by
Olivier Poirier-Leroy
Looking for the best ear plugs for swimming to keep your ears dry and free of irritation? Here are the top ear plugs for swimming with comfort.
Over years and years of swimming laps, both competitively and now at more recreational speeds, I’ve had the distinct pleasure of having tried every single type of swim earplugs imaginable.
I’ve used every brand and model of silicone putty earplugs, foam earplugs, rubber “tree” shaped earplugs, and even the expensive customized plastic earplugs that are molded to the specific shape of your ears.
And having tested and reviewed them all, Mack’s continues to rule the earplug roost.
The Mack’s Pillow Soft Silicone Earplugs are the runaway winner for best ear plugs for swimmers. They check all the boxes, including providing the all-important leak-free fit, customized ear protection, and they are durable and inexpensive.
But in the same way that not every swimmer is the same, no two set of ears and ear canals are the same. In this guide, we’ll look at the best ear plugs for every type of swimmer.
By the end, you will have the right set of earplugs to focus on swimming faster and worry less about water getting into your ears at the pool.
Okay, so we’ve talked at length about how most swimmers earplugs utterly stink at actually keeping water out of your ears. (You have one job, man!)
So who is the champ?
The best earplugs for swimmers include:
Next, we will further discuss how each earplug performs in the water so that you can assess and choose the perfect earplugs for your time in the water.
⭐ Best overall earplugs for swimmers
They are my earplug spirit animal.
They’ve been my old reliable since the very beginning, and even though I strayed at times to see what else was out there, I always come back to Mack’s.
Why?
Quite simply, they work the best. Hands down. And they are dirt cheap, making them about as good a swimming earplug as you can ask for.
Oddly, none of the pharmacies or sporting stores carry them where I live, so I consistently have to buy them online via Amazon.
If you do end up getting a pair, double-check that you are getting the Pillow Soft Silicone Swimmers Earplugs.
Mack’s also produces other kinds of earplugs, with packaging that looks exactly the same, so make sure you are getting your chlorinated hands on the Pillow Soft Silicone plugs.
You can buy a 6-pack (12 plugs in total) for around $7 (check for current prices and deals at SwimOutlet) and load up for months of swimming with confidence and dry-ears. Boom.
✔️ Moldable for a custom fit
✔️ Works for kids and adults
✔️ Comfortable for extended wear
✔️ Official earplugs of USA Swimming
⭐ Best Swimmer’s Earplugs for Children
The TYR Kids Soft Silicone earplugs are made specifically for kids under 6 years of age. Each pack comes with six pairs of brightly colored earplugs. They are made of soft, moldable silicone and are sized appropriately for children.
⭐ Best Molded Earplugs for Swimming
If you are looking for an earplug that can be custom molded to your individual ear, the TYR Silicone Molded Earplugs are your best option.
Made of 100% silicone, they feature a hollowed out inside that allows you to hear better (although let’s be honest, there are times in the pool when we’d rather not hear our coach yelling at us), are available in blue or pink, and come with a plastic carrying case for easy storage.
Another excellent choice when it comes to swimming earplugs for young children is this playful set of earplugs by Putty Buddies.
They come in three brightly colored pairs, are easily moldable and comfortable when worn, and can be cleaned and reused for multiple uses.
For children with tubes or who are especially prone to ear infections, consider pairing these with an ear band for swimming.
Speedo is the most popular and well-known swim gear manufacturer on the planet. While I don’t love these earplugs, I have used them from time to time when I don’t have my trusty Mack’s by my side. They are made of a soft, moldable silicone putty that allows you to create a custom fit and seal.
They come in a four-pack and can be quickly stored with the accompanying plastic case. Warm them slightly before placing them snugly against your ear canal (not in your ear canal).
Wash after use for maximum durability, as earplugs do get dirty and lose some of their elasticity over time.
Even though the job is relatively straightforward—keep water out of the ear canal—the solutions vary significantly in effect and cost. Understanding the specific differences between different types of earplugs will help you choose the right set of earplugs for swimming in comfort.
Here are the different kinds of swimmers earplugs:
Custom plastic earplugs. Although these were by far the most expensive pair of earplugs I’ve ever used, they were also the very worst at actually keeping water out of my ear.
They fit great, but not tightly enough against my ear to keep water out. Easily the most expensive option. (Sorry mom and dad.)
Foam earplugs. Foam earplugs, while super cheap (they are the ones that look like little foam fingertips), they are not very useful for water-borne activities.
I’ve used this particular type of earplug successfully in the past—for getting some peace and quiet while sleeping on an airplane.
Great for blocking out snoring and loud music, not so great for blocking out water.
Silicone earplugs. The first of two types of silicone earplugs for swimmers are these ones. The good thing about them is that they are pre-molded, meaning you can wash them after use and get a lot of mileage out of them.
That being said, I’ve yet to try a pair that stayed in my ears for longer than half a lap. I’ve tried wrapping my swimming cap around and over my ears (not comfortable), and used every brand I could. None worked.
Silicone putty earplugs. These kinds of earplugs, I would say the most popular kind you see with swimmers, are made of usually somewhat clear moldable silicone that you can ball up and jam into your ear, getting a custom fit every time you use them.
Because you can fit the plug to the unique shape of your ear hole you get a tighter, less leaky fit. They are harder to clean and with regular use will only get a few weeks out of each pair.
Several different swim companies produce them (including TYR and Speedo), but there is one that has consistently produced the best ones.
Choosing the right ear plugs can help prevent a lot of the downsides of swimming, including earaches, water logged ear canals, and general irritation of the ears.
There are several key things to look for when you are trying to figure out which waterproof earplugs are going to work best for you:
Waterproof Seal: Everyone’s ears are shaped differently. Look for earplugs that can be molded to the shape and depth of your ear for a leak-proof fit. Silicone putty is hands-down the best option for a custom earplug fit. A custom fit creates a waterproof seal that keeps water out, and that’s the most important function of swimmer’s earplugs!
Comfort: Earplugs should fit comfortably and not cause excess pressure or discomfort. Moldable silicone earplugs are best for most ears, adapting to the specific shape and width of your ears and canals. Pre-molded earplugs can be a great option for swimmers looking for a tailored solution, but tend to lack the adhesiveness to the sides of the ear canal of moldable ear plugs.
Material: Most earplugs designed for swimming are non-toxic and resistant to moisture. Earplugs made of silicone are also reusable and a set can be used for weeks of repeated use. Foam earplugs are disposable and are typically singe-use.
Budget: As far as swimming equipment goes, earplugs are quite inexpensive. For swimmers who hit the pool daily, look for bulk pricing to further drive pricing down.
Storage Case: Earplugs should be stored properly between swims to extend the life of the plugs and allow them to dry. Look for a case when shopping for swimmer’s earplugs.
The benefits of using earplugs while swimming include protecting your ears and eardrums, reducing the noise of loud swimming pools, and reducing the sometimes painful pressure changes when going deeper underwater.
Using earplugs is also a way to make the music of bone-conduction waterproof headphones sound better.
The FINIS Duo and SHOKZ OpenSwim MP3 Waterproof Players, for example, play music through the jawbone while you swim. Earplugs create a “fuller” sound by eliminating the sound of rushing water, creating a crisp, enjoyable listening experience in the pool.
Earplugs are an excellent way to keep water out of your ears, reduce noise when at the pool, and can make the difference between finishing that swim workout or getting out early.
When choosing the best earplugs for you and your swimming, remember to keep performance, fit and materials in mind.
To recap:
✅ The Mack’s Pillow Soft Silicone Earplugs continue to top the list of the best earplugs for swimmers.
✅ The TYR Kids Soft Silicone Earplugs are an excellent option for kids and toddlers thanks to their small size and bright colors.
✅ TYR Silicone Molded Earplugs – Swimmers looking for a molded earplug for swimming will want to try these a go in the water.
Choose the right earplugs for you, keep the water out, and finish that swim workout in comfort!
The Best Nose Clips for Swimmers (and Why You Should Wear One). From why you should train and race with a nose clip to the best nose clip for swimming, here’s your guide to the tool that plugs your nose in the water!
3 Best Ear Bands for Swimming. An ear band works well when combined with earplugs to provide maximum protection for sensitive ears.
Olivier Poirier-Leroy Olivier Poirier-Leroy is the founder of YourSwimLog.com. He is an author, former national level swimmer, two-time Olympic Trials qualifier, and swim coach.
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