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Swimming earplugs are a fantastic invention that helps swimmers of all levels keep water out of their ears. However, there are several different types from even more manufacturers, and in this article we have gathered an overview of the best earplugs for swimming.
Here are our top recommendations. 👇
👆 Click on each model to jump straight to the section where we review each one in depth.
Cheaper alternative to SurfEars 
Cheapest alternative to SwimEars 
Best snug-fitting earplugs 
Best moldable earplugs for kids 
Jump to relevant section 👇:
Finding the right swimming earplugs isn’t always easy, but we’ve tried to make it simple. Below you will find my clearest recommendations for the best models available. We give you the most trustworthy and genuine recommendations – based on expert knowledge, customer reviews, and experience from Watery.ie. With that, I hope it becomes much easier for you to choose the model you need.
All my recommendations can be used for swimming, water play, diving, and snorkelling. And we stand behind every single one.
If you are unsure which type of earplugs to choose, learn more here.
So let’s start with the absolute best of the best: SwimEars earplugs in both adult and junior versions.
I have already briefly touched on them in the sizing section, where I mentioned their unique features that allow sound into the ear canals without letting water in.
Speech and instructions from fellow swimmers and from the poolside can therefore easily be understood, so as a swimmer you don’t need to take the earplugs out every time there’s information you need to hear. This feature has made them one of the most sought-after sets of earplugs for competitive swimmers.
However, you don’t have to be a competitive swimmer or a regular fitness swimmer to use these earplugs. They can also be used for casual family trips to the swimming pool with the kids when their ear canals need protection, or by open water swimmers swimming in groups.
SwimEars earplugs are designed like custom-moulded earplugs. However, they overcome the challenge of moulded versions not fitting everyone equally well by including interchangeable parts in various sizes.
This way, you can get them to fit your specific ears perfectly. Plus, they also keep out dirt, cold air, and bacteria.
SwimEars is my absolute top recommendation for anyone looking to protect their ears in the water. Whether you are an elite swimmer, a fitness swimmer, or simply enjoy being in the water.
“Really good. Fit comfortably, keep the water out, and you have no problem hearing. Connected by a cord, so they are not easy to lose. Great case.” – (Margrethe P.)
“We recently bought Swimears Junior from Watery after great guidance on the chat. Our daughter must not get any water in one of her ears, so we were looking for the tightest and best earplugs, and these simply work!” – (Mia A.)
These Watery Active earplugs are designed specifically for use in water, whether you swim laps, exercise, or swim in open water. They are shaped to sit comfortably even over extended periods – you can easily wear them for an entire swim session without any issues.
The earplugs are ergonomically designed to match the shape of your ears, ensuring a secure, watertight fit. They are inserted with a gentle push and twisted until firmly in place, staying put for a long time.
The earplugs can be used by both recreational and competitive swimmers, as well as children and adults.
Children aged 3+ can use Watery Active earplugs.
Watery Active earplugs are available in clear, blue, and grey.
“These earplugs fit perfectly in the ear and are comfortable to wear throughout an entire training session in the pool” – (Trine B.)
If you are looking for a pair of earplugs that offer the absolute best value for money, my top recommendation is to get a pair of Speedo Ergo earplugs. They fit both children and adults and are wonderfully comfortable to wear even for extended periods at a time.
Speedo Ergo belongs to the surround type which, instead of blocking water with flanges inside the ear canal itself, stops it before it even gets that far using just a single flange that seals off the outer part of the ear.
That is what makes them so incredibly comfortable.
Speedo Ergo earplugs are my top recommendation if you want a pair of earplugs that do their job—namely keeping water out of the ear canals—without costing a fortune.
“There is an R and L letter on each earplug indicating which ear to put them in. It is very effective. Easy to insert and doesn’t hurt.” – (Simbad.)
“I bought mine directly from you online and was absolutely thrilled to go back to them. They are properly designed to fit well while being very comfortable. I will be ordering more in the near future. Cons: None.” – (Sue)
If you want them as cheap as possible, these waterproof silicone earplugs from TYR are the ones you need. But just because they’re affordable earplugs doesn’t mean they aren’t good.
As the name suggests, TYR Soft Moldable are mouldable, allowing them to be shaped to fit incredibly well and comfortably in all types of ears. At the same time, they offer the benefit of keeping water out remarkably well.
Furthermore, they can be used by both children and adults, regardless of the size of the ears they need to fit into.
I recommend TYR Soft Moldable to anyone looking for a good and affordable earplug that puts comfort at the very forefront.
“Great for swimming, flying, the office, and driving. These fantastic things keep the water out and the sound in. I once wore these to an underwater rock concert, and they worked like a charm. I also wear them at work around the water cooler.” – (Travelr.)
A pair of lightweight earplugs that do exactly what they should: keep the water out and stay firmly in place. Tasman Pro is developed specifically for use in water, whether you’re swimming laps, training for a meet, or enjoying a relaxed swim in open water.
It features an ergonomic shape that truly follows the natural curves of the ear, giving you that “forget-you’re-wearing-them” feel, even during extended swim sessions. Put them in with a gentle push and a slight twist, and they stay right where they should – even when you pick up the pace.
Tasman Pro works for both children (ages 3+) and adults, making it easy for the whole family to use the same model. They are a great choice for swimmers who want comfort, a secure seal, and zero hassle, whether at the swimming pool or in the lake.
The model is available in white, blue, and black, so you can easily match the rest of your gear.
Please note: These earplugs are not recommended for diving. Children should use them under adult supervision.
“I would definitely buy them again; they seal well and are easy to use.” – (Beatrice K.)
“My son (6) can put them in all by himself. Works perfectly, looks cool, and very easy to use..” – (Tanya B.)
These mouldable and waterproof earplugs for kids are perfect for children’s swimming, training, water sports, or just splashing around on holiday. The Indra earplugs mould to the contours of the ear, creating a tight seal without causing irritation, as they don’t have to go into the ear canal itself. This makes them particularly suitable for children with sensitive ears or those who frequently get water in their ears.
Using these earplugs is actually quite simple: Take one plug at a time, roll it between your hands for 30 seconds, place it over the ear canal (without pushing it in), and press/smooth it along the inner contours of the ear – 5 seconds later, it is securely in place. The light adhesive effect keeps the plug in position – even during active water play – without leaving the skin feeling sticky afterwards.
Durability & care for these earplugs: One pack contains 12 earplugs (6 pairs). With proper care, each pair can be used up to 12 times. Rinse gently in clean water after use, always store in the case, and avoid sunlight, soap, oils, and solvents that can degrade the material. When the surface is no longer adhesive – or the plug is dirty – it’s time to replace it.
“Fits a 6-year-old child really well, and especially with the swimming headband over top, it completely seals out water from the ears..” – (Mia B.)
“They are truly effective. I’m a mum of a child with grommets, they are indispensable and don’t bother the ear at all..” – (Johanne R.)
There are not many people who have put their head under water without afterwards experiencing that annoying sensation of water trapped in the ear. Especially after spending longer periods in the water. In swimming circles, this is known as swimmer’s ear.
To cut a long story short, water in the ear occurs when water enters the ear canal, where it becomes trapped and can neither move further into the ear nor get back out.
This creates the feeling of having a blocked ear, often accompanied by muffled hearing and dizziness, and in the worst cases, an ear infection. Here at Watery, we have also written a really helpful guide about this here, which also covers what you can do to treat swimmer’s ear if you’re unlucky enough to get it.
When you use earplugs, you prevent water from entering the ear, thereby avoiding the discomfort associated with swimmer’s ear.
Now that we’ve established why it’s a good idea to use earplugs, it’s time to look at the different types available and what they can do for you. Below, I also outline the clear advantages and disadvantages of each type, ensuring you are as well equipped as possible to choose the right pair for your needs.
Please note that it is important to choose dedicated swimming earplugs if you want the best protection. Regular earplugs used for everyday noise reduction are not designed for use in water.
Instead, they will absorb water and fall out after a very short time. That is what sets regular earplugs apart from dedicated swimming earplugs.
It might sound like something related to hi-fi, but it isn’t. When it comes to swimming earplugs, both in-ear and surround styles exist as well. Naturally, they just serve a different purpose.
In short, an in-ear earplug is inserted directly into the ear canal like a traditional earplug, keeping water out of the inner ear. A surround earplug, on the other hand, has an outer flange that seals tightly over the entrance of the ear canal so water never gets in in the first place.
An example of an in-ear earplug is this Speedo Biofuse, and an example of a surround earplug is these Speedo Ergo earplugs.
So what are the pros and cons of one over the other? Here are the answers:
The two types of earplugs—in-ear and surround—that I have covered so far both fall under the category known as pre-moulded earplugs. However, there is also another type: mouldable earplugs.
A mouldable earplug is made of silicone, allowing you to easily and quickly shape it to fit your exact ear. This means they are as close to a custom fit as you can possibly get.
You can see an example of a mouldable type here and an example of a pre-moulded type here.
So, what are the pros and cons of these two types of earplugs?
Now that we have covered the different types of earplugs, I would like to explain a bit about the sizes available. Luckily, the explanation is quite simple: the vast majority of earplugs fit both children and adults.
However, there is an exception to every rule. There is one specific model in our range that is designed exclusively for either adults or children. In return, it offers some truly unmatched performance qualities.
The model where you need to check whether the earplugs are for an adult (16 years or older) or a child (aged 3 to 16) is the top-of-the-range model for swimming: SwimEars.
You can find SwimEars for adults here and SwimEars for kids here.
The reason why these SwimEars earplugs come in child and adult versions lies in their unique design, which allows normal speech to be heard clearly while keeping water completely out of the ear canals.
So to put it simply: apart from SwimEars earplugs, there is no difference in sizing between the various models. You can therefore freely choose from our wide range, regardless of whether they are for a child or an adult.
When it comes to protecting your ears, earplugs are not the only product that can help you. There is also a small selection of other products that can do the job.
And I will tell you a bit about them here.
Ear bands can either be used without earplugs or in combination with them. The purpose of ear bands is the same: to keep water out of your ears.
They are made of neoprene and can be adjusted to fit children’s head sizes from around three years of age up to a medium-sized adult head. If you use them in combination with earplugs, ear bands offer the great advantage of ensuring your earplugs won’t fall out and get lost.
An important feature of an ear band is that it also keeps your ears warm in cooler conditions, such as open water swimming during the shoulder seasons. So we are dealing with a product that offers you the ultimate ear protection in the water.
You rarely see a swimmer in the pool without a swim cap on their head. In addition to the benefit of minimising water resistance, it also protects your hair from chlorine. Plus, it can help prevent you from losing your earplugs if the cap is pulled down far enough.
If you are unlucky enough to get water trapped in your ear, you can benefit from using Mack’s Dry-n-Clear drying aid. It is a product where, by applying a few drops of the liquid into your ear, you dry out any water that might be trapped in your ear canal.
In addition to drying out the water in the ear, it also contains a moisturiser that takes good care of the sensitive lining in the inner part of the ear canal.
All in all, it is a truly great product for when mishaps happen!
Even though earplugs naturally sit in water when you use them while swimming, it is still a really good idea to clean them after each use. This removes any dirt and debris that might be in your ear canals and came out with your earplugs when you took them out.
Fortunately, they are quite easy to clean. Simply rinse them under fresh warm water after each use. Then store them in a case in a dry and cool place, and they will be ready to use again next time.
Luckily, all swimming earplugs can be reused again and again. As I already mentioned earlier, some models last longer than others. But as a rule of thumb, they can be used multiple times and for a long time, as long as you remember to take good care of them.
As you have probably realized after reading this guide, swimming earplugs are not just ordinary earplugs. Therefore, it is a good idea to buy your new earplugs from a specialist in swimming and swim gear.
And here at Vandklar – part of Watery – we have gathered the exact earplugs that our experience and expertise show work best. Many people on the team behind Watery are former elite swimmers and have tried everything under the sun in swim gear – so we know what works and what doesn’t.
Whenever we have received questions about a product, our customer service has responded quickly and accurately via our chat. And for that reason alone, we recommend shopping with us at Watery.ie.
