5 Of The Best Motorcycle Earplugs To Protect Your Hearing

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Tearing down the highway on a motorcycle is an experience like nothing else. From the thrill of straddling a tiny vehicle at break-neck speeds to the roar of the wind in your face, motorcycles provide us with a never-ending supply of adrenaline and excitement. However, many of the same characteristics that make motorcycles so electrifying also cause them to be extremely dangerous. Not only are riders exposed to the elements, but they also lack many of the traditional safety features, like airbags, that standard cars provide. Because of that, riders must take extra precautions to keep themselves safe.

Since there's no way to avoid every perilous situation or control the actions of other drivers, there are some steps that riders can take to prevent accidents or minimize injuries in the event of a crash. One of the most effective things riders can do is use the proper safety equipment. But motorcycle safety equipment isn't limited to helmets, gloves, and leather jackets, and a crash isn't the only way to injure yourself riding a motorbike. You also need to protect your ears from the booming wind as you cruise down the highway. 

One of the best ways to do that is to wear a quality set of earplugs. Traditional foam plugs have been the go-to product for riders for many years, but there are many options out there, and some are more comfortable and effective than others. We scoured the web and motorcycle forums, searching for the best earplugs for riders based on various criteria. That said, we'll cover our methodology later. From old-school foam plugs to modern devices with advanced pass-through technology, here are five of the best motorcycle earplugs to protect your hearing.

Among motorcycle enthusiasts, EarPeace Moto Pro earplugs are another one of the top-rated names in rider hearing protection. They're made from soft, pliable silicone, allowing riders to wear them comfortably under helmets. Like the Alpine plugs, the Moto Pros also feature a small tab to assist riders when removing them from their ears. Additionally, Moto Pro earplugs come with your choice of two filter inserts, providing either 20 dB or 24 dB of noise reduction. The earplugs are reusable and can be cleaned using basic soap and water. They come in two sizes, standard and large, and are lab-tested and certified to provide excellent hearing protection.

The plugs include a carrying case, three plugs (EarPeace gives you an extra earplug with each set in case you lose one), and a set of noise-reduction filters of your choice. They cost $39.95 on the EarPeace website. Finally, Moto Pro earplugs come highly rated by riders of all styles, and on the EarPeace website alone, the devices have 4.87 out of five stars based on 1,300 user reviews.

For riders who prefer a more traditional earplug, Mack's Pillow Soft® Silicone Putty Earplugs may be a solid choice. Unlike the previous plugs covered on this list, Mack's silicone putty earplugs are not pre-molded to fit your ears. Instead, users press the unshaped silicone into their ears for a tight, custom fit that seals out water and unpleasant noises. These plugs are great for people who also need earplugs for things like swimming or sleeping, as they not only keep out water but also block most noises and have an NRR of 22 dB. However, that also means that these earplugs don't have a pass-through function, which may make them less appealing to motorcycle riders who like to listen to music or comms while cruising.

Mack's Pillow Soft earplugs are non-toxic and hypoallergenic. A pack of six pairs costs $6.99 on the Mack's site, but you can also purchase them from stores like Walmart and Amazon. The plugs are highly rated by users and, according to the company, are the number-one doctor-recommended brand of earplugs for swimmers and those who need earplugs to sleep.

When choosing products for this list, we considered a few criteria: price, user reviews, and functionality. First, we looked for items that won't break the bank. Each product covered here comes with a price tag below $100, and depending on your customization options, all of them can be bought for less than $50. We also searched for products with excellent customer reviews. Not only did we check the product reviews on the sellers' websites, but we also compared user testimony across various other storefronts and motorcycle forums, and we highlighted items that users described as practical and of solid value. 

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, we considered product functionality. We wanted to showcase a comprehensive selection of products, ranging from traditional foam earplugs to modern plugs with a pass-through feature, and we searched for items that provide truly effective protection for motorcycle riders. Each product covered here provides excellent hearing protection for riders of all styles. Regardless of whether you cruise in the city or on the open highways, you'll likely find an earplug that matches your needs on this list. That said, remember to do your own research. Understand your needs and your body, and use that information to choose the product best for you.