Music Earplugs Comparison

Attenuation data for 6 popular models — measured, not marketed

When choosing earplugs for concerts, festivals, or clubs, marketing claims only tell part of the story. What matters is how evenly the earplugs reduce sound across all frequencies. This is called flat attenuation — and it's the difference between music that sounds muffled and music that simply sounds quieter.

Below we compare six popular music earplugs based on their official APV (Assumed Protection Values) per frequency band. No opinions, just measurements.

What is APV?

APV values indicate expected attenuation at specific frequencies, measured according to EN 352-2 and ISO 4869 standards. Higher numbers mean more sound reduction at that frequency. The key is consistency: ideally, all frequencies should be reduced by similar amounts to preserve the music's natural balance.

Attenuation Data by Frequency

Model	63 Hz	125 Hz	250 Hz	500 Hz	1 kHz	2 kHz	4 kHz	8 kHz
Earproof Dance	10.7	11.4	12.9	13.8	17.5	23.9	15.5	24.4
Alpine PartyPlug Pro	18.4	18.6	17.4	15.5	20.1	26.9	20.7	30.7
Loop Experience 2	20.7	21.7	18.6	19.3	21.1	24.1	20.2	12.3
Alpine PartyPlug	4.4	7.0	10.2	14.2	17.8	22.4	20.2	15.1
Noizezz Premium	15.8	15.8	18.1	18.1	18.1	20.0	20.0	20.0
Alpine Tune	18.4	18.6	17.4	15.5	20.1	26.9	20.7	11.2

What the Data Shows

🎵

Earproof Dance: Natural progression Gradual increase from bass to highs with controlled peaks. The music stays balanced — volume goes down, but the mix stays intact. Ideal for extended listening at festivals and clubs.

⚠️

Loop Experience 2: Drop at 8 kHz Performs well through the midrange but drops sharply at 8 kHz (12.3 dB vs 20+ elsewhere). High frequencies like cymbals and hi-hats may come through relatively louder.

📊

Alpine PartyPlug: Bass leak Only 4.4 dB attenuation at 63 Hz means bass frequencies are barely reduced. This can make music sound boomy and unbalanced, especially in electronic genres.

Spread Comparison

The "spread" shows the difference between minimum and maximum attenuation. A lower spread isn't always better — what matters is how the attenuation is distributed. A smooth, predictable curve preserves music better than a flat plateau or erratic peaks.

Model	Min (dB)	Max (dB)	Spread	Profile
Earproof Dance	10.7	24.4	13.7 dB	Natural progression ✓
Noizezz Premium	15.8	20.0	4.2 dB	Flat plateau
Loop Experience 2	12.3	24.1	11.8 dB	High-end drop
Alpine PartyPlug	4.4	22.4	18.0 dB	Bass leak
Alpine PartyPlug Pro	15.5	30.7	15.2 dB	Heavy high-end
Alpine Tune	11.2	26.9	15.7 dB	8 kHz dip

Experience Flat Attenuation

Earproof Dance — €24.95 including 4 sizes, keychain case, and free shipping in NL

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Why Flat Attenuation Matters

Cheap foam earplugs can reduce high frequencies by 30-40 dB while barely touching the bass. The result? Muffled, dull sound that makes you want to take them out — defeating the purpose entirely.

Music earplugs with flat attenuation reduce all frequencies more evenly. The volume drops, but the music keeps its character: clear vocals, punchy bass, crisp highs. You can wear them for hours without fatigue, have conversations with friends, and go home without ringing ears.

At 103 dB (the legal limit at Dutch venues), unprotected exposure becomes dangerous after just 7.5 minutes. With -20 dB earplugs, that extends to over 12 hours. Protection doesn't have to mean compromise.

Note: APV values are based on standardized measurements (EN 352-2, ISO 4869). Actual attenuation depends on fit and ear canal shape. Data sourced from official product documentation and CE certification documents.