Protecting your hearing doesn't mean giving up the sounds you love. As an audiologist, I've spent years helping people prevent and manage hearing loss, and I know how much difference the right earplugs can make.
Etymotic, founded in 1983 by audiologist Dr. Mead Killion, has built its reputation on hearing science rather than lifestyle marketing.
With over 100 patents in acoustics and a product range spanning from $20 passive earplugs to $500 electronic models, they're one of the few brands serving everyone from casual concert-goers to professional musicians.
Etymotic earplugs are designed to lower volume without distorting sound, whether you're at a concert, on stage, or at the shooting range.
In this review, I'll share my perspective on four of their most popular models, highlighting how they perform for comfort, clarity, and protection, so you can choose the best fit for your ears and lifestyle.
- ER20 – Affordable, reusable, and ideal for casual concertgoers or anyone wanting balanced protection on a budget.
- ER20XS – A discreet, low-profile upgrade to the ER20 with the same sound balance and a more comfortable fit under hats or helmets.
- MusicPro Elite – Electronic, adaptive protection that adjusts instantly to changing noise levels, perfect for musicians and performers.
- GunSport Pro – Designed for shooters and hunters, these react quickly to block harmful impulse noise while keeping speech clear.
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Featured in this article
Now that you’ve seen the highlights, here’s a deeper look at the Etymotic models worth considering in 2025. I’ll break down what makes each one stand out, where it performs best, and what to keep in mind before you buy.
👇 Let’s take a closer look at each option
Etymotic ER20 ETY Earplugs
- Hearing Protection: Effectively reduces sound levels by up to 20 dB across the frequency range to protect hearing in loud environments.
- Sound Clarity: A proprietary design maintains the natural response of the ear canal, allowing for clear and rich audio quality.
- Speech Intelligibility: They are designed to preserve speech clarity, which allows for clear communication even in noisy settings.
- Comfortable Fit: A longer stem provides a comfortable and secure fit for extended use.
The Etymotic ER20 ETY Earplugs provide a balanced mix of effective sound reduction, speech clarity, and a comfortable fit at an accessible price point.
- A proprietary tuned resonator and acoustic resistor preserve the richness and clarity of sound, making it possible to enjoy music and conversations at loud events like concerts without a muffled quality.
- The earplugs deliver up to 20 dB of sound reduction across all frequencies, which protects your hearing in noisy environments while allowing for clear communication.
The longer stem design offers an alternative fit for users who prefer that style. Overall, the ER20 Earplugs are a strong choice for those seeking hearing protection that maintains high-fidelity sound, making them a great value for concertgoers, musicians, and anyone in loud environments.
- Clarity and Protection: Users consistently point out that the earplugs effectively reduce loud noise without sacrificing sound quality. They report that music and speech remain clear, making them a great choice for concerts and band practice.
- A Comfortable Fit: The longer stem design is noted for providing a comfortable and secure fit. Users mention they can wear them for extended periods without irritation or feeling like their ears are clogged.
- Versatility in Use: Customers appreciate how well the earplugs perform in various loud settings. They are praised by concertgoers and musicians alike for providing reliable protection and a consistent listening experience.
- Convenient Accessories: The product comes with a compact carrying case and a neck cord. Users find the included accessories practical for keeping the earplugs safe and accessible.
Overall, the earplugs are seen as an affordable and effective solution for anyone who needs to protect their hearing while still enjoying a high-quality audio experience.
- Provides passive hearing protection while preserving sound clarity.
- Offers effective noise reduction up to 20 dB.
- Allows for clear communication in loud environments.
- Includes a carrying case and a neck cord for convenience.
- Comfortable design for extended wear.
- The longer stem design may not suit all ear canals.
- Requires proper cleaning and maintenance as per instructions.
- May feel too deep in the ear for some users.
Etymotic ER20 High-Fidelity Earplugs
- Natural Sound: Reduces noise evenly, keeping music and speech clear, not muffled.
- Ready-to-Wear: A simple, ready-fit design allows for quick, effortless use.
- Hearing Protection: Uniformly reduces all sounds by 20 dB to help prevent hearing loss.
- Comfortable Fit: A flexible design provides a snug, secure fit that won't slip easily.
The Etymotic ER20 High-Fidelity Earplugs provide a solid blend of sound protection and clarity at an affordable price. They're ready to use and built to lower sound levels without making speech or music sound muffled.
- A uniform 20 dB sound reduction allows you to hear conversations and instruments clearly. This makes them a smart pick for musicians, concertgoers, and people in loud settings who still need to communicate effectively.
- Their ready-fit design gives you a dependable way to protect your hearing in many different scenarios. They are perfect for events like athletic games, motor sports, or concerts, letting you enjoy the action while keeping your ears safe from damage.
For those who want to protect their hearing without giving up sound quality, these earplugs are an excellent choice.
- Clear Sound: Users find that the earplugs lower volume without muffling music or speech, keeping sound clear and natural at concerts and live events.
- Comfortable Fit: The ready-fit design is praised for a snug fit that stays in place, even during activity. It's a good option for those with smaller ear canals, though some users noted minor tightness after extended use.
- Discreet Design: The clear color and subtle design are a popular feature, as they are not easily noticed, allowing users to wear them without drawing attention.
- Versatile Use: The earplugs are a go-to for music venues and other loud events, though some users have found they may not provide enough protection for extremely high volumes.
Overall, users consider these earplugs a worthwhile investment for their ability to protect hearing while keeping sound quality high.
- Reduces hearing damage risk in loud settings.
- Preserves music and speech quality.
- Ready-fit design is simple to use.
- Comes with a carrying case for portability.
- The subtle, clear design is discreet.
- May feel too tight for users with very small ear canals.
- Can slip out during intense, sweaty activities.
- May not be sufficient for extremely high-volume noise.
Etymotic GunSport Pro Electronic Earplugs
- Automatic Protection: The earplugs instantly reduce dangerously loud sounds while allowing natural hearing in quieter environments.
- Enhanced Awareness: They amplify soft sounds up to five times, which helps with situational awareness and communication.
- Clear Sound Quality: Featuring high-definition balanced-armature drivers, the earplugs provide clear and accurate sound reproduction.
- Durable Design: An assortment of ear tips and a protective case are included, making them suitable for demanding conditions.
The Etymotic GunSport Pro Electronic Earplugs deliver smart protection that keeps you in the action.
- Adaptive Hearing: The earplugs allow you to hear your surroundings naturally, then instantly reduce dangerously loud sounds. This ensures you can stay aware of your environment without putting your hearing at risk.
- Clear Communication: By amplifying soft sounds and providing high-definition audio, these earplugs let you hear conversations and crucial cues with clarity, even when the setting is noisy.
These earplugs are an ideal solution for anyone needing effective, flexible hearing protection that supports full situational awareness.
- Comfort & Protection: People find the earplugs comfortable for long periods and appreciate that they protect against loud noises as well as bigger earmuffs. The key is using the foam tips for a proper seal.
- Situational Awareness: A standout benefit is the ability to hear and talk clearly. The earplugs amplify quiet sounds, which is great for conversations, while still guarding against loud blasts.
- Compact Design: The small size is perfect for shooting rifles because it doesn't get in the way. On the flip side, the tiny switches and batteries can be a bit fiddly to handle.
- Reliability Issues: A small number of users have had problems with an earpiece failing. Some found the replacement process slow and frustrating, though they eventually got a working product.
The Etymotic GunSport Pro is seen as a solid, comfortable hearing solution, though a few people have had issues with its long-term reliability.
- Allows natural hearing when no background noise is present.
- Provides sudden impact protection from firearm blasts.
- Gradually protects against loud, continuous noise from machinery.
- Amplifies soft sounds up to 5X for enhanced awareness.
- Automatic noise reduction adapts to changing sound levels.
- Proper insertion is necessary for the best protection.
- The small size can make handling switches and batteries a challenge.
- Flanged ear tips may not provide the same level of protection as the foam ones.
Etymotic MusicPro Elite Electronic Musician Earplugs
- Adaptive Sound: Automatically adjusts noise reduction levels to provide natural hearing until safe levels are exceeded.
- Dual-Mode Functionality: Switch between Normal Mode for passive protection and Boost Mode for soft sound amplification, offering flexible use.
- Clear & Natural Audio: Reduces sound levels evenly so music and speech remain clear and natural, helping you hear your instrument and your blend with others.
- Extended Use: A robust battery life allows for long periods of use, with some users reporting over a month of use before needing a recharge.
The Etymotic MusicPro Elite electronic musician earplugs offer a balanced mix of natural sound, hearing protection, and adaptable technology for performers.
- The adaptive noise reduction technology provides natural hearing in quiet environments, automatically reducing sound by 15 dB when noise levels become unsafe.
- The dual-mode functionality allows you to switch between passive protection in Normal Mode and soft sound amplification in Boost Mode, which also guards against loud amplifiers.
These earplugs are a strong choice for musicians who want to hear their instrument and their blend with others without the hassle of constantly removing their earplugs to hear.
- Sound Quality and Clarity: Users find the sound clear and natural, not muffled. Many appreciate being able to hear their instrument and vocal cues easily.
- Reliable Performance: The earplugs work as advertised, with users able to leave them in for an entire gig without losing clarity. The 15 dB (LO) mode is considered a clearer alternative to custom-molded options.
- Fit and Comfort: While some found the silicon tips could slip out, many users had success with the foam tips or custom molds for a secure fit.
- Impressive Battery Life: The battery life is a key benefit, with users reporting the charge rarely drops below 90%, even after multiple gigs over a month.
Overall, the earplugs are highly valued for their clear sound and effective, hassle-free protection, especially for musicians who perform regularly.
- Provides hearing protection while maintaining clear, natural sound.
- Features two operating modes to suit different noise levels and needs.
- Includes a water-resistant portable recharging case for convenience.
- The battery lasts for multiple gigs on a single charge.
- Comes with multiple eartips for finding a secure fit.
- Some users may find the silicon tips cause the earplugs to slip out.
- One user reported an earbud dying within a year.
- The limiter may clip on some loud spikes, like a cymbal pings.
What makes Etymotic unique?
Etymotic has been in the hearing protection game since 1983, founded by audiologist Dr. Mead Killion with over 100 patents in acoustics.
What sets them apart? They're one of the few brands offering a complete range—from $20 passive earplugs to $500 electronic models.
Whether you need budget-friendly concert protection or professional-grade gear for motorcycling or music production, they've got options.
While newer brands focus on lifestyle appeal, Etymotic's designs are rooted in decades of audiological research, giving them serious credibility in the hearing health space.
How did Etymotic earplugs do on testing?
Sound Quality & Noise Reduction
Etymotic's signature feature is their flat attenuation filters, which reduce noise evenly across all frequencies. Translation? Music and speech stay clear and natural—just at a safer volume.
Unlike foam plugs that muffle everything by cutting out highs, these preserve the actual quality of what you're hearing. Whether it's a thunderous rock show or a classical performance, you get the real sound without the damage.
Their product range covers different attenuation levels for various needs. The passive models typically offer around 12–13 dB NRR, which works great for concerts, rehearsals, or travel.
The motorsport versions have smaller filter tips that sit flush with your ear—a game-changer if you're wearing a helmet. That thoughtful design detail makes all the difference in whether you'll actually wear them consistently.
One important heads-up: while the passive models handle everyday loud environments well, they're not enough for gun ranges or industrial settings with extreme noise. For those situations, you'll need supplemental over-ear protection.
Comfort
The triple-flange silicone design is comfortable for extended wear and hypoallergenic, but there's a learning curve. You need to insert them properly: pull your ear upward and outward to straighten your ear canal, then gently twist the plug into place. The three-flange style creates a pressure seal that keeps them secure, but that also means you need to be gentle removing them.
Getting the right size matters. If they keep falling out or hurt, try a different size—Etymotic includes multiple options. Once you've got the fit dialed in, they're genuinely comfortable for hours.
Durability & Maintenance
These earplugs are built to last 3–6 months depending on use, and you can buy replacement tips separately to extend their life even further. Maintenance is straightforward: wipe the silicone tips with a baby wipe or damp cloth, let them air dry completely, and store them in their case.
Speaking of cases, most models come with compact carrying cases, though the motorsport and OTC versions don't have keychain loops (the ER20XS does, and the electronic MusicPro models include a neck cord). Not a dealbreaker, but it's easier to lose them in a bag.
Bottom Line
Pros:
• Natural, balanced sound quality that preserves clarity
• Comfortable and secure fit once you get the insertion right
• Complete product range from budget to professional-grade
• Durable construction with replaceable parts
• Backed by 40+ years of hearing science expertise
Cons:
• Requires proper insertion technique (slight learning curve)
• Clear tips will discolor with regular use
• Not all models have keychain-friendly cases
• Electronic models carry a premium price tag
• Passive versions need supplemental protection for extreme noise environments
The verdict:
Etymotic delivers serious hearing protection without compromising sound quality.
Their decades of audiological expertise and comprehensive lineup—from inexpensive alternatives to high-end electronic devices—make them a well-rounded brand for anyone serious about protecting their hearing.
If you value sound fidelity and science-backed design over purely aesthetic appeal, these are worth the investment.
What to consider when purchasing earplugs?
Now that we've established some excellent use cases for hearing protection let's talk about what to look for in a product. In the following section, I will outline how to assess earplugs so you find the right product.
Going into my Etymotic review, I had the following questions:
- Are the earplugs comfortable for extended use?
- Are they durable for long-term use?
- What does maintenance look like?
- How does music sound while wearing them?
- Most importantly, how effective are they at blocking out noise?
Why should you wear earplugs?
Just pause for a moment and imagine all the sounds you experience every day. Thanks to our ears, we can enjoy the beauty of speech, music, and the symphony of sounds in our world.
However, as with many good things, there can be too much. The special cells in our inner ear, called hair cells, react to sounds and send signals to the brain, allowing us to enjoy our favorite song.
The thing is, due to the delicate nature of those hair cells, prolonged exposure to loud sounds can lead to irreversible hearing loss.
Did you know that just 15 minutes at a live music event without hearing protection can cause permanent damage? It's true. Plus, you may be left with annoying ear ringing or tinnitus from loud sound exposure.
And it's not just a small issue - studies show that 15% of Americans aged 20 to 69 already have noise-induced hearing loss. Don't let your hearing suffer. Use earplugs to prevent this type of damage and protect your ears.
Bottom Line
Etymotic emerges as an understated winner in the hearing protection category. Its offerings may not boast the curb appeal of Loop or carry catchy names like Eargasm.
Yet, they deliver where it truly matters - effective noise reduction, exceptional sound quality, and superior comfort. These earplugs are a testament to the adage that sometimes, the substance is indeed more significant than the style.
The OTC and motorsport earplugs are budget-friendly hearing protection for nearly all ear sizes and shapes.
While the electronic devices may come with a higher price tag, the quality of sound, comfort, and durability they bring to the table makes them a worthwhile investment for those seeking maximum, high-fidelity, reliable hearing protection.
Etymotic earplugs are, thus, an excellent choice for preserving your hearing without sacrificing the pleasure of sound.
Conclusion
In conclusion, as an audiologist, I can attest to the importance of adequate hearing protection. Etymotic earplugs genuinely live up to their promise of exceptional sound quality, comfort, and effective noise reduction.
Fortunately, the range of hearing protection products means that there is something for every budget, and it only takes a small investment to protect your hearing health.
In our world, it's crucial to protect our hearing, and it's much easier to do it when it doesn't mean compromising our enjoyment of music and sounds around us.
Whether you're a musician or simply someone who values your hearing health, Etymotic earplugs are a worthwhile consideration.
