The Best Earbuds That Look Like Earplugs

Technology is putting an end to long-wired headphones that only serve one purpose. Thanks to the latest Bluetooth technology, almost everyone nowadays listens to their music wirelessly. 

Wearing wireless headphones can, however, be a bit complicated. Many people have had the experience where they’re at the gym, going for a run, or simply doing any sort of daily activity and their headphones fall out. Luckily, earbud technology is rapidly evolving to the point where this problem is becoming a thing of the past.

Most businesses today that produce earbuds are using wireless networks. Additionally, many companies have created amazing earbuds that are quite similar in appearance and function to earplugs.

Now, you can enjoy a fast and reliable Bluetooth connection along with noise-canceling technology and high sound quality all in one device. It’s truly remarkable what advanced technology has allowed us to achieve!

Authors Pick
Plugfones Basic Earplug-Earbud Hybrid
Ruckus Earplug Earbuds
Mipeace Earplug Earbuds
Plugfones Basic Pro Wireless Bluetooth in-Ear Earplug Earbuds
Elgin Ruckus Discord Bluetooth Earplug Earbuds
Plugfones Basic Earplug-Earbud Hybrid - Noise Reducing Earphones - Yellow
Ruckus Earplug Earbuds | OSHA Compliant Noise Reduction in-Ear Headphones : Isolating Ear Plug...
MIPEACE Work Earbuds Headphones, Ear Plug Headphones for Work-Noise isolating Earbuds Earphones for...
Plugfones Basic Pro Wireless Bluetooth in-Ear Earplug Earbuds - Noise Reduction Headphones with...
Elgin Ruckus Discord Bluetooth Earplug Earbuds | OSHA Compliant Wireless Noise Reduction in-Ear...
Weight
0.317 ounces
1.6 ounces
0.35 ounces
6.06 x 3.7 x 1.3 inches
0.71 ounces
Dimensions
7 x 4.2 x 1 inches
47 x 0 x 0 inches
2.85 x 2.85 x 1.24 inches
1.41 ounces
34 x 1 x 0 inches
Pros
- Waterproof
- Long-lasting quality
- Affordable price
- Sweat-resistant
- Comfortable fit
- Affordable price
- Immersive sound quality
- Long working hours
- Simple and classy design
- Affordable price
- Outstanding audio speakers
- Bluetooth earbuds
- Sweat-resistant
- Long battery hours
- Bluetooth earbuds
- Best battery life
Cons
- Not wireless
- Cords may be tedious
- Long cables
- More expensive
- Plugs maybe a little too large for ears
Authors Pick
Plugfones Basic Earplug-Earbud Hybrid
Plugfones Basic Earplug-Earbud Hybrid - Noise Reducing Earphones - Yellow
Weight
0.317 ounces
Dimensions
7 x 4.2 x 1 inches
Pros
- Waterproof
- Long-lasting quality
- Affordable price
Cons
- Not wireless
Ruckus Earplug Earbuds
Ruckus Earplug Earbuds | OSHA Compliant Noise Reduction in-Ear Headphones : Isolating Ear Plug...
Weight
1.6 ounces
Dimensions
47 x 0 x 0 inches
Pros
- Sweat-resistant
- Comfortable fit
- Affordable price
Cons
- Cords may be tedious
Mipeace Earplug Earbuds
MIPEACE Work Earbuds Headphones, Ear Plug Headphones for Work-Noise isolating Earbuds Earphones for...
Weight
0.35 ounces
Dimensions
2.85 x 2.85 x 1.24 inches
Pros
- Immersive sound quality
- Long working hours
- Simple and classy design
- Affordable price
Cons
- Long cables
Plugfones Basic Pro Wireless Bluetooth in-Ear Earplug Earbuds
Plugfones Basic Pro Wireless Bluetooth in-Ear Earplug Earbuds - Noise Reduction Headphones with...
Weight
6.06 x 3.7 x 1.3 inches
Dimensions
1.41 ounces
Pros
- Outstanding audio speakers
- Bluetooth earbuds
- Sweat-resistant
- Long battery hours
Cons
- More expensive
Elgin Ruckus Discord Bluetooth Earplug Earbuds
Elgin Ruckus Discord Bluetooth Earplug Earbuds | OSHA Compliant Wireless Noise Reduction in-Ear...
Weight
0.71 ounces
Dimensions
34 x 1 x 0 inches
Pros
- Bluetooth earbuds
- Best battery life
Cons
- Plugs maybe a little too large for ears

Can Earbuds Work as Hearing Protection Devices?

You might be thinking of using regular headphones or earbuds as a replacement for noise-canceling devices, but keep in mind that headphones or earbuds are actually not meant to cancel out all noise. Devices that are meant for this purpose often look very similar to Bluetooth earbuds. 

Be aware that using earbuds or headphones as noise-canceling items instead of proper hearing protectors can lead to permanent hearing loss as these devices can’t protect your ears against all noise exposure.

Also, recognize that noise-canceling devices are only meant to be used in specific situations in which they are necessary. Otherwise, using such devices in places like a normal workplace can make you unable to hear important information. 

The latest technology combines the idea of both noise-canceling devices and earbuds. These new noise-canceling headphones or earbuds are made to block out unwanted surrounding sound using active noise canceling technology through low-frequency audio.

Passive noise cancellation headphones and audio-only headphones simply reduce the volume of outside noise. These earbuds are not effective in controlling workspace noise exposure.

If you work in a factory or in noisy work conditions, you fully understand how important it is to protect your hearing. For many companies operating in noisy environments, proper care and protection for hearing is not only recommended but mandatory for all workers.

Earbuds That Look Like Earplugs

Many people have encountered a situation where the wires from their earbuds become hopelessly tangled to the point where they can’t be used or get caught on things and tear.

With wireless earplugs, you no longer have to face this problem. You can have hearing aid-like earbuds with a great fit, and you rarely have to worry about them falling out of your ears again and again.

Earbuds like these have a lot to offer. They work really well for home workers, gym lovers, or office goers. However, wireless technology does not come without its disadvantages. Wireless earbuds must be charged for hours before use. Otherwise, they are entirely useless. 

Earbuds that also look like and function as earplugs come in both wired and wireless forms. They’re often great for small ears and can be purchased online. The built-in microphone in the earbuds is designed with noise cancellation technology in mind.

Having the perfect pair of noise-canceling earbuds allows you to enjoy music and receive notifications just like regular headphones while blocking out unwanted and harmful noise. With jobs where earplugs are required, this is a great way to simultaneously protect your ears and listen to your favorite music.

Below is a great selection of earbuds that look like earplugs!

1. Plugfones Basic Earplug-Earbud Hybrid

With Plugfones, you get headphones that are like earplugs but with wires to keep them in place around the neck. The headphones are sleek, small, and narrow — quite similar to the earplugs.

The headset is not Bluetooth enabled, so you must plug it into your phone or device. The ear tips are replaceable, therefore you never have to be worried about losing a pair of nice headphones and wearing them out.

If you are in a meeting, on an important call, or around a lot of noise, the background noise that this headset eliminates is vital. 

People who love going to the gym will enjoy this product as the earbud tips are made of silicone and the earphones are completely sweatproof. There’s even a guaranteed 30-day warranty if this product doesn’t end up being the right one for you.

Fine-tuned speaker technology improves the quality of the sound, ensuring an above-average listening experience. 

The best part is that the headphones have many interchangeable size options for you to choose from, so they can be adapted to any type of ear.

Specifications:

Package Dimensions: 7 x 4.2 x 1 inches

Item Weight: 0.317 ounces

Special Features: Noise-Canceling

Connectivity Technology: Wired

Audio Jack: 3.5mm Jack

Pros

  • It’s weatherproof
  • You can easily afford it
  • Its noise-canceling is very effective
  • The sound is very good quality

Cons

  • It’s not wireless

2. Ruckus Earplug Earbuds 

Elgin Ruckus earbuds have been built and tested for use in demanding areas with long hours and loud noise. If you are looking for earplug-earbuds that are durable and effective, then this is the product for you. 

Ruckus was built to be long-lasting without sacrificing any quality in the most demanding conditions. This product is also weatherproof and is designed to keep out moisture and debris. 

Whether it’s hard work with miter saws and nail guns or just trying to eliminate lingering subtle noises, the Ruckus is designed to help you focus on the task at hand.

Eliminating background noise has been found to heavily improve concentration and efficiency, as well as protect your eardrums. Buy these earbud earplugs to see the difference that intense focus can make in your work and daily life.

Specifications:

Headphone Features: Headphones Amplifier

Model Headset: 1126

Warranty Period: 2 Years

Item Weight: 1.6 ounces

Pros

  • It’s sweat-resistant
  • It has a comfortable fit
  • It has long-lasting quality
  • It provides ultimate hearing protection
  • It has an affordable price

Cons

  • The cords may be tedious

3. Mipeace EarPlug Headphones for Work-Noise isolating

Noise in the workplace can permanently damage and disable hearing, as well as cause interference in communication and make alerts harder to hear.

The Mipeace noise-isolating headphones offer protection from harmful noise with the ability to listen to your favorite tunes simultaneously.

They are designed as personal protective equipment for noisy work environments such as agriculture, machine shops, construction, or situations in which safety and health require the use of a noise-canceling device.

Now, workers no longer have to choose between the hearing protection they need and the music they want.

With earmuffs to block out background noise and fine-tuned speakers that deliver rich, clear, and satisfying high-quality sound, this earbud-earplug hybrid is the perfect addition to your life.

Specifications:

Product Dimensions: 2.85 x 2.85 x 1.24 inches

Item Weight: 0.353 ounces

Jack plug: 5mm

Lightweight design weighs: 10 grams

Durable cable: Built to last

Pros

  • It’s affordable
  • It has immersive sound quality
  • It is built to last
  • It has a simple and classy design

Cons

  • It has long cables

4. Plugfones Basic Pro Wireless Bluetooth in-Ear Earplug Earbuds

Plugfones is designed to let you focus on what you’re doing, not what’s going on around you. These earplugs help eliminate unwanted noise, while built-in speakers let you focus on the sound you want.

It’s the specific SoundSeal noise cancellation technology that these earbuds contain that reduces background noise to give you an immersive listening experience.

This wireless Bluetooth 5.0 headset automatically connects to any compatible devices available nearby.

These earplugs are fitted to your ears and are also sweat-proof. The battery charges quickly and holds up to 10 hours of battery life with one hour on a single charge.

Its noise reduction rating is ANSI-certified and OSHA compliant. The combination of tailor-made speakers and secure earcups delivers a clear, rich, and vibrant sound to give you a comfortable listening experience and ultimate hearing protection. The earplugs include an adjustable clip with a flexible cord for comfortable movement.

Specifications:

Package Dimensions: 7 x 5 x 2 inches

Item Weight: 16 ounces

Ear Placement: In-Ear

Connectivity Technology: Wireless

Bluetooth: Yes

Pros

  • It has outstanding audio speakers
  • It’s sweat-resistant
  • It uses Bluetooth instead of wires
  • It has great battery life
  • It has good hearing protection

Cons

  • More expensive than other options

5. Elgin Ruckus Discord Bluetooth Earplug Earbuds

The Ruckus earbud-earplugs are meant to help with concentration, whether you’re working hard with miter saws and nail guns or just attempting to filter out irritating noises.

Elgin enhances its earbud wires with fortifying Kevlar strands, which is the same material used in bullet-resistant jackets and helmets.

These water-resistant headphones meet OSHA requirements for keeping out dust and rain in the most demanding industrial environments. 

They are ideal for running, welding, DIY work, gardening, carpentry, yard work, the gym, a shooting range, and any other activities that require hearing protection.

They are also Bluetooth enabled, so they connect wirelessly with your phone.

Specifications:

Product dimensions: 34 x 1 x 0 inches

Item Weight: 0.704 ounces

Connectivity Technology: Wireless

Form Factor: In-Ear

Noise Control: Active Noise Cancellation

Pros

  • It has good Bluetooth quality
  • It connects easily to the phone
  • It has the best battery life

Cons

  • The plugs maybe a little too large for ears

Buying Guide: Earbuds That Look Like Earplugs

Noise Cancellation Quality

The first and main priority should always be noise cancellation. The goal of earplugs is to prevent unpleasant external noises or to limit them so that hearing isn’t affected too much. Opt for a headset with excellent noise reduction so you can work without interruption.

High-Quality Sound

The quality of sound should be good. What is the point of purchasing earbuds or headphones if the sound quality is poor? Any excellent earbuds or headphones should provide an excellent sound that includes a balanced bass.

Wireless vs. Wired Earbuds

Choosing between wireless and wired earbuds is completely up to you. Both can serve you well, although it should be noted that wireless earbuds are often more expensive. Also, wireless ones must be charged. If you forget to charge them, their ability to play music will no longer work, which is obviously problematic. 

While wired ones do not need to be charged, their wire can be irritating, especially if you are doing manual labor that could be impaired by a wire getting in the way. There are advantages and disadvantages to both options, so it’s up to you to decide. 

Battery Life and Charge Time

If you choose wireless headphones, make sure to check the battery life and time to charge. If you intend to use these earbuds on a regular basis, the battery life should be at least eight hours, but if you just intend to use them only occasionally, four hours will suffice.

Fitting

Headphones that resemble earplugs should be a great fit for your ears, and if they come with extra ear tips, that is an added bonus. Often, general earbuds do not fit correctly in one’s ear, which causes a slew of issues, namely aggravation, and discomfort. So choose a pair that comes with extra ear tips or has ergonomic and well-made ear tips.

Conclusion

Earbuds that look like earplugs today are more user-friendly than ever. Many of these earbud-earplug hybrids have great features like noise cancellation technology that keeps background noises from bothering you, especially when working in noisy environments. 

Plugfones Basic Earplug-Earbud Hybrid - Noise Reducing Earphones - Yellow
  • WHERE EARPLUGS MEET EARBUDS: We’ve combined comfortable, noise-reducing earplugs with high-quality audio speakers to give you the ultimate hearing protection & listening experience.
  • BLOCK ENVIRONMENTAL NOISE: Ideal for activities like working out at the gym, DIY-ing in the workshop, shooting at the range, or motorcycle or airplane travel so you can hear the music, not the noise.
  • NOISE REDUCING EARPHONES: The Basic has a Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) of 25 dB, significantly reducing unwanted outside sound. Protect your hearing and enjoy your music all day in safety and comfort.

Exposing ears to loud noises can damage the smallest sensory cells in the ears. We recommended our favorite Plugfones that can provide great ear protection while allowing you to rock out to your favorite tunes!

Others are Bluetooth-enabled for a faster connection to your music without having to worry about bothersome tangled wires. 

Moreover, with the help of earplug-like headphones, you can enjoy music in any environment. You can answer and transfer calls wherever you are without hindering the sound quality.

The listening experience has been greatly improved due to these earplugs being upgraded to have a better fit and conform to the ear. 

The magnetic charging case that most come with protects them from being lost or damaged when you’re done using them.