Best swimming pool earplugs.
Words: Jack Brady
Photography: Etienne Girardet & Joe Calata
We’ve tested swimming earplugs for the last couple of years and have dipped back into the market this summer to test new entrants. We used them during sessions in our local pool and swimming pond, concentrating on design, effectiveness and comfort. We’ve selected the best earplugs – so whether you’re a fair weather swimmer, a hardened triathlete or a regular pool goer, we can guarantee there’s a pair for you.
The best swimming earplugs are:
Happy Ears @Happyearsearplugs.com
It went down to the wire when deciding the best earplugs for 2023 – and it was all because of these eco-friendly pairs from Happy Ears. Made from ocean plastics, these not only perform well but they do their bit for the planet at the same time. These were our favorites for the pool, with their oval-shaped heads helping them sit nicely in the ear canal without letting in any water. They also reduce noise, without muffling the voices of those closest to you so you’ll still be able to hear instructions from the lifeguard. The discovery pack includes a small, medium and large size so you can find what is right for you. Plus, the packaging can be recycled and composted. What more could you want?
Reference:
@Indepednet UK
Ocean Plastics Discovery Pack
Our Earplugs:
Happy Ears Ocean Plastics are the world’s first earplugs made from post-consumer ocean plastic — recovered from the North Atlantic and turned into something you’ll use every night. Named “Best Eco-Friendly Earplugs” by Rolling Stone 2026 and Wired 2023.
CE-certified at 27 dB SNR (≈ NRR 19 dB) — the highest noise reduction rating of any reusable earplug available. The unique oval shape follows the natural curve of the ear canal for a secure, pressure-free seal that works all night, even for side sleepers.
Why Ocean Plastics:
- Made from recovered North Atlantic ocean plastic — plastic that would otherwise have remained in the sea
- CE-certified 27 dB — best for sleeping, swimming and louder environments
- Unique oval shape and short soft stem (under 1 cm) — sits flush under a pillow
- Available in small, medium and large — try all three in a Discovery Pack
- Washable with mild soap and water — reusable for hundreds of uses
- Most customers use one pair daily for a full year
Our Money Back Guarantee:
Ear canals vary — size, height and gender have nothing to do with it. That’s why we created the Discovery Pack — all three sizes (small, medium and large) at a discounted price, with a full money-back guarantee if none of them fit.
Our Packaging:
Happy Ears new eco-friendly packaging is made of a heat sealed paper with water based inks making it recyclable, compostable and biodegradable – Another first for the earplug industry!
Shipping:
Shipped via USPS with tracking from our hub in Chicago, Il.
Returns:
We do offer a money back guarantee on our Discovery Packs. This offer is simple – If the product does not fit or work for you, simply mail us at info@happyears.co (co not com) and we’ll refund your purchase. We do not offer partial refunds and this guarantee is only valid for one Discovery Pack per customer.
Ocean Plastics Discovery Pack
Our Earplugs:
Happy Ears Ocean Plastics are the world’s first earplugs made from post-consumer ocean plastic — recovered from the North Atlantic and turned into something you’ll use every night. Named “Best Eco-Friendly Earplugs” by Rolling Stone 2026 and Wired 2023.
CE-certified at 27 dB SNR (≈ NRR 19 dB) — the highest noise reduction rating of any reusable earplug available. The unique oval shape follows the natural curve of the ear canal for a secure, pressure-free seal that works all night, even for side sleepers.
Why Ocean Plastics:
- Made from recovered North Atlantic ocean plastic — plastic that would otherwise have remained in the sea
- CE-certified 27 dB — best for sleeping, swimming and louder environments
- Unique oval shape and short soft stem (under 1 cm) — sits flush under a pillow
- Available in small, medium and large — try all three in a Discovery Pack
- Washable with mild soap and water — reusable for hundreds of uses
- Most customers use one pair daily for a full year
Our Money Back Guarantee:
Ear canals vary — size, height and gender have nothing to do with it. That’s why we created the Discovery Pack — all three sizes (small, medium and large) at a discounted price, with a full money-back guarantee if none of them fit.
Our Packaging:
Happy Ears new eco-friendly packaging is made of a heat sealed paper with water based inks making it recyclable, compostable and biodegradable – Another first for the earplug industry!
Shipping:
Shipped via USPS with tracking from our hub in Chicago, Il.
Returns:
We do offer a money back guarantee on our Discovery Packs. This offer is simple – If the product does not fit or work for you, simply mail us at info@happyears.co (co not com) and we’ll refund your purchase. We do not offer partial refunds and this guarantee is only valid for one Discovery Pack per customer.
