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Earplugs are safety products that many riders choose not to use, but if you choose not to pick up a pair, you’re risking permanent hearing loss. The wind noise you experience while riding at 60 mph is around 95 to 105 decibels, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) warns that exposure to noise that’s more than 100 decibels is safe for only 15 minutes. Even if you take wind noise out of the equation, many motorcycles produce more than 100 decibels when revved.
I never used to wear earplugs until a few long trips left my ears ringing and me feeling disoriented for a long time. Now I never ride without a pair. Earplugs are one of the most inexpensive pieces of motorcycle safety gear you can get, and they’ll protect you every time you throw a leg over.
Summary List
- Best Overall: NoNoise Motorsport Noise Filter Ear Protection
- Best Value: Softvox Motorcycle Earplugs
- Honorable Mention: Pinlock Earplugs
- Best Molded: Decibullz Custom Molded Earplugs
- Best App-compatible: EarDial HiFi Earplugs
- Best Foam: Howard Leight Disposable Foam Earplugs
Our Methodology
To choose the best motorcycle earplugs on the market, I employed The Drive’s comprehensive research methodology and evaluated dozens of pairs of earplugs before choosing the top contenders. Although I haven’t personally tested these products, my selection is informed by consumer testimonials, expert reviews, discussions on relevant online forums, and my institutional knowledge of the automotive industry. I visited the Motorcycle subreddit to get a more informed opinion of what motorcyclists felt about the products on the market and RevZilla to see what the experts had to say after their hands-on tests.
Best Motorcycle Earplugs: Reviews & Recommendations
Best Overall
NoNoise Motorsport Noise Filter Ear Protection
Best Value
Softvox Motorcycle Earplugs
Honorable Mention
Pinlock Earplugs
Best Molded
Decibullz Custom Molded Earplugs
Best App-compatible
EarDial HiFi Earplugs
Best Foam
Howard Leight Disposable Foam Earplugs
Our Verdict on the Best Motorcycle Earplugs
The NoNoise Motorsport Noise Filter Ear Protection reusable earplugs reduce harmful noise created by the wind by up to 29.6 decibels but still allow you to hear important traffic sounds, making them legal in most states. If you want earplugs that feature the same kind of precise filtering technology, check out my value pick, the Softvox Motorcycle Earplugs.
FAQs
You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers.
A: In most states, it’s legal to wear earplugs while riding, but some states have restrictions. Check out this article to see what the law is for each state.
A: Foam earplugs reduce all sounds equally, including traffic sounds such as sirens and horns. But earplugs with filters are designed to specifically reduce high-pitched noises, meaning you can hear traffic sounds.
A: Yes, the wind noise in most motorcycle helmets is between 95 to 105 decibels when traveling around 60 mph. This noise is more than enough to damage your hearing over an extended period, so you’ll still need earplugs for protection.
A: Yes, but only if you use earplugs with filters.
