8 best swimming earplugs, from Alpine, Speedo, Zoggs and more
Designed to create a watertight seal, they help prevent water from entering the ear canal. This can be a major cause of discomfort, cause infections such as swimmer's ear, and even create longer-term issues with hearing.
While some people wear earplugs as a precaution against earaches or pressure changes, for those prone to ear infections or with grommets, earplugs are essential. The best swimming earplugs stay securely in place even during energetic swims, feel comfortable for extended periods, and block water without muffling sound too much.
When choosing a pair, it's worth considering the material (silicone and rubber are common), whether you want mouldable or pre-shaped plugs, and how easy they are to insert and remove. The fit is key – a good seal will keep your ears protected without feeling too tight or intrusive.
I tested a range of options across different price points to find swimming earplugs that combine effective protection with ear comfort. I tried them in a variety of swimming scenarios, so whether you're doing lengths in an indoor pool, training for a triathlon in open water, or plunging into the sea for a spot of cold-water swimming, there's a pair that will work for you.
How I tested
Each pair of swimming earplugs was tested during at least five sessions in both indoor pools and open water to assess performance under varying conditions. To maintain consistency, I swam set distances and repeated similar movements – freestyle, tumble turns and backstroke – while wearing the same swim cap and goggles.
I evaluated each set of earplugs on water seal integrity, comfort over extended periods, ease of insertion and removal, and how much I could hear while wearing them. Special attention was given to how well the plugs maintained their seal during turning and acceleration when overtaking, as even a minor shift can potentially enable leaks and compromise protection.
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
Zoe Griffin has been evaluating and reviewing a wide range of products for IndyBest since 2021. As a triathlete, Zoe has particular expertise when it comes to swimming, sports, and fitness, reviewing everything from fitness trackers to running watches. When assessing swimming earplugs, she took into account choices for all budgets and her reviews are always based on her genuine experiences through real-world testing.
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