As a hunter, you know that gunfire can be hazardous to your hearing. The sound of a gunshot can be over 157 decibels, which is well above the safe level of 85 decibels. If you are not careful, you could suffer permanent hearing loss.
One of the best ways to protect your hearing when shooting is to wear earmuffs. Earmuffs can reduce noise levels by up to 30 decibels, which means that a 140-decibel gunshot would be reduced to 110 decibels. This is still a loud noise, but it is below the safe level.
Earmuffs are easy to use and come in a variety of shapes and materials. They can be worn over the head or behind the neck. Some earmuffs also have built-in radios or speakers, so you can still communicate with others while you are shooting.
If you are serious about protecting your hearing, then you should wear earmuffs every time you go shooting. It is a small investment that could save you from a lifetime of hearing loss.
Overview of 7 Best Shooting Ear Protection
1. Howard Shooting Ear Protection
Our Pick
2. Walker Razor Shooting Ear Protection
Best Budget
3. Pro For Sho Shooting Ear Protection
Premium One
4. Act Fire Shooting Ear Protection
Feature Loaded
5. Vanderfields Shooting Ear Protection
Cheap & Best
6. Decibel Defense Shooting Ear Protection
Lightweight
7. Peltor Shooting Ear Protection
Expensive
Related Post:- Best Rifle Bipods
Related Post:- Best Gun Case
1. Howard Shooting Ear Protection
Our Pick
★Why You Read This Shooting Ear Protection
- Fit & Comfort:- The product comes with a supportive padded, telescoping headband that fits well on your head even when you use a hat. It comes with a comfortable and non-slip fit and ultraslim earcups make the product suitable for shooting.
- Auto Shut–Off:- This low-energy earmuff automatically shuts off after 4 hours and comes with a snap-on lid for easy replacement.
- Air Flow Control Technology:- This technology offers optimal noise reduction across all frequencies. It can block hazardous sounds and the amplification can shut off at 83 dB as well.
- Microphones:- Directionally placed stereo microphones amplify range commands and environmental sounds to 82 dB.
- Functionality:- You can connect the earmuffs to an external MP3 player, scanner, and other audio devices too. It also comes with an AUX input and a 3.5mm connection cord.
- Easy to Store:- The product can be folded easily and conveniently on the range or in the field.
- Low Maintenance:- The ear cushions can be replaced after extended use when needed which makes the product low maintenance.
✔ Pros
- Available in multiple color options
- Ultra slim design
- Good collapsibility
- Well structured
❌ Cons
- NRR is minimal
- Ear cup edges are weak
If you haven’t upgraded your earmuffs recently then this is what you need to buy right now! This electronic earmuff can amplify voices and all sorts of noise. I was skeptical initially to use this and then I was blown away by its features. I was able to hear the leaves falling off the trees and my friend talking himself about how he got better scores last time. I was thrilled to see how well this product worked and was also able to feel that snuggly fit as well. I turned the voice amplification down and I did hear the sound of the shotgun like a Nerf gun.
The Howard Leight Impact is a reliable earmuff and it’s available in a wide range of color options. I bought the dark green and the quality of the product is also exceptional. I love the super durable leather headband and snug well on my hat as well. I did not feel any discomfort even after using it all day long. The padding on the ear cups was soft and sealed well as well. You can see the amplified volume knob on the outside of the ear cups which also acts as the on and off buttons.
There is a headphone jack that enables you to hook up your mobile phone and hear music. I appreciate the brand for implementing this feature which can act both as an earmuff and a headphone as well. This product comes with 2 AAA batteries and includes a four-hour shut-off time to save power.
You can also fold down the earmuffs to a compatible size as the ear cups are low profile when you fold them and they can also be transported easily. I bought this for $40, but they are currently selling for $50.32 on Amazon and I assure you that the product is a deal for what you pay. The only drawback of the product is that the ear cups get warmer when you shoot or hunt on a sunny day, but yes you cannot expect that to be cooler though. It ran a little warm which was a bit discomfort after prolonged usage.
2. Walker Razor Shooting Ear Protection
Best Budget
★Why You Read This Shooting Ear Protection
- Fit & Comfort:- These earmuffs come with a slim and soft padded design that is suitable for all-day use. As the profile is so slim, you can fold it comfortably.
- Omni Directional Mics:- Equipped with high-definition speakers that offer crisp clean audio which makes the product highly usable for hunting and also acts as hearing protection for shooting ear muffs.
- Volume Control:- There is a raised ridge that allows for tactile use when you are wearing gloves as well.
- Input Jack:- It has a 3.5mm jack for use with MP3 players and iPods. With the help of single-know volume control, you can also adjust the volumes.
- HD Speakers:- The earmuffs are equipped with full dynamic range high-definition speakers for clear and balanced sounds.
- Noise Reduction:- Comes with an impressive NRR or noise reduction rating of 23 dB and is one of the best ultra-low profile ear cups.
✔ Pros
- Good volume control
- Slim construction
- Elegant looking
- Great for range shooting
❌ Cons
- No indicator for battery low status
- Can not be used for a longer period
If you are looking for a set of slim cups and compact electronic muffs, then the Walker Razor earmuffs are what I suggest to my readers. Priced under $60 and available in various colors and the price range varies depending on the color and pattern. What I love the most about this brand is that this comes with active noise cancellation to filter the gunshot sound while allowing you to hear the voices. I know, this technology is not new but this specific model is more comfy and affordable.
Like any other ear muffs, the Walker’s also comes with plastic cups for ear protection and it’s padded and adjustable too. Though the product is low–cost, I appreciate the brand for making the product comfortable and it’s well-built. Adjustment happens at the ear cups and they come in a very thin shape. This specific series delivers an impressive noise reduction rating of 23 dB, which can surely protect your ear and hearing. The product is designed and engineered in the U.S. and comes in a comfortable foldable design.
I suggested these earmuffs to a friend of mine who also loves hunting and this is now his go-to – ear pro. The product is a bargain and the sound clarity and quality were perfect I must mention the active noise cancellation which works perfectly. I think this earmuff makes a lot of sense and you can also wash it to the bottom. The only drawback is that you get so much pressure on the sides of your head which is great for the seal, but I wasn’t able to wear them for a long time. The tight pressure was too much for me.
The good part is that I was able to shoot with the rifle and did not break the seal when I got a decent cheek rest. Usually, I use earplugs, but I don’t use them. I suggest these earmuffs for hunting as they can locate sounds from there.
3. Pro For Sho Shooting Ear Protection
Premium One
★Why You Read This Shooting Ear Protection
- Fit & Comfort:- These earmuffs give you the elasticity you want which makes the product suitable for prolonged use and the product can be clamped on the box.
- Padded:- The headbands are padded to make sure to prolong usage without causing a headache from the brand being too tight.
- Noise Cancelling:- These noise-canceling earmuffs come in a slimmer profile than other brands while also offering you the same amount of protection. You can also place them in a small bag or your hunting backpack. It is that compact!
- Adjustable:- You can also adjust this to make sure that you get the right amount of comfort while using this.
- Multi Usage:- You can use these earmuffs for landscaping, shooting, power tools, and for sensory sensitivity as well.
- Limited Lifetime Warranty:- The brand is also offering a 90-day no-risk money-back guarantee and a limited lifetime warranty for all their products.
✔ Pros
- Quality material
- Super lightweight
- Comfortable to ears
- Easy to carry
- Worth the price
❌ Cons
- The Cup material is thin
- Not for firearm shooting
I was asked to review this product as this is one of the top-selling earmuffs and I was excited to give it a try to share my thoughts with my readers. This hearing protection earmuff is available on Amazon and this specific model is so popular for me this is a new kid on the block. I have been using the most expensive ones for a year, and I searched for earmuffs that have all I wanted for proper hearing protection.
Gone are the days when my dad and grandfather used cigar filters or cotton balls for ear protection while hunting. While there are loads of brands out there that enable you to hear even the minute noises like the leaves falling and humans whispering. However, this product is cost-effective, affordable, and easy to use. The product is made by an American LLC company and is known for remarkably low-priced earmuffs.
The earmuffs are so light but in terms of design and build, I didn’t feel anything special. They also come in a foldable design like other earmuffs but it’s smaller than the others mentioned here which makes them easy to transport. Though the material is made of cheap plastic even after using it for more than 20 minutes I didn’t feel any discomfort and you will forget you are wearing the earmuffs. When it comes to performance, these guys are groundbreaking. I tested this with my HK45 for more than an hour both indoor and outdoor to test the acoustics and it was better than my expectation. These are the most affordable hearing protection earmuffs you get with all the needed features of a high–end product.
Though the comfort is not great but not the worst while the hearing is protected also works well when paired with earplugs. You can use these as backup earmuffs to take along the range but this is not for experienced or regular shooters like me as I rely on the other’s go-to pair. Available in two different sizes, small and large, and priced for below $20, the product I have reviewed is gray.
4. Act Fire Shooting Ear Protection
Feature Loaded
★Why You Read This Shooting Ear Protection
- Fit & Comfort:- Suits even for a small frame head and they will not be so tight that can cause some sort of inconvenience when used for too long.
- Sound Amplification:- The manual says that their products are tested for a long time to analyze their sound amplification effect so that you can have a better amplification effect.
- Stereo Sound:- The product has more stereo and clear sound so that you can find out the location of the sound, which can find you the location of the sound immediately.
- Clear & Realistic Sound:- You can communicate on the shooting range with these earmuffs and you can hear real and clear sounds.
- High-Quality Painting:- The earmuffs are painted with imported painting from Japan which has excellent protection and can be used in any climatic conditions even under extreme irradiation of UV rays.
✔ Pros
- Good volume control
- Quality microphones
- Good Bluetooth connectivity
- Smooth surface
- Well collapsing
❌ Cons
- Thin ear padding
- Low-level noise cancellation
For avid hunters and shooters, Act Fire’s earmuffs are the most essential and high-quality hearing protection that you require. It comes with a padded headband and an ear cup which ensures you get maximum comfort and wearability. It also comes with an enhanced noise reduction technology and amplification mechanism that provides you with clear sound detection. Also, the high–quality paint coating is what I must mention here, unlike other brands; this doesn’t fade easily even when used in mist or hard climatic conditions.
This earmuff not only saves your ear from distracting sounds but also maintains the stereo quality to enable easy communication. This also offers you 6 times sound applications and omnidirectional microphones that can locate prey with ease. Act Fire is equipped with a 25 dB noise reduction rating and it can effectively amplify ambient noise and vocal commands for transparent communication while blocking the sound levels for full situational awareness.
In addition to stellar performance, the product is built for comfort, and it’s super durable for extended wear as well. It includes an AUX input jack and a 3.5 mm connection cord. What I love the most about this product is that it delivers a rich audio experience crafted for hunters especially and it bags a 5-star rating for an immediate response, clear MP3 audio, and sound amplification. But why I have listed this in the 4th place is that it beeps loudly when you turn on the mechanism, which can irritate and distract you when in a hunt.
These earmuffs are suitable for various occasions and feature a cool appearance and a powerful function making them suitable for various occasions even for sawing and mowing. Available in various colors and features an American flag on the headband for an elite look. The foldable design makes the product suitable to carry with ease and light.
5. Vanderfields Shooting Ear Protection
Cheap & Best
★Why You Read This Shooting Ear Protection
- Fit & Comfort:- It comes with a retractable headband and cups that can swivel and twist to adjust the size of your head. It can give you the utmost comfort and fit.
- Foldable Design:- Like other products, this also comes with a foldable design and is lightweight to carry as well. You can use it anywhere you want now!
- Solid Design:- The product is designed to work in harsh climatic conditions and it can reduce up to 125 dB and is made with high production standards with a couple of layers of foam to dampen noise and comes in a solid single cup design.
- Adjustable:- The earmuffs feature a headband with a ½” foam cushion with synthetic leather that is easy to clean and provides the utmost comfort. It can fit well and seals around the ears well.
- Solid Cups:- Unlike other products, this features high-quality ABS cups with solid metal frames and flexible headbands which can protect your ear under high levels of stress.
✔ Pros
- Well fitted
- Good performance
- Wide range of color options
- Multipurpose use
❌ Cons
- Foam insulators may come out
- Faulty adjustments
If you are looking for the cheapest and most affordable earmuffs for shooting and hunting, then the Vanderfields must be your choice. These are said to suppress noise by up to 125db are used by military forces and have high production standards. It can block out noise and comes in a foldable design; the product is also super light in weight and easy to carry as well. The cushioned ear cups offer a comfortable and secure fit. They are super strong and made of top-quality materials which make them durable and touch.
Available in various colors and all priced for $15.99 at the time of review the ones I love the most are Iron gray and Purple. My son sometimes accompanies me for hunting, if you are my long-time follower then you know it. He loves Vanderfields earmuffs not because they are affordable but for their adjustable sizes as well. Unlike other brands, this comes with an adjustable pattern that can be done in mere seconds.
The manual says that the product can be used for studying to concentrate better and is also usable for attending outdoor activities and festivities. I was once testing this device in my garage and could hear my wife speaking from 5 feet away in a normal tone. So, if you are looking for a serious ear protection tool, then spend on something else to protect your hearing. But that doesn’t mean, this is not a perfect earmuff, for less than $20 I would say it is a solid buy. They are very well built for the price and fit even large heads.
6. Decibel Defense Shooting Ear Protection
Lightweight
★Why You Read This Shooting Ear Protection
- Fit & Comfort:- Comes with an ultra-comfortable headband with a smooth and padded cell pattern that offers hours of comfort.
- Foldable Design:- The product can be folded and suggested for ages 4 and up. You can store the earmuffs in your tool case or gun bag easily.
- Safety:- The earmuffs come with NRR 37 dB protection which can also be used on a shooting range and is suitable for other uses.
- Multi Usage:- This product is suitable for use with all shotguns, lawnmowers, and power equipment.
✔ Pros
- Comfortable fitting
- Good noise cancellation
- Well padded
- Worth the price
❌ Cons
- Hardhead squeeze
- Non-durable
This earmuff can block more than 37 decibels and is a durable option for the hunter, and shooters for the ones who are around loud noises. Includes large cover cups that can block the noise out and can also be used for car care and also when you use power tools around your home as well. The ultra-comfortable headband with a smooth and cushioned cell body makes the product comfortable to use and it features and tiny and foldable design as well. You can easily store these in your toolbox or gun bag. I love the unique sound reduction capacity of this product and one of the safest products to use.
Available in two sizes regular and extra large and you get in various color options from black, blue, yellow, red, orange, purple, and others. While some of the users have complained that the product is made of a cheap plastic shell and just regular foam inside. I was totally satisfied and didn’t feel that it was made of low-quality plastic. For $23.79 you get quality earmuffs that won’t disappoint you with their performance.
Decibel Defense is nice and comfy for the outer ear but I was not able to bear the pain on the sides of the head. These earmuffs are also one of the most reviewed products, their smooth headband with fabric stitching is the pinnacle of long-lasting, durability, and comfort. The brand is also offering extra-large sizes for those who have large heads as well. Make sure to check the size with the seller before buying the product.
7. Peltor Shooting Ear Protection
Expensive
★Why You Read This Shooting Ear Protection
- Fit & Comfort:- The product comes with a sleek design which makes the product suitable for prolonged usage. The earpads are comfortable and portable too.
- Safety:- The NRR of these earmuffs is 26 dB which means the product is suitable for various occasions.
- Bluetooth:- Unlike other products, this comes with Bluetooth technology which allows you to stream music and make voice calls.
- Voice Tracking:- You can track voice in the background and filter the noises for enhanced speed intelligibility.
- Rechargeable Batteries:- The product runs on AA batteries which are not included or you can also use an Alpha 1100 Lithium-ion rechargeable battery.
✔ Pros
- Great quality mics
- Comfortable and convenient
- Strong Bluetooth connectivity
- Compact design
- Foldable structure
❌ Cons
- Ear cups have thin metal wires
- Does not include a battery
One of the most expensive on the list! Priced for $109.99 and one of the most tactical smart electronic hearing protectors, whether you work in a loud environment for reliable shooting earmuffs, then this can be your friend! Comes in a sleek design and it is not bulky or heavy. I love how the ranging guard is light and thinking. Like other products, these can also easily fold themselves they get into a compact shape which makes the product easy to throw in your bag.
The headband comes with a bit of padding and it’s light and thin you will never feel any weight and it’s super comfortable. The product is easy to use as well, all you need is just a couple of AA batteries, and with an AUX cable, you can also use a 2-way or MP3 player. Once you put them, you need to power on the knob on the right to level up.
Performance-wise, the product can amplify the voices around you while suppressing the gunshot noise. The higher you push the level up, the clearer the voices become. There is a windscreen near the microphones to keep the wind noises down. It also includes an auto–shut–off feature that triggers after 4 hours. Overall, the product is excellent hearing protection, but a little expensive, and for the given features I think it’s worth the price.
Frequently Ask Questions
1. Do I have to use ear protection while shooting or hunting?
Yes! Your eyes and ears must be protected. If you don’t want to lose your hearing, then it’s essential to use earmuffs when you go to the range.
2. How to choose the right earmuffs?
Understand your whole–shift noise exposures and choose the one based on the exposure. An electronic earmuff is the most popular type of ear protection and hunters prefer it. They are known for their noise-canceling feature which uses a form of electronic interference.
3. How effective are earmuffs?
They can be effective in most situations but might cause discomfort in areas with high temperatures. On the other hand, you can use earplugs that fit well into your ear canal and offer the utmost protection from excessive noise.
4. Do electronic earmuffs work?
They are modern and cost-effective. It can sense loud sounds at a specific decibel level, the amplifier just shuts off. When there is no sound, the amplifier turns on. This works, but the audio experience for the shooter can be a bit clipped.
5. Earplugs or earmuffs? Which is better?
Earplugs fit directly into the ear canal and give you a top level of protection from noise than ear muffs. An earmuff especially the electronic ones also better today and they are now being used in foundries, factories, and airports.
