Loop earplugs are actually worth it — heres how to choose the right pair

For those who regularly attend concerts or live events, Loop earplugs have become a popular choice for protecting their hearing while still enjoying the music. Founded in 2016 by co-founders Dimitri O and Maarten Bowdes, the brand offers a variety of earplugs designed to reduce noise while maintaining sound quality. In addition to concert earplugs, Loop also provides products aimed at helping people focus, sleep better, and navigate overstimulating environments. These reusable and cleanable earplugs are an eco-friendly alternative to disposable foam options.

To determine which Loop earplugs are best suited for different needs, the author tested several options ranging from $24.95 to $59.95. The Quiet 2, Experience 2, Dream, Engage 2, and Switch 2 earplugs were evaluated, with the latter four being used as personal test subjects. The author excluded the Plus versions and kids' sizes, as well as the Loop Eclipse mask, which was not tested.

The author found that the Loop Experience 2 earplugs excel at concerts, as demonstrated by a colleague's experience at a Beyoncé show. These earplugs successfully dampened the overwhelming crowd noise while still allowing the singer and band to be heard clearly. However, the author noted that there was a slight delay in hearing certain comments from friends, which is common with earplugs. Nonetheless, the Experience 2 earplugs earned the top spot for concert-goers, even though they are the most readily recognized option.

The Experience 2 earplugs cost $34.95 for standard colorways, but have been observed to drop to $27.95 during sales. Decibel reduction is measured at 17dB, with four available silicone ear tip sizes (XS-L). Various colors are available, including silver, black, gold, rose gold, and special edition collaborations with Tomorrowland and Coachella.