Spending a lot of time in the water can affect ear health. A good pair of swimming earplugs creates a watertight seal, preventing water from entering the ear canal. This reduces discomfort, lowers the risk of infections such as swimmer's ear, and helps avoid longer-term hearing issues.
While some swimmers use earplugs as a precaution against earaches or pressure changes, they are essential for those prone to ear infections or with grommets. The best swimming earplugs stay securely in place during energetic swims, feel comfortable for extended periods, and block water without muffling sound too much.
When choosing a pair, consider the material, whether you prefer mouldable or pre-shaped plugs, and how easy they are to insert and remove. A good seal protects your ears without feeling too tight. We tested a range of options across different price points to find earplugs that combine effective protection with comfort.
How We Tested
Each pair of swimming earplugs was tested during at least five sessions in indoor pools and open water. To maintain consistency, we swam set distances and repeated similar movements, including freestyle, tumble turns and backstroke, while wearing the same swim cap and goggles.
We evaluated each set on water seal integrity, comfort over extended periods, ease of insertion and removal, and sound perception. Special attention was given to how well the plugs maintained their seal during turning and acceleration, as even a minor shift can enable leaks.
The Best Swimming Earplugs for 2026
1. Alpine Swimsafe Earplugs – Best Overall
Alpine Swimsafe earplugs are great if you want to avoid silicone. Made from AlpineThermoShape, a material that warms up from body heat and gently moulds to fit your ear, the triple flange design helps keep water out. A built-in filter blocks water but still lets you hear what is happening around you.
The earplugs are hypoallergenic and stayed put during testing, though they felt a little bulky after longer swims. The brand states they can be reused up to 100 times. Price: £11.
2. Superdrug Swim Earplugs – Best Budget Buy
Bright and easy to spot, Superdrug’s swim earplugs offer solid value at less than £5 for two pairs, with a reusable carry case included. A safety cord attaches to each plug, giving confidence to push them deeper into the ear canal without worry.
During testing, they blocked water effectively and stayed in place, though they were not as comfortable as ergonomic designs. Some users report the cord can snag on swim hats. Price: £5.
3. SurfEars 4.0 Swimming Earplugs – Best for Open Water
Designed for swimmers, surfers and triathletes, SurfEars earplugs come with a lightweight tether that loops around the head, preventing loss in open water. Made from recycled ocean plastics and repurposed silicone, they are comfortable and allow impressive clarity of surrounding sounds, which is useful for safety.
The carry case includes interchangeable wings and tips in multiple sizes. The price is around £55, but they offer top performance and sustainability.
4. BioEars Soft Silicone Earplugs – Best for a Secure Fit
Made from soft, hypoallergenic silicone with an antimicrobial coating, these earplugs are mouldable and comfortable for extended use. They are excellent at blocking water but also block more sound than cone-shaped options.
Ideal for slower-paced lane swimming or endurance training. Price: £5 for three pairs.
5. Putty Buddies Floating Silicone Earplugs – Best for Kids
Designed by an ear, nose and throat doctor, these earplugs are soft, colourful and float if dropped in the pool. They are exceptionally comfortable and effective at keeping out water, with instructions for safe moulding. Compatible with swim headbands for children with grommets.
Durability is lower, as they pick up debris. Price: £7 for three pairs.
6. Speedo Biofuse Swimming Earplugs – Best for Comfort
Speedo’s contoured earplugs slot neatly into the outer ear, creating a watertight seal without feeling jammed. They float if dropped and stayed put through front crawl, breaststroke and diving. The slightly firmer silicone is less mouldable but ergonomic.
They are unadjustable and on the smaller side, so may not fit everyone. Price: £8.
7. Zoggs Silicone Reusable Earplugs – Best for a Mouldable Fit
Simple blobs of silicone that you shape and warm up before use, these earplugs are effective and allow some sound to pass, making them good for sociable swimming. They cost less than £10 for two pairs.
Performance was solid, with a complete seal and ability to hear voices. Price: £8.
8. Boots Swimming Earplugs – Best High Street Option
Backed by Boots’ hearing service expertise, these soft plugs are pliable and passed leak tests during gentle and moderate swims. They are among the best value at less than £5 for two pairs, but each pair is recommended for only about 10 uses in chlorinated water.
For frequent swimmers, more durable brands may be more economical. Price: £5.
What Are the Best Swimming Earplugs?
Silicone-free, great for sensitive ears, extremely comfortable and reusable up to 100 times, the Alpine Swimsafe earplugs were our favourite overall. For a budget-friendly option, Boots’ earplugs offer audiology expertise, good moulding and water blockage. For open water, SurfEars earplugs stand out with multiple fit options and a clever tether system, without muffling sound.
