The 10 Best Earplugs for Swimming
This wiki has been updated 23 times since it was first published in May of 2018. Getting water trapped in your ears can be very uncomfortable, and if you're prone to infections or have perforated eardrums, it can lead to serious problems that could threaten your hearing and your health. So we've put together a list of earplugs for swimmers that do an effective job of keeping your canals dry, with some serving double-duty as noise reducers, too. When users buy our independently chosen editorial recommendations, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Mack's Pillow Soft
2. Speedo Ergo
3. Mack's AquaBlock
Editor's Notes
October 15, 2019:
Removed the HearRight Swim Soft as it doesn't provide a reliable seal nor does it fit as wide a range of ear sizes as other options on the market. Replaced the Insta-Putty Silicone with the Mack's Pillow Soft, which is both less expensive and more highly regarded. The Aqua Ears Soft Silicone and HQ Soft Silicone Set were removed due to availability concerns.
Added the Hearprotek Ultra-Fit, which are designed to let some sound through, the Speedo Ergo, which are particularly lightweight and tailored to the shape of the ear, and the Gloue Premium, a pair of goggles with reusable earplugs attached, among others.
Some options work well with swim caps, while others don't, so make sure to check the descriptions if you wear a cap regularly. The Putty Buddies Moldable, for example, explicitly state that they cannot be used with a swim cap, and anything with a long stem like the Honbay Reusable might not be comfortable with a cap pushing against them.
While the main focus of the list is ear plugs that work well for swimming, some models also work well for sleeping, air travel, or going to concerts. Mack's Pillow Soft are particularly versatile, as they're waterproof, good at blocking noise, and can help relieve pressure on a plane.
Special Honors
Surge Custom Much pricier than mass-produced options, these are a good choice for serious swimmers who have trouble finding plugs that fit just right. They're made on-demand based on impressions of your ears and can be used with or without waterproof headphones. h2oaudio.com
4. Hearprotek Ultra-Fit
5. Luiswell Corded
6. Savears High Fidelity
7. Putty Buddies Moldable
8. Gloue Premium
9. Syosin Kids
10. Honbay Reusable
Sheila is a writer and editor living in sunny Southern California. She studied writing and film at State University of New York at Purchase, where she earned her bachelor of arts degree. After graduating, she worked as an assistant video editor at a small film company, then spent a few years doing freelance work, both as a writer and a video editor. During that time, she wrote screenplays and articles, and edited everything from short films to infomercials. An ardent lover of the English language, she can often be found listening to podcasts about etymology and correcting her friends’ grammar.