, which helps them fit comfortably in your ears, even under hats or helmets. While a few folks mention they can get a bit uncomfortable after a really long stretch, most people still prefer them over regular foam plugs since they keep the music and voices clear. Also, our research shows that people like that these earplugs keep the sound quality intact while getting rid of annoying high and low frequencies. There were a few comments about slight discomfort, maybe because of some new material changes, but overall, they still seem to be a good pick if you go to loud places a lot and want to protect your hearing in the long run. So yeah, you might notice a little trade-off with comfort if you're wearing them for hours on end, but if you care about sound quality and protecting your ears, these earplugs are worth considering.

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How much noise reduction do the Etymotic ER20XS earplugs provide?

The Etymotic ER20XS earplugs are pretty good at cutting down noise—they've got a Noise Reduction Rating of 13 dB. This essentially means they can lower the sound levels by about 13 decibels. So, they're a solid choice for loud events like concerts or festivals where you want to protect your ears. What's nice about these earplugs is they don't just block out noise but keep the sound clear as well. Our research says they maintain sound clarity across the board, which is great if you want to still enjoy music and conversations without everything sounding muffled—common with regular foam plugs. That said, while lots of folks have positive things to say about them, especially for handling different sound pitches, getting the right fit can be a bit hit or miss. Comfort and noise reduction really depend on finding the proper seal. Some people find them comfy for long periods, but others might run into discomfort if they don't fit quite right. Also, don't forget these earplugs need a bit of maintenance. The manufacturer suggests swapping out the eartips every so often to keep them working well. That's something to think about if you're planning on using them frequently. So, if you want earplugs that reduce noise but still let you enjoy high-quality sound, the Etymotic ER20XS could be worth considering. Just keep in mind you'll need to find the right fit and maintain them properly.

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How do the Etymotic ER20XS earplugs affect sound quality at concerts?

If you're a fan of concerts but want to protect your ears, the Etymotic ER20XS earplugs could be worth checking out. They have a Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) of 13 dB, which means they cut down sound levels by about 13 decibels. That's pretty handy for loud places like concerts where you still want to enjoy the music. According to our research, these earplugs do a great job of lowering noise without messing up the sound quality. Unlike a lot of earplugs that make everything sound muffled, the ER20XS keeps the music clear by evenly reducing noise across all frequencies. So you can enjoy your favorite tunes without missing out on the details—perfect for music lovers. Though the manufacturer mentions a 20-dB reduction, it seems like the real-world effect is closer to that 13 dB mark. Some people have noted that while they do lower the noise, they might not be as powerful as more heavy-duty options, like the ones you'd use at a shooting range. But for concerts and festivals, they do the trick. Comfort-wise, it can be a mixed experience. Some folks find them quite comfy and secure, while others say it takes a few tries to get them seated just right. It's a bit of trial and error to find the perfect fit, so you might want to practice before heading out. In summary, if you're looking to enjoy concerts without the risk to your hearing, the Etymotic ER20XS is a solid choice. They’re effective for everyday noise reduction, just maybe not for super loud environments like industrial sites. For concert-goers who want to maintain sound quality while staying safe, these earplugs offer a nice balance.

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Budget Pick: Hearos High Fidelity Earplugs

HEAROS High Fidelity Musician Ear Plugs Ultimate In Comfortable And Hearing Protection Professional Musicians Earplugs Noise Cancelling Earplugs For Concerts Motorcyclists Loud Events (1 Pair)

For those on a budget, the Hearos High Fidelity Earplugs offer impressive performance at an affordable price. With an NRR of 17 dB, they provide adequate protection against loud music, making them a practical choice for occasional concertgoers. These earplugs are disposable, which adds to their convenience. While they might not match the high-end comfort or sound fidelity of pricier models, they are a highly effective option for those looking to protect their ears without breaking the bank.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$9.99 at Amazon

Best for Musicians: Alpine MusicSafe Pro

Alpine MusicSafe Pro - High Fidelity Earplugs for Musicians - 3 Interchangeable Premium Filter Sets: 16, 19 & 22 dB - Professional Musician Hearing Protection - Transparent Pro-transparent

The Alpine MusicSafe Pro earplugs are specially designed for musicians and come with three different filter sets, offering NRRs ranging from 16 to 25 dB based on the filter chosen. This flexibility allows users to adjust the sound reduction to their needs. These earplugs are perfect for performers who need to hear their own music clearly while still protecting their ears from high decibel levels. Durability and a convenient carrying case add to their appeal, making them a top choice for professional musicians.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$29.99 at Amazon

Most Stylish: Vibes High-Fidelity Earplugs

Vibes High Fidelity Concert Earplugs - Hearing Protection Ear Plugs Noise Reduction for Concerts, Fitness Classes, Motorcycle, Sensory Disorders (Tinnitus Relief & Autism) - As Seen on Shark Tank

Vibes High-Fidelity Earplugs are the epitome of style and effectiveness. With an NRR of 22 dB, they significantly reduce sound levels while keeping the music clear and enjoyable. Available in multiple colors, these earplugs allow users to match their personal style while benefiting from excellent hearing protection. Their ease of use and comfortable fit make them perfect for frequent concert-goers who want to enjoy long performances without ear fatigue.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$28.95 at Amazon

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