As someone who spends a lot of time in the water, I’ve learnt that the best swimming earplugs can make a real difference. I’ve been swimming competitively since I was 10 but, in 2016, I got into triathlons as a way to get fit after the birth of my son, and it quickly became part of my regular routine. Between pool sessions and the occasional open-water swim, I’m usually in the water around twice a week.
Over the years, I’ve also had my fair share of swimmer’s ear, which is something many regular swimmers will be familiar with. The condition, known medically as otitis externa, happens when water gets trapped in the outer ear canal, creating a warm, damp environment where bacteria can thrive. The result can be itching, swelling and some surprisingly sharp pain, which is why earplugs have become a non-negotiable part of my swim kit.
Plus, I often swim with bone-conduction waterproof headphones, and the sound quality is noticeably better when the ears are blocked with a decent pair of swimming earplugs.
With so many designs available, from mouldable silicone to reusable flanged styles, I tested the full spectrum to find the best swimming earplugs that stay put and keep water out.
Read more: I’m a cold water swimmer – these are the best changing robes I’ve used
The best swimming earplugs for 2026 are:
- Best overall – Bollsen watersafe+ swimming earplugs: £27, Amazon.co.uk
- Best budget buy – Nabaiji malleable earplugs: £3.99, Decathlon.co.uk
- Best for a secure fit – Mack’s Aquablock earplugs: £6, Amazon.co.uk
- Best for open-water swimming – SurfEars swimming earplugs: £54.95, Surfears.com
- Best for comfort – Speedo biofuse swimming earplugs: £7.50, Speedo.com
Read more: Best swimming caps for the pool and open water, tested by a triathlete
Bollsen watersafe+ swimming earplugs
Best: swimming earplugs overall
Material: Medical-grade silicone
Size options: One size or AI custom fit
Number of pairs: One
Reusable: Yes, up to 100 times
Carry case included: Yes
Why we love it
- Custom fit
- Carry case with keyring
- Comfortable
- Stay put
Take note
- Can be tricky to remove
- Not the cheapest
Bollsen’s watersafe+ are the best swimming earplugs I tested, thanks to ability to personalise the fit to the shape of your ear canal. Rather than offering multiple sizes as standard, this pair come in a universal one-size design, but with a clever twist. If you suspect the fit won’t be right, you can contact the brand directly, and it’ll use an AI-powered ear scan to create a tailored version suited to your ears. I did the AI scan, just in case, and I was very impressed by the comfortable results.
What I liked most was how discreet they felt. They sit very neatly in the ear (you can hardly see them) and I genuinely forgot I was wearing them after a few lengths, which isn’t something I can say for bulkier designs such as the Mack’s earplugs.
Once the Bollsen watersafe+ swimming earplugs were in my ears, they stayed put throughout longer swims and turns without any need to adjust them.
They’re reusable up to 100 times and come with a small carry case with a keyring, which is handy for throwing in a swim bag. At £27, they’re not the cheapest but this works out at just 27p per use if you use them 100 times. The only thing I found slightly tricky was taking them out, as there isn’t much to grip.
Buy now £27, Amazon.co.uk
Nabaiji malleable earplugs
Best: budget swimming earplugs
Material: Thermoplastic polyethylene
Size options: One size
Number of pairs: Two
Reusable: Yes
Carry case included: Yes
Why we love it
- Low-cost
- Easy to spot in water
- Leave the ear canal open
Take note
- Time consuming to mould
- Synthetic feel
These classic mouldable silicone plugs from Nabaji are designed to be rolled into shape and pressed over the ear canal. At less than £4, they’re the best budget swimming earplugs I tested, ideal if you’re new to the water or just want something simple for the odd swim session without spending a huge amount.
Once I’d taken the time to mould them properly, they created a really effective seal and kept water out during steady swims. They’re also bright enough to spot easily if dropped, which is more useful than it sounds.
That said, they do take a bit of faffing to get right each time, as you’re meant to put them over the ear canal, not inside it. For me, this felt a little itchy. They also pick up fluff and debris quite quickly, so they don’t last as long as some other reusable designs such as those from Bollsen or Sear Plugs.
Buy now £4, Decathlon.co.uk
Sear Plugs V2 surfing swimming earplugs
Best: swimming earplugs for durability
Material: Silicone
Size options: Four wing and three tip options
Number of pairs: One (but with multiple size options)
Reusable: Yes
Carry case included: Yes
Why we love it
- Excellent case with carabiner
- Tips aid insertion/removal
- They don’t block sound completely
- Multiple tip sizes included
Take note
- Pricier than some other options
With a structured outer shell, interchangeable tips and small wings to help keep them in place, these swimming earplugs from Sear Plugs feel like a decent piece of kit rather than a disposable accessory. Designed with surfers in mind, they’re built to cope with more-demanding conditions and are the best durable swimming earplugs I tried.
During testing, I found they held up really well over time. Unlike softer silicone plugs such as those from BioEars, they didn’t lose their shape or seal after repeated use, and the different tip sizes made it much easier to get a secure fit.
They also don’t completely block sound, which I quite liked in open water, as I like to be to hear other swimmers around me. If you’re surfing with a group of people, this feature would be even more useful.
Buy now £36, Amazon.co.uk
Mack’s aquablock earplugs
Best: swimming earplugs for a secure fit
Material: Silicone
Size options: One size
Number of pairs: Two
Reusable: Yes
Carry case included: Yes
Why we love it
- Budget-friendly
- Stay put
- Bright colour is easy to spot
Take note
- The larger size may not be for everyone
The Mack’s aquablock earplugs use a triple-flange design that sits inside the ear canal rather than covering it, creating a tight, structured seal. They’re quite different from mouldable silicone plugs and feel locked in once fitted. This meant that I often felt them while swimming, but I found it reassuring to be able to feel that they were in place.
I noticed they stayed put really well, even during push-offs and quicker swims, keeping the water out across a 360-degree range of movement. The bright colour is also handy, as I didn’t have to hunt around for them in my swim bag.
They are quite long, though, which initially made me worry they might catch on my swim cap or goggle strap. It didn’t cause any real issues, but they definitely feel more noticeable in the ear than the likes of the Bollsen waterSafe+.
Buy now £6, Amazon.co.uk
Boots swimming earplugs
Best: value for money swimming earplugs
Material: Silicone
Size options: One size
Number of pairs: Two
Reusable: Yes, up to 10 times
Carry case included: Yes
Why we love it
- Mouldable
- Leakproof
- Budget-friendly
Take note
- Tiny carry case
As well as being a familiar name on the high street for pharmacy and beauty essentials, Boots operates a respected hearing service, and it’s this expertise that underpins its in-house swimming earplugs. They feature a soft, flanged silicone design that’s somewhere between budget and mid-range. They feel more refined than very basic options such as the Nabaiji, but still come in at a really accessible price.
I found them easy to insert and comfortable enough for regular use, with a seal that held up well during steady and moderately paced swims. I also really liked the addition of the cord. It gave me peace of mind that if an earplug did come loose, I’d find it hanging around my neck rather than disappearing to the bottom of the pool.
The trade-off is how long they last. Boots recommends replacing them after about 10 uses.
Buy now £4.7, Boots.com
Zoggs silicone reusable earplugs
Best: mouldable swimming earplugs
Material: Silicone
Size options: Mouldable
Number of pairs: Two
Reusable: Yes
Carry case included: Yes
Why we love it
- Budget-friendly
- Comfortable, moudable fit
- Don't block out noise completely
Take note
- Needs warming up before moulding
Hailing from Australia, Zoggs has been making goggles, swimsuits and swimming-related accessories since 1992 but, at less than £7 for two pairs, you’re not paying for innovation with these swimming earplugs.
The design is a little basic – a simple blob of silicone that you shape in your hands and then plug into your ear. However, I didn’t have an issue with their performance during testing. When I warmed up the silicone by rubbing it between my hands, it was easy to fit the plugs in my ears. My outer ear felt completely sealed but I was still able to hear voices.
I found this design better for sociable swimming than other silicone earplugs from the likes of BioEars, and a blue base in the carry case makes them easier to find in a swimming bag. If you want a mouldable fit and don’t want to spend a fortune, these swimming earplugs are worth considering.
Buy now £7.5, Amazon.co.uk
BioEars soft silicone earplugs
Best: earplugs for long swims
Material: Silicone
Size options: Mouldable
Number of pairs: Three
Reusable: Yes
Carry case included: Yes
Why we love it
- Easy to mould
- Anti-microbial coating
- Budget-friendly
- Can also be used as sleep earplugs
Take note
- Blocks out sound
- Carry case is on the small side
If you’re after a no-fuss, barely there option that you can almost forget you’re wearing, BioEars might just be the earplugs for you. Made from soft, hypoallergenic silicone, they’re mouldable like classic putty plugs, but with the added bonus of an antimicrobial agent that helps ward off swimmer’s ear.
During testing, I found BioEars to be one of the most comfortable plugs for extended use. They’re perfect for slower-paced lane swimming or those who are training for an endurance event, such as a half or full Ironman.
They’re excellent at blocking out water but, as with most solid silicone designs, they also block out more sound than cone-shaped options. This isn’t a problem if you just want to focus on your stroke, but something to bear in mind if you’re having a sociable dip with friends.
Buy now £5.55, Bioears.co.uk
Higahy silicone waterproof earplugs
Best: swimming earplugs for easy insertion
Material: Silicone
Size options: One size
Number of pairs: Four
Reusable: Yes
Carry case included: Yes
Why we love it
- Flange design keeps water out
- Each pair has an individual carry case
Take note
- Feel a little flimsy, compared with some other options
- On the smaller side
Higahy’s waterproof earplugs use a soft, flanged silicone design with a small stem, which makes them much easier to insert and remove than mouldable plugs. There’s no shaping required, so I could just pop them in quickly before getting into the pool, which felt like a real advantage on busy swim days.
I found the flange design created a reliable seal for steady swims, keeping water out without needing to push them too far into the ear. They felt more straightforward to use than some other options, such as the Zoggs silicone plugs, which take a bit more time to mould properly.
Each pair comes with its own small carry case, which is handy for keeping things hygienic and organised. However, they do feel slightly flimsy compared with sturdier designs such as the Sear Plugs, and they’re on the smaller side, so the fit may not suit everyone.
Buy now £9.99, Amazon.co.uk
SurfEars swimming earplugs
Best: swimming earplugs for open water
Material: Recycled ocean plastics, repurposed silicone
Size options: Two wing and four tip options
Number of pairs: One (with multiple size options)
Reusable: Yes
Carry case included: Yes
Why we love it
- Practical carry case
- Useful tether cord
- Comfortable
- Can still hear some sound (for safety in open water)
Take note
- Pricey
- Tether creates drag
If you swim in open water – where a lost earplug is as good as gone – SurfEars offers a smart, secure option. Designed specifically for swimmers, surfers and triathletes, these earplugs come with a lightweight tether that loops under the chin, so even if a wave or flailing elbow dislodges one of the earplugs, it won’t disappear.
Made from recycled plastic and repurposed silicone, these earplugs surprised me with just how comfortable they felt. While the cone design looks bulky at first, it moulds to the ear well and sits softly. Unlike many mouldable silicone plugs, SurfEars don’t completely seal off sound, and that’s a big plus. I could hear the surroundings with impressive clarity, which is useful for safety in open water.
I really liked the carry case, which has a carabiner attachment, so you can clip it to the outside of a swim bag or a belt hook. Included inside the case are interchangeable wings and tips in multiple sizes, including a wingless option, which I preferred for a better fit under a swim cap. At more than £50, these earplugs are an investment but they also deliver top-notch performance, sustainability and customisable comfort.
Buy now £54.99, Amazon.co.uk
Alpine swimsafe earplugs
Best: Reusable swimming earplugs
Material: AlpineThermoShape
Size options: One (mouldable)
Number of pairs: One
Reusable: Yes
Carry case included: Yes
Why we love it
- Moulds with body heat
- Lets just enough sound in
Take note
- Can feel bulky
If you want to avoid silicone, these earplugs are made from AlpineThermoShape, which is a special material that warms up from your body heat and gently moulds to fit your ear. During testing, I found that the triple flange design (three soft rings) helped to keep water out without any fuss.
What’s really cool is the built-in filter that blocks water but still lets you hear what’s going on around you, so you don’t feel cut off. The earplugs are also hypoallergenic and you can use them up to 100 times – that’s a cost of just 12p per swim.
I found they stayed put well but I did start to notice a little pressure at the end of longer swims of more than a mile, as these earplugs are bulkier than some other options I tested.
Buy now £11.95, Amazon.co.uk
Speedo biofuse swimming earplugs
Best: swimming earplugs for comfort
Material: Silicone
Size options: One
Number of pairs: One
Reusable: Yes
Carry case included: Yes
Why we love it
- Strong staying power
- Durable
- Float in water
Take note
- Not adjustable
- On the small side for some
Speedo has been making swimwear and swim accessories for almost 100 years, so it’s no surprise its biofuse earplugs deliver pro-level performance. The earplugs feature a contoured, ergonomic shape that sits in the outer ear, creating a seal without needing to be pushed in too far.
Instead of moulding to your ear like silicone putty, they rely on their shape to stay in place, which gives them a more consistent, predictable fit. They have a similar look to the Boots swimming earplugs, with a flanged design that sits neatly in the ear.
What makes them so comfortable is how they distribute pressure. Rather than pressing into the ear canal, they sit more lightly in the outer ear, so I didn’t get that blocked or pressured feeling that I sometimes get with firmer plugs. Once in place, they stayed stable through different strokes without needing adjusting. I also liked that they float, which is a small detail, but genuinely useful if one comes loose.
Just note that they’re not adjustable and I found them to be on the small side, so they’re another pair that might not be a good fit for everyone.
Buy now £7.5, Speedo.com
Your questions on swimming earplugs answered
What are the best swimming earplugs?
Comfortable, discreet and impressively reliable, the Bollsen watersafe+ earplugs stood out as my overall favourite pair. The semi-custom fit meant they stayed put without feeling intrusive, and I often forgot I was wearing them.
For those who don’t want to feel completely cut off from their surroundings, the Sear Plugs V2 are a strong alternative. They let some sound through while still keeping water out, which makes them particularly useful in open water or busier swimming environments.
If you’re after something more affordable with a shape you can tailor yourself, Nabaiji’s malleable earplugs offer great value.
How I tested swimming earplugs
I tested each pair of swimming earplugs during regular swim sessions over several weeks, focusing on how they performed in real training conditions. During testing, I considered the following criteria.
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
Zoe Griffin has been evaluating and reviewing a wide range of products for IndyBest since 2021. As a triathlete, Zoe has particular expertise when it comes to swimming, sports, and fitness, reviewing everything from swimming goggles to fitness trackers. When assessing swimming earplugs, she took into account choices for all budgets and her reviews are always based on her genuine experiences through real-world testing.
Want more recommendations for the pool? I’ve found the best waterproof headphones