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The best part of a great show is the volume. The worst part is the ringing in your ears on the way home. Loop Experience 2 earplugs are made to keep the first and lose the second: they turn the sound down without turning the music into mush, and they look more like jewelry than safety gear. Here is what they are, how they work and where to buy a pair.
What it is
The Loop Experience 2 is a reusable earplug from Loop designed for live music and events. The signature ring shape sits in your outer ear, with a soft silicone tip that goes into the ear canal. Loop rates the Experience 2 at 17 dB (SNR) of noise reduction and lists it as certified hearing protection.
In the box you get the earplugs with ear tips in four sizes, so you can find a fit for your ears, plus a carry case. They are reusable, which means one pair can follow you from show to show rather than ending up in the bottom of a jacket pocket after one night.
How the 17 dB rating works
SNR stands for Single Number Rating, the hearing protection rating most commonly used in Europe. It estimates how much noise reduction a hearing protector can provide under standardized laboratory testing. A higher number means more reduction. At 17 dB, the Experience 2 sits at the lighter end of the scale, which is the point: it is meant to bring a loud room down to a more comfortable level while keeping music and voices clear.
That is a different job from a sleep earplug, which is designed to block as much sound as possible. If you want the full breakdown of ratings and which number fits which situation, read our guide to earplug SNR.
Why it is cool
Most people skip earplugs at shows for two reasons: they make the music sound bad, and they look odd. The Experience 2 tackles both. A moderate rating keeps the band sounding like a band, and the design comes in finishes that look deliberate rather than medical. You can wear them through a full set without feeling like you are watching the show through a wall.
They also make sense beyond concerts. Loop positions the Experience line for events in general, which covers festivals, clubs, sports games and loud weddings. A reusable pair with a case is easy to keep in a bag so it is there when you need it.
And they fit the kind of night we write about all the time. If you are planning a trip to see a band from our 4AD starter guide or a reunion show from Slowdive, a pair of these is simple insurance for your hearing.
Who should buy it
The Experience 2 suits regular gig goers, festival campers, DJs and club fans, and anyone who leaves loud events with their ears ringing. It is a good gift for the friend who is always at the front of the room. Parents taking kids to their first concert will want to try the different ear tip sizes included in the box.
If you need earplugs for sleep, a noisy commute or deep focus at work, a higher rated model is a better fit. The Loop Quiet 2 is rated at 24 dB (SNR) and is made for those situations. For loud dinners and social settings where conversation matters most, Loop also makes the Engage 2 at 16 dB (SNR).
Fit tips
Try more than one ear tip size before the show. The right tip feels snug and secure without pressure. Every rating assumes the earplug is worn correctly, so a good seal is what turns the number on the box into real protection. Keep the tips clean and store the earplugs in their case between uses so they last.
Where to buy
The Experience 2 is sold directly by Loop and by major retailers, in several finishes. There is also an Experience 2 Plus version, so compare the options and bundles before you buy.
Want better sound at home after the show? Our list of the best turntables for beginners is a good next stop. For more picks, browse our buying guides.
