Review

These Clever Earplugs Toggle On and Off for Easy Chatting at Concerts

We review Unplugs, a new pair of earplugs with ‘Connection’ and ‘Protection’ modes that are ideal for hearing everything at concerts and other loud settings

By Oscar Hartzog

Oscar Hartzog

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March 18, 2026

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unplugs earplugs review

Unplugs

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The best earplugs for concerts reduce the volume of the music while still letting you clearly hear people around you (i.e., a chatty friend or a bartender). But it’s not always ideal. Sometimes, we still have to remove our earplugs, and it’s not always easy to re-insert them.

Here’s where Unplugs come in. The brand has introduced a pair of earplugs that let you toggle between “protection” and “connection” mode with the click of a button. This lets you effectively turn off noise reduction without taking the earplugs out, which is ideal for going from loud dancefloors to conversations (and back again). Plus, it’s all mechanical, so there’s no charging or batteries necessary. They’re the evolution of earplugs.

Unplugs Review: Earplugs That Let You Hear People & Protect Your Ears

on sale

Unplugs

pre-order Now

Deliveries expected late April

Unplugs are currently available for pre-order with deliveries expected to start in late April. They’re also discounted during the pre-order window right now, going for $59 instead of their full price of $90. Order yours at UnplugsHearing.com.

We were able to secure a pair of Unplugs before their release to test out in the real world. I took them to a pair of raves and was thoroughly impressed. For starters, the Unplugs are just a very solid pair of earplugs. They feature an NRR (noise reduction rating) of 19dB when in Protection Mode, which means the earplugs reduce the outside volume by 19 decibels. So, if a concert is 100dB, the earplugs lower that to around 80dB. It’s just the right amount of noise reduction, letting you hear all aspects of the music without the ear damage.

But, of course, the Unplugs really shine when you want to hear someone talking, step outside, or order a drink. Click the outside of the earplugs (one or both of them), and the NRR is immediately reduced to 7dB. You’re still getting some protection, but you’ll be able to hear just about everything — no screaming necessary.

Concerts are where we use earplugs most, but Unplugs’ transition feature is also great for everyday use. Pop them in while at the office for distraction-free work, for example, and you’ll still be able to quickly “unplug” if someone comes up to chat.

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I was also surprised by how comfortable the Unplugs were, considering they have to accommodate the button feature. The earplugs sit neatly and discreetly in your ears, and the included rubber “Fit Wings” help keep them more secure for even the most intense headbanging. Plus, you get three ear tip sizes to accommodate most ears.

If you’re looking for a pair of earplugs for concerts (or any other loud settings), pre-order a pair of Unplugs here while they’re on sale.

pre-order unplugs

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