The world can be rather noisy, and at times, it’s pleasant to have a method for managing the sound.

For numerous individuals, this entails using noise-cancelling headphones, though they aren’t always the optimal selection. Their sound-blocking capacity depends on battery life, and using headphones or earbuds can lead to increased digital distractions, which isn’t preferable when aiming for tranquility and concentration.

Introducing: Loop earplugs. These vibrant earplugs made their debut in 2016, designed by co-founders Dimitri O and Maarten Bowdes to provide a solution for those who appreciate live music and noisy settings without the danger of tinnitus.

Nearly ten years later, the brand has broadened its selection of earplugs to not only safeguard concert attendees’ hearing but also assist people in concentrating, enhancing their sleep, and discovering calmness in overwhelming environments. They are reusable and washable, making them more eco-friendly than disposable foam earplugs.

With eight varieties of earplugs priced from $24.95 to $59.95, I experimented with a range to identify the best: Quiet 2, Experience 2, Dream, Engage 2, and Switch 2. I opted out of the Plus versions for the moment to compare the standard models first and did not assess the children’s versions. I personally evaluated all except the Loop Experience 2, which were tested by my colleague Haley Henschel.

Are Loop earplugs a good investment?

Putting money into your auditory health is beneficial. As per the World Health Organization, “most common causes of hearing loss in adults, such as exposure to loud sounds…are preventable.” The WHO approximates that over a billion young adults face the risk of permanent hearing impairment due to unsafe listening habits.

However, this does not imply that Loops are the sole alternative — there are conventional foam earbuds that are quite economical.