Sleep

Best Earplugs for Sleeping on Planes and Trains

29/09/2025

0 min read

Sometimes, it can be really hard to sleep on long plane or train trips. The noise of engines, people talking, and the sound of food being served can make it hard to relax.

When you're travelling, a reliable pair of earplugs for sleeping can be your best travel companion when it comes to sleep.

But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the right ones for you? These options range from traditional foam earplugs to high-tech electronic sleep headphones.

Do not worry: this guide has been created especially for you. We will explain how to choose and use them for different situations, so that every nap on your next trip is peaceful.

soundcore Sleep A30 with the active noise cancelling system

Why Quality Sleep During Travel is Non-Negotiable

It is very important to sleep if you want to be healthy. This is also very important when you are travelling. Indeed, the importance of attaining a restful night's sleep while travelling cannot be overstated.

To arrive feeling refreshed and ready to hit the ground running, make sure you get a solid sleep on the plane if you're crossing time zones, as this significantly reduces the fatigue caused by jet lag. During a train journey, a rejuvenating nap has the power to metamorphose a protracted commute into an occasion for relaxation or even personal rejuvenation.

Furthermore, sleep can be a very effective way to reduce travel-related anxiety. With a good pair of earplugs for sleeping, you can block out noisy surroundings and create your own "mobile soundproof pod". This allows your body to relax, your heart rate to steady and your thoughts to stop being pulled in all directions by external chaos.

So, buying earplugs made for sleeping is about more than just sleeping well. It's a smart choice for your trip, how you feel, and your general health.

Key Features to Look for in Sleep Earplugs

Not all earplugs are created equal. What works for a quick session at a concert won't necessarily suffice for a good night's sleep on a noisy aeroplane. Here are the crucial factors to consider before you make your purchase.

Level of Noise Reduction (NRR)

You might not be able to sleep soundly on a noisy flight, even if you have earplugs designed for use at concerts. Ultimately, a multitude of scenarios necessitate a plethora of requirements for earplugs.

The following key points should be considered before making a purchase to help you select the one that will best aid sleep during your travels.

For the intense, low-frequency drone of an aircraft engine, you’ll want a product with a high NRR. Simple foam plugs often have an NRR of 30-33dB, which is very effective. For electronic options, look for their specified noise cancellation capabilities in the product details.

soundcore Sleep A30 with more noise reduction

Comfort and Fit for Side Sleepers

This is perhaps the most important factor. You need earplugs that you can forget you're wearing.

It is very important that sleep earplugs are comfortable, especially when they are worn for a long time or when sleeping on one's side with the ear pressed against the pillow. Even the most advanced features are rendered useless if they cause pain, pressure or discomfort.

When choosing earplugs, look at the materials and how they are made. Medical-grade soft silicone, strong memory foam, and a shape that fits the ear well are all important things to think about.

Type of Earplug: Passive vs. Active

Understanding this distinction will help narrow your search significantly.

Passive Earplugs: These are your traditional, non-electronic options. They work by physically blocking the ear canal to prevent sound waves from entering. This category includes foam, silicone, and wax earplugs. They are generally very affordable, simple to use, and offer excellent noise reduction, particularly for higher-frequency sounds.
Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) Earbuds: These are electronic devices that use microphones to pick up external noise and then generate a counter-signal ("anti-noise") to cancel it out. This technology is exceptionally good at neutralising constant, low-frequency sounds like engine hum. Many also offer features like white noise playback and Bluetooth for listening to calming sounds or music.

How to Ensure You Get the Best Fit and Performance

Simply buying a great pair of earplugs isn't the final step. To get the maximum benefit, you need to use them correctly. A poor fit will drastically reduce their effectiveness and comfort.

For foam earplugs, the roll-down technique is key. With clean hands, compress the foam plug into a small, thin cylinder. Then, reach over your head with your free hand to pull your ear upward and outward, which straightens the ear canal. Insert the rolled plug and hold it in place for several seconds as it expands to fill the space completely.

For silicone or electronic earbuds, it's about finding the right size ear tip. Sleep earplugs that are of good quality usually come with a variety of ear tips in different sizes (small, medium and large). It is recommended that you experiment with different sizes to ascertain the one that fits snugly within your ear canal without causing discomfort or pressure. By what means may one ascertain whether they have been installed in the correct manner? When you suddenly hear a lot less noise around you and the world seems really quiet – that is the sign you have found the perfect fit for you.

soundcore Sleep A30 with long-lasting battery life for long travels

Caring for Your Sleep Earplugs

Earplugs need to be looked after to stay clean, especially when you get home. This makes them last longer so you can use them for longer. You should use reusable silicone earplugs. You should also use electronic sleep earplugs. After each use, it is advisable to gently wipe them with a soft, dry cloth. If they are to be disinfected, they can also be lightly wiped with a cloth that has been dipped in a small amount of mild disinfectant. However, never submerge electronic components in water! You should replace foam earplugs after several uses because they are typically disposable. And for those electronic sleep earplugs, just make sure you always put them back in their charging case after you've used them. Safety is ensured, they are kept fully charged and made ready for your next outing.

Conclusion

If you want to get a good night's sleep on a plane or train, then this is the product for you. It is possible to make it effortless by choosing the right equipment!

There are three important things to think about when choosing sleep earplugs: noise-cancelling, comfort and technology. This will help you find the perfect pair of earplugs for your budget and needs.

If you want to sleep well on a trip, it's worth buying soundcore Sleep A30, which has lots of features, or the simple foam earplugs.

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