If something about your job makes the profound noise unable to bear or your leisure time being strictly ‘soundless’, you might want to invest in a good pair of headsets.
The unavailability of a proper headset around heavy machinery or echoing parameters can efficiently affect your hearing range and cause problems in normal hearing functions. At the same time, if you’re fond of having an auditory partner at work or around domestic chores, anything normal wouldn’t appeal to you as much.
Over time, there have been plenty of changes and innovations to the old school headphone designs. Some of these are the perfect fit with a noise-canceling feature and sound specialization quality to last you throughout the day.
In this guide, we will cover top headphones that look like earplugs made specifically for people who work in noisy environments.
We have added both Bluetooth and non-Bluetooth units as one has the benefit of superior sound quality, where the other saves you the hassle of untangling wires.
All headphones that made it to the ultimate list are fitting and comfortable for almost all ear sizes. Whereas, some come with a protective case that is a great plus if durability is your top priority.
Table of Contents
Brief Buyer’s Guide:
The headphones in this roundup are all ostensibly meant for noisy environments (mainly due to their earplugs-like shape) of which construction sites top the list.
Though the use of headsets on a construction site may be necessary to prevent Noise-Induced Hearing Loss, in some scenarios they can become a safety hazard by masking the sound that needs to be heard.
We don’t recommend you to use the headphones, even if they are OSHA compliant, to use on active construction sites, where you have to pay attention to move machinery, vehicle traffic, and safety warning signals.
Always consult with your manager or safety officer before you invest in (earplugs lookalike or not) headphones.
Whether you pick a headphone with Bluetooth connectivity or not depends on the budget. Wireless headphones are usually expensive, as they provide advanced noise cancellation, a built-in mic to pick calls, and extra buttons to control music.
In a wired headset, you have to look for features like braided cable, a secure L-shaped jack, and overall build quality.
Top Headphones Look Like Earplugs
We have considered all the above points in this guide to select the best products, so you can save the time and effort to find them yourself.
1. Plugfones Basic Earplug-Earbud Hybrid
Key Features & Specs:
| Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) | 25 Decibels |
| OSHA/ANSI/NIOSH Compliance | Yes |
| Water Resistance | Yes |
| Warranty | 30 days |
| Earplug Material | Silicone Plugs |
| Suitable For | Gymer/ louder environment |
Two Minute Review:
Plugfones are explicitly designed to cater to the audience working in a louder environment or anyone who is more inclined to have auditory help throughout the day.
The earplug is made out of soft material, which is helpful to avoid ear pain on longer usage. The set qualifies for a noise reduction rating of 25 dB, which ensures to cut down any unnecessary outside noise.
A double 3.5 millimeter reinforced jack saves the end wire from getting worn out or any particular damage. The wire case of the plug phones is flexible and complies with hard-working or rigid circumstances.
To make the earplugs durable and sustainable, the ANSI S3.19-1974 standard requirements are testified, tackling any sort of outside interference to give the user a better sound experience. With a 30 days warranty, the uncertainty of wires getting scraped or wear off is reduced.
It is more suitable for people who work at the gym or are scheduled to have a flight soon. The NIOSH criteria make it more affordable for the use of construction sites, lawn mowing, or for someone fond of shooting.
Pros
- Good for audiobooks
- Comfortable wear for a longer duration
- Cancels outside noise and improve focus
- Are helpful against policies like no headphones
Cons
- The sound quality isn’t great.
2. Mipeace neckband wireless earbuds
$39.09 in stock
Key Features & Specs:
| Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) | 29 decibels |
| OSHA/ANSI/NIOSH Compliance | Yes |
| Water Resistance | Yes |
| Warranty | 30 days |
| Earplug Material | Soft Oval Silicone |
| Suitable For | Rash Circumstances |
Two Minute Review:
These earbuds facilitate the function of Bluetooth and are more appropriate to use in rush or rash circumstances since the hassle of wires is cut out. The neckband structured Mipeace earbuds are effective with a noise reduction rate of 29 decibels. The NRR ensures to protect the user’s hearing range from any piercing or rather astounding noise.
Considerably, Mipeace earbuds are made to be super lightweight and ergonomic. Hanging them around your neck won’t apply any pressure due to the well-structured design. The 220mAh battery power supply is suitable to last up to 16 hours of play with just a single charge.
Relatively, the power back time makes it more affordable for construction workers who have rather overdue shifts and might need a savior for eight or more hours.
The latest Bluetooth connectivity of 5.0 makes the earbud transmission relatively quick and reduces the chances of disconnection. The range of 10M(33feet) is enough to keep the connectivity last if you’re away from your phone.
The neckband is tested against IPX5 waterproof level and is sweatproof, which allows the user to use it in rainy or sweating environments.
Micpeace is long-lasting and can work best with audio calls. It is one of the best purchases for people at the gym, construction site, shooting range, or travel. Also, it comes with a probable case to ensure safety. The neckband is favorable for people who tend to listen to music while at work.
Pros
- Clear sound range
- Long-lasting battery
- Best noise cancellation
- Easy button usage
Cons
- Earplug might start hurting ears
3. Ruckus Earplug Earbuds
Key Features & Specs:
| Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) | 25 Decibels |
| OSHA/ANSI/NIOSH Compliance | Yes |
| Water Resistance | Yes |
| Warranty | 1 Year |
| Earplug Material | BIOCOMPATIBLE USP CLASS 5 MEDICAL-GRADE SILICONE EARPLUG |
| Suitable For | Woodworking, Construction workers, Metalworking |
Two Minute Review:
Considering an environment with loads of machinery or heavy-sounding equipment, these earbuds are one of the best pairs to reduce the noise. The earbuds are accessible for woodworking, construction workers, metalworking, or in other sort of noisy surroundings.
The IP65 weatherproof technology and triple-edged jack enable the earbuds to withstand stringent job requirements. Ruckus earplug earbuds completely adhere to a patent technology and seal out dust and moisture.
These earbuds are designed with a noise reduction rate of 25 decibels and meet the ANSI noise cancellation requirement. Made out of silicone, the earbuds are soft to wear and can last for longer hours of use.
The customized seal is there to ensure the rejection of outside interfering noises and, in return, improve the focus of hearing range for the user. The earbuds are compatible with people with music interests or those who have a long shift jobs with volatile surroundings. The use of biocompatible USP Class 5 medical-grade silicone is to avoid any skin irritation or rash.
Pros
- Competitive sound quality
- Best noise cancellation
- Affordable cost
- Soft on ears
Cons
- Have Wires
- No Bluetooth
4. Mipeace Safety Industrial Ear Plugs Headphones
Key Features & Specs:
| Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) | 29 Decibels |
| OSHA/ANSI/NIOSH Compliance | Yes |
| Water Resistance | Yes |
| Warranty | NA |
| Earplug Material | Ergonomic Tri-Flange |
| Suitable For | Industrial worker |
Two Minute Review:
The industrial earplugs by Mipeace are designed for the best comfort. The Tri-flange oval shape of the earbuds is made with consideration for longer usage. Considerably, the noise reduction rate of 29 decibels is the best fit for hazardously loud environments. Ear-tips are made to block out any noise and reduce the chances of the user coming in contact with ambient noise.
Mipeace industrial earplugs are super lightweight and sweat-resistant. With only a weight of 12.8 grams, the safety earpiece is likely to give the consumer no hard time. The adjusted speakers are capable of producing clear, rich, and pleasing sound.
Subsequently, the bulletproof, tough exterior cable will likely last around heavy machinery or completely uncompromising circumstances. The double-reinforced 3.5 millimeters jack is prone to withstand bends and natural stretches throughout usage. Additionally, the accessibility of a 125CM long wire allows an easy commute.
This earpiece features a controlled set of buttons to allow users to accept, end, skip and pause calls or music. It can be a great source of comfort for people who are tired of working in loud environments like industrial sites or doing yard work like mowing the lawn.
Pros
- Soft earbuds
- Great noise cancellation
- Long wire
- Button accessibility
Cons
- The sound quality isn’t as good
- Wires can get tangled around
5. Workinbuds Earplug Earphones/Noise Reduction Headphones
Key Features & Specs:
| Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) | NA |
| OSHA/ANSI/NIOSH Compliance | NA |
| Water Resistance | NA |
| Warranty | 30 day |
| Earplug Material | Silicone |
| Suitable For | Construction workers, factory workers, lawn work, Motorsports |
Two Minute Review:
Manufactured by EvolEarbuds, these Workinbuds are the best around fast-paced and excessively stringent environments. The soft material of the earbuds is designed to support longer usage without any complications. Added with high-quality sounding speakers, this earpiece is designed to block out any negatively piercing disturbances.
The wires are made out of hard material that supports the stretching and shuffling of the cables at work. It is mostly for people who enjoy listening to music on a walk or while working at a shooting range. Workinbuds have a well-structured design to reduce the outside noise and improve the sound quality at the same time.
It has an ergonomic fit design, colored in blue and green to give off a cool look. The set is aligned in accordance with the NIOSH standards.
Pros
- Great noise cancellation
- Soft on ears
- A secured jack
- Good sound system
Cons
- It has wires
6. Plugfones Liberate 2.0 Wireless Bluetooth
$69.95 in stock
1 used from $69.89
Key Features & Specs:
| Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) | 27 & 29 dB |
| OSHA/ANSI/NIOSH Compliance | Yes |
| Water Resistance | Yes |
| Warranty | 30 Days |
| Earplug Material | Interchangeable ComforTiered™ Foam Plugs |
| Suitable For | Music lovers |
Two Minute Review:
With Noise Reduction Ratings (NRR) of 27 & 29 dB, these Liberate Plugfones are ANSI certified against loud noises. With a combined package of trusted speakers and safety-rated earplugs, the Bluetooth device is likely to huff down the extra disturbances from around.
These Plugfones have ComforTiered replaceable tips and are pretty useful for people who like to keep things clean and in order. It features a fast battery system and can last up to 12 hours of usage. It has an IsoTalk Mic, which allows users to attend calls and deliver messages even with continuous noise.
The OSHA ear protection standard in this device further confirms the liability of the earplugs against loud approaching commotion. It has a small panel of quick controls which allows the user to have accessibility in hand. The IsoTalk feature, more importantly, decreases the decibels of the wind or noise from heavy machinery.
This device is available with a ComforTwist Foam and interchangeable silicon earplugs, a zipper case and charging cable, and a quick guide to follow the instructions. A single wired unique design is lightweight and doesn’t feel too heavy to wear around. These liberate plugfones are sweat-resistant and work well in environments that are too hot. It is a great buy for music lovers who like to go on shooting adventures and work around heavy equipment.
Pros
- Good battery life
- Great noise cancellation
- Changeable earplugs
- Provides hearing protection
Cons
- Sometimes the battery might die soon.
7. ISOtunes Xtra: Bluetooth earbuds that look like ear protection
Key Features & Specs:
| Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) | 27 dB |
| OSHA/ANSI/NIOSH Compliance | Yes |
| Water Resistance | Yes |
| Warranty | 1 year |
| Earplug Material | TRILOGY™ Eartips |
| Suitable For | Construction, Metalwork or Woodwork Environment |
Two Minute Review:
This ISOtunes product is appropriately competitive in terms of technology. The Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) of 27 dB makes it one of a kind product to use. These Bluetooth earplugs are able to cancel the noise in the surrounding with maximum barrier and increase the auditory function for a normal listener.
The heat-activated tips expand and are able to provide good coverage against loud movements. ISOtunes headphones are ANSI-certified and come with four pairs of foam eartips and three pairs of silicone double-flange eartips.
The 4.1 Bluetooth range technology allows the user to attend calls or listen to music at a distance of above 30 feet. Additionally, these headphones have an 8-hour long power back and 180 hours standby duration, which is adequately accommodating for a person with a heavy-duty job.
One of the best echo cancellation technology enables the set even to cancel out disturbances that are rather loud and, under no normal circumstances, could be handled easily. The Xtra Bluetooth earplug is considered a perfect buy if you’re looking for something that’ll help you get through your day without just listening to a monotonous tone of voice.
It is a great investment for anyone who likes to go on a walk and listen to music or someone familiar with a construction, metalwork or woodwork environment.
Pros
- Great connectivity
- Good noise cancellation
- Great standby duration
- Extra pair of eartips
Cons
- A bit expensive
8. Etymotic Research ER2XR
1 used from $62.00
Key Features & Specs:
| Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) | 35 Decibels |
| OSHA/ANSI/NIOSH Compliance | Yes |
| Water Resistance | NA |
| Warranty | 2 Years |
| Earplug Material | Metal earbuds with an anodized finish |
| Suitable For | Working in a technologically advanced environment |
Two Minute Review:
Etymotic Research ER2XR aids a detachable earplug from the cable. The earplugs are designed in a three-layered tri-flange shape, which is there to cancel any external interference.
The earpieces are strictly structured with a metal touch and anodized to give them a stable surface. The layered earplugs are soft in material and almost give off a feel of nothing in your ear. A noise reduction rate of above 35 decibels usually gives this product an upper hand as it is more prone to shutting off outside disturbances.
This earpiece features a specialty of extended bass and high-resolution sounds. Anyone who loves extra sound effects is most likely to have a biased opinion about this product. Moreover, the product is available with a detachable four-foot cable, foam and 3-flange ear tips, a removing filter, and a shirt clip.
Usually, the feature of extended bass, a higher noise cancellation range, and a heavy metal material attracts people working in a technologically advanced environment. With a price tag of around $99.95, it is considered a costly investment but worthy of the money invested.
Pros
- Extended bass
- Metal structure earplugs
- Easily detachable
- Higher noise reduction
- Good sound quality
Cons
- Too pricy
9. ISOtunes PRO 2.0 Bluetooth Earplug Headphones
$101.75 in stock
Key Features & Specs:
| Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) | 27 dB |
| OSHA/ANSI/NIOSH Compliance | Yes |
| Water Resistance | Yes |
| Warranty | 1 Year |
| Earplug Material | Chrome-plated brass earplugs |
| Suitable For | Construction, Metalwork or Woodwork Environment |
Two Minute Review:
With a 27 dB Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) and SafeMax volume-limiting technology, ISOtunes PRO 2.0 is ANSI-certified and OSHA-compliant. The high connectivity rate allows the earplugs to get detected within a range of 30+ feet. Considerably, the feature serves useful in moving around without constantly keeping your phone in your hand or somewhere near you.
The single cord, wireless Bluetooth earplugs are convenient in canceling out the extra noises from around, and a high-quality sound is achieved with high-fidelity speakers and aptX audio.
Additionally, the exceptional feature of power back battery life of over 16 hours with just one charge is enough to suffice for a long-hour shift. It is one of the best products to buy while you’re surrounded by a job that requires you to be on your toes yet has a lot of background noise. Comfort-Fit ear hook wraps over and around to provide a comfortable, secure fit all day for any ear.
The soft material of the ear hook doesn’t feel too edgy or hard even after long hours of usage. Echo cancellation technology helps block the constant noise of engines, vacuums, heavy machines, mowers, etc. Besides, the earplug headphones can be used to better listen to music in your free time or just play audiobooks while you’re at work.
Pros
- Good noise reduction
- Ear hooks
- Soft earbuds
- Long battery life
Cons
- Difficult to use
10. Shure SE425 Sound-Isolating Earbuds
2 used from $199.12
Key Features & Specs:
| Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) | 37 dB |
| OSHA/ANSI/NIOSH Compliance | Yes |
| Water Resistance | Yes |
| Warranty | 2 year |
| Earplug Material | Comply™ Foam earphone tips |
| Suitable For | Audiophiles or Musicians |
Two Minute Review:
Featuring a secure over-the-ear design with a unique detachable cable system, the SE425 Sound Isolating Earphones deliver accurate, natural sound. Many smartphones, laptops, and tablets with Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity can be connected wirelessly to these models, which have a 10-hour battery life and a 30-foot (10-meter) range.
With a 3.5mm connection, these universal communication models come with a remote + mic control and iOS/Android capabilities that can be switched.
It is possible to make phone calls using the built-in remote and microphone on certain models.
Own your audio area with a Sound Isolating design that minimizes noise and keeps your experience clean. As a result, it’s the only way to listen effectively.
Personalized earbuds are made even more personal with a complete fit kit with bespoke sleeves. Enjoy long listening sessions with audio that is more comfortable and secure.
Considerably, it can be your next fashion statement at your absurd sound streaming job or your trip to mowing your garden. It can be quite useful if you’re taking a flight or are working anywhere near a construction department.
Compensating on your safety while working or spending leisure time can be one of the silliest yet most important mistakes of your life. With these earplugs headphones, you don’t have to go against the policy of “no headphones” and can look out for yourself simultaneously.
Pros
- Great price-performance
- Best sound quality
- Great connectivity
- Easily detachable
Cons
- Too costly
Verdict:
Etymotic Research ER2XR is our ultimate pick for the users who want wired headphones that look like earplugs. Despite being pricey, the durable built, customization of earbuds and cable, and extras offered make it worth the money. Alternatively, you can pick Plugfones Liberate 2.0 if you prefer a hassle-free life.
FAQ’s
Headphones can’t be used as ear plugs. They’re not designed for hearing protection. If you want to use something like ear plugs, look for specifically designed earplugs that fit snugly into your ear canal and/or block out noise.
Headphones are better than earplugs for a few reasons. First, headphones will generally provide better sound quality than most ear plugs. Second, headphones are typically more comfortable to wear for long periods of time than ear plugs.
Headphones that cover your ears are called “over-the-ear” or “circumaural” headphones. They’re designed to fit around your whole ear, and they usually provide better sound quality than other types of headphones.
You can use AirPods Pro as earplugs. Although they were not designed specifically for this purpose, they are an effective and comfortable option for blocking out sound. In fact, many users find that the noise cancelling capabilities of AirPods Pro are even better than traditional earplugs.
Kevin is a Tech journalist for over a decade. He writes on Wearables, Headphones, and Laptops. When he is not glued to his laptop, You will find him working on exciting projects that include Unboxing new Gadgets, comparing them, and tweaking their hardware.