Until recently, no one had heard of Loop earplugs. Earplugs were foam, often fluorescent, and largely forgotten — used once on a plane, or oin a project they were tossed into the bottom of a drawer. But that’s changed now. Loop Earplugs, a design-led hearing protection brand, has turned what used to be a niche medical product into a mainstream lifestyle accessory.
The rise of Loop is no accident. Their earplugs offer a solution to a modern epidemic: noise. Whether it’s the thumping of a crowded gym, the constant stimulation of open-plan offices, or the background chaos of daily life, more people are looking for ways to turn down the volume without tuning out completely. Loop’s offering — sleek, reusable earplugs that reduce noise while preserving sound clarity — has hit a cultural nerve.
Let’s just clear one thing up: They are noise-cancelling headphones and do not possess the functionality to receive a signal, so they don’t like up with or Audiobooks or Spotify.
From TikTok influencers and professional musicians to neurodivergent creators and Formula 1 engineers, Loop’s discreet circular design has started showing up everywhere. In March 2025, the brand announced a partnership with McLaren’s Formula 1 team — becoming their official earplug provider and launching a limited-edition papaya-coloured set inspired by the team’s livery. That kind of association signals just how seriously performance-focused professionals are taking hearing protection.
But the real question for most people isn’t “are they cool?” It’s: which model should I buy, and what do they actually do?
Understanding the Loop Range
Loop has developed a range of earplugs tailored to different everyday needs — all built with the same core tech, but each model fine-tuned for a specific purpose.
Loop Quiet is designed for maximum noise reduction. With up to 26 decibels of passive sound blocking, it’s the go-to for sleep, deep relaxation, or high-sensory environments. It’s a popular option for shift workers, light sleepers, and those dealing with anxiety or sensory overload. Unlike traditional foam plugs, Loop Quiet is reusable, comes with multiple ear tip sizes, and is made from soft-touch silicone that won’t irritate the skin.
Loop Engage is intended for social environments. It reduces sound by around 16 decibels, which takes the edge off busy cafes, public transport, or open offices — without making conversations impossible. The Engage model is particularly popular with people who experience sensory sensitivity or ADHD, helping them stay grounded without feeling isolated.
Loop Experience is aimed at live events — concerts, festivals, clubs — or high-noise environments like gyms. It reduces sound by around 18 decibels while maintaining full sound fidelity, which means you can still enjoy music or hear your trainer without the harshness of unfiltered noise. This model has also become popular with musicians and audio engineers who need hearing protection without distortion.
Loop Switch, their latest release, is a three-in-one plug. With three modes built into a single device (Quiet, Engage, and Experience), it allows users to adjust their level of noise reduction on the go. It’s ideal for those who move between different environments frequently, or who want one product that can handle everything from bedtime to a loud bar.
🧾 Which Loop Earplug Should You Buy?
| Activity | Recommended Model |
|---|---|
| Gym & workouts | Loop Engage Plus |
| Sleep & naps | Loop Quiet |
| Travel & commute | Loop Experience |
| ADHD/focus | Loop Engage or Switch |
| Concerts/festivals | Loop Experience Plus |
Why They’re Catching On
Loop’s appeal isn’t just in function — it’s in form. The brand has managed to redesign hearing protection into something that feels more like a fashion item than a medical device. The minimalist ring shape is available in a range of muted and bold colours, and the fit is discreet enough to wear in public without drawing attention. It’s this combination of form and function that has helped push the product from niche into the mainstream.
There’s also the changing conversation around mental health and sensory wellbeing. In the past, wearing earplugs in public might have felt antisocial or awkward. Today, it’s becoming normalised — even aspirational — to take control of your environment, protect your hearing, and regulate your sensory input. For people who struggle with concentration, overstimulation, or general mental fatigue, Loop offers a low-tech way to reclaim focus and calm.
As more consumers look to manage distractions and improve performance — in the gym, at work, or during recovery — products like Loop Earplugs are becoming less of a novelty and more of a must-have.
Where to Buy
Loop Earplugs are available online via their Australian website, and ship nationally. They’re sold as reusable kits with a travel case and multiple ear tip sizes, making them suitable for long-term daily use. Prices vary slightly between models, but all sit comfortably within a premium yet accessible price range.
For Men’s Fitness Online readers, we recommend purchasing directly through our affiliate link — which includes a discount for first-time buyers.
Finally, Loop Earplugs are not a gimmick. They’re a smart, design-led solution to a genuine modern problem: overstimulation. Whether you’re trying to focus at work, recover better overnight, or simply make your workouts more immersive, the right pair of earplugs can dramatically change how you perform and feel. Loop has made that possible without compromising on style, comfort, or clarity.
The question isn’t whether you need earplugs — it’s why you waited this long.
