Best Shooting Earmuffs in 2024: My Personal Picks After Extensive Testing

Whether you’re a seasoned marksman or a novice shooter, safeguarding your hearing is crucial. I’ve spent years rigorously testing and evaluating various shooting earmuffs. Here’s my concise, expert ranking to help you choose the best shooting earmuffs.

Best Shooting Earmuffs

Peltor Sport Tactical 500 – Smart Electronic Hearing Protector

Top-rated:  5,173 ratings

Peltor Sport Tactical 500 - Best Shooting Earmuffs

Highlight:  Dynamic Suppression Time technology measures the energy in gunshot noise, automatically setting suppression time to reduce echoes and enhance comfort during shooting.

Helpful review: “When I first decided to purchase the Peltor Sport Tactical 500 Smart Electronic Hearing Protector, it was the blend of rave reviews, its high NRR rating of 26 dB, digital voice listening capability, and the added Bluetooth feature that caught my attention. Here’s my breakdown of the experience with these headphones:

The high NRR of 26 dB was a major draw for me, as it’s one of the higher ratings I’ve encountered in hearing protection headphones. I’ve found that pairing these headphones with earplugs further boosts my ear protection, a real plus. I’ve comfortably worn them for extended periods, up to an hour, and they’ve been quite adaptable to different head sizes. Their collapsible design is handy for storage, and they come with a robust storage bag. The build quality seems top-notch, and they fit well even when I’m wearing thin safety glasses. While I haven’t fully explored the Bluetooth and digital voice communication features, the auto power shut-off and battery warning are thoughtful additions.

In terms of design, these headphones are on the bulkier side, but not overly so. They strike a balance, being less cumbersome than some other models. The weight is moderate – not too heavy, but noticeable during prolonged use. Initially, I found the padded cups a bit uncomfortable, applying some pressure. It took a bit of adjusting to position them comfortably and avoid any pressure on my temples that might cause headaches.

Overall, I’m quite impressed with these headphones. They tick many boxes: feature-rich, highly adjustable, with a high NRR, and robust construction. The price seems fair for the quality and features you get. I opted for the ALPHA1100 rechargeable Li-ion battery pack, a choice I prefer over conventional AA batteries. I did initially miss out on the gel replacement earcups, which I later realized are more comfortable and provide a better seal, especially when wearing glasses. This can potentially increase the NRR due to their material and double hump design.

I did eventually upgrade to PROHEAR gel ear pads, and the difference was immediately noticeable. There was a clear improvement in noise reduction and comfort. The gel pads, slightly thicker than the original ones, ensured a better seal. Installing them was straightforward: I removed the original pads, cleaned off the adhesive residue, and then aligned and attached the new pads.

The digital capabilities of these headphones are outstanding. I can hear everything perfectly while still being protected from loud noises. The headphones are excellent at muting loud sounds while keeping speech audible. Even with earplugs in, the digital output remains clear, allowing me to achieve a high level of hearing protection while maintaining good situational awareness. For anyone considering digital headphones for hearing protection, based on my experience, I would highly recommend this model.” – MADPWR

Get it from Amazon now: $121.79 

 

Walker’s Razor Quad – Electronic Muffs

Top-rated: 3,405 ratings

Walkers Razor Quad Electronic Muffs - Best Shooting Earmuffs

Highlight:  Advanced 4 Mic 360 Degree Sound Capture technology enables the Razor Slim Electronic Quad Muffs to pick up sounds from every direction, enhancing situational awareness for the shooter.

Helpful review: “I’ve been wearing a pair of walker alpha muffs for about 10 years and figured it was time for an upgrade. The decision came down between these and the xcel 500bt. I guess I’m a sucker for new tech of the Bluetooth. It came down to price so I figured I’d try these first. I shoot fairly often for work and also plan on using these for yard work and the occasional monster jam.

So far these are super slim and comfortable. My old muffs came out when I shouldered and these do not. That’s a huge bonus for me. I also find wearing eye protection is easier as well. The top is neoprene and they wear nice. The Bluetooth was simple as pressing a button and hooked easily to my iPhone 7.

The sound is good and only got the crackle others mentioned when I pressed on the muffs or cranked it way too loud. Volume on the Bluetooth is controlled by BOTH the phone and rocker so if you think it’s low check your phone. The rocker can only go as loud as the phone.

They fold nicely for the range bag. NRR is 23 which is fairly decent for these type. The pelicans are 18? [Remember the equation is x-7/2 so these are 23-7/2 = 8 db lower sound – additional ear plugs add 5 so that makes this 13]

I figured these shortcomings were coming since most of the other reviews mention them. Yes they do not amplify the sound directional as others have mentioned. You hear everything but hard to tell where it’s coming from. This isn’t a huge deal but interesting since there are 4 mics and walker has other muffs that can do this.

The Bluetooth is “eh”. I noticed that I cannot turn off the sound amp and leave Bluetooth on. When I turn Bluetooth off (by turning volume rocker down) it’s unconnects from my phone which is a pain. Phone calls are low volume (expected) and the person on the other line has told me that there is a loud echo rending using it for phone calls useless. I’ve been putting the phone on speaker for calls. I have also had both the ear muffs AND the phone playing music too which was odd. I’m not sure of the Bluetooth on the 500bts (I’d love to compare them) but it’s not a feature I would really pay extra for due to these. (It was only a $10 difference for me here so I went for it).

The top piece doesn’t have Velcro on the sides like the patriot ones which would have been nice for name tapes and the flags. Since it’s hard to write on these since they are all black with a giant “walkers” on the band.

All this being said these are a HUGE improvement over ear pro in the last few years. Like I said I was on a 10 year old pair which I’ll still use but it was time for an upgrade. I wouldn’t pay extra for the Bluetooth as it’s not perfected but for $10 I’ll take it. These are good $50-$80 not $130 msrp. For $40-$60 you’ll probably be just as happy with the walker patriots (with the cool flags) since you’re not going to miss the Bluetooth feature and they are basically the same.

I’m going to keep them and I’m going to be happy. Remember these are NOT Bose noise cancelling headphones. These are hearing protection for shooting/loud machinery/concerts/sporting events so don’t forget that when buying. I usually use inner ear protection while shooting as well so these need to work which so far they have done the trick. The batteries are easy to install and don’t fall out like my old ones since the door is on the outside now. I can’t comment on battery life since they are still rocking. My old walkers lasted a long long time so hopefully that continues.” – Mike Lembo

Get it from Amazon now: $73.14 

 

PROHEAR 030 Bluetooth 5.4 – Electronic Shooting Earmuffs

Top-rated: 2,199 ratings

PROHEAR-030- Best Shooting Earmuffs

Highlight:  Optimized for Shooting and Hunting with NRR 22dB/SNR 27dB, featuring durable recessed microphones that amplify environmental sounds below 82dB for enhanced communication, while reducing wind noise.

Helpful review: “I’ve taken my new headphones to several skeet shooting outings, and for their price, they’re a fantastic deal. While the noise cancellation is adequate, what really impresses me is the noise piping feature. It allows ambient sounds to filter in, so I can easily converse with my friends, yet it effectively blocks out loud, harmful noises. This means I can comfortably wear the headset the entire time I’m shooting. Plus, I love that I can adjust the volume of this noise piping – a really neat feature!

There’s some room for improvement in the software and noise processing, though. For instance, the headphones seem to be quite sensitive to high-pitched noises. Once, there was a dog in the parking lot, distressed and whining, and these headphones picked up its whines clearly from any distance, as long as the car was in my line of sight. Surprisingly, this sensitivity can be useful too. Some of my friends who speak in higher pitches are audible to me from nearly 100 yards away, which is quite remarkable.

Another great feature is the Bluetooth connectivity. I can link my phone to the headphones and play music. There’s something really cool about shooting clays while listening to ACDC or Foo Fighters.

Initially, the fit felt a bit tight, possibly because I have a larger head. They were snug at first, but they’re gradually becoming more comfortable with each use. The band is versatile, fitting nicely over all my hats, including my bump cap, which is a big plus. The ear cups are comfortable too, not causing any discomfort like some other headphones I’ve tried.

In conclusion, I was really amazed at how affordable these headphones are for the quality they offer. I’ve been proudly showing them off and recommending them to all my shooting buddies.” – Daniel Collins

Get it from Amazon now: $60.95 

 

Howard Leight Impact Sports – Electronic Shooting Earmuff

Top-rated: 39,050 ratings

Howard Leight Impact Sports - Best Shooting Earmuffs

Highlight:  Automatic Noise Blocking- Actively listens and automatically shuts off amplification when ambient sound reaches 82 dB, providing a Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) of 22 for effective hearing protection.

Helpful review: “I’ve recently compared three different range headphones to help with making a well-informed decision: the Howard Leight Impact Sports by Honeywell, Walker’s Razor Slim Model GWP-RSEM, and Gloryfire Model M8056T. This comparison is based on my personal purchase and testing of each product.

In terms of comfort, the Walkers come out on top with their deep cups and thick padding, which don’t press down on my safety glasses and remain comfortable even after 20 minutes. However, they do require some effort to open and adjust. The Gloryfire, ranking second, has thick pads but feels uncomfortable initially due to the headband pulling down. It gets more comfortable quickly, though. The Howard Leights fall into third place here; they have thin pads and are tricky to position correctly over the ear and eye protection without causing air leakage.

Regarding sound dampening, the Howard Leights impress me the most. With the volume off, they provide excellent decibel reduction, and when the sound is on, they cut to a safe level instantly during shooting. The Walkers are okay in noise reduction with the volume off and adjust quickly during shooting, earning them the second spot. The Gloryfire, despite great noise reduction with the volume off, don’t perform as well when the sound is on.

For audio quality when turned on, the Howard Leights, albeit reluctantly, take the top spot with excellent sound fidelity. There’s some lag when turning them on or adjusting the volume, but the audio quality is very good. The Walkers, in second place, offer great sound fidelity, but I faced an issue with the left headphone cutting out after a few months. The Gloryfire headphones rank third; their sound fidelity and volume are not as good as the others.

When it comes to volume adjustment and audio cable input, the Walkers are the best. The volume knob is intuitive and easy to find, although the input port’s rubber plug is a bit tricky. The Gloryfire comes in second with a less protruding volume knob and a convenient input port design. The Howard Leights are third in this category; their perpendicular volume knob is less intuitive, and they pick up electromagnetic static from connected phones.

In terms of compactness for storage, the Howard Leights are the easiest to collapse into a tight form, followed by the Gloryfire, which is slightly bulkier. The Walkers are the least compact, with some difficulty in collapsing and uneven pad compression.

For design and appearance, the Walkers stand out with their sleek, modern look and practical wire placement. The Howard Leights and Gloryfire are tied for second, both having similar, less appealing designs with impractical wire placement.

One additional note: despite Gloryfire’s branding as a “US Brand Quality”, they are actually manufactured in China, which I find a bit misleading.

Ultimately, I’ve decided to return the Gloryfires due to sound issues in one ear, my Walkers failed after a few months, and I’m currently trying out the Impacts, which are popular among the range officers, though their long-term reliability remains to be seen.” – SquareWarren

Get it from Amazon now: $59.99 

 

Walker’s Razor Slim – Shooting Earmuffs

Top-rated: 20,499 ratings

Walker's Razor Slim - Best Shooting Earmuffs

Highlight:  Enhanced Sound Amplification- Equipped with two hi-gain microphones, these ear muffs amplify safe sounds, providing clear omni-directional hearing with low-end frequencies enhancement for natural sound reproduction.

Helpful review: “As a newcomer to shooting, I’ve recently discovered the impressive functionality of these range headphones. Though new to shooting, I’ve had ears my whole life, so I feel confident in saying that these “ears” work precisely as described, and beautifully at that.

Until now, my experience was limited to using standard range ears. The concept of being able to hear ambient noise and conversations while still blocking out the sharp sounds of gunfire was new to me. After acquiring my own CC firearm, it was time to upgrade my range bag, and these headphones were one of my first additions.

The ambient noise pass-through feature is like experiencing a new level of Gun Fun ASMR. Once activated, you can adjust the volume of ambient noise, which is linked to the headphones’ sound sensitivity. At maximum settings, it feels almost like having superhero senses – I could hear conversations across the room, the sound of someone reloading a few stalls away, and even the subtle noise of my fingertips rubbing together. However, this also means picking up on less desirable sounds like the AC unit or people shuffling. That’s why I’ve found my preference is to keep this feature ‘barely on’.

In terms of comfort, these headphones are exceptional. I’ve worn them for 2-3 hours at a time without needing to adjust them for comfort. The ear cups adjust well for a solid seal and are comfortably padded.

The build quality of these headphones is notably solid. They have a reassuring heft, indicating that they are not cheaply made, and all parts fit well. They feel like they will last a long time.

Regarding accessories and sustainability, the headphones come with 2 Duracell AAA batteries. I chose to replace these with my rechargeable batteries, anticipating that I might forget to turn them off and drain the batteries. This is not only a practical choice but also an environmentally conscious one.

Would I buy these headphones again? Absolutely, and I already have. After getting a black pair, I couldn’t resist adding an OD green pair to my collection as well.” – Vond

Trending review: “As someone with a notably large head and ears, being 6ft 3 inches tall and wearing a size 7 7/8 hat, I have a unique perspective on the fit of range headphones. My advice for those with similar head sizes is to try both the Howard Leight (HL) and Walker Razor (WR) to see which suits you best.

Regarding fitment, the HL and WR are quite similar, but there are noticeable differences. The HL offers slightly more headspace, especially when wearing a hat, likely due to its less padded band compared to the WR. I find the HL to be more comfortable over long periods as it doesn’t squeeze my head as much. However, the ear pads on the HL are slightly smaller than those on the WR. While the hole size isn’t drastically different, it’s enough to be noticeable. My measurements showed the HL being about 1 cm smaller in each dimension than the WR, but crucially, the HL pads are about 1/4 inch less deep. This affected the seal around my ears, particularly on my left ear, where I noticed a gap between my neck and ear, compromising the seal and, consequently, my comfort in using them. If you have a larger head, the fit might vary depending on your head shape and ear size, so trying both is advisable.

In terms of aesthetics, the WR headphones have the edge. They come with more padding on the band and larger, deeper ear muffs. However, this design makes the band feel tighter, potentially limiting the duration they can be worn compared to the HL.

Sound-wise, the HL headphones have a slight advantage in audio quality. Their fabric-like cover, as opposed to the metal cover on the WR, helps in reducing wind noise pickup.

Ultimately, I chose to stick with the WR, but I don’t consider the HL to be inferior. Both models have their strengths and weaknesses, and it’s worth trying both to see which fits better. The HL might be more suitable for wider heads. To enhance comfort, I added gel ear pads to my WR, which significantly improved their wearability. I highly recommend getting gel ear pads for whichever model you choose, as they add considerably to the comfort.” – Victor V.

Get it from Amazon now: $39.25 

 

Howard Leight Impact Pro – Electronic Earmuff

Top-rated: 4,157 ratings

Howard Leight Impact Pro - Best Shooting Earmuffs

Highlight: Advanced Hazardous Noise Blocking: Actively listens and automatically ceases amplification when ambient sound reaches 82 dB, while passively blocking out noise at 30 dB.

Helpful review: “As a line service tech at a regional airport, I’m constantly around running jet engines and other loud noises. Initially, my employer provided basic passive hearing protection, but I needed something better to hear important communications like the radio. So, I invested in the Impact Pro. Having used them at work for a month, I’m impressed with their durability and performance. They’ve withstood various types of abuse without any damage, the battery cover is intact, the volume knob functions smoothly, and the first set of AAAs are still going strong.

Despite their size, these earmuffs are comfortable to wear, fitting well over my bump cap and accommodating my glasses. They provide excellent hearing protection, and with the amplifier on, I can hear faint sounds clearly. There are some limitations, though. The circuitry takes a moment to ramp up, amplifies wind noise, and occasionally picks up radio emissions from nearby airplanes. Interestingly, this lets me sense if a plane is electronically active or even listen to pilot communications.

The amplifier doesn’t specifically enhance voice frequencies, so sometimes voices get lost in the background noise. Nevertheless, I can understand more with these than with the simple passive earmuffs I used before. I’m very satisfied with their performance.

After several months of daily professional use, the first set of AAAs finally ran out. The earmuffs have endured being snagged, dragged, and dropped, showing only minor wear and tear and still working as well as they did initially. They’ve even held up well in extreme weather conditions.” – Frank Meyer

Trending review: “A few years ago, my shooting was primarily outdoors, and I found the Howard Leight Impact Sport earmuffs to be excellent for that environment. They’re lightweight, have a low profile, and effectively reduce gunshot noise, while also enhancing my ability to hear ambient sounds. This feature could be particularly beneficial in a home defense situation. One aspect I really appreciate about these earmuffs is the auto-shutoff feature, which saves battery life — a crucial factor since I often forget to turn off my electronics.

When I started using an indoor range, however, I quickly realized that the Impact Sports were not adequate in such an extremely loud environment. I had to double up with foam plugs to shoot comfortably, which unfortunately made the electronic hearing enhancement nearly useless.

Consequently, I purchased the Impact Pro earmuffs, which offer similar electronic hearing enhancements as the Impact Sport but are much bulkier. This bulkiness substantially improves their noise reduction capability (31 decibel reduction compared to 22 decibel). Despite their size, the Impact Pro’s protect my ears effectively, even amidst the loud noises of big bore rifles, ARs, and shotguns at the indoor range. They allow me to carry on conversations, though I need to adjust the volume to find the right balance. However, the bulkiness of the Impact Pro’s has its drawbacks, especially when it comes to compatibility with hats and eye protection, as they can disrupt the seal, reducing effectiveness.

Despite these compromises, the Impact Pro’s are currently my best option for indoor shooting under $100. Other options exist, but they are either too costly or don’t meet my needs as effectively as the Impact Pro’s.

As a side note, I also keep an extra pair of the Impact Sports in my hidden gun safe for home defense. The electronic noise filter in both models is exceptional at amplifying low-volume sounds. I can hear soft conversations from across the house when wearing them, providing a potential advantage in a home invasion scenario. Both the Impact Sport and Pro are valuable for this feature alone, which is why I give the Impact Pro’s a five-star rating, with the caveat of their bulkiness.” – Stephen Turman

Get it from Amazon now: $58.41 

 

Awesafe – Electronic Shooting Earmuffs

Top-rated: 8,005 ratings

Awesafe- Best Shooting Earmuffs

Highlight:  Specifically crafted to reduce shooting noise, featuring an advanced internal chip and softer ear pads. This design delivers stereo sound amplification, making sounds heard through the earmuffs more realistic and clear, enhancing the overall shooting experience.

Helpful review: “While browsing shooting headsets on Amazon, I came across the Awesafe headset. Amidst a mix of expensive and cheap options, I remembered my experience with Peltor Comtac 3s in the Marine Corps, which were great but more expensive. This time, I was looking for something more budget-friendly, under $100, and the Awesafe headset, priced around $37, caught my eye. The reviews looked promising, so I decided to try them out.

I was pleasantly surprised upon unboxing the Awesafe headset. The packaging included two gifts, clear instructions, and the headphones were snugly secured in custom-fit foam material that doubles as a protective case. The unboxing experience felt akin to that of a luxury product, which was unexpected at this price point.

As for the performance, these headsets work similarly to my previous Comtacs. The only difference I haven’t been able to test is how they would fit into a tactical helmet, as I no longer need to wear one. An interesting feature of these headsets is the option to play music while shooting, which isn’t my preference, but it’s nice to have the option.

The sound pickup quality of these headsets is impressive. They capture every sound around, making it easy to hear conversations and instructions at the firing line. When shooting begins, the headsets lower the sound to a comfortable level, which I find very effective.

I am so pleased with the Awesafe headset that I plan to order another pair as a backup. While I can’t yet comment on their long-term durability, as I haven’t had them for very long, I am eager to update this review in a few months. These headsets have actually increased my eagerness to go to the range, just to wear them!” – Shane

Trending review: “I find the padding around the ear cups of this headset to be particularly soft and comfortable. It fits snugly without squeezing my head, and I’m impressed with how long the batteries last. The slim design is a major plus for me, as it doesn’t leave marks on my gun stock. However, I’ve run into a significant issue with Bluetooth interference.

As a Ham Radio Operator with 60 years of experience, I understand radio frequency transmission interference well. Bluetooth operates in the 2.4 gigahertz range, and when I activate Bluetooth on any of my three Android devices, I immediately experience static and buzzing interference in the headset. Turning off the Bluetooth on my device instantly eliminates the interference, and adjusting the volume on the headset doesn’t impact this issue.

It appears that the engineers who designed this headset didn’t account for interference from Bluetooth signals. A simple solution like a 2.4 gigahertz blocking filter, which could be inexpensive to implement, might have mitigated this problem. I could wrap aluminum foil around the headsets to block the interference, but that’s not a practical or aesthetically pleasing solution.

The headset uses analog audio technology, and when I turn the volume up to the maximum, the audio is loud but accompanied by a hissing noise in the speakers. If you’re not using any Bluetooth remote devices, this headset performs quite well, especially considering its affordable price.

I would recommend these headsets to anyone in need of a reliable electronic headset, but it’s important to be aware of the Bluetooth interference issue. Interestingly, I own three other brands of electronic headsets, some costing over $100, and they all suffer from Bluetooth signal interference from my Android devices. This issue across multiple brands highlights a common oversight in the design process, where manufacturers often don’t consider all potential use scenarios.” – Rodney Davis

Get it from Amazon now: $36.99 

 

ZOHAN EM054 – Electronic Shooting Ear Protection

Top-rated:  3,061 ratings

ZOHAN-EM054 - Best Shooting Earmuffs

Highlight:  Boasts a Noise Reduction Rating of 22 dB, designed to provide effective active noise reduction. When ambient noise exceeds 82 dB, these earmuffs rapidly reduce noise levels within 0.01 seconds.

Helpful review: “Like any thin earmuffs I’ve tried, these offer the same level of noise cancellation, which is important to remember since they’re rated at 22 dB and not the higher 30 dB. The reason I chose these thin earmuffs is their design, specifically meant to allow a shooter like me to comfortably rest my cheek on my rifle stock. For more noise reduction, I know I could opt for larger earmuffs with better passive noise cancellation, but these suit my needs just fine.

Another option I’ve considered is wearing earplugs underneath these earmuffs and turning the amplification way up. The amplification on these is quite impressive; it enhances regular sounds without making anything as loud or louder than a clap overwhelming. This feature is particularly useful as it allows me to use earplugs while still being able to hear clearly, which is a bonus for people with hearing difficulties.

What I appreciate about these muffs is their use of two independent circuits, each connecting to its own microphone. This design helps me accurately determine the direction of sounds, a feature I’ve noticed is missing in some more expensive brands I’ve seen on Amazon. I give kudos to Zohan for incorporating this essential feature.

However, I do have a minor gripe with these earmuffs – the delay in amplification volume after adjusting the control knob. It takes a couple of seconds for the amplification level to adjust and settle, which can lead to overcorrections on my part. I’ve learned to adjust the volume slowly or in small increments to allow the amplifier to respond.

In conclusion, I’m quite pleased with this headset for the very reason I bought it: it allows me to hear ambient sounds like conversations and birds clearly, all while protecting my hearing from loud noises. This balance of functionality is exactly what I was looking for in a range headset.” – Glenna Fawcett

Trending review: “With 35 years of experience in using hearing protection, I can confidently say that these are the most impressive ear muffs I’ve ever used. I put them to the test while shooting my AR 15 and a 12 gauge shotgun, and in both cases, they effectively nullified the pain from the high decibel noise of the gunfire.

The technology behind these ear muffs really astounds me. When I struck a piece of 1/4″ steel with a ball peen hammer, the microphones instantly sensed the noise and killed it, leaving no delay. It’s almost like the ear muffs anticipate the noise and act to protect my hearing milliseconds before the sound reaches my ears.

I’m so impressed by their performance that I’ve decided to order another pair for my shooting partner. Considering the quality of noise cancellation they provide, I would have expected them to cost significantly more. But at under $30.00, they offer incredible value.

They also come equipped with an audio jack and cord, a feature I haven’t tried yet, but it could be useful for listening to music or connecting to a 2-way radio.

I wholeheartedly recommend the Zohan shooting ear muffs to anyone who values their hearing and appreciates getting great value for money. My sincere thanks go to ZOHAN for creating such a high-performance product at an affordable price.” – S. Little TN

Get it from Amazon now: $29.99 

 

Pro For Sho – Shooting Ear Protection

Top-rated: 22,124 ratings

Pro For Sho - Best Shooting Earmuffs

Highlight:  With a 34dB NRR, one of the highest in compact earmuff designs, these earmuffs effectively cancel noise, ensuring your hearing is well-protected even in the most intense noisy environments.

Helpful review: “Recently, I’ve been doing quite a bit of woodworking with a friend, tackling a few projects around the house. Initially, I used some earplugs my fiancée keeps for when her dad visits (he’s a loud snorer), but I found they weren’t enough for the noise from our tools. Remembering my shop classes where we were always given earplugs, I decided to look for the best noise-dampening earplugs and found Flents Quiet Time earplugs on Amazon. They were effective when inserted properly but often slipped out, reducing their efficiency. However, given their price ($15 for 70 pairs), I thought they’d be fine for occasional use by friends.

Still seeking a more reliable solution, I revisited Amazon and noticed earmuffs as a suggested alternative. I bought a couple of pairs to test: Pro For Sho and ClearArmor.

The Pro For Sho earmuffs were sleek and compact, but I found them to be tight during extended use. My buddy, however, didn’t experience this discomfort, suggesting it might be a personal sensitivity issue.

The ClearArmor earmuffs, on the other hand, were excellent. They weren’t as low-profile as the Pro For Sho but were much more comfortable. The soft ear pads and less tight headband allowed me to wear them all day without discomfort.

Although I initially considered returning the Pro For Sho, my friend decided to keep them. So, both purchases turned out to be good, just not equally suitable for me. As for the Flents earplugs, they’ll get used but I won’t buy them again.

A tip I discovered is that combining earplugs with earmuffs can significantly increase noise reduction. When I tried this with the earplugs and ClearArmor earmuffs, even with the earplugs not perfectly inserted, the noise reduction was substantial. I can see myself using both when working with the loudest tools in the shop.” – Scott

Trending review: “I bought these earmuffs for use at an indoor shooting range that allows firearms up to a .300 Winchester Magnum, a notably powerful caliber. Therefore, even if I’m only shooting a .40 caliber pistol, strong hearing protection is essential, especially considering the possibility of others using high-caliber firearms like a .44 magnum or a high-powered rifle nearby.

Previously, I used bulky red earmuffs for outdoor shooting, which were quite effective. However, during a session at my indoor range, while using a borrowed rifle, the recoil knocked my right earmuff out of place, leading to a few days of discomfort. This incident made me realize the need for an upgrade.

In my search for new earmuffs, I found that slimmer models didn’t seem to offer the level of protection I was looking for. The more protective options were large and cumbersome, especially when shooting long guns. That’s when I discovered these earmuffs. While I haven’t yet tried them with a rifle, I’m confident they’ll be suitable. At the indoor range, they’ve been excellent. To enhance protection, I pair them with earplugs.

I was pleasantly surprised to find such effective hearing protection at an affordable price. Some users have mentioned that these earmuffs can be tight, suggesting stretching them over the box overnight. I didn’t find this necessary, but it’s worth noting that individual experiences may vary. The padded headband is also a nice feature, an improvement over my old pair.

I highly recommend these earmuffs. You don’t need to spend a fortune to get quality hearing protection. Pairing these earmuffs with good earplugs should provide ample protection in most shooting environments.” – Justin

Get it from Amazon now: $20.49 

Share:

Leave a Comment