Loop Switch 2 Earplugs Review: Is It Worth It?

Living in a world that never seems to turn down the volume can be exhausting. Whether it is the screech of the subway, the thumping bass at a concert, or just the distracting hum of an open-plan office, noise sensitivity is a real daily struggle for many of us. You have likely seen the ads for Loop earplugs all over social media, promising to give you control over your environment. But with their latest release, the Loop Switch 2, the promise has evolved from just “quiet” to “adjustable.” The idea of carrying three different sets of earplugs for different situations sounds like a hassle, and the Switch 2 claims to solve this by putting a mechanical volume knob right in your ear.

In this comprehensive review, I am going to walk you through everything you need to know about the Loop Switch 2, from the redesigned dial mechanism to how it actually performs in a crowded bar versus a quiet library. I will break down the upgrades from the previous version and help you decide if this 3-in-1 gadget is worth the premium price tag. If you decide to give them a try, I strongly recommend buying directly from the official Loop website to ensure you get the latest manufacturing batch and access to their return policy, which is crucial for a product that relies so heavily on fit.

My Experience With Loop Switch 2

I have been a user of the original Loop Quiet and Experience for years, so when the first Switch came out, I was intrigued but ultimately found them a bit too bulky for my smaller ears. When the Loop Switch 2 was announced with promises of a slimmer profile and a smoother dial, I knew I had to test them out. My daily life is a sonic roller coaster; I work in a busy co-working space, commute via a loud train, and try to maintain a social life in loud restaurants, so I am the exact target audience for a “do-it-all” earplug.

Unboxing the Switch 2, the first thing that struck me was the build quality.

They definitely feel like a piece of tech rather than just a piece of silicone.

I popped them in during my morning commute, starting in “Quiet Mode.” The seal was immediate.

The screeching of the train wheels was dampened significantly, but I didn’t feel completely isolated from the world like I do with foam plugs.

I could still hear the announcement for the next stop, but the harsh edge of the noise was gone.

The real test came later that evening at a local gig. This is where the “Experience Mode” is supposed to shine. I reached up to my ear and found the small dial on the outer ring. On the previous version, this dial was stiff and sometimes required me to take the plug out to adjust it. On the Switch 2, the movement was buttery smooth. I clicked it into the middle setting, and the muffled sound opened up. The music was clear, the guitar riffs were crisp, but the volume was manageable. It was impressive to mechanically adjust the volume of the world without taking the device out of my ear.

However, it wasn’t a flawless experience. While they are slimmer than the first version, they are still noticeably heavier than the standard Loop Experience 2. After about three hours of wear, I started to feel a dull ache in the concha (the bowl of the ear) just from the pressure of the hard plastic housing. They stayed in place perfectly while I was dancing, but I was definitely aware that I was wearing them.

I also tried the “Engage Mode” during a dinner with friends. This mode is designed to combat the occlusion effect—that booming sound of your own voice in your head. It worked better than the Quiet mode, certainly, allowing me to hear my friends across the table without shouting. However, if you are chewing crunchy food, you are still going to hear it loudly. That is just physics.

Overall, the convenience of not having to carry a tiny carrying case with three different pairs of earplugs inside is a massive game-changer. Being able to walk from a loud street (Quiet Mode) into a shop (Engage Mode) with a simple flick of a finger made me feel like I had a bionic upgrade. They aren’t perfect comfort-wise for marathon sessions, but for a night out or a varied day, the versatility is unmatched.

Read More: Comparison Of Zound Earplugs And Eargasm

Pros Of Loop Switch 2

When you look at what the Loop Switch 2 attempts to do, it is an engineering marvel to pack three acoustic filters into something the size of a coin. After testing them extensively, several key advantages stood out that make them a superior choice for dynamic lifestyles.

• True 3-in-1 Versatility On The Go: The absolute biggest selling point is the ability to shift between three distinct noise reduction modes without swapping earplugs. You get “Engage” for conversations, “Experience” for live music, and “Quiet” for focus, all in one unit. This eliminates the anxiety of “did I pack the right earplugs?” or the hassle of fumbling with a tiny case in a dark concert venue to swap tips. For someone with ADHD or sensory processing sensitivity, being able to micro-adjust your volume to match a changing environment instantly provides a sense of control and relief that single-mode earplugs simply cannot offer. It effectively turns the world volume down on demand.
• significantly Improved Dial Mechanics: One of the main complaints about the first generation was the stiffness of the control ring. Loop has completely re-engineered this for the Switch 2, making the tactile click between modes distinct yet effortless. You can easily operate the switch with one finger while the plug is in your ear without disrupting the seal or pushing the plug painfully deeper into your canal. The “click” gives you physical feedback, so you know exactly which mode you have landed on without needing to look in a mirror. This usability upgrade transforms the feature from a gimmick into a reliable tool.
• Sleeker And Less Obtrusive Design: While they are still larger than the standard loops, the Switch 2 has shaved off critical millimeters from the thickness. They sit flush against the ear for most users, meaning you don’t look like you have Frankenstein bolts sticking out of your head. The aesthetic is modern and stylish, looking more like a piece of jewelry or high-end tech than medical hearing protection. This reduction in bulk also means less wind noise when you are walking outside, as the air flows over the flatter profile more smoothly than the bulkier predecessor.
• High-Fidelity Sound Preservation: In “Experience Mode,” the Switch 2 does a fantastic job of maintaining sound quality. Cheaper earplugs just muffle everything, making music sound like it is coming from underwater. The Switch 2 uses acoustic channel/mesh technology to lower the decibels evenly across frequencies. This means the highs, mids, and lows are reduced proportionately, keeping the music sounding rich and clear, just quieter. For concert-goers who want to protect their hearing without ruining the show, this fidelity is non-negotiable and executed well here.

Cons Of Loop Switch 2

Despite the impressive engineering, there are physical limitations to putting a mechanical switch inside an earplug. It is important to understand these drawbacks to ensure they align with your comfort levels and usage needs.

• Hard Plastic Housing Can Cause Fatigue: Unlike the Loop Quiet 2, which is made entirely of soft silicone, the Switch 2 requires a rigid plastic shell to house the mechanism. This means there is a hard object resting against the cartilage of your ear. For users with small ears or sensitive cartilage, this can create pressure points after a few hours of wear. You cannot sleep in these; the hard plastic would be incredibly painful if you rolled onto your side on a pillow. They are strictly for waking hours, unlike the rest of the Loop lineup which can double as sleep aids.
• The Price Point Is Significant: The Loop Switch 2 is priced as a premium product, often costing three times as much as a standard pair of earplugs. For the price of one pair of Switch 2, you could almost buy a pair of Quiet 2 and Experience 2 separately. If you are prone to losing small items, losing a Switch 2 is a much more painful financial hit. You are paying for the convenience of the mechanism, so if you only ever use earplugs for one specific activity (like sleeping or drumming), this extra cost for versatility you won’t use is wasted money.
• Occlusion Effect Is Still Present: The “Engage Mode” is designed to minimize the sound of your own voice booming in your head, but it is not magic. Because the ear canal is sealed with a silicone tip, you will still experience some occlusion. When you speak, you will hear your voice internally more than you would with an open ear. For some people, this makes having a natural conversation difficult, as they struggle to gauge their own speaking volume. While it is better than standard plugs, it is not as open as not wearing anything, and chewing food will still sound loud to you.
• Maintenance Is More Complex: A solid piece of silicone is easy to wash; a complex mechanical device with tiny moving parts is not. You cannot just throw the Switch 2 into a bowl of soapy water because moisture could get trapped inside the dial mechanism or the acoustic mesh. This makes cleaning them more tedious, requiring careful wiping and separate washing of the tips. If you have very waxy ears, there is a risk of wax working its way into the mechanism over months of use, potentially jamming the dial or clogging the filter, which is harder to clear out than a simple tube.

Maintenance Tips For Loop Switch 2

Because the Loop Switch 2 contains mechanical parts and acoustic filters, you cannot treat them as roughly as standard earplugs. Proper care is essential to keep the dial turning smoothly and the sound clear.

• Cleaning The Tips vs The Body: You must separate the silicone ear tips from the plastic body before deep cleaning. The silicone tips can be washed freely in warm soapy water to remove earwax and bacteria. However, the plastic body (the loop part) should never be submerged in water. Water entering the mechanical dial can cause the internal springs or detents to rust or stick, and water in the acoustic mesh will ruin the sound clarity. Use a damp cloth or a dedicated alcohol-free wipe to gently clean the hard plastic body.
• Handling Earwax Buildup: Earwax is the enemy of acoustic filters. If wax gets pushed into the small speaker-like nozzle of the Loop Switch 2, it can permanently block the sound path. Inspect the nozzle every time you take them out. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or a specialized hearing aid cleaning tool to gently brush away any debris from the mesh area—always brushing downwards so the debris falls out, not in. Do not use a needle or pin to poke the mesh, as you will puncture the filter and render the earplug useless.
• Storage And Transport: Since these are a premium investment, do not just toss them loose into your pocket or the bottom of a bag. Lint and dust can get into the dial mechanism, making it gritty or difficult to turn. Always use the provided carry case (or the upgraded Loop Link connector) when they are not in your ears. The case also prevents the hard plastic from getting crushed or scratched by keys. Keep the case clean as well; a dirty case just transfers bacteria back onto the earplugs.
• Avoiding Chemical Damage: The plastic housing and the silicone tips can degrade if exposed to harsh chemicals. Avoid using strong solvents, acetone, or bleach-based cleaners on any part of the earplug. Be careful with hairspray, perfume, or sunscreen; apply these products and let them dry before inserting your Loop Switch 2. Chemicals can make the clear plastic cloudy or cause the silicone tips to become brittle and crack, compromising the seal and comfort.

Comparison with Other Brands

The Loop Switch 2 is unique, but it competes with other high-end earplugs and even other models within Loop’s own range. Here is how it stacks up against the alternatives.

• Loop Experience 2: This is the dedicated concert earplug from the same brand, without the switching mechanism. Comparison: The Loop Experience 2 is significantly lighter and smaller than the Switch 2 because it lacks the dial. If you only go to concerts and don’t need “Quiet” mode for focus, the Experience 2 is more comfortable for long wear and costs half the price. However, the Experience 2 has a fixed attenuation (usually around 18dB), whereas the Switch 2 lets you bump up to 26dB if the music gets too loud. The Switch 2 is the better all-rounder, but the Experience 2 is the master of its specific domain (live music) due to comfort.
• Loop Quiet 2: These are made entirely of soft-touch silicone and are designed primarily for sleep and maximum noise blocking. Comparison: There is no competition for sleep; Loop Quiet 2 wins hands down. You cannot sleep in the Switch 2. The Quiet 2 blocks roughly the same amount of noise as the Switch 2 in “Quiet Mode,” but it feels much softer and has no hard pressure points. However, the Quiet 2 muffles sound heavily, making it terrible for concerts or conversations. If you need earplugs for the bedroom, buy the Quiet 2. If you need them for the boardroom and the bar, buy the Switch 2.
• Flare Audio Calmer: Flare takes a different approach; they don’t block sound, they use a small funnel to reduce distortion and “edge” in high frequencies. Comparison: Flare Audio Calmer is better for people who find specific trigger sounds annoying (like chewing or electricity hums) but still want to hear everything at full volume. The Loop Switch 2 actually lowers the volume. If you need to lower the decibels to protect your hearing, Calmer will not help you; you need the Loop Switch 2. If you just want to reduce stress from sharp noises without losing volume, Calmer is a more subtle option. The Switch 2 is a shield; Calmer is a lens.
• dBud Earplugs: dBud was one of the first to introduce an adjustable slider for noise attenuation. Comparison: The dBud also features a mechanical slider, similar to the Switch. However, many users find the dBud design to be stick-like and protruding, which makes it easier to accidentally knock out of the ear. The Loop Switch 2 sits flush in the ear, offering a much more secure fit and better aesthetics. The Loop dial is also rotational, which feels more intuitive than the back-and-forth slider of the dBud. Loop has generally overtaken dBud in terms of comfort and community support (tips, accessories).

Also Read: Comparison of Loop Quiet And Loop Quiet 2

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion

The Loop Switch 2 is a triumph of convenience and engineering, successfully solving the “Goldilocks problem” of noise reduction. Instead of carrying three pairs of earplugs to find the one that is “just right,” you have the power to adapt to your environment instantly. The improvements in the dial mechanism and the slimmer profile show that Loop has listened to user feedback, refining a good concept into a great product.

While they are not a replacement for dedicated sleeping earplugs due to the hard shell, they are arguably the best “daily driver” earplugs on the market for neurodivergent individuals, commuters, and social butterflies. If you are tired of the world being too loud but don’t want to disconnect from it entirely, the Loop Switch 2 is a worthy investment in your sanity and hearing health.