Best Earplugs for Airplanes in 2026

Why Use Earplugs on Planes?

Airplane cabin noise at cruising altitude reaches 80-85 decibels — constant exposure to this noise level for hours causes cumulative hearing damage over time and severe listening fatigue. Earplugs protect your hearing and dramatically improve comfort. Combine them with a sleep mask for the best possible in-flight sleep.

Types of Airplane Earplugs

• Foam earplugs: Roll to compress, insert, and they expand to fill the ear canal. Highest NRR (Noise Reduction Rating). Best for sleeping.
• Flanged earplugs: Rigid or semi-rigid with multiple flanges. Better for communication while still reducing noise. Reusable.
• Wax/silicone earplugs: Moldable to fit your ear. More comfortable for unusual ear shapes. Disposable.
• Pressure-regulating earplugs (EarPlanes): Specifically designed for the pressure changes during takeoff and landing. Good for people with ear pain during altitude changes.

Best Overall: Mack's Ultra Soft Foam Earplugs

The Mack's Ultra Soft Foam Earplugs (check price on Amazon) are the best-reviewed disposable earplugs for flying. With an NRR of 33 (the highest possible), they reduce engine noise dramatically. The ultra-soft polyurethane foam makes them comfortable enough to sleep in, and the bright pink color makes them easy to find if one falls out. They come in packs of 50 pairs — enough for many trips.

Best for Ear Pain: EarPlanes Pressure Regulating Earplugs

The EarPlanes Pressure Regulating Earplugs (check price on Amazon) are specifically engineered for people who experience ear pain during takeoff and landing. They contain a ceramic pressure filter that controls the rate at which air enters the ear canal, allowing pressure to equalize gradually rather than suddenly. If your ears pop painfully on every flight, these are worth every penny.

Best Reusable: Flents Quiet Please Earplugs

The Flents Quiet Please Earplugs (check price on Amazon) are soft, comfortable foam earplugs with an NRR of 29. They're slightly smaller than Mack's Ultra, making them better for people with smaller ear canals. They also come in a large pack for extended travel use.

Earplugs vs. Noise-Canceling Earbuds

Earplugs provide passive noise isolation — they physically block sound waves. ANC earbuds use electronic processing. The difference in practice:

• Earplugs are cheaper ($0.50/pair vs. $200+)
• ANC earbuds are more comfortable for extended wear
• ANC earbuds let you listen to music while blocking engine noise
• Earplugs are better for sleeping (no electronics in your ears)

For the ultimate setup, use ANC earbuds for entertainment phases of the flight and switch to foam earplugs for sleeping.

How to Insert Earplugs Correctly

1. Roll foam earplug between fingers until it's pencil-thin
2. Pull your ear up and back with your free hand to straighten the ear canal
3. Insert the compressed earplug until the end is flush with your ear
4. Hold for 30-60 seconds while the foam expands to fill the canal
5. If it falls out, the earplug is too compressed — try again with a looser roll