10 Best Hearing Protectors (Review) In 2021

Our choice for the best hearing protectors regardless of application are the Mpow Upgraded Noise Reduction Safety Ear Muffs which boast a noise reduction rating of 29 decibels and a sound-to-noise ratio of 36 decibels. Perfect for the construction site or the shooting range, these provide excellent, reliable protection while also offering a comfortable fit, ideal for wearing all day.

The adjustable headband means anyone can wear them, and you’ll even be able to wear them over a hardhat (probably not a cowboy hat, though), while the multi-layer design softens external noise so that even though it won’t completely eliminate sound, it will make it easier to hear yourself think. They are well-built, durable, and lightweight enough so you can carry and store them easily at home or on site and succeed at protecting your ears regardless of the noise level. Make sure you also check our guide to the best cordless drills for more great tools.

Going for something a little more advanced, the 3M WorkTunes Connect Hearing Protector with Bluetooth are an excellent option for those who like to drown out the sound of the work site with their favorite tunes. The intuitive Bluetooth connectivity makes those 8-hour days fly by, while the cord and antenna-free construction and design guarantee safety wherever you are.

Its 24-decibel noise reduction rating is decent enough to provide solid noise suppression, making them a fantastic pair of passive earmuffs. You’ll also enjoy the built-in microphone, which allows you to take phone calls without removing the protectors, although like any earmuffs, you’ll struggle to have a chat with someone standing right next to you. Our handy guide to the best stud finders features more great products like this.

The Walker’s Game Ear Razor Slim Electronic Hearing Protection Muffs are a pricey but also an effective choice for anyone who’s frequently surrounded by high noise levels. It delivers fantastic performance by suppressing external sound well without hindering your situational awareness. With this, you won’t be caught unawares nor find a surprise waiting around the nearest tree.

The ultrathin design makes them easy to store and also ensures comfort even when worn all day while dual omnidirectional microphones mean you can adjust the volume to suit your surroundings easily. Its 23dB NRR is suitable for protecting you against loud and especially sudden noises, giving you a pair of safety ear muffs ideal for several unique environments, from construction sites to shooting ranges, and even a concert hall full of screaming children. Love this product? Check out our review of the best circular saws for our top picks.

Comfortable and to-the-point, the Husqvarna Professional Headband Hearing Protectors ensure high performance at a reasonable price. While they don’t boast the high-tech features of other hearing protectors, they are still a suitably solid candidate for those of you who don’t need (or want) to splash extra cash on things you’re unlikely to use.

The flexible padded headband is comfortable and large enough to fit most people and can also fit over hardhats while the pressure adjustment system prevents chafing or digging into your temples. The 25dB NRR is one of the highest we’ve found, making it an excellent upgrade from standard headphones that may – right now – be your only option. They’re not too expensive, and they boast durability that most products can only dream of. Find more great products like this by checking out our guide to the best tool belts.

Boasting an NRR of a mammoth 34dB, the Pro For Sho Safety Ear Protection is one of the most reliable and robust options around. Its industrial grade design is suitable for a variety of hazardous environments, but with the compact and easy-to-carry construction, you’ll still be surprised.

Offered in many sizes from kids to adults, they are suitable for anybody. Whether you work on loud construction yards, they mitigate noise levels around you to ensure you’re free from distractions. If you have kids who suffer from noise sensitivity or conditions like Asperger’s, these are a literal godsend and will help your child have fun with their friends as all kids should. They may be a little tight for some, but only when brand new, and you can fix this by setting them over the box they came in overnight to improve elasticity and guarantee all-day comfort. Don’t forget to also check our guide to the best band saw.

A superb option for tactical situations, the Peltor Sport Tactical 100 Electronic Hearing Protector guarantees fantastic directional awareness which many standard ear protectors sorely neglect and miss out on. The microphones are not merely effective, giving you the option to increase or decrease the surrounding noise such as wind or footsteps, they are also durable, with a recessed construction to ensure they are as protected as your ears are.

The re-engineered headband provides comfort, and the 2-hour automatic shut off prolongs battery life and keeps them performing properly even with large gaps between your excursions. The 22dB NRR is adequate, although you can find options that offer greater protection. This comes at a price, though, so if you need the ability to amplify sound but are also on a budget, these are a superb choice. You may also like to check our guide to the best work lights.

The TACKLIFE Noise Reduction Ear Muffs combine comfort and performance at a marvelous price. The thick foam is soft to ensure you’ll wear them all day long (maybe without realizing) and finish the day feeling as comfortable as ever. The adjustable headband is great for customization while the 360-degree rotating cup ensures they fit all head sizes for all occasions.

The NRR is a respectable 28dB, while the SNR tops out at 34dB to give you ample protection across a variety of applications including construction work, sporting events, and even studying. While they won’t cancel out all noise (because no ear muffs can), they still provide superb results for those times where even thinking of a distraction is enough to give you a headache. If you are a passionate DIYer, check out our guide to the best wood axes.

The 3M WorkTunes Wireless Hearing Protection is an indisputable choice for the best of the best hearing protection if you’re willing to splash the cash. It offers an NRR of 24dB while the radio and Bluetooth capabilities ensure you can battle against distracting noises without feeling cut off from the world around you. The safe volume control is ideal for an 8-hour workday and ensures any ringing ears quickly become a thing of the past.

The headset is comfortable to wear, even in hot and humid climates, and there’s no itching from sweat during intensive work days. It’s also easy to set up, with simple, straightforward pairing with your device, while the built-in dials make it a breeze to control and saves you wasting time fumbling for your phone, especially when surrounded by heavy machinery. It may cost a little more than other options, but for those who need protection all day, all week, and all year, these durable, heavy duty ear protectors won’t take long to pay for themselves. Our selection of the best portable workbench might be of your interest so check it out.

With a remarkable NRR of 37dB, the Decibel Defense Professional Safety Ear Muffs offer the best ear protection for shooting we’ve found anywhere, so much so you’ll feel closer to a library than one with high caliber rounds firing off every second.

Not only will they protect your ears, but they’ll also be comfortable, with a padded cell headband and thick, forgiving pads around the cups to prevent irritation and abrasion, even when wearing them all day. As you’d expect from a brand called Decibel Defense, they are durable and can perform to your highest expectations in a variety of environments with ease. The foldable construction also makes them easy to carry and store, saving space in your backpack when on the move. Be sure to also check out our list of the best magnetic wristband for more great items like this.

Our final pick is the Mpow Noise Reduction Safety Ear Muffs which are also our choice for the best value hearing protectors around. Despite this, you’re still guaranteed a great performance, with its NRR of 28dB and SNR of 34dB, and it’s also comfortable, using ABS foam to ensure all-day comfort without feeling restrictive. The lightweight design, complete with a convenient carry bag, makes them easy to store and transport and the adjustable headband means they are suitable for adults and kids alike.

It’s the model a step down from your best choice pick, but the differences are negligible, and for the price, it’s an opportunity you can’t afford to miss out on whether it’s stopgap before more expensive model or a pair of hearing protectors you’ll not use all the time, but still need them in some situations. Our guide to the best bench grinders offers great products so check it out.