Tested by Chances are, you’ve come across Loop earplugs, whether you’ve spotted them on social media or tucked into your colleague’s ears at work. They’ve received thousands of five-star reviews on Amazon, with satisfied users claiming Loop has revolutionised the way they sleep, work, travel and even socialise.
To see if they lived up to the hype – and our very high Good Housekeeping Institute standards – we put some of the brand’s bestselling options through rigorous testing.
Here's everything you need to know, including whether they’re worth investing in and which ones are best for you.
The Loop earplug range at a glance
Loop offers eight different types of plugs to help people “live life at their volume”. We’ve reviewed all of the brand's popular designs below.
What are Loop earplugs?
Unlike standard foam plugs, which expand and fill your ear canals to block out sound, Loop plugs boast advanced noise reduction technology, with an acoustic channel and noise-dampening mesh to filter sound as well as reduce overall noise levels.
The plugs are made from flexible soft-touch silicone, with a tip that sits inside the ear canal and a circular plug to hold it in place.
They stand out from their unattractive foam and wax competitors thanks to their stylish, subtle design. They won’t ruin your outfit or draw unwanted attention if you have them in at the office. They also come in a range of gorgeous colours (even if only you will see them).
The Good Housekeeping Institute Loop earplugs review
Loop Switch 2
Score: 91/100
Key specifications
| Noise reduction rate | 20-26dB |
|---|---|
| Included | Loop Switch 2 earplugs, 4 sets of ear tips, carry case |
| Best for | Different environments |
What are they? Can’t decide which Loops to go for? The Switch 2 plugs offer three handy modes in one – Engage (20dB), Experience (23dB) and Quiet (26dB) – with a neat adjustable dial so you can tinker with the noise reduction depending on your environment. They offer ultimate versatility, whether you’re trying to get your head down at work, feeling overwhelmed on public transport or attending a concert.
Panel feedback: These plugs went down well with our testing panel, with one tester saying, “I found them perfectly effective,” and another commenting: “They save me when I'm on public transport and trying to work.” Panellists also praised the sleek, jewellery-like metallic design and appreciated the carry case to prevent the plugs from getting lost at the bottom of their handbags.
On the whole, they proved simple to use, although a few testers found switching between the modes a little fiddly, noting that it took some getting used to. Still, everyone said they would continue using the plugs after the trial and recommend them to others.
Loop Engage Kids 2
Score: 90/100
Features at a Glance
| NOISE REDUCTION RATE | 16db |
|---|---|
| INCLUDED | Portable case, four sets of tips |
| BEST FOR | Focus and concentration |
What are they? Made for children over the age of six, the Loop Engage Kids 2 silicone-based earplugs come in four different sizes and can be worn for up to 90 minutes at a time. They provide 16 decibels of noise reduction and help to filter out background sounds while still allowing little ones to hear speech. They’re designed to help with focus and reduce anxiety.
Panel feedback: Our young testers found these earplugs comfy and said they were the “perfect fit”. They also loved the selection of colours available and how easy they were to insert into the ear. Performance-wise, they excelled, especially for focus-based activities such as homework and reading. One parent told us: “He can still hear what’s happening around him but is less distracted.” Easy to clean, we also like that they come in a case that’s easy to pop in your pocket or bag.
Loop Quiet 2
Score: 89/100
Key specifications
| Noise reduction rate | 24dB |
|---|---|
| Included | Loop Quiet 2 earplugs, 4 sets of silicone ear tips, carry case |
| Best for | Concentration, travel, sleep |
What are they? These are ideal for anyone who's sensitive to sound and wants some peace and quiet when working, studying, travelling or even napping. They provide 24dB of noise reduction and will drown out distractions when you’re working, on a noisy flight or having a little lie down.
Panel feedback: Performance-wise, testers were extremely satisfied, with one telling us: “There’s no going back now, I love them!” Another said: “They are really good at reducing sounds, but still allow me to hear important things around me."
They felt secure, and we weren't worried about them falling out (unlike other plugs). The step-by-step instructions also meant the set-up process was a breeze and cleaning them was just as simple – wipe them down with a damp cloth and you’re good to go.
Loop Dream™ Earplugs
Score: 87/100
Key specifications
| Noise reduction rate | 27dB |
|---|---|
| Included | Loop Dream earplugs, 4 sets of ear tips, bedside carry case |
| Best for | Sleep |
What are they? Like the Quiet 2 Plus, these sleep-specific plugs offer up to 27dB of noise reduction to help you get a peaceful night’s rest. Made from ultra-soft foam-silicone, they’re designed to mould to the ear’s natural shape. Unlike most Loop plugs, they feature oval tips, with a narrower body to allow for a comfortable fit, regardless of your favourite sleeping position.
Panel feedback: According to our testers, they're a dream bedtime companion. “These are the best sleep earplugs I’ve ever tried,” one satisfied tester told us. Panellists said they successfully blocked out annoying noises, from snoring spouses to loud traffic, without drowning out important sounds like alarms.
They proved comfy and secure for everyone, with one panellist saying, “I sleep on my side, and they didn’t get in the way at all.” We found them easy to clean, changing the tips is fuss-free and the handy carry case means they’re perfect for travel.
Loop Experience 2
Score: 85/100
Key specifications
| Noise reduction rate | 17dB |
|---|---|
| Included | Loop Experience 2 earplugs, 4 sets of silicone ear tips, carry case |
| Best for | Concerts, festivals, live events |
What are they? The brand’s signature Experience plugs, which filter up to 17dB of noise, are ideal for concerts, festivals, loud parties and events. They don’t block out music; they simply dampen the excess sound that could harm your ears.
Panel feedback: Testers had a positive experience, with one commenting: “I could still hear the artist singing without the background noise and I didn’t leave with my ears ringing.” They did note, however, that they had to take them out to have a conversation with a friend or when ordering a drink.
Personally, I enjoy wearing them during high-intensity gym classes when I find the instructor’s pumping music headache-inducing. They instantly make me feel calmer, and they stay in place even when I’m jumping around.
Looks-wise, they proved extremely popular thanks to the sleek metallic loops. “I wore them to a concert and they looked stylish and matched my jewellery well,” said one tester, while another told us they got several compliments when wearing them.
Loop Experience 2 Plus
Score: 85/100
Key specifications
| Noise reduction rate | 17DB (+ 3DB with mute) |
|---|---|
| Included | Loop Experience 2 Plus earplugs, 4 pairs of silicone ear tips, 3 sets of foam ear tips, 2 sets of Loop Mute accessories, keychain carry case |
| Best for | Concerts, festivals, live events |
What are they? For enhanced hearing protection in noisy environments and social settings, it’s worth considering the slightly pricier Loop Experience 2 Plus plugs. They come with ‘Mute' inserts that provide an extra 3dB of noise reduction for additional protection when you need it.
Unlike the standard Loop Experience 2 design, they come with a set of foam tips as well as the brand’s signature silicone tips to ensure the fit is on point and the plugs feel comfy in your ears. Like the originals, they come in a range of chic colours from silver to rose gold.
Panel feedback: “These stayed in place, even while I was energetically dancing!” said one happy tester, while another commented: “They did a great job cutting off very loud noises at gigs while keeping a good overall sound.”
Aside from concerts and festivals, testers enjoyed using them on planes, in busy bars and on the bus. They found them easy to set up and use, and loved the design. The inserts were a little fiddly to attach, but many testers said they'd happily continue using them.
Loop Engage 2 Plus
Score: 85/100
Key specifications
| Noise reduction rate | 16dB (+ 9dB with Mute) |
|---|---|
| Included | Loop Engage 2 Plus earplugs, 4 pairs of silicone ear tips, 3 sets of foam ear tips, 2 sets of Loop Mute accessories, keychain carry case |
| Best for | Everyday noise relief, socialising |
What are they? If you're easily distracted by background noise at work or when out and about, consider the Engage 2 Plus, which provides up to 16dB of noise reduction, plus an extra 9dB with the Loop Mute inserts. They’re designed to limit volume, without completely drowning out important sounds, like alarms or calls for your attention.
They’re ideal for work and study, letting you get your head down and concentrate without being interrupted by non-stop notifications and office chatter. They also work a treat in noisy social settings, reducing overstimulating sounds, without making you feel shut off.
Panel feedback: Our testers found these helpful in a range of situations, including busy offices, restaurants and in the car with rowdy children. “They shut out a lot of background noise and made it easier for me to focus on an individual conversation,” said one panellist who suffers with sensory issues. Another commented: “They’ve helped me navigate loud environments without feeling overwhelmed.”
Testers also loved how lightweight and comfortable they were, with several saying they barely noticed them in their ears. Everyone told us they'd keep using these ones and would recommend them to others.
Loop Engage 2
Score: 83/100
Key specifications
| Noise reduction rate | 16dB |
|---|---|
| Included | Loop Engage earplugs, 4 sets of silicone ear tips, carry case |
| Best for | Everyday noise relief, socialising |
What are they? If you don't need such high-level noise reduction to help you focus, the classic Engage 2 Plus are a good pick. They provide up to 16dB of noise reduction, but you don't get the Mute inserts or extra foam tips.
Panel feedback: Testers were impressed with the performance, with one telling us, “They reduced background noise but allowed me to speak normally.” They also appreciated the discreet design and secure fit.
One panellist had them in on a night out with friends and was surprised by how well they worked. "I didn’t get that unpleasant ‘blocked ear’ sensation when speaking and no one else even noticed I was wearing them," they told us.
How we test
The Good Housekeeping Institute recruited a panel of testers (myself included) to put the Loop plugs to the test over three weeks. The group included people who are sensitive to noise, live in busy areas or travel often, regularly attend concerts, or who struggle to sleep due to sound levels.
Following the trial period, panellists provided detailed feedback on the earplugs’ design, fit, comfort and performance, noting how comfortable they were to sleep with, how secure they felt and, crucially, how effectively they blocked out sound. Our experts analysed all the feedback before awarding a final score.
Final verdict: Are Loop earplugs worth it?
For me, it’s a resounding yes. I’ve been using my Loop earplugs almost every day since I first started testing them. It may sound dramatic, but they’ve genuinely changed my life.
As someone who has extremely sensitive ears, the Loop Quiet 2 plugs are my all-time favourites, keeping me sane in all sorts of situations, but especially when I’m co-working. For times when I need to be present, the Engage 2 Plus are perfect, and when I’m heading to a concert or show, the Experience 2 plugs allow me to have a good time, without a pounding headache or ringing ears.
Can't decide which ones to go for? The Switch 2, which offer three modes in one, are your best bet. They're not suitable for sleep though, so if you travel often or struggle to snooze in noisy environments, the brand's Dream plugs are effective and comfortable.
Tempted to give them a try but not sure if they’re for you? Loop offers a 100-day risk-free trial. If you’re not happy with your purchase for any reason, you can get a full refund.
Shop the Loop range via Loop, Amazon and Boots.
Can you still hear everything with Loop earplugs?
Yes, Loop earplugs are designed to reduce noise, without blocking it out completely. They lower the volume of your surroundings while still allowing you to hear conversations, music and important sounds clearly. The different Loop models are made for a range of environments and needs, from sleep and focus to gigs and social settings.
How do Loop earplugs work?
Loop earplugs use advanced noise-reduction technology to lower sound levels evenly across frequencies. Their signature circular loops and noise-dampening mesh work together to filter noise without muffling sound quality.
Why trust the Good Housekeeping Institute
The Good Housekeeping Institute has been testing products for over a century, so we know a thing or two about what to look for in the best earplugs. When it comes to sleep and wellness products, our team has tested everything from the best pillows to the best sleep gadgets and the best cooling pyjamas.
Our senior sleep and wellness tester Kim Hawley writes rigorous testing protocols that fairly scrutinise each product and ensure it lives up to its claims. Kim has a level 4 personal training qualification and over 30 years' experience working in the health and fitness industry.
Our sleep and wellness editor Priyankaa Joshi has been testing and writing about wellness products for over six years. She has extremely sensitive ears and has tried all the Loop earplugs in this round-up herself. She takes the feedback from our panellists and turns it into easy-to-read reviews that help you make an informed decision.
More wellness wins
- Check out our full round-up of the best earplugs for sleeping, including sleep-specific headphones and a sleep headband
- These are the best eye masks for better shut-eye, according to a panel of testers
- Our wellness editor tried the new sleep and wellness smart ring from Oura – read their full Oura Ring 5 review
Priyankaa is our sleep and wellness expert, specialising in expert-tested reviews and roundups on the latest health and fitness products. From walking boots to running machines, Priyankaa has written about hundreds of products and is passionate about providing in-depth, unbiased reviews. Plus, as an avid runner and gymgoer, she knows exactly what to look for when finding the right gymwear, fitness tracker or earphones.
Priyankaa has an MA in Magazine Journalism from Cardiff University and over five years’ experience in health and fitness journalism. Priyankaa has written for Stylist’s Strong Women Training Club, where she regularly wrote about diversity in the fitness industry, nutrition tips, training advice and her experience completing various fitness challenges. She has also written for a variety of publications including Business Insider, Glamour, Bustle, Metro, HuffPost UK, gal-dem and more. Outside of work, Priyankaa can usually be found trying out a new gym class, seeking out London's best eats or watching a Spanish TV show in a bid to keep up her language skills.
Sarah is our wellness expert, specialising in expert-tested reviews and roundups on the latest health and fitness products. She can be regularly found on a yoga mat or training for a run, so she knows what to look for when it comes to the best yoga leggings, hydration vests or running trainers. From fitness trackers to the best supplements, she also has extensive experience writing about the latest products and writing detailed honest reviews.
Prior to joining the GHI, Sarah was a freelance journalist for 10 years, specialising in health, fitness and travel for national newspapers and magazine. During her time at Women’s Health, she interviewed celebrities about their fitness routines, for the Telegraph she investigated the health risks of Lime Bikes and visited Thailand to look at the trend of longevity travel - while for the London Standard she wrote about topics including AI powered PTs and smart ice baths.
When she isn’t testing out the latest smart watches, lifting weights at the gym, or hopping on a flight, Sarah can be found running around South London or devouring the latest trending TV show.
Kim Hawley is the Senior Health & Fitness Tester at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she leads the independent testing of health, fitness, wellness and sleep products using evidence-led protocols and her extensive industry expertise.
With more than 30 years' experience in the health and fitness industry, Kim has worked as a lead personal trainer, fitness instructor and health writer, teaching at some of London's leading health clubs, including The Harbour Club, David Lloyd and The Chelsea Club. Kim has a particular interest in women's health, especially pre-, peri- and post-menopause, and combines hands-on industry experience with rigorous product evaluation. From fitness trackers and smartwatches to home gym equipment, recovery devices, wellness tech, supplements and sleep solutions, she oversees comprehensive testing to help consumers make confident, informed purchasing decisions they can trust.