Swimming is a great way to get fit. It can also be very relaxing. Kids love to play on, in, or near water too. But swimming is not just a pastime; being able to swim could save your life or the life of someone else.
But, if swimming has a downside, it is that the water can get in your ears and cause problems like ear infections. Ear infections and other auditory issues can be excruciating and often take a long time to heal. That’s where the best ear plugs for swimming come in. They stop water from entering your ears so you can stop worrying about ear infections.
If you have suffered from ear infections in the past, you know unpleasant they can be. They’re often bad enough to make you avoid putting your head underwater, and, as for treatment, invariably, it means a trip to your doctor and a course of antibiotics.
Kids tend to be more prone to ear infections than adults, which is why you’ll be glad to hear there are earplugs for kids and toddler ear plugs too.
If you’ve had swimming ear problems in the past, or just want to avoid them in the future, ear plugs for swimming are a must. Here are 9 of the best, all tried and tested so you can make the best possible choice.
Best Swimming Ear Plugs
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1. Alpine SwimSafe
Alpine SwimSafe
Free shipping
Features
- WATERPROOF PROTECTION – Love swimming but not the water in your ears? Our SwimSafe earplugs use AlpineThermoShape material that comfortably molds to your ears, to keep water out while you swim.
- ADVANCED FILTER – Our special filter blocks out water but allows ambient sound, letting you enjoy your swim without feeling isolated. Engage in conversations and be aware of your surroundings.
- REUSABLE & ECO-FRIENDLY – Crafted from silicone-free, hypoallergenic materials, these reusable swimming earplugs provide sustainable comfort and can be used up to 100 times.
- CERTIFIED NOISE REDUCTION – SwimSafe earplugs have been tested and certified to provide a 10 dB SNR noise reduction, compliant with both US & EU Regulations. Ideal for use in noisy swimming pools.
- DESIGNED WITH CARE – Trust 25 years of Dutch innovation for superior hearing protection. All our products are thoughtfully designed and offer a wide array of options to keep your ears safe.
Ear plugs need to fit securely to be effective, but they also need to be comfortable and easy to remove when you’re finished. Alpine SwimSafe tick all these boxes and are some of the best reusable ear plugs you can buy.
Key Features
- Secure fit
- Suitable for use with ear grommets and other ear conditions
- Help reduce noise by 10 dB
- Hypoallergenic
- Easy to fit and remove
- Reusable
- Supplied with two carry cases
Unlike some ear plugs, this model keeps water out while allowing most sounds in. This is a useful safety feature and also helps avoid triggering the anxiety that can be caused by sound isolation. It also means you don’t need to remove these earplugs to hear someone speaking.
Pros
- Very comfortable
- Easy to clean
- Easy to use
Cons
- Quite expensive
- Won’t fit everyone
Because they’re reusable, these swimming earplugs are actually pretty good value. Use them 100 times, and it’s just a few cents per use. But if you use them and lose them, things start to get a little more costly. However, if you look after them, these earplugs should provide years of reliable service.
2. Ear Band-it Ultra Headband
Ear Band-It
Free shipping
Features
- NEW & IMPROVED DESIGN with special features. From the makers of the ORIGINAL swimming headband, the Ear Band-It. Ear Band-It ULTRA is the most advanced swimmer’s headband in the world!
- EXTRA GRIP! Made with a custom inner lining that provides extra grip to avoid slipping off the head. ULTRA Grip, ULTRA Strength, ULTRA Comfort… Discover the ULTRA difference yourself!
- IMPORTANT! MEASURE HEAD CIRCUMFERENCE PRIOR TO ORDERING! Sizing issues and the hassle of returning items can be avoided simply by measuring head circumference and referring to the size chart. Using a soft tape measure is best but a string and standard tape measure will work as well.
- NOTE! Ear Band-It Ultra alone will NOT block water. It is NOT waterproof, and it is intended to be worn with earplugs. Putty Buddies earplugs are sold separately and highly recommended.
- Invented by an ENT Physician and designed to hold earplugs in place while engaging in water activities. RECOMMENDED BY DOCTORS WORLDWIDE. Perfect for ear tubes, perforated eardrums, myringotomy, myringotomy tubes, otitis media, and otitis externa.
If there is one thing that kids know how to do, it’s to lose things. A lost ear plug will not just cost you money, it could also mean your child gets a painful ear infection. This headband is a real alternative to ear plugs for kids who love the water.
Key Features
- Neoprene headband to keep water out of the ears
- Easy to use Velcro hook and loop fastening
- Available in a range of sizes and colors
- Thick, durable material
- Non-slip inner to keep the band in place
If your child loses an earplug, they probably won’t notice, and you won’t know until it’s too late. This headband is high visibility, and it won’t fall off either. Because of this, both you and they can relax knowing that ear infections are a thing of the past.
Pros
- Very comfortable and easy to use
- A kid-friendly alternative to ear plugs
- Can be used in conjunction with earplugs for very sensitive ears
Cons
- Maybe quite warm to wear, especially in hot weather
If your child hates earplugs, this swimming headband is a very good alternative. Much more comfortable than plugs, easier to fit, and harder to lose, this product is a winner with children and their parents alike.
3. Mack’s Aquablock
Mack's AquaBlock
Free shipping
Features
- #1 BRAND FOR PREVENTING EAR INFECTIONS - Mack’s is the #1 Doctor Recommended Brand to help prevent swimmer’s ear infections. Also helps prevent Surfer’s Ear. Mack’s are so trusted, they are the Official Earplugs of USA Swimming!
- EXTREME COMFORT - Pre-molded, flanged earplugs made with SuperSeal Ultra Soft Silicone, providing ultimate comfort for extended wear
- EASY TO USE WATER PROTECTION - Unique Flex Stem and triple flange design allow for a more customized fit, increasing sealing ability, effectiveness and comfort
- HIGH QUALITY - Long lasting, durable silicone will not deteriorate like similar earplugs made of plastic. Washable, reusable and latex free.
- DURABLE STORAGE CASE for on-the-go convenience. Mack’s AquaBlock keeps the water out! Satisfaction guaranteed.
Earplugs for swimming can be expensive. And while it’s true that, in a lot of cases, you get what you pay for, other times, more expensive doesn’t mean better. These budget-friendly, comfortable ear plugs are every bit as effective as more expensive models but are less than half the price.
Key Features
- Made from ultra-soft pre-molded silicon for comfort
- Triple flange to keep out water
- Ridged grip stem for easier removal
- Each pack contains two pairs of earplugs
- Washable and reusable design
These impressive earplugs are fantastic value, especially when you consider that you get two pairs for less than half the price of many others. Comfortable, secure, and effective, this is a tough product to beat.
Pros
- Excellent value
- Well-made
- High visibility design
Cons
- Only available in one size
- No storage box supplied
Mack’s AquaBlock plugs are comfortable and work really well. They’re also cheap enough that losing a pair won’t break the bank. The only thing missing is a handy storage box, so you won’t misplace your earplugs in your beach bag!
4. Speedo Ergo
Speedo Ergo
$6.95 in stock
Features
- The updated Ergo Ear Plugs are ergonomically designed to offer the closest most secure fit possible. Made of high quality TPR, these are super comfortable and super easy to place in or out of your ear.
- Ergonomic fit provides watertight comfort
- Specialized shape minimizes leakage
- Soft and comfortable in PVC free material
- Easy to put in and remove
The Speedo brand is synonymous with swimming, so if they don’t know how to make good swimming earplugs, no one does. These unisex earplugs are bestsellers and are popular with recreational and competitive swimmers alike.
Key Features
- Contoured design for comfort and a secure fit
- Inner and outer flanges to minimize leakage
- Easy-fit and remove design
- Supplied with a carry box
- Washable and reusable
While these earplugs are great for keeping water out, they also block a lot of sound too. That’s not a problem for solo pool use, but if you need to hear and speak, maybe to get instructions from a swim coach, you’ll have to keep removing and refitting these earplugs.
Pros
- Very comfortable
- Competitively priced
- Classic design
- Very highly rated
Cons
- Only available in one size
- Block out sound as well as water
With an inner and outer flange, these earplugs are great for keeping out water. But, that means they also block some sound too. If you want earplugs that don’t make you temporarily deaf, this is not the product for you. But if you want some of the most waterproof earplugs on review, you’ll love this budget-friendly product.
5. Putty Buddies
Putty Buddies
$9.29 in stock
Free shipping
Features
- SOFT SILICONE EARPLUGS. Easy to use and mold to the ear! MUCH MORE soft & comfortable than other ear plugs.
- RECOMMENDED BY DOCTORS WORLDWIDE. Invented by an Ear, Nose, Throat Physician. HELPS PREVENT SWIMMER’S EAR. Perfect for ear tubes, perforated eardrums, myringotomy, myringotomy tubes, otitis media, and otitis externa.
- GUARANTEED EAR PROTECTION. Block water from the ear canal! Great for swimming, bathing, surfing, water skiing, canoeing, and kayaking. Perfect for traveling to the pool, lake or beach.
- TACKY TEXTURE keeps earplugs in place. ONE-SIZE-FITS-ALL design. Great for kids and adults! Reusable and last longer than other earplugs.
- Bright colors are appealing to kids. Kids love them! THE BEST SWIMMING EARPLUGS & EAR PROTECTION. Use with the EAR BAND-IT or EAR BAND-IT ULTRA SWIMMING HEADBAND for best protection.
Everyone has different-sized ear canals. That’s why some earplugs fit better than others. The solution to this problem is moldable ear plugs. Made from a type of putty, this can be pressed and shaped for a perfect, waterproof fit.
Key Features
- Moldable to fit all sizes and shapes of ear canal
- Made from soft silicone putty
- Sold in packs of three pairs
- Suitable for adults and kids
- Supplied with a handy carry box
Putty Buddies are guaranteed to be waterproof. Because they are molded to fit your ears, they won’t leak. On the downside, they can be a little tricky to remove, and also block out a lot of noise. They are ideal for kids and can also be used by adults with irregular-sized ear canals.
Pros
- 100% leakproof
- Easy to fit
- Kid-friendly colors
- Tacky texture so they won’t fall out unexpectedly
Cons
- Can be tricky to remove – especially with very young or fidgety kids
- Blocks out sound as well as water
For the price, these customizable swimming earplugs are hard to beat. They are very reliable and a great alternative to more traditionally designed products. Very well-priced, these comfortable ear plugs are sure to be a big hit with kids and adults alike.
6. Speedo Silicone
Speedo Silicone
Free shipping
Features
- Silicone Ear Plugs
- Molds to fit
- Blocks water flow into the ear.
- Reusable case
- Made by Speedo, no.1 swim brand worldwide
Some ear plugs fit better than others. And while this could be nothing more than a minor inconvenience, it could also mean you end up with an ear infection even if you wear earplugs. These moldable swimming ear plugs can be shaped to block out all water, making them ideal for users who struggle to get a good fit with regular ear plugs.
Key Features
- Made from moldable silicon
- 100% waterproof when fitted properly
- Two pairs per pack
- Supplied with a reusable case
These moldable silicone earplugs are very easy to use. Just roll them in your fingers to warm them up and make them mailable, and then press them into your ears. The result? A perfect seal against water.
Pros
- One size fits all
- Very comfortable
- Washable and reusable
- Very low price
Cons
- Blocks out sound as well as water
- Can be hard to remove with wet fingers
Providing you don’t mind some temporary hearing impairment, these earplugs are a great buy. Cheap and reliable, they’ll definitely keep your inner ear free from water. But, if you want to hear clearly, this is not the product for you.
7. Naohiro
Naohiro
Free shipping
Features
- [Multi-Color & Use]: A set of swimming earplugs with 5 pairs, includes 2 pairs of black, 2 pairs of blue, and 1 pair of white, suitable for different members of the family(kids over 8 years old and adults), or 5 pairs can be used in rotation.Suitable for swimming, surfing, shower, water skiing, canoeing and other water sports.
- [Ergonomically Design]: The ear plugs swimming designed according to the structure of the human cochlea are placed close to the inner side of the ear and placed flat on the outer ear to make it more comfortable and close to the ear. You don't have to worry about earplugs falling off while swimming.
- [Lightweight and Comfortable] Made from soft silicone that is soft and comfortable to insert in the ears and wear all the day. This lightweight silicone pair is contoured to provide a snug fit and minimize leakage and it doesn’t feel hard in your ear.
- [Fully Reusable & Washable] These silicone ear plugs are your best value, for they’re reusable over and over again rather than throwing them out each time for a new pair! Use it while you do your exercise and plug out, wash them and keep in the protective.
- [Quality after-sales service]: If the products have problems, you can contact us at any time, We will provide you with satisfactory after-sales service.
Losing an earplug is an annoying fact of life for many users. After all, they’re super-small and easily dropped. There are five pairs of swimming earplugs in this set by Naohiro, so you should never be without what you need to keep your ears free from water.
Key Features
- One-piece molded silicon design
- Pre-fitted for left and right ears
- Five pairs per pack, supplied with individual carry boxes
- Built-in retainer hooks
- Dual-flange design for increased waterproofness
- Washable and reusable
Each pack contains two pairs of black, two pairs of blue, and one pair of white earplugs. With plugs designed specifically for your left or right ear, these comfortable, well-fitting earplugs are great value for money and work like a dream!
Pros
- Very budget-friendly
- Suitable for the entire family
- Easy to fit and remove
- Secure, comfortable fit
Cons
- Only available in one size
Because all the ear plugs are the same size, if one pair doesn’t fit you, then none of the others will either. But, providing you have average-sized ear canals, this product should provide you with a long life of protection.
8. Arena Ergo
Arena Ergo
Features
- Made from the highest quality liquid silicone and molded into our own exclusive design
- Ergonomic shape fits perfectly in the ear canal
- Compressed hollow stem allows noise to transmit into the plug
- Ultra soft and comfortable to wear; Creates a perfect seal to keep water out
- PVC free
A lot of manufacturers make earplugs that can be worn in either ear. Arena, a well-known swimming equipment manufacturer, has gone down a different route by making earplugs designed to fit your left or right ear only. Luckily, color-coding means it’s easy to know which earplug goes in which ear!
Key Features
- Made from 100% silicone
- Red for your right ear, and blue for your left ear
- Single flange and ear canal cover for increased waterproofness
- Soft and comfortable
- Easy to fit and remove
- Washable and reusable
Whether you need different ear plugs for each side is debatable, but these swimming plugs from Arena are great at keeping water out. They fit well, are comfortable, and are easy to use too. They’re not the cheapest or the most expensive earplugs on review, but they are amongst the most popular.
Pros
- Very well-made
- Color-coded to avoid putting them in the wrong ear
- Ideal for serious swimmers
- Fit very snugly for a secure fit
- Supplied with a storage box
Cons
- Some users found these ear plugs hard to position correctly
- Not supplied with any fitting instructions
Arena seems to have slipped up slightly by not providing instructions with their earplugs. A lot of users are unsure which earplug to put in which ear (remember – red = right!). That small issue aside, these are excellent earplugs that perform as you’d expect for a swimming company like Arena.
9. Creatures of Leisure SurfEars
Creatures of Leisure Surf Ears
Free shipping
Features
- PROTECT YOUR EARS - Keep water out with our cutting edge design double curved wing and tilted core for a secure fit, helps prevent surfer & swimmers ear
- COMFORTABLE FIT - The silicone surfer earplug tips are thinner, softer, and have a customizable ergonomic design developed to suit a wide variety of ear canal sizes
- LET SOUND IN KEEP WATER OUT - The worlds only surfer ear plugs that helps protect your ears without affecting your hearing. Our new plugs are designed to let sound in so you can engage with the lineup
- FAST & EASY TO USE - Improved leash for quick attachment and detachment & a foolproof fitting with color-coded plugs
- TRAVEL READY - Premium eco-friendly packaging designed for simple, reusable ear plug storage
Earplugs are very easy to lose. That’s true if you are swimming in a pool, and even more so in rough water or while doing something like surfing. As their name suggests, these SurfEar earplugs are designed for active use and have a built-in retainer to make them much harder to lose.
Key Features
- Made from 100% silicone
- Double inner ear flanges with an outer ear cover for increased protection
- Designed to keep water out but allow sound in
- Color-coded to make fitting the right earplug to the correct ear easier
- Fitted with a retainer cord
- Four different ear plugs for a customizable fit
If you surf, kayak, do coasteering, or any other energetic watersport, these are the earplugs for you. With their customizable fit and retainer cord, these earplugs should remain firmly in place and are all but impossible to lose. That’s a good job because they are the most expensive earplugs on review.
Pros
- Stylish design
- Customizable fit
- Good for those users who still need to be able to hear while wearing
- Very high-quality product
- Easy to fit and remove
- Very comfortable
- Supplied with a handy travel pouch
Cons
- Expensive
At over ten-times the price of the cheapest earplugs in this review, this model is the Rolls Royce of ear protection. But they also have features not found on other models. If you want earplugs that do more than just keep the water out, and don’t mind the high price tag, this product could be the one for you.
Bottom Line
Ear infections, and even just getting an earful of icy water, can ruin what would otherwise be a very enjoyable experience. Swimming earplugs help keep water out of your ear canal, and that’s good news if you have sensitive ears or are prone to ear infections.
They’re not just useful for swimmers either. If you have a perforated eardrum or any other kind of inner ear condition, you may want to wear ear plugs when you bathe or shower. If you have very sensitive inner ears, any source of water can be problematic. That’s especially true for kids and anyone recovering from an ear operation.
Earplugs for swimming come in a range of designs and materials, from pre-molded cones to moldable putty plugs to headbands. They all work, so it’s a matter of deciding which option is best for you. You may need to try a few styles to determine which ones suit you best.
Use this guide to help you choose the best swimming earplugs and refer to the OutdoorWorld homepage for more reviews including:
The Review
Swimming Ear Plugs
Whether its for use in the pool our outdoors at the beach, lake or river we have reviewed the best swimming ear plugs to help you choose the best option for your needs!
Review Breakdown
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Alpine SwimSafe
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Ear Band-It
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Mack's AquaBlock
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Speedo Ergo
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Putty Buddies
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Speedo Silicone
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Naohiro
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Arena Ergo
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Creatures of Leisure Surf Ears
Swimming Ear Plugs DEALS
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