In order to find the best Ear Muffs for premium electronic sound or headphones for your ear protection, don’t forget to read the expert analysis of sound products by reviewed everything. Following are the best ear muffs for ear protection.
1. Awesafe Electronic Shooting Earmuff
Awesome delivers a highly affordable noise reducing and low-level sound amplifying earmuff for gun enthusiasts and hunters alike. One look at the Awesafe earmuff and you will know immediately that this is designed with hunting in mind. It has an NRR of 22 decibels.
The extremely low-profile design of the earcups will prevent them from obstructing rifle stock during aiming. It is made from durable EVA plastic casing which is both lightweight and sturdy enough to withstand the natural elements making it an excellent choice for outdoor use.
This earmuff also comes with its hardcover case to ensure it stays safe during storage and when you’re bringing it with you during trips. The Awesome is a pretty solid electronic earmuff for those who are on a tight budget. However, don’t expect it to offer top-notch performance.
Key Features:
- Built-in omnidirectional microphone technology.
- Collapsible design.
- AUX 3.5mm input jack.
- Battery operated.
Our Rating:
- Build Quality: 8.5/10
- Comfort: 8.5/10
- Noise Reduction: 8.5/10
- Battery Life: 8.5/10
Pros:
- Low profile design prevents it from affecting head mobility.
- Impressive noise reduction capability for the price.
- Snap-in ear cushions for easier maintenance.
Cons:
- Not ideal for use in an indoor shooting range as there are noise leak issues.
2. Howard Leight by Honeywell Leightning L3 Shooting Earmuff
Howard Leight comes charging into the budget-friendly earmuff list with the Honeywell Leightning L3. True to their brand signature, the L3 utilizes durable steel frames with its adjustable headband to ensure perfect fit and comfort.
In terms of noise reduction, the L3 comes with its patented Air Flow Control technology design that allows for significant dampening of loud noises without the need to expand on the size of the earcups. This means it can reduce noise while maintaining a compact and lightweight appearance.
The L3 Shooting Earmuff has an NRR of 30 decibels making it a good hearing protection headset for those who work in extremely loud environments such as construction as well as both in outdoor and indoor shooting range.
As for extra features, the L3 comes with a snap-in ear cushion which allows for easier maintenance/cleaning and replacement if damaged. It also adds extra foam on the headband to help reduce the pressure accumulation when worn for long periods.
Key Features:
- NRR of 30 decibels.
- Air Flow Control Technology earcup design.
- Telescopic adjustment for a better fit.
- Detachable snap-in ear cushion.
Our Rating:
- Build Quality: 9/10
- Comfort: 8.5/10
- Noise Reduction: 9/10
- Battery Life: n/a
Pros:
- Affordable price with powerful noise reduction capability.
- Great for an indoor gun range.
- Adjustable headband improves fit with most head sizes.
Cons:
- While the headband is adjustable, it does not stretch enough to accommodate those with larger heads.
3. Budget Pick (In-Ear): SureFire EP4 Sonic Defenders Earplugs
The SureFire EP4 Sonic Defender is a mid-range hearing protection earplug. With an NRR of 24 decibels, you can expect it to provide protection from most loud impulse noises. It can dampen the noise from low-caliber pistols with ease but might not be enough for those working in constantly noisy environments such as airport hangars.
The Sonic Defender earplug is made from medical grade polymer material so expect it to be soft and comfortable to wear for a prolonged time. This material also improves upon the earplug’s overall durability so expect it to last for quite some time before needing to be replaced.
The SureFire EP4 also comes with a built-in sound stopper that prevents dangerously high levels of noise while allowing low-level sound from coming in. It also secures into your ears quite well thanks to the EarLock retention ring. The EarLock design ensures that the earplug won’t accidentally slip off during movement.
Key Features:
- EarLock Retention Ring enhances the earplug’s grip and prevents accidental slippage.
- NRR of 24 decibels.
- Uses medical-grade polymer tips.
- Compact and low-profile design.
Our Rating:
- Build Quality: 9/10
- Comfort: 9.5/10
- Noise Reduction: 8.5/10
- Battery Life: n/a
Pros:
- Non-slip retention ring design.
- Comes with filter caps and stoppers to dampen loud noises while allowing low-level sound to pass through.
- Medical grade polymer is durable and comfortable on the ear.
Cons:
- Not ideal for use with high-powered firearms or sounds that are exceedingly loud (above 150 decibels).
4. Etymotic High-Fidelity Earplugs
The Etymotic Hi-Fi earplugs provide substantial noise reduction with an affordable and simple product. For those looking for budget-friendly earplugs to bring during the occasional round at the shooting range, the Etymotic earplug might be the perfect fit for you.
This earplug provides an NRR of 20 decibels. A good number to provide protection from the sound of low-caliber firearms. This earplug also has decent sound amplification capabilities so that you can still have a conversation even when wearing the Etymotic.
The Etymotic Hi-Fi earplug features a low-profile design which means you can wear this while wearing a helmet or with an earmuff for added protection. The ear tip can be interchanged with a different tip to suit your preference.
As this comes with the lowest NRR in this list, it is not exactly ideal for use with high-powered firearms. It can help dampen the impact of the noise on your ears, but it won’t be able to protect you from prolonged exposure. This is an excellent choice for use with low-caliber pistols only.
Key Features:
- Interchangeable ear tips.
- Sleek and compact design.
- High-fidelity earplug.
Our Rating:
- Build Quality: 8.5/10
- Comfort: 9/10
- Noise Reduction: 7.5/10
- Battery Life: n/a
Pros:
- Good for muffling loud noises while allowing the wearer to hold a conversation.
- Interchangeable ear tips.
- Comes with a cord that prevents you from accidentally losing the earplugs.
Cons:
- NRR is too low to provide adequate protection from high-powered firearms.
Tends to slip out from time to time.
Buyer’s Guide: What to Consider
Earmuffs or In-Ear?
Some people prefer earmuffs while others in-ear plugs. Both offer the same goal while giving vastly different experiences when worn. Some people don’t particularly enjoy the feeling of something jammed into their ear canal while others are not comfortable with the earmuffs’ tendency to put too much pressure over the years. Choose which one you prefer and start from there.
Another difference between earmuffs and earplugs comes in the form of additional features. Earmuffs completely blow the earplug out of the water when it comes to extra features such as having a 3.5mm input jack and Bluetooth capability.
However, earplugs usually surpass the earmuffs in terms of durability due to their simple and basic design. For example, earmuffs are more likely to suffer from damage when dropped.
Electronic hearing protection equipment is a little more complicated. It can reduce impulse noise without affecting the ambient sound. This means that a gunshot will be significantly muffled while conversations and other low-level sounds will remain pretty much the same. Electronic earmuffs also come with extra features such as the ability to connect an AUX input jack to listen to some music.
Final Thoughts
Our ears are constantly bombarded with harmful levels of noise daily. If you enjoy hunting or going to the shooting range, you are more likely to suffer from hearing disorders down the road. Using the best ear protection will help prevent this problem from happening. Use our buying guide and list of the best hearing protection products to ensure that you can enjoy your hobby without risking damaging your hearing.
