We put Loop’s most popular earplugs to the test – here’s what you need to know
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’re all over the internet right now – videos with the hashtag #loopearplugs have racked up over 30 million views on TikTok, and they’ve received thousands of five-star reviews on Amazon. Satisfied users claim that Loop has revolutionised the way they sleep, work, travel and even socialise.
Sounds great, but are they too good to be true? To see if they lived up the hype – and our very high Good Housekeeping Institute standards – we put some of the brand’s bestselling options to the test, including the Quiet 2, Quiet 2 Plus, Engage 2, Experience 2, Switch 2 and Dream plugs.
As someone with misophonia – a neurophysiological condition where people have a decreased tolerance to specific sounds, which can include chewing, slurping and heavy breathing – I was extremely keen to give them a go. I usually have my noise-cancelling headphones glued to my ears in the office, I sleep with my AirPods in every night, even though they’re not particularly comfy and tend to fall out, and I often find gigs and festivals overwhelming.
Read on to discover everything you need to know, including whether they’re worth investing in and which ones are best for you.
The Loop earplugs we tested
What are Loop earplugs?
Loop was founded by friends Maarten Bodewes and Dimitri O back in 2016. Today, the brand offers nine different types of plugs to help people “live life at their volume”. The range includes:
Engage 2 and Engage 2 Plus to reduce overstimulation in social settings
Engage Kids 2 to protect sensitive little ears when out and about or in school
Experience 2 and Experience 2 Plus, designed to limit decibel intake without compromising sound quality at gigs and festivals
Quiet 2 and Quiet 2 Plus, ideal for drowning out the world when you’re sleeping, working, travelling or need to focus
Switch 2, which allows users to swap between the modes above, all in one neat package
Dream to help you get a decent night's kip in noisy surroundings
We’ve reviewed six of the brand’s most popular options below.
How do Loop earplugs work?
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. What’s more, they come in a range of gorgeous colours (even if only you will see them).
In the box, you get a compact snap-close case – which can you easily slip into your bag or attach to your keys using the elastic loop – and four interchangeable tips, so you can find the best fit.
How we test
The Good Housekeeping Institute recruited a panel of testers (myself included) to put the Loop plugs to the test for a few 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 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.
The Good Housekeeping Institute Loop earplugs review
Loop Quiet 2 Plus
Score: 92/100
Quiet 2 Plus
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, like me, who is extremely sensitive to sound and wants some peace and quiet when working, studying, travelling or even napping.
They 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, which 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.
Their subtle, stylish design earned plenty of compliments and they proved comfortable to wear for long periods – I find them so comfy; I barely notice I have them in. Changing the ear tips can be a little fiddly, but once secured, it’s easy to get them in your ears.
Loop Switch 2
Score: 91/100
Switch 2
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.
They 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
Quiet 2
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 24dB of noise reduction and, according to our panel, will effectively drown out distractions when you’re working, on a noisy flight or having a little lie down.
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,” said one tester. Some said they would recommend them to family and friends, too.
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
Dream™
According to our testers, Loop’s newly launched sleep-specific plugs are a dream bedtime companion. “They’re the best sleep earplugs I’ve ever tried,” one satisfied tester told us.
Like the Quiet 2 Plus, they offer up to 27dB of noise reduction to help you get a peaceful night’s rest. Panellists said they successfully blocked out annoying noises, from snoring spouses to loud traffic, without drowning out important sounds like alarms.
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. “I sleep on my side, and they didn’t get in the way at all,” one tester told us.
As a bonus, we found them easy to clean, changing the tips is fuss-free and the nifty carry case means they’re perfect for travel.
Loop Experience 2
Score: 85/100
Experience 2
The brand’s signature Experience plugs, which filter up to 17dB of noise, are ideal for concerts, festivals and loud parties and events. You can also purchase the brand’s Mute inserts, which offer an extra 3dB of noise reduction, for extra protection. Everyone was wearing them during the Taylor Swift Eras Tour and after testing them, I understand why.
They don’t block out the music, they simply dampen the excess sound that could harm your ears. I wore them to a gig – it was a loud hip-hop concert – and they effectively dulled the crowd noise, yet the music still sounded clear and crisp. I was blown away.
My fellow testers also 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.
Aside from live events, I’ve also taken to 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 with testers thanks to the sleek metallic loops. The gold, rose gold and silver designs in particular look like jewellery. “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 Engage 2
Score: 83/100
Engage 2
If you get easily distracted by background noise at work or when out and about, consider the recently revamped Engage 2 plugs, which provide up to 16 dB of noise reduction. They’re designed to limit volume, without completely drowning out important sounds, like alarms or calls for your attention.
I like to pop them in on busy days at the Good Housekeeping office, so I can get my head down and concentrate on writing – without getting interrupted by non-stop Teams notifications and loud typing – but am still available to engage in conversations with my colleagues.
They also work a treat in noisy social settings, reducing overstimulating sounds, without making you feel shut off. I had them in on a night out with friends and I was surprised at 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.
My fellow testers were also impressed, with one saying: “They reduced background noise but allowed me to speak normally.” They also appreciated the discreet design and agreed the fit was on point.
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 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.
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