Do earplugs cause you pain or discomfort while sleeping and you need an alternative? We get you! Earplugs often irritate the ear canal and disturb sleep. They also cause faster and thicker earwax formation, which is unhealthy and might cause severe health issues like hearing loss and tinnitus. Earplugs can also lead to bacterial growth inside the ear canal. We don’t want you to suffer from such distress! If you are wondering how else to block out noise without earplugs, our experts are here to help you.
Short on time? The best earplug alternatives in 2024 are the SNOOZ White Noise Sound Machine and the Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Bluetooth Headphones. You will find more info about these products in the guide below. We have shared some of the other best alternatives to Earplugs for sleeping below. Keep reading to find out better ways of cutting the snoring noise without using earplugs!
Alternative to Earplugs: Quick Comparison
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SNOOZ White Noise Sound Machine
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Noise Cancelling Headphones
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Reusable Cotton Earplugs
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Sleeping Earmuffs
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Noise Reducing Curtains
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Soundproof House Paint
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Ear Plug Alternatives & How to Block Out Noise Without Them
SNOOZ White Noise Sound Machine
Winner
The best earplug substitute for sleeping in 2024 is the highly rated SNOOZ White Noise Sound Machine.
It is by far the most effective device that can cut down all sorts of noise at ease.
Are you wondering whether it can help your baby sleep in peace as well? Yes, it sure can!
This device is efficient in cutting down noises of barking dogs, noisy neighborhood sounds, snoring, car horns, hotel room noise, and so on.
It creates a soothing sound of blowing air (without making the room cold), which makes the ambiance more comfortable. Also, you can download their app and control the device right from your mobile.
Pros
- Safe for infants.
- Comes with an automatic on/off the system.
- Creates a soothing sound of blowing air.
- Increases the effectiveness of other noise-cancellation devices.
Cons
- Neighbors might get to hear the sound created by the machine.
2. Noise Cancellation Headphones
If you sleep on your back and want a great alternative to earplugs, then noise canceling headphones will work best for you.
These headphones are made to cut down all sorts of noise and create a distraction-free environment for you.
The best part is that they not just reduce snoring sounds but also decrease other heavy noises like that of traffic, drill machine, generator, etc.
The finest noise cancellation headphones that you can grab are definitely the Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Bluetooth Headphones.
If you want to use this device at its best, then we have a pro tip for you! Download some soothing sounds on your mobile and play those on the headphones while sleeping or meditating. Soothing music helps to fall asleep faster and refreshes the mind instantly.
Pros
- Comes with Bluetooth and Alexa support.
- A dual microphone cancels the noise better than other headphones.
- Features Bose’s special AR technology.
- A 12 inch USB cable is included in the package.
Cons
- Not ideal for those who sleep on their side.
3. Reusable Cotton Earplugs
People who find earplugs as the most convenient method of canceling noise, can stop using the ones made of plastic and try the cotton earplugs.
It is a great alternative to the same device made out of more comfortable material.
The cotton earplugs are moldable, making the device perfect for the ear canal. They also reduce the noise of snoring in the best possible way.
The product that wins under this category is the Ohropax Reusable Wax/cotton Ear Plugs. It can reduce noise up to 23 dB, which are quite effective for peaceful sleep.
You can also use these earplugs while swimming to prevent water flow into your ear canal. Also, this product is great for traveling purposes. Read also: Best Earplugs for Shooting Range & Hunting 2024
Pros
- Reusable
- Fits perfectly in the ear canal.
- Do not irritate the ear.
- Comes with a case for traveling.
- Reduces up to 23 dB noise.
Cons
- Need to be replaced with new ones quite often.
4. Sleeping Earmuffs
Compared to the other earplug alternatives mentioned above, earmuffs are a bit less effective.
However, you can still wear them for long hours because they are super comfortable, unlike your typical earplugs.
You should always choose an earmuff that has a high NRR rating.
The recommended product in this section is the Wrap-a-Nap Travel Pillow. This can reduce noise up to 20 dB.
This product is best for travel purposes as it reduces noise considerably and also works as a comfortable pillow. Win-win!
Pros
- Comfortable for the neck and lumbar.
- Blocks both sound and light.
- Takes less space in luggage.
Cons
- Not very effective for reducing loud sounds
5. Using Noise Reducing Curtains
Another great way of reducing the overall noise of the house is by replacing the regular curtains with noise-decreasing drapes.
These curtains also ensure that the sound of the TV and home theatres feels better than ever. Read also: Best Earplugs for Misophonia & Noise Sensitivity 2024
When sleeping at night, they absorb the noises of snoring, traffic, and other distractive sounds. It is a great earplug substitute.
The best soundproof curtains that you can buy for your house are the NICETOWN 3 Pass Microfiber Noise Reducing Drapes. You will find multiple designs of these drapes.
These curtains also help in balancing the temperature inside the house by absorbing extra heat and chill. They also protect the furniture from UV rays during the daytime Hence, overall it is a good deal!
Pros
- UV ray protection
- Balances temperature during summers and winters
- Comes in various designs
- Soft and easily washable quality
Cons
- A bit pricey than regular curtains
6. Soundproof House Paint
If you have already considered using soundproof curtains, then noise-reducing paint will be a great addition!
These paints are thicker than the other house paints. That is why it can absorb noise effectively.
The finest soundproof paint is the Acousti Coat- Sound Deadening Paint. This paint is loved by most of the customers and you can try it too!
However, remember that the paint alone will not work as a good alternative to earplugs. You will have to employ other soundproofing ways as well for the best results.
Pros
- Contains no toxic ingredients.
- Environmental-friendly product.
- You can wash the walls with soap and water.
- Gives a smooth finish.
Cons
- Needs the assistance of other soundproofing methods for effective results.
Final Thoughts about Alternative to Earplugs for Sleeping
We hope this guide helps you to choose the best alternative to earplugs for sleeping. Our favorite products for noise-cancellation purposes in 2024 are SNOOZ White Noise Sound Machine and Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Bluetooth Headphones.
Before leaving, do tell us: did you decide how you will block out noise without earplugs? Share your final thoughts with us!
Dave Pearson is a Canadian musician, sound editor, and audiophile. He is also the founder and owner of the website SoundProofGeek. On SoundProofGeek, Pearson offers advice and resources on audio equipment, including how to assess and improve audio quality, how to troubleshoot and repair audio equipment, and how to improve the music listening experience.
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