Loop earplugs review: I tested the Quiet, Experience and Switch to dull noise and sleep soundly
CONCENTRATION and sleep are often the main reasons people turn to earplugs, or noise-cancelling devices, to help focus at work, block out distractions in social settings, and enjoy uninterrupted sleep.
I've tried traditional foam and silicone earplugs, but they often fall out in the middle of the night, only for me to be woken up by my partner’s foghorn snores or traffic outside.
Plus, they can’t always be reused and only function to block out noise.
Enter, , a welcome alternative that filters sound.
Loop earplugs start from £19.95 up
has an array of earplugs that filter noise at different decibel levels, helping you concentrate, sleep, or hear music but at a quieter, and less dangerous level that doesn't impact your speech.
There are three key styles; , and there are modified variations of some designs in the main collection,
’s seven-piece capsule has certified hearing protection, is reusable, and sustainable, comes with a variety of memory foam and super soft silicone ear tips to fit in your ear comfortably for hours of wear, and can be cleaned to see you through any event, need and time of day.
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How we tested
I tested four over several months and primarily assessed comfort, sound filtering effectiveness and how they contributed to my focus.
I tested the first as I wasn’t used to wearing any form of earplugs other than Airpods for music.
I wore the while working from home to get used to talking with them, while also wearing them when in coffee shops and social settings to assess whether my voice sounded altered.
I wore the Quiet at night to evaluate whether it helped contribute to my sleep and also used a smartwatch to track if I had deeper REM phases while wearing it to bed.
After testing those two earplugs, I wore the daily in busier and louder settings like cinema and train travel. I alternated between using Experience Plus and Engage to see the differences.
I tested Switch after I acclimatised to and had familiarised myself with the adjustable function, which enables the wearer to switch between Quiet, Engage and Experience settings.
I wore the Switch earplugs while commuting as they were too cumbersome for side sleeping.
Best loop earplugs at a glance:
- Best overall:
- Best value:
- Best for focus:
- Best for sleeping:
Loop Quiet
Quiet, £19.95
Pros: To aid sleep, specifically designed for softer cushioning, more flexible, maximum noise reduction, affordable, fully washable and easy to clean, more colour options,
Cons: None
Rating: 5/5
Loop’s Quiet earplugs are a firm favourite of mine to wear to sleep, but also when commuting on the tube, and working in a noisy environment when I’m struggling to concentrate, as it reduces the maximum amount of noise.
While it is advised to wear for sleep and in solo situations, you can also wear when flying to mute out irritating sounds – or snorers – as well as travelling to and from work.
The best part is they are made entirely from soft silicone, which makes them more malleable and provides a comfortable fit for long wear, which is essential for sleeping. Especially for side sleepers, as the gentle material prevents any irritation or soreness when worn for your eight-hour slumber.
The Quiet earplugs are available in more colourways, which is a bonus, and makes it difficult to fault the affordable design.
The earplugs are also easier to clean as you can wash the entire earplug, whereas, on other Loop designs, only the detachable ear tips can be wiped clean with a damp cloth.
Admittedly, the Quiet earplugs took a while to adjust to as I haven’t been used to sleeping in total silence for years as I live in London where incessant traffic is inescapable, but these earplugs muted horns beeping and noisy neighbours, which made it easier to fall asleep and, more importantly, stay asleep.
As a deep sleeper, I feared the Quiet earplugs would mute my alarm, but rest assured you can still hear the blare from your phone alerting you to wake up.
I was also conscious of the earplugs slipping out during my sleep, but this rarely happened thanks to interchangeable ear tips to ensure the perfect fit.
Best for: Sleep, travel, focus, Price: £19.95 Size range: Extra small to large Colours available: 7 Fabric: Silicone ear tips
Loop Switch
Switch, £54.95
Pros: Multifunctional, 3-in-1 earplugs, adjustable noise cancelling settings from 17dB to 25dB, interchangeable ear tips, two-tone colour, hypoallergenic fabric
Cons: Can be difficult to know the setting and match both ear settings, adjusting the setting can knock the earplug, chunkier design than others.
Rating: 4/5
The Switch combines Loop’s three main designs Quiet, Engage and Experience, so you don't have to fuss with changing the earplugs for different environments as this hybrid design takes you from day to night at the flick of a switch – hence the name.
As this design is a culmination, the adjustable settings cover a broad decibel spectrum. The Switch boasts a multi-level noise reduction, ranging from 16 to 25dB, which you can alternate between using the subtle dial fitted on the earplug.
Admittedly, this adjustable setting took some time to get used to. While the mechanical dial glides seamlessly from one setting to the next, knowing which setting you have your earplugs on can be confusing at first, and difficult to know if you have synced both earplugs to the same setting.
I also found when I switched between settings I would accidentally rotate the earplug, which added a whole other level of confusion as to which setting I was on.
The Switch is a compact design, but chunkier than the other variations, though still comfortable for hours of wear.
I found that it’s a good investment, when you consider the cost of purchasing three individual Loop earplugs or solely the Switch, as this three-in-one creation makes a hefty saving.
The innovative design makes these earplugs ideal for those on the go, and switching between different settings. During a commute, I would select the Quiet setting to dull the sounds of the tube screeching to a halt and in an office, switch to the Experience or Engage setting to help concentrate.
In social environments like dinner or when the afternoon rush would see hordes of people filter into the café I was working in, I'd switch to Experience to dull the surround sound, while still being able to listen to discussions I was involved in clearly without being distracted by excerpts of other chats, or the deep base of music overwhelming the bar.
The compact case the Loop earplugs come with makes the delicate ear pieces easy to store, while the loop handle can fit neatly on my keys, pocket, purse or lanyard, so my clumsy self will never lose them.
Best for: All settings, focus, travel, noise cancellation in social events;
Price: £54.95; Size range: Extra small to large ear tips Colours available: 4 Materials: HypoallergenicABS plastic with NCVM coating and silicone ear tips
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Loop Experience Plus
Experience Plus, £39.95
Pros: For group settings, mid-level noise reduction, more colour options, looks more like jewellery than earplugs, includes more accessories, filters background noise and wind when driving, ensures clarity of sound, suitable for travel, music events and theatre shows, group settings, for focus, made from hypoallergenic fabric
Cons: Not fully washable, slightly changes speech as you feel like you are shouting in some scenarios
Rating: 4.5/5
According to Loop’s virtual quiz the was the design best suited to my needs, which was to help me focus better in noisy settings.
There is a significant difference between Engage and Experience Plus, which I often alternated between depending on the setting and my levels of concentration that day.
While Engage filters some noise, Experience offers more noise cancellation and is advised for busier social settings and group situations. However, I relied on Experience Plus for group settings as well as solo use, even when working from home to mute the rattling of the washing machine and boost my concentration when I felt my mind wandering.
The Experience Plus filters up to 18dB of noise, which allowed me to listen to conversations, whether it was one-on-one, or group settings, and even catch every word of a theatre production I attended without being left with my ears ringing from the sound blasting from the speakers.
Experience earplugs were ideal on the underground when the tube screeched to a halt, and on days I had a migraine as it took the edge off certain sounds when my hearing felt too sensitive.
What I particularly loved was Experience Plus looked more stylish than the other Loop designs, less like earphones and more like jewellery.
I wore the silver Experience colourway, which almost resembled a daith piercing than an earplug. Considering I was conscious I would seem rude wearing earplugs in social settings, this sleek design avoided the probing and functioned as an accessory too, and even matched my earrings.
The Experience Plus also included two coloured ear tips, black and white, so I felt I could customise my earplugs.
Plus, the kit includes a Mute accessory, which provides a further 5dB noise reduction and can be fitted inside all of the Loop designs, except for Switch, to block out even more noise.
These added accessories come with the Plus designs and certainly impressed me as the customisable option meant the Loop design teetered on being a Quiet model or the multifunctional Switch.
I noticed when speaking in quieter settings I could hear my voice louder, making me conscious I was shouting. But, in busier environments, and group settings, this fear subsided, I could hear conversations clearly without feeling I was speaking too softly or loudly.
Best for: Everyday use, focus, noise reduction in busier settings, travel, group scenarios, improved clarity in conversations Price: £39.95; Size range: Extra small to large; Colours available: 4
Loop Engage
Engage, £29.95
Pros: Filters sound, helps concentration, suitable for social settings and conversation, affordable, more colours, doesn’t affect speech when talking, most natural sound filter, hypoallergenic material
Cons: Not fully washable, not suitable for sleep
Rating: 5/5
The Engage Loop Earplugs and Experience Plus are the two Loop earplugs I rely on the most to help concentrate when working and for everyday wear.
The Engage style filter sounds up to 16dB, which means it filters some external sounds but does not mute them, so you can hear conversations clearly, yet don't find yourself shouting when wearing the design.
However, in louder settings like a bar or gig, the Experience or Experience Plus is better.
Engage has the lowest sound filter, which I like so I concentrate, yet still be aware of my surroundings, and engage in conversations without needing to remove them in fear that I am shouting.
Engage is ideal when in an office when there’s some quiet noise, in a coffee shop and at a restaurant as I could still hear conversations from across the table, as well as the waiter, but didn’t find myself checking in to other chatter nearby, fear I was shouting, or needed to remove them to hear.
I trialled the Engage in the cinema, and was pleasantly surprised, as it dulled out the irritating sounds of people munching on popcorn or whispering, so I could concentrate on the film.
The Engage headphones enabled me to hear the film better too, and I wasn’t left questioning what the characters had said with earplugs in, which I thought would be the case.
Instead, Loop’s Engage earplugs softened the special effects and conversations so the film was not overwhelming to my senses.
The Engage earplugs were comfortable to wear for an entire film, and for hours working in a coffee shop too.
I also prefer the colours of the Engage collection as they come in a range of seven shades, but are transparent, rather than the opaque design of the Experience, Experience Plus, Switch and Quiet, which is ideal for those who want a subtle earpiece.
Best for: Everyday use, social settings, focus, quiet surround sounds Price: £29.95; Size range: Extra small to large Colours available: 7 Fabric: ABS plastic with NCVM coating and silicone ear tips
Where to buy Loop earplugs?
Loop earplugs are available to buy directly from website, and are also stocked online at .
Shopping directly from Loop is advisable as there are plenty of options available, as well as accessories.
Plus, shoppers are eligible for a 100-day warranty, just in case they’re not satisfied with their Loop purchase.
Amazon has all styles available to shop online, but in limited colourways to those available on Loop’s website, and Amazon shoppers will not be eligible for the 100-day warranty.
- Shop Loop earplugs at Loop –
- Shop Loop earplugs at Amazon -
How much do the Loop Earplugs cost?
Loop Earplugs vary in price from £19.95 for the Quiet variety, and up to £54.95 for the Switch model.
The mid-range Loop designs can fetch £29.95 for earplug, and £39.95 for .
Loop earplugs are great value for money considering they are reusable, making the cost per wear even more purse-friendly.
How to find the best Loop earplugs for your needs?
Some may know which Loop earplugs to select, as light sleepers typically prefer Quiet, while those who struggle to concentrate will prefer Engage or Experience.
However, if, like me, you are unsure which design best suits your needs Loop has a virtual quiz to whittle down the seven designs.
In the virtual test, customers are invited to answer up to four questions: “Why are you looking to purchase Loop Earplugs”, to which you can select only one option between noise sensitivity, focus, sleep, or other. Other questions include “How much sound do you want to be blocked out”, and if you would like the option to add “extra sound reduction in loud environments.”
After answering a few questions, though only one was needed in my experience, Loop finds the style best suited to your needs.
If you are still unsure Switch is a favourable option as shoppers have three Loop designs in one.
How do Loop earplugs work to reduce sound?
Loop earplugs operate differently from conventional earplugs as they have been innovatively designed to filter sound to dull those overwhelming external noises, and for clarity in conversational settings, whereas other earplugs aim to block sound entirely.
Loop earplugs are not to be confused with headphones or Airpods, though they may look slightly similar, as they do not play music – a factor I needed to remind myself of when I first trialled the innovative creations.
Loop’s Engage, Engage Plus, and Experience earplugs have been expertly engineered to filter out sounds. These designs feature a patented acoustic channel, fitted with a mesh filter to soften the sound, which the super soft food-grade silicone ear tips sit on.
The acoustic channel is the most external part of the design and aims to funnel the sound vibrations into the ear canal, while the mesh and inner filters work to tailor that sound by softening the vibrations that reach the ear drum.
Experience Plus features an added membrane between the acoustic channel and mesh to filter even more sound than the aforementioned designs, whereas the Quiet model does not feature the mesh filter and is made entirely of flexible silicone to provide more noise reduction and a comfortable fit.
Lastly, the Switch has the added creation of an adjustable dial to make switching between the three modes, while providing the necessary noise filtration, seamless.
The Loop Earplugs are comfortable to wear and easy to fit. Simply find the best ear tip to suit you, fit into your ear as you would any other earplug, and rotate slightly so the ear tip sits snug inside your ear and the body of the design is cradled by the conch and anti-tragus.
What are alternatives to Loop earplugs?
Loop Earplugs are unique in the sense they filter sound, instead of muting any surrounding noise entirely. But I must stress they do not function like headphones, and are, in my opinion, a unique noise-reducing device.
are similar to Loop’s Quiet earplugs as they are hypoallergenic noise-cancelling earplugs to help the wearer sleep, though this creation can be worn to travel and swim too.
The has been described as the “world’s smallest noise cancelling earbuds” as it claims to reduce any surround sounds and prevent noise-related disturbances. However, QuietOn’s creation comes with a hefty price tag and can run for three days off one charge, whereas Loop earplugs do not require any charge, which makes them cost-effective, energy-efficient and fuss-free.
and are common earbuds to help block out sound, but the foam and silicone designs plug into your ear and are not as multifunctional as Loop’s creations.
How subtle are the Loop earplugs?
Loop earplugs are super compact when you fit them in your ear, but also to carry as they are housed in nifty cases you can fit in your pocket, attach to a set of keys, or your lanyard so you never lose them.
The earplugs fit neatly into your ear with the round ring visible in your ear, similar to an earpiece or Airpod.
Depending on the colourway you choose the Loop earplugs can go unnoticed, particularly the transparent Engage designs. Of course, if you opt for a bold colourway it may be more noticeable in your ear.
Some friends commented on the silver variation of the Experience Plus earplugs I wore and asked if it was a new pair of earrings, so while they didn’t go unnoticed, they looked stylish enough to resemble a piece of jewellery.
How to find your Loop size?
The Loop earplugs come in one size, however, the detachable ear tips are available in four sizes, which range from extra small to large.
When shoppers receive their Loop earplug the medium-sized ear tip is the default attachment pre-fitted to your purchase, which you can swap for a larger or smaller size.
Finding the perfect tip to fit your ear is simple, if your ear plug falls out easily, or you do not notice a difference in sound reduction, you need to change the tip for a larger size. If your earplug feels too tight in your ears you need to opt for a smaller size.
All size ear tips come with every purchase, but if you need a smaller size you can contact Loop for advice.
Can you sleep with Loop earplugs?
Loop’s Quiet Earplugs are the only style in the collection, which have been specifically designed to sleep in.
Unlike the other Loop designs the Quiet version is made of entirely soft and flexible silicone, which fits comfortably in your ear to wear for hours no matter how you sleep.
The Switch earplugs have a Quiet setting for more noise reduction, however, they are made from plastic, which is not the most comfortable to wear during your eight-hour sleep, especially for side sleepers.
Can you still hear conversations with Loop Earplugs?
Yes, you can still have conversations with all of Loop Earplugs as they do not mute every sound, but reduce noise significantly, so conversations may seem quieter depending on the style you pick.
Loop has designed the earplugs to “take the edge off” in noisy environments, without impacting on the wearer’s ability to listen into conversations and partake in those chats too.
From my experience the Loop Earplugs do work to quieten surround sound, especially noise in the distance, but the level of sound reduction and how much of a conversation you can hear depend on the style of the Loop earplug.
When I wear Engage I can hear conversations I am involved in, as well as some surrounding conversations but at a softer level, while Quiet I can still hear some noise (like an alarm), but direct conversations become a little fainter to hear.
Which Loop earplugs are best for ADHD?
Loop has claimed their earplugs are suitable for those with ADHD, as well as those who are hypersensitive to noise, as they filter out those distracting sounds to help engage and focus better.
According to the website: “At Loop, we've worked together with our community of avid users with noise sensitivity to develop the best earplugs for ADHD: Loop Experience and Loop Engage. Both of these sets of earplugs are designed with noise sensitivity in mind.”
How to clean Loop earplugs?
Loop Earplugs are reusable and timeless, and there is no need to discard the earplugs like other rival earplug brands.
They are simple to clean, though the cleaning method varies depending on the style you select.
For almost all of the Loop Earplugs simply detach the ear tips and wipe them clean with a damp or dry cloth.
However, the Quiet can be washed in warm water, and dried, as they are made from silicone material, and will not be damaged, or lose shape, during this cleaning process.