Earplugs: Reviews

In comparative reviews of earplugs by motorcycle enthusiasts -- who know a thing or two about noise -- Howard Leight MAX plugs are recommended more often than any other brand. One motorcycle buff praises these earplugs… for their "transparent comfort, excellent noise attenuation and easy fit." Bear in mind, however, that even reviewers who rave about Howard Leight MAX earplugs say they're fairly large, can be difficult to insert and fit very snugly (since you don't want your earplugs popping out on the road). These plugs have a Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) of 33 decibels, the highest of any disposable brand. They're also available in a smaller size as MAX Lite (*est. $25 for box of 200 pair), but with a lower NRR of 30 decibels.

See more photos, specs, and reviews

expand

collapse

Hearos Ultimate Softness earplugs are over six times more expensive than Howard Leight MAX when bought in bulk (*est. 75 cents per pair vs. 12 cents per pair), they don't fit as snugly and they have a slightly lower NRR… of 32 decibels. However, reviewers say these plugs make up in softness and comfort what they lack in economy and firm fit, and do an excellent job blocking out everyday household (or next-to-household) sounds. This is the top pick of mainstream, as opposed to motorcyclist, reviewers.

See more photos, specs, and reviews

expand

collapse