Living next to a pub has its perks (impromptu Friday night drinks and never needing to call an Uber, just to name a few) – but it also comes with some serious downsides. Mostly, the sleepless nights spent listening to people belting out karaoke at 2am when I have to be in the office at 9am the next day.
So when the Loop Dream earplugs landed on my desk, I’ll admit I was sceptical about trying yet another pair of earplugs– but I was obviously desperate enough to give them a red hot go.
I’m also ridiculously picky about anything that goes inside my ears (I can’t even wear AirPods for more than an hour), so let’s just say that my hopes weren’t high. Most earplugs either feel like they’re crushing my eardrums, fall out the moment I roll over, or I wake up to find them mysteriously on the floor, with no memory of taking them out.
So, how did these ones hold up? Read on for my full thoughts below.
Our verdict on the Loop Dream earplugs
- Our rating: 8.5/10
- Why we rated it a an 8.5/10: The Loop Dream earplugs tick the boxes that usually make or break sleep plugs – comfort, fit and decent noise reduction. Even as a side-sleeper who usually can’t tolerate anything in my ears, I found them snug, secure and surprisingly unobtrusive. They muffled background noise for a restful night, and the multiple tip options make them customisable for different ear sizes.
Pros
- Ultra-comfy fit, even for side-sleepers
- Powerful noise reduction (27 decibels) for sleep or noisy environments
- Reusable, easy to clean and comes with a handy bedside case
- Multiple tip sizes and double-tip option for a perfect fit
- Stays in place all night without slipping out
- Makes waking up rested a realistic possibility
- Available in three colours: lilac, black and peach
Cons
- You can still feel them in your ears (not completely invisible)
- Won’t block extremely loud noises entirely
- Slight learning curve to find the perfect tip combination for your ears
- May take a few nights to get used to if you’re not accustomed to sleeping with earplugs
What are the Loop Dream earplugs?
The Loop Dream earplugs are made for sleep, designed to cut out background noise so you can actually get a proper night’s rest. I tested the lilac pair, but they’re also available in black and peach colours. Soft, low-profile silicone and oval-shaped tips follow the natural curve of your ears, making them comfortable even for side-sleepers.
They come with multiple tip sizes and a double-tip option for a secure, all-night fit. They muffle sounds like traffic, snoring, or street noise – not completely silent, but quiet enough that you can sleep without missing anything important.
How do the Loop Dream earplugs feel?
The moment I popped them in, I knew these were different. They felt lightweight and soft, not that “plugged up” heaviness I hate with a passion. The oval foam-silicone tips shaped nicely to my ears, and the double tips gave me the extra security I needed.
It did take me a little while to find the right fit. I ended up using two different attachments – an extra-small in one ear and a small in the other (turns out my ear canals are sisters, not twins). They did take me a few nights to get used to, just because I don’t usually sleep with anything in my ears. However, they stayed put all night without slipping out or needing constant readjustment.
What surprised me most was how comfortable they felt even when I rolled onto my side. Normally, I can feel the pressure of earplugs pressing into the pillow and inside my ears, but these had a softer shape that didn’t dig in.
That said, they’re not completely unnoticeable. You’re always vaguely aware they’re there, but compared to every other pair I’ve tried, they were by far the least distracting.
Do they actually block out noise?
Noise reduction is where the Dream earplugs really impressed me. With a 27 decibel noise reduction rating, they cut out a lot of everyday sounds. Enough that I could sleep through pub chatter outside… and even my dog’s relentless snoring.
To put that in perspective, 27 decibels doesn’t mean total silence, but it does take the edge off most background noise. Loud conversations fade into a murmur, traffic turns into a low hum and softer sounds disappear completely.
Of course, they won’t block absolutely everything. I did hear a few sirens and even a car alarm, which is actually a good thing if you need to wake up for something important like a smoke alarm (or your morning alarm!). However, they dulled the noise enough for me to stay asleep. For the first time in weeks, I woke up genuinely rested – instead of spending the night tossing, turning and fighting the urge to scroll endlessly on my phone.
Loop Dream earplugs vs Loop Quiet 2 earplugs
After testing the Dream earplugs, I was curious about the Loop Quiet 2 version. They’re a little firmer and reduce noise by 24 decibels, so they’re not quite as cushy as the Dream earplugs for overnight sleep. That said, they were perfect for day-to-day use – whether it was working from home during construction, finding a bit of calm on a noisy train, or just giving my brain a break when I felt overstimulated in the noisy office.
If you’re deciding between the two, it can be tricky. The Dream ones are ideal for sleeping through noise, while the Quiet 2 are great for focus and short bursts of quiet. Which one is “better” really depends on when and how you plan to use them.
For a detailed comparison, you can visit Loop’s official comparison page, here.
Where to buy the Loop Dream earplugs
You can purchase the Loop Dream earplugs directly from Loop Australia’s official website for $69.95. They offer free shipping on orders over $64 and a 100-day hassle-free return policy. Buy two pairs and you can currently get 15% off.
The earplugs also available on Amazon for the same price of $69.95.
Other Loop earplugs you might like
Loop doesn’t just make earplugs for sleep. Whether you need extra focus at work, some peace on your commute, or protection at a festival, there’s a pair for every situation.
Each style comes with reusable tips and handy carry cases, so you can take them anywhere and always have a quiet moment when you need it.
Below are some of our favourites, but you can check out the full range on the Loop website here.
Still can’t decide which pair to buy? You can compare all Loop earplugs here.
BEST FOR: NOISE CONTROL ANYWHERE
Loop Switch 2
$94.95
BEST FOR: SOCIAL SETTINGS
Loop Engage 2
$49.95
BEST FOR: FOCUS & TRAVEL
Loop Quiet 2
$34.95
BEST FOR: CONCERTS & EVENTS
Loop Experience 2
$49.95
Related articles:
- 7 of the best robot vacuum cleaners busy families can actually rely on
- Get fit while you work with these desk-friendly walking pads for small spaces
- 10 rebounder trampolines that make cardio less boring (and more joint-friendly)
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
