Loop Earplugs Switch 2

£54.95

Over the last few years, I’ve seen so many ads for Loop earplugs, and I’ve been tempted to give them a go to help remain focused at work, protect my hearing at gigs and even help create a more peaceful setting for day-to-day life. However, knowing which style to pick from the Quiet, to Engage, or Experience was a struggle because I could see each one being useful across different aspects of my life. Then I saw that Loop had released the Switch 2 style, which featured all 3 of these modes in a single earplug unit. Therefore, when I got the chance to test out some Loop earplugs, I knew the Switch 2 were the set I had to pick.

The Loop Switch 2 Earplugs feature 3 modes in one, which allow you to switch up your noise reduction based on your environment. The tiny earplugs are designed to sit snugly in your ear and are super easy to put in. You just place them in with the circle up and twist them back. Once in place, you can feel the innovative little switch on the ring of each earplug, which allows you to switch between the 3 modes. When the switch faces forward when worn, you are in the ‘Engage Mode’, which delivers 20dB (SNR) of noise reduction designed to help you enjoy conversations and daily life noises without feeling too overwhelmed. Then, moving the switch to the middle, you enter into the Experience Mode, which delivers 23dB of noise reduction and is focused on letting you experience fun events such as gigs whilst also protecting your hearing in the process. The final setting, accessed by moving the switch all the way to the back, allows you to experience the Quiet Mode, which has 26dB of noise reduction. The Quiet mode provides the most noise reduction, helping create a calm space away from the loud noises of everyday life.

I love how easy it is to switch between modes, as you can easily move the switch while the earplugs are already in your ears without much effort. This means that there’s no removing them from your ears, so you can adjust your noise reduction based on your environment. I will say the difference between the Engage and Experience modes is the most subtle for me personally. There wasn’t a super noticeable change; however, between the Engage and Quiet, I noticed the largest difference. I’ve been loving using the Engage throughout my day when loud noises can get a little overwhelming. Then, when I'm working, I can switch to the Quiet mode and focus in on my work tasks whilst effectively muffling outside noise by helping me to form a little calm bubble.

One of the main reasons I was first interested in Loop Earplugs to start with was the general noise reduction they offer to help you feel more at peace and turn down the noise when everything gets a little too much. I think for all of us, there are times when the world around just feels a little too loud and overstimulating, whether in large loud crowds or during events. Therefore, I’ve loved having the Loop Switch 2 as a little helping hand to block out some of that noise and help me feel more grounded in the moment. However, I will say the first 10 minutes or so of using them can feel a little weird, but once you get used to them, I’ve been loving the peacefulness and comfort they’ve brought me in loud environments.

However, one of the other main reasons I was interested in the Switch 2 is that they have the Experience mode, alongside the Engage and Quiet. The Experience mode is designed specifically for loud environments, such as gigs or festivals, to provide hearing protection. Protecting your hearing is so important, and as someone who goes to many gigs a year, I worry that my hearing is being harmed by the super-loud environment. Therefore, I was so excited to take the Switch 2 to a gig to protect my hearing whilst still letting me enjoy the events. One of the main perks of the Experience mode is that the music at gigs isn’t dulled in any way. Instead, you can still hear the crisp sound of the instruments whilst knowing you’re protecting your hearing in the process. I loved that I could enjoy the music, knowing I was protecting my hearing, so I can enjoy many more gigs for many years to come.  

Aside from the great modes, the Switch 2 earplugs also look super cool. I got to test out the Emerald green colourway, which features a lovely dark green colour across the travel carry case, with the earplugs inside in the same green, with a shiny chrome effect green on the back circle of each Switch 2 where the switch adjuster is. The case is perfect for attaching to your keys or your bag, so you know that you always have them ready to go, no matter your environment. Plus, the case has a super secure click shut, which is great because you know your earplugs won't fall out whilst on the go – great, especially when they are on the pricier side for earplugs.

So, do I think the Switch 2 is worth the purchase? As someone who loves to filter out noise when at work or during my daily life, attends multiple gigs a year and even likes to reduce external noise to bring a little calmness to my day in this very chaotic world, I do. I’ve used them in the office, on planes, at a concert, and even just going about my daily life to help reduce the noise of life. They’ve been brilliant for helping me remain calm in busy settings and also for knowing that my hearing is protected during loud events. However, I will say that the price is on the higher end for earplugs, but for the range of noise reduction settings, ease of use, and reusability, I personally think they’re worth the investment if you know you’re going to use all the modes in your daily life. However, if you know you won’t get use out of all the settings, Loop also have each of the modes in their own singular versions, which may be a more cost-effective way of trying Loop out for your specific needs.

Pros:

• Multiple different ear tip sizes for a secure seal and optimum noise reduction
• Beautiful lightweight design with chrome finish, which looks cool in your ear and is comfortable for long hours of wear
• 3 different modes in one unit, which are super easy to switch between

Cons:

• They are on the pricier end for earplugs, and for those who won’t use all the settings, they may not be the best option for cost per wear. However, Loop has plenty of other styles at lower prices, which may be ideal if you want the reusability but don’t need all modes in one unit