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 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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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.
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.
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?
What makes Etymotic unique?
There are many options out there for hearing protection, so you might be asking yourself why you should choose Etymotic earplugs. Well, let me tell you - these are not your average drugstore foam earplugs. Etymotic is a brand that has been in the hearing protection game for over 40 years, and they have perfected their craft.
Etymotic is no stranger to the hearing healthcare industry. The company's history spans four decades in acoustic research and hearing healthcare.
Their products are designed with precision and technology to provide the best possible sound quality while also protecting your hearing.
They're also the company behind the first insert earphones and the world's first noise-isolating high-fidelity in-ear earphones, in 1984 and 1991, respectively. Their pioneering efforts in this space created a new consumer electronics category.
More recently, they joined forces with Lucid Audio in 2018, a partnership built on the shared vision of advancing and improving hearing healthcare for consumers. So, if you're looking for high-quality hearing protection from a trusted brand, look no further than Etymotic.
What makes Etymotic unique is its use of advanced technology to provide clear, natural sound while reducing noise. Many earplugs block out high-frequency sounds, which can alter the quality of the music or speech you're trying to listen to.
However, Etymotic earplugs use a special filter that reduces noise evenly across all frequencies. This means you can still hear the music or speech clearly, as it was intended to be enjoyed, but at a safer volume.
How did Etymotic earplugs do on testing?
Comfort
When it comes to comfort, the Etymotic earplugs exceeded expectations. Their ergonomic design and hypoallergenic silicone material ensure a snug fit that doesn't cause discomfort even with prolonged usage.
However, it's essential to note that the superior comfort offered by these earplugs hinges on correct usage, including proper insertion and sizing. So, how do you ensure that the earplugs are inserted correctly? Here are a few tips:
- First, pull your ear upwards and outwards to straighten your ear canal.
- Next, gently insert the earplug, twisting it until it's seated comfortably in your ear.
- It's also critical to ensure you have the right size. If the earplug constantly falls out or causes pain, it might be too big or small. You may need to try different sizes to find the perfect fit.
Proper insertion is essential for maximum attenuation and comfort. The three-flange style stays in place well but also creates a pressure seal in the ear canal. It's critical to insert and remove them gently. The instructions layout very well how to properly insert and remove the earplugs.
Durability
The Etymotic earplugs are extremely durable, designed to last anywhere from 3 to 6 months, depending on the frequency of use and care. This ensures you get top-notch hearing protection for an extended period.
The availability of replacement ear tips further enhances the durability. These can be purchased separately, making it possible to maintain the effectiveness of the earplugs even after the original ear tips have worn out.
A noteworthy aspect is that the Motorsports earplugs and the OTC hearing protection are accompanied by a small, square carrying case. Although useful, a case with a keychain loop might be more user-friendly, as not all users may remember to carry the case in their pockets.
Cases like this are hard to locate in a purse or bag. However, Etymotic has considered this in the design of the ER20XS, which does come with a small attachable keychain.
In addition, the MusicPro Elite Electronic earplugs are equipped with a neck cord, helping users keep track of their earplugs and ensuring they are always within reach. This attention to detail underscores the brand's commitment to user convenience and accessibility.
Maintenance
Keeping your Etymotic earplugs clean is crucial for their longevity and your ear hygiene. Regular maintenance will ensure their optimal performance and durability. While foam earplugs cannot be cleaned, most of these earplugs use silicone ear tips.l Fortunately, cleaning these earplugs is a straightforward process. Here is a simple guide to cleaning your Etymotic silicone earplugs:
- Gently remove the earplug from your ear. It's essential to avoid pulling too hard, as this could damage the earplug and cause discomfort due to the pressure seal.
- Using a baby wipe or damp cloth, gently clean the surface of the earplug. Baby wipes are a good choice because they are soft, gentle, and contain mild cleaning agents that won't damage the earplug.
- Clean the ear tips, but be sure not to push any debris further into the earplug.
- After cleaning, allow the earplug to air dry completely. This is essential as any moisture left inside the earplug can create build-up.
- Store your clean earplugs in their protective case to keep them safe and clean for their next use.
Remember, consistent cleaning and proper storage is the key to maintaining your Etymotic earplugs and ensuring they last. It's also essential to replace the ear tips as recommended by the manufacturer to maintain their effectiveness.
Sound Quality
In terms of sound quality, Etymotic earplugs are simply top-notch. There's no denying the outstanding reputation that Etymotic has built over the years; thankfully, their earplugs don't disappoint.
They are designed to reduce noise evenly, maintaining sound quality while protecting your hearing.
Whether it's the thunderous roar of a rock concert or the subtle echoes of a classical symphony, the Etymotic earplugs work to deliver the true essence of the sound, just at a safer volume. This balance between protection and sound fidelity ensures you never miss a beat while safeguarding your hearing.
Noise Reduction
The variety of products on offer from Etymotic caters to a wide range of attenuation requirements, which is a notable advantage.
The filter used by Etymotic is designed to reduce noise across all frequencies evenly, which means that you can still hear the music clearly, even at a lower volume.
From musicians who need to protect their hearing without compromising on sound quality, to motorsport enthusiasts who need to block out harmful levels of noise, there's something for everyone.
A standout feature is the smaller filter tip found in the motorsport earplugs. This minute detail may seem insignificant to some, but for a motorbike rider, it's a game-changer.
The smaller tip offers a comfortable fit without sticking out and improves the wearing experience, greatly influencing whether someone wears the earplugs consistently while on the bike.
Etymotic's understanding of its users' needs shines through in these thoughtful design elements. The versatility across their range and commitment to comfort and functionality make Etymotic earplugs a sound choice for any noisy environment.
However, it's essential to note that while the non-electronic hearing protection offers good sound quality and comfort, these earplugs are not sufficient for use at the gun range or other very loud environments.
Despite their excellent noise reduction capabilities, they may not offer the high level of protection required in environments with extremely high decibel levels.
In such cases, it would be advisable to use earplugs specifically designed to handle extremely loud noises or to supplement the earplugs with over-the-ear protection. It's always better to err on the side of caution when protecting your hearing, especially in environments where noise levels can exceed safe limits.
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.
