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 nine different types of plugs to help people “live life at their volume”. We’ve reviewed eight of the brand’s most popular designs.
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 Quiet 2 Plus
Score: 92/100
Key specs
| Noise reduction rate | 27dB |
|---|---|
| Included | Loop Quiet 2 Plus earplugs, 4 sets of double stacked tips, 4 sets of standard ear tips, carry case |
| Best for | Focus, travel, sleep |
What are they? The Quiet 2 Plus plugs offer the highest level of noise reduction (27dB) in the Loop range thanks to specially designed double stacked ear tips. They’re ideal for anyone who's extremely sensitive to sound and wants some peace and quiet when working, studying, travelling or even napping.
Panel feedback: These earplugs made a big impression on our testers, who confirmed they did an excellent job of minimising external sound. “They’ve really helped with overstimulation in the office and gym,” said one panellist, while another told us: “I never travel without them”.
Testers particularly liked that they come with four standard tips that offer 24dB of noise reduction, and four double stacked tips, which provide an extra 3dB of noise reduction, so you can use them in a variety of settings – whether you want to get in your quiet bubble or you need to hear what’s going on around you.
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 stop the plugs 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 to use the plugs after the trial and would recommend them to others.
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? If you like the sound of the Quiet 2 Plus plugs above, but don’t require such high-level noise reduction, the brand’s classic Quiet 2 plugs should do the job. At £19.95, they’re £10 cheaper. They provide also 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."
Like the Quiet 2 Plus, 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 provide 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 Plus 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 on the Loop website or on Amazon.
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 sleep and wellness editor swears by this smart sleep tracker – read their full Oura Ring 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.
Kim Hawley is our health and fitness product tester. Her career in fitness has spanned over 30 years. Prior to joining the Good Housekeeping Institute, she worked as a personal trainer, writer and fitness instructor for some of London’s most prestigious health clubs, including The Harbour Club, David Lloyd and The Chelsea Club. Passionate about women’s health and fitness, especially in pre/post menopause, she is also a Level 4 PT and holds a professional nutritional qualification. Kim is responsible for rigorously testing everything from cross trainers to smart watches.
