Best swimming ear plugs (and alternatives)
Prevent water and bacteria from entering the ear canal and reduce the chance of ‘swimmer’s ear’ with our pick of the best ear plugs – and alternatives for those who don’t like to wear ear plugs
SURFEARS 4.0
£54.95
Pro: Doesn’t block sound
Con: Pricy but built to last
We loved the new SurfEars 4.0 ear plugs! Designed for surfers, they’re built to last. In the pool, they felt soft and exceptionally comfortable. Designed to keep water out while allowing sound in, we could still hear our coach. Most importantly for open water, they’re on an adjustable wire so you won’t lose them. They’re also made from recycled ocean plastics and repurposed silicone, and come in a nifty case, with ventilation holes, a magnetic snap closure and carabiner. JT
HAPPY EARS Ocean Plastics Discovery Pack
£26.50
Pro: Pro: Made from ocean plastics
Con: Tiny case, might be easy to lose
The earplug business is a dirty business; more than 1 billion single-use ear plugs are thrown away every year. Happy Ears are the first eco-friendly earplugs made of ocean plastics. The ear plugs come in three sizes; the Ocean Plastics Discovery Pack lets you to try all three. The plugs have a neat design: a soft oval part with a short stem designed to replicate the inner ear canal. They’re tiny, but they stayed put during our swim, kept water out and felt comfortable. They also soften with wear, are washable and durable, so should last well. JT
EARVOLUTION Putty Buddies Floating Ear Plugs
Pro: One size fits all
Con: Block sound as well as water
Putty Buddies are made of soft and moldable silicone. After working the putty a little, you flatten it over the ear opening to create a water- and sound-proof barrier. They were the most effective in blocking water and sound although, personally, we prefer to be able to hear a little. We liked the fluorescent colours, which would be easy to spot if they did fall out. Although, wearing them with the Ear Band-It ULTRA headband, a soft neoprene headband shaped to cover the ears, they weren’t going anywhere.
ORCA Neoprene Headband, £14
£14
Pro: Good solution if you don’t like ear plugs
Con: Doesn’t keep 100% of the water out
Super stretchy and comfortable, this 2.5mm neoprene headband covers the ears really well, protecting them from cold water and keeping ear plugs in place. A Velcro strap at the back allows you to adjust it for the perfect fit. They also worked well for those of us who feel dizzy swimming in cold water but don’t like wearing ear plugs. Whether it was because the tight-fitting headband kept most of the water out or because it warmed the water up, we found it had a noticeable effect on reducing dizziness in open water.
All products were chosen independently by our editorial team. This review contains affiliate links and we may receive a commission for purchases made. Click here to subscribe to the magazine. Read more Outdoor Swimmer gear reviews.
Jo Tinsley
Jo is the Gear Editor for Outdoor Swimmer and also writes news and features for the website. A keen open water swimmer and long-distance walker, she loves seeking out lakes and lidos close to her home in the Mendip Hills, Somerset. She is the author of The Slow Traveller, editor and founder of independent magazine, Ernest, and has previously tested outdoor clothing and kit for BBC Countryfile Magazine, BBC Focus and Ernest Journal.
