Protect your hearing on the go with the best motorcycle earplugs

Published: 17 August 2023 Updated: 27 July 2024

Whichever way you look at it, riding motorbikes is a noisy business, so motorcycle earplugs are generally considered to be a good idea.

Sustained exposure to a continuous loud noise can seriously damage your hearing and cause conditions like tinnitus that can blight the lives of sufferers.

The problem isn’t so much the sound of an internal combustion engine doing its thing (unless it’s constantly at full chat, such as riding your bike on a track or firing through an obnoxiously loud exhaust) but the turbulent roar of wind ripping around a helmet.

Thankfully a decent pair of motorcycle earplugs can make all the difference.

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Tests have shown that the interior of a motorcycle helmet can experience Sound Pressure Levels (SPL) well in excess of 100dB, and this can quickly end up causing permanent hearing damage. There is also the potential for increased fatigue, which can lead to a dangerous drop in concentration on long journeys.

The best motorcycle earplugs at a glance:

Best cheap ones: Howard Leight Laser Lite – View on Amazon UK
Best compact ones: Oxford FilterBuds – View on Amazon UK
Best moulded ones: CF Motoblock – View on Custom Fit Guards
Best value ones: Pinlock Ear Plugs – View on Amazon UK

There are lots of different motorcycle earplugs available, from incredibly cheap disposable off-the-shelf ones to custom-made items costing significant money. We’ve listed a broad selection of what’s available, along with real-world reviews and an overview of key points.

Top motorcycle earplugs

Alpine MotoSafe Race Motorcycle Earplugs

Price: 14.99

www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk

View Offer

Tested by Justin Hayzelden for 3 months over 2,400 miles

I’ve tried all kinds of earplugs, from foam disposables to bespoke custom jobbies and these are by far the easiest to insert. That’s because they come with a short plastic tube that makes sliding them into your lugholes less fiddly than any other method and allows you to give them a wiggle to ensure they’re seated correctly. Foam plugs take a while to expand and can drift out once you’ve got your helmet on, and bespoke ones can be an awkward squeeze, especially when your ears are cold.
MotoSafe are manufactured using Alpine’s ‘ThermoShape’ material, a substance that stays soft and easily conforms to the ear canal. They’re so comfortable that sometimes I have to dab a finger in just to check they’re still in place. I’ve had them in for over 8 hours at a stretch without any issues at all.

Without using a controlled scientific method, testing earplugs is a very subjective process. Although the MotoSafe have a lower SNR than others I’ve tried, I’ve found that they are among the most comfortable to wear, easiest to fit and offer a reduction in noise that keeps fatigue at bay. I’d gladly shell out £15 a couple of times a year on these, as the fact that they don’t leave my ears ringing is perhaps the best indication that they’re doing a good job.

Pros

These earplugs are good fit, more comfortable than most other earplugs I've previously used
The Race version offer the best sound reduction for motorcycle riders
I’ve had them in for over 8 hours at a stretch without any issues at all
These are washable and re-useable which is great because I don't like disposable earplugs
A helpful fitting tool and a convenient case are included

Cons

Tour version is designed more for urban riding, and not as effective for motorway or faster riding with more wind noise
Some say they don't fit securely into narrow ear canals which causes them to fall out when putting on their helmet

Quality

5.0
Value

5.0

Materials	Alpine's ThermoShape material does not contain silicone
Dampening	Alpine Race has an attenuation of 20 dB

Can be worn for a whole day without any problems
The thermoplastic material offers a high degree of comfort
The earplugs adjust to the ear with your body heat
These earplugs can be used more than 100 times and still be effective

Oxford FilterBuds

Best compact ones

Price: £18.61

www.amazon.co.uk

View Offer

Tested by Adam Binnie for 500 miles

These reusable, silicone-free earplugs are hypoallergenic and come in a handy carry case you can clip to your keyring. They claim to filter the damaging noise but let the rest through so you can hear what's around you.

I've had a hard time finding motorcycle earplugs I like - most I've tried block out too much noise, making me feel disorientated and off-balance, and also removing the thing I like much about riding a motorbike - the engine and exhaust noise.

These Oxford FilterBuds have a lower SNR number than others on this list,t and I'm fine with that because I have a brilliantly quiet helmet (a Schuberth C5,) so there's only a bit of wind rustle to dial out anyway. For an off-the-peg pair, they fit my ears remarkably well, and although I can't quantify it, the 'filtering' Oxford promises (less wind noise without blocking engine or traffic sounds) works really well, certainly better than a foam set.

Hypoallergenic and silicone free, they are comfortable to wear for a long ride and small enough when inserted so they don't catch on your helmet and get pulled out. Just be careful you don't poke them in too far, as I've found that compact design also means they can sometimes be tricky to remove, despite coming with an extended tab to pull on.

They're a good price and come with a hard keyring case - great for protecting the plugs but annoying when it rattles against your top yoke, so better off stashed in a pocket.

Pros

Hypoallergenic and silicone-free
Wind noise is reduced to acceptable levels and I can still hear navigation clearly
Handy carry case which keeps them protected from dust and grime

Cons

Sometimes tricky to remove
Some say the wind noise increases over 70h but not for me

Quality:

4.0
Value:

5.0

Howard Leight Laser Lite

Best cheap ones

www.amazon.co.uk

View Offer

Tested by Justin Hayzelden for more than 10 years and over 50,000 miles

Classic foam motorcycle earplugs regularly used in loud working environments. Recognisable for their 'rhubarb and custard' colours, these are disposable and only really last for a day before you need a fresh pair.

These squidgy little 'rhubarb and custard' foam plugs were my introduction to hearing protection. They're so easy to use - simply roll between thumb and forefinger, insert into the ear canal and then hold them in place for a few moments as they expand to make a seal. Providing your ears aren't particularly greasy, they should stay in place for the day. I've worn them for in excess of eight hours continuously, and comfort is certainly not an issue. In fact, you can't feel they're in at all.

At 35 dB, the SNR is just about as effective as earplugs get. For keeping out noise, they can't be faulted. However, it is a total block and useful sounds such as engine noise, traffic and voices are heavily muted.

Howard Leight Laser Lites are designed as a disposable, single-use item, which does have environmental implications if you wear them on a regular basis. I've binned countless pairs over the years, and the lack of biodegradability is the reason I no longer use them. It's also why I've marked them down for quality.

Despite those drawbacks, they're still the choice of many professional riders, as they do exactly what they're supposed to and are dead cheap - especially if you buy in bulk.

CE approved. SNR 35.

Pros

They're lightweight and extremely easy to use
Very comfortable, even after 8 hours of riding
They block out 'bad' noise but you still hear the sat nav, sirens, music, phone etc

Cons

Disposable, but not biodegradable so not great for the environment
Some find them uncomfortable, which is a personal preference

Quality:

4.0
Value:

5.0

CF Motoblock

Best bespoke ones

Price: £79.00

customfitguards.com

View Offer

Tested by Justin Hayzelden for 2 months/2,200 miles

The CF Block is a completely solid custom ear plug that reduces approximately 30dB of noise. It gives all the comfort of our custom-fit hearing protection with the highest protection level possible at all times.

Disposable foam earplugs do the job well enough, but they don't always fit right and chucking them away after every ride can feel a bit wasteful. The solution is to get a reusable bespoke set made, so I employed Custom Fit Guards' home service' to come to my house and take moulds of my ear canals. The process took less than ten minutes, and eight weeks later, I was presented with a pair of made-to-measure plugs.

Although products with specific filters and integrated speakers are available, I opted for the 'CF Motoblock', which offers the maximum sound reduction at a claimed 30dB. Out of the box, they feel suitably durable, with a metal bung in place of a filter and red/blue markings for left/right ear.

Inserting them requires a bit of a knack. The medical grade silicone doesn't slide against skin, quite the opposite, in fact, but like a double D-ring helmet strap, it becomes much easier with practice. Once wiggled in, they fit snug and secure, as only a custom product can. There's a slight sensation of weight, but it's not in any way uncomfortable, more reassuring, if anything.

On the move, the effect on noise reduction is dramatic, cutting wind roar to little more than a background effect. Even though the CF Motoblock doesn't have a filter, the soundscape seems much richer than with foam plugs. Engine and exhaust notes are clear enough to bring a smile to my face, and vital sounds, such as traffic and emergency vehicles, are not unduly muffled. Even with a helmet on, it's not that hard to discern speech, and a conversation can still be had without shouting like a lost tourist looking for the beach.

It's hard to estimate exactly how much fatigue is caused by wind noise, but with these, in place, I feel that I can stay at peak concentration far longer - and that's got to be a good thing. The only negative comment I have is the production time being twice that as advertised. That said, a perfect fit was worth the wait, and after living with the Motoblock, I'd be very reluctant to go back to foam... Manufacturer claimed 30dB reduction.

Pros

Perfect fit guaranteed - a mould is taken of your ear canals and an ear plug is built that is unique to you
Reduces approximately 30dB of harmful noises such as wind, traffic, and overly loud exhaust pipes
You can still hear emergency vehicles, have a conversation, and hear your sat nav and/or intercom
Available in a range of colours and comes with a storage pouch and a 1 year warranty

Cons

There is a cost for fitting if you can't get their HQ in Warwickshire - they will come to your house for a fixed fee
The production time was longer than expected, but it was worth the wait

Quality:

4.0
Value:

4.0

Build Material	40 Shore Medical Grade Silicone Solid Block Insert
Mould Type	Full Concha
Colours	Clear, Orange, Black, White, Blue, Red, White

Left/Right Ear Indication Dots Cording (£15 Extra)
Custom Moulded CF Block (pair)
Custom Fit Guards
Pocket Pouch
User Guide
1 Year Warranty

Pinlock Ear Plugs

Best reusable ones

www.amazon.co.uk

View Offer

Tested by Justin Hayzelden for three months

If you’ve bought a helmet in the last twenty years, the chances are that you’ve used (or at least heard of) Pinlock anti-fog visor inserts. What you may not know is that the company renowned for keeping vision clear, also make a product designed to help with hearing. I’ve been using unfiltered custom fit plugs for a few years, which effectively reduce all sounds to a minimum, but having recently kitted out my lid with a Cardo comms system, I wanted to try something that would allow me to enjoy its JBL speakers on the move.

Manufactured from soft, medical grade TPE, these plugs slip into the ear canal with a gentle push, whilst pulling the outer ear back to open the orifice. Two sizes are included in the pack for the best fit. I’ve worn them for hours on end and, provided you get them in right to begin with, they’ll stay in place all day – even in my greasy lugholes. Removal is a simple case of pulling on the tab. In the centre of each plug is a red plastic filter, and this tiny pill is key to their performance. Sound reduction is a certified SNR24, which in practice means a dramatic reduction in wind roar and other damaging frequencies, but thanks to the filter, both music and speech from my in-helmet comms comes through clearly. It’s easy enough to hear other road users too, as well as engine and exhaust noise, and to be able to communicate at standstill.

The filter is removable so that you can wash the plugs to keep them fresh (soapy water does the trick) and Pinlock even include a carry case that has space for a credit card and key. There’s no sign of a drop off in fit or performance as yet, so for £20 they offer great value for money and a more eco-friendly solution than disposables.

Pros

They help to reduce road and bike noise, especially in the higher ranges
Two sizes of plugs so you can use whichever fits best
The left- and right-side earplugs are colour coded for convenience

Cons

These don't stay in as well after several uses
The carry case supplied feels a bit on the cheap side

Quality

4.0
Value

4.0

Precision filters	Protect against road noises on the helmet and reduce the noise to a safe level
Safe noise level reduction	Noise level in helment at 62 mph is around 95 to 105 dB - Pinlock reduces to a safe noise level below 85 dB
Material	Silicone-free medical grade TPE

Precision filter
High noise reduction
2 sizes included
Intercom-friendly
Reusable and a universal fit
Washable

AURITECH Biker Earplugs

Best comfy ones

Price: $29.21

View Offer

Made in silicone-free plastic, these auritech Biker Earplugs use three different-sized 'flanges' to ensure a proper fit while remaining exceptionally comfortable. The flexible design means a good seal, and they use an internal filter to allow useful sound, like the noise of other road users, for example - to come through while removing the damaging noise. It also means you can hear any intercoms for phone calls, music or sat nav instructions. They come with a handy keyring storage tube too. SNR 35

Pros

Give maximum protection from high frequency sounds such as wind and road noise
Allow you to hear lower pitched frequencies such as speech, intercoms and vital horns and emergency sirens
Silicone-free and made of hypoallergenic thermoplastic for ultimate comfort and durability
Comes with a handy aluminium storage case which keeps your earplugs clean and safe
Washable and reusable and should last for years if taken care of

Cons

Soft construction can make them tricky to get in
They'll fit most people, but not everyone

Material	Silicone-free, hypoallergenic thermoplastic
Sound attenuation (EN352-2:2001)	29.6db at the higher (most damaging) frequencies.

Reduces wind and road noise
Washable and re-usable
Patented ceramic filters
Sirens, sat navs and horns still clearly audible
Suitable for all ages

Earpeace Moto Earplugs

Best adjustable ones

Rrp: $31.95

Price: $29.95

View Offer

The idea here is that in addition to three hypoallergenic silicone flanged earplugs, you get three pairs of interchangeable filters to allow you to tailor the amount of noise that comes through, depending on whether you're riding in town and need to hear traffic around you or on a motorway where you want to cut as much wind noise as possible. SNR 17/20/26

Pros

Three interchangeable filters
Reduces wind, motor and traffic noise
Lower frequencies like sat nav, voices etc still audible
Three sizes of earplugs available

Cons

The noise filter takes up half of the ear plug so in some cases you can’t push them fully into the ear canal
If they don't fit properly they tend to fall out

Material	Ultra-soft hypoallergenic silicone
Noise reduction	Up to 26dB (check other versions for comparison)

Washable and reusable
Fits easily under helmet
Reduces wind, motor and traffic noise
Lower frequencies like sat nav, voices etc still audible
Patented contour design for enhanced comfort and wearability

Decibullz

Best mouldable ones

Price: $39.99

View Offer

Alternative Retailers

Walmart

$39.99

View offer

These mouldable motorcycle earplugs from Decibullz take things one step further. They pair thermoplastic mouldable sections with either flanged or nosed ear foams. You heat the mouldable section in boiling water, let them cool and then mould them to fit your earlobes, helping seal against noise while giving a personal fit to your ear to prevent them from falling out. It's an interesting concept, and they can be heated and re-moulded again if necessary. You can also get them with speakers built in, for example, for connecting to intercoms. SNR 27

Pros

Quick and easy to mould to your ear shape
Lowers the decibel level and still lets you hear important sounds
Mouldable and re-mouldable to you ear canal shape (follow instructions)
Version with speakers available

Cons

There are other earplugs with better noise reduction
Can be uncomfortable if not moulded properly

CE Certification	27dB SNR
Weight	0.15 lbs
Colours	Black, Blue, Orange, Pink, Red

Comes with bespoke carry pouch
Easily and quickly fitted to the exact shape of your ear
Re-mouldable if you don’t get the perfect fit the first time

Loop Quiet

Best funky ones

Price: $27.95

View Offer

These weird-looking earplugs from the USA come in two flavours. Quiet blocks all sound, reducing noise by 27dB, while the Experience reduces it by 18dB to allow speech and other sounds through, thanks to its 'acoustic channel' forming part of the circular section and an integrated filter system. And while the Loop Quiet may have a unique appearance, once you've got your helmet on, who's to know? SNR -18dB Experience, -27dB Quiet

Pros

Comes in various colours so you can get the look that suits you
Lots of bud options to get the perfect fit
Once you get them in the right position in your ears, you can’t feel them and they don’t hurt
The actual loop that sits outside your ear canal so it's easy to get them out
Comes with a handy carry case
Marketed as a fashionable accessory that protects your hearing

Cons

Start falling out after some use if not fitted properly
Quite expensive for non-custom made earplugs

Experience version	SNR -18dB
Quiet version	SNR -27dB
Colours	A variety of colours and collections available between the different ranges

Ear tips come in 4 sizes
Washable and re-useable
Carry case included
Hypoallergenic and suitable for sensitive skin

Jabra Elite 75t Earbuds

Best connected ones

www.amazon.co.uk

View Offer

These Jabra Elite 75t earbuds work exceptionally well as earplugs, albeit rather bulky. The HearThrough system uses the microphones to play ambient sounds into your ears, allowing you to hear traffic around you, for example. With it turned off, they block an impressive amount of noise while also pairing with your smartphone for audio or sat nav instructions. SNR N/A

Read our full Jabra Elite Active 75t wireless earbuds review

Pros

These earbuds are superb audio quality for sat nav or music
HearThrough system lets you important sounds like emergency vehicles
Active Noise Cancellation really works
Will pair with your smartphone for audio or sat nav instructions

Cons

Because they are earbuds doubling as earplugs, they are more bulky inside the helmet than simple earplugs
No good for phone calls inside helmet

Warranty	2-year - registration required
Battery	5.5 hours on a single charge, 24 hours in the wireless charging case (ANC on), and fast charge

Active Noise Cancellation functionality
Fully waterproof and sweatproof
USB-C charging cable
Wireless charging case

Things to consider before you buy earplugs:

There are several things to consider when purchasing earplugs. In order to compare their effectiveness, look for the SNR or Single Number Rating.

This indicates by how much they reduce noise in decibels (dB) as per ISO certification. The bigger the number, the greater the noise reduction. There’s also CE approval to EN 352-2, the certification for hearing PPE.

Noise reduction is, of course, the goal, but cut out too much sound, and you may lose some that’s helpful, such as engine, traffic, sat nav and emergency vehicles.

This is where filters come in, as they will still allow certain frequencies to be heard. With the right filter, wind noise can be reduced without losing the ability to hold a conversation, for instance.

How MCN tests earplugs

At MCN, our team of expert journalists have decades of experience gained over hundreds of thousands of miles. We don’t test our kit to destruction; we use it exactly how you do, in the real world and in all conditions. That means we can deliver impartial buying advice you can rely on.

Each of our writers has an in-depth understanding of the needs of today’s biker… because they are one.

If you can’t see a review against some of the earplugs on this page, it’s because we haven’t tested them yet. We’ve only included them if we think they’re important and relevant in the market, and rest assured, we will be working on bringing you a review as soon as we’ve done the miles using them.

To find out more, head to our dedicated page explaining how we test motorcycle products

When we review a product, we award it a score out of five. In the ratings tab of a given product, you may also find more specific scores for the different aspects of a product’s performance to help you make an informed decision. Here’s a guide to what each number score means:

1 star – Poor performance in this category or overall. A product with a single star rating has fallen below the expected standard and should be avoided.
2 stars – Basic performance in this area or overall. A product with a two-star rating has managed to perform to a barely acceptable level and there is room for improvement.
3 stars – An average performance in this area or overall. A product with a three-star rating has achieved a basic level of performance and is deemed adequate.
4 stars – A product has performed over and above the accepted averaged in this category or overall. A product with a four-star rating has surpassed expectation and delivered in a particularly impressive way.
5 stars – A product has performed at the highest possible level in a particular category or overall. A product with a five-star rating has delivered to the highest possible level, impressing the tester with its performance. We would happily spend our own money on it.

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- Just so you know, whilst we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this page, we never allow this to influence product selections - read why you should trust us.

By Jim Blackstock

Product Tester for MCN and sister publication RiDE Magazine - Jim began riding motorcycles in the late 1980s while working in an automotive repair garage after earning a Mechanical Engineering degree. Initially, he used bikes for practical purposes but later shifted to cars, starting a publishing career in the early 1990s focused on car modifications and product testing. After a stint in PR and Marketing for major motorsport teams and events, Jim returned to publishing and joined RiDE Magazine in 2017 as a Production Editor. His expertise in product testing soon led him to oversee the magazine’s product content. Rediscovering his love for motorcycles, Jim earned his license through the Direct Access process and now enjoys riding his KTM 790 Adventure across various terrains.

Pinlock reusable ear plugs