Best Shooting Earmuff Reviews 2018

Whether you spend a lot of time in a shooting range, go hunting or work with noisy machinery, a specially designed set of earmuffs is essential to protect your hearing. We have analyzed the market and picked five popular and efficient shooting headsets that come from some of the best brands, and in a mixture of prices. These earmuffs will reduce exterior noise and allow you to focus on your work better!

Overview

PROS

CONS

SPECS

Type

NRR

Headband

Convenience

Color

Our Top Choice

Howard Leight Honeywell Impact Sport Earmuffs

Howard Leight specializes in hearing protection accessories. The Honeywell Impact Sport headset is solidly built and it can significantly reduce surrounding noise levels.

Available in several colors and can be bought in combination with safety eyewear. Amazon Best Seller. 3.5mm port for MP3 players.

Isolated complaints that controls are awkward.

Electronic Earmuff

Noise Reduction Rating 22

Adjustable

3.5mm port

6 colors available

Best Value

Pro For Sho 34dB Shooting Ear Protection

Pro For Sho makes affordable hearing protection accessories. The 34dB shooting earmuffs feature a solid construction and offer excellent acoustic isolation.

Amazon Best Seller. Available in 4 colors. Lightweight and comfortable to wear. Padded headband. Good value for money.

Isolated complaints about build quality.

Shooting Ear Protection

Noise Reduction Rating 34

Padded, adjustable

Industrial grade materials

4 colors available

3M Peltor Sport Tactical 100 Electronic Hearing Protector

3M makes a wide variety of painting accessories as well as shooting headsets. The Tactical 100 is made from durable materials and significantly reduces exterior noises.

Enhances voice commands and communications while keeping exterior noise as low as possible. 3.5mm audio jack. Lightweight.

Doesn’t come in other color options.

Electronic Hearing Protector

Noise Reduction Rating 22

Reengineered adjustable headband

3.5mm port

Black

ClearArmor Safety Over-The-Head Ear Muffs

ClearArmor makes some of the best shooting headsets on the market today. The 141001 model is reasonably priced and provides a great Noise Reduction Rating.

Amazon Best Seller. Super-affordable. Tested and certified by American and European authorities. Folding design. Comfortable.

Isolated complaints that it presses on the skull. Try adjusting the headband for more comfort.

Safety Ear Muffs

Noise Reduction Rating 34

Padded, adjustable

ANSI S3.19 & CE EN521 Certified

Black

Walker's Game Ear Pro Low Profile Folding Muff

Walker’s Game Ear specializes in hearing accessories and hearing enhancement. The Pro Headset comes at a reasonable price and drastically reduces exterior sound.

Compact, lightweight and foldable. Can be easily carried in a bag. Excellent for shooting, hunting or working. Comfortable.

Doesn’t have built-in microphones, but Walker’s Game Ear makes more sophisticated headsets

Low Profile Folding Muff

Noise Reduction Rating 22

Padded, adjustable

ANSI S3.19 Rated

Black

(Updated October 30, 2017)

Skip ahead and go directly to the reviews.

How Do I Choose the Best Shooting Earmuff?

Shooting looks cool in movies, and it probably gives you a surge of adrenaline when you see your favorite Hollywood actor pointing his gun at his enemies and eliminating them one by one! However, in real life, things are not that simple. Of course, you can look cool while shooting at a static target, but you need to take a couple of safety precautions, to make sure your health is not affected by this experience. If you practice shooting regularly, you probably already have a shooting target and maybe shooting glasses. You also need shooting earmuffs if you don’t already have them and, just to give you more confidence, try wearing a pair of army boots while you are outdoors, improving your shooting skills!

Why do you need to protect your hearing while shooting? Simple – guns make a lot of noise, especially if you are dealing with high-caliber ones. The human ear and its internal mechanisms that process sound are quite sensitive to loud noises and, although you might not go deaf in one day, you will definitely start to lose your hearing in the long run if you don’t wear shooting earmuffs.

That’s why we have created this guide, to give you some insight on how these products work and to help you pick a suitable pair for your needs. Don’t worry, today's shooting earmuffs or headsets are more fashionable, so you are not going to look like you have antennas on your head while wearing them!

Price

We are happy to mention that today's shooting headsets are not as expensive as they were a few years ago. It really depends on which brand you are buying from and what the features of the earmuffs are, but in most cases, you can go for a high-quality pair of shooting earmuffs for a price between $10 and $60, if you want a high-end model. Factors such as built-in microphone, noise reduction level, and the materials of which the headset is made contribute to the final price.

If you want a good piece of advice, stay away from excessively cheap shooting earmuffs, usually priced way below 10 dollars. These products don’t provide adequate protection and, although you might think you are protected, the earmuffs won't do their job correctly and you might develop hearing problems. When it comes to one of your most precious senses, try to spend a few bucks more to have more peace of mind!

Features

By now you already know more about shooting earmuffs, and you are ready to learn even more. Remember that not all headsets are the same, so it is a good idea to assess your needs before buying. Here are a few aspects worth taking into account.

Noise Reduction Level - Also abbreviated NRR, this basically tells you how many decibels the headset can reduce. This number ranges from 20 to 34 dB.
Materials - Especially if you are going to wear the headset for a prolonged period of time, make sure that it is made of comfy materials, including a padded headband.
Built-in Microphones - Some earmuffs come with incorporated mics that listen to wind or ambient noises and cancel them, allowing you to focus better on the commands you are receiving from your trainer.
3.5mm Jack - No kidding, this allows you to connect 2-way radios to your headset, or even an MP3 player! Why not listen to your favorite music while filling that static target with metal, right?

If this is the first time you are buying a shooting headset, chances are you might not need a more sophisticated one, which has built-in mic and a 3.5mm jack. You probably require a simple headset that feels comfortable on the head and drastically reduces shooting noises. However, if you are an experienced shooter or want a state-of-the-art piece of equipment, by all means, go for a more advanced model.

Construction and Design

You might be pleased to find that most shooting headsets are actually quite similar to the regular headsets you might be using for making music or for gaming. They have padded headbands that adjust to the size and shape of your head. They also incorporate ear pads, usually made of PVC, which covers your ear completely, isolating your hearing from outside noises. Most of them also feature a lightweight design, so wearing them for a few hours doesn’t give you headaches (literally and figuratively speaking).

If you get a more sophisticated headset that comes with mics, these usually function with batteries, which can last for up to 300-350 hours. These products also have an auto shut-off function after two or four hours, conserving battery energy. In most cases, you will need two AAA batteries to make these headsets work, so not a huge additional investment. The beauty of these headsets is that they can also connect with scanners, 2-way radios, MP3 players, or other gadgets through a 3.5mm jack, so they are basically multifunctional earmuffs.

Lastly, you should know that, because these items are primarily built for practicality, this doesn’t mean that they don’t come in a wide variety of colors, such as black, white, green, dark blue, purple and so on.

Performance and Ease of Use

Shooting earmuffs are not only designed for shooting at targets or for hunting. They can also be used for noisy jobs, such as the construction and woodworking industries. Professionals who work in these areas usually operate big, scary and very noisy machinery, so they need adequate protection as well. As a tip, if you have a noisy neighbor who plays loud music while you’re trying to study for an upcoming exam, you probably also need a pair of good shooting earmuffs (for reducing the noise and allowing you to concentrate, not to actually shoot the neighbor)!

Another benefit of shooting headsets is that they are usually accompanied by warranty periods of one year or more, so in case something goes wrong with them, you are covered. You have all the reasons to buy a protective headset, so pick one in your favorite color and your hearing will be saved!

What is the Best Shooting Earmuff?

It is imperative that you protect your ears while shooting at various targets, otherwise your hearing might be affected in the long run. As you can see, today's shooting earmuffs are not only highly protective, but some of them look like regular headsets, so you're actually going to look even cooler wearing one of those! Here are our five recommendations from top brands.

Our Top Choice

The Honeywell Impact Sport headset from Howard Leight is currently an Amazon Best Seller and one of the most popular shooting earmuffs out there. It is available in several colors and it can be bought together with safety eyewear. If your budget is smaller, go for the Howard Leight by Honeywell Leightning L0F Ultraslim Folding Earmuff.

Howard Leight by Honeywell Impact Sport Sound Amplification Electronic Earmuff with Built-In Microphones

Howard Leight Shooting Earmuffs/Headsets R-01526 – Hunter Green

Features

Howard Leight produces high-quality hearing solutions for people who have to work in noisy environments. This brand sells reasonably-priced earplugs as well as earmuffs that are designed to reduce surrounding noise levels and protect your hearing. We absolutely loved the Honeywell Impact Sport Sound headset and it is ideal for those who work in shooting ranges.

Let's find out more interesting details about this earmuff.

It is available in 6 different colors and it can be bought as a standalone product or with safety eyewear.
It comes with 2 AAA batteries.
It has an auto shut-off feature to preserve battery life.
The headset incorporates microphones that amplify range commands.
The low-profile earcups can drastically reduce surrounding noise levels, protecting your hearing.

You might be happy to find out that Howard Leight also sells shooting earmuffs that incorporate an antenna which allows you to listen to your favorite radio stations while practicing.

If you want to explore more buying options, check out the other shooting earmuffs made by Howard Leight!

Best Value

The Pro For Sho 34dB Shooting Ear Protection is available in 4 different colors and it is an Amazon Best Seller at the moment of this writing. If you need to buy one for your partner as well then you might want to check out the Pro For Sho 34dB NRR Ear Protection Shooting Ear Muffs – 2 Pack.

Pro For Sho 34dB Shooting Earmuffs, Available in 4 Colors, Industry Leading 34DB NRR Protection

Pro For Sho PAS-BL - Black

Features

Pro For Sho is a brand that specializes in manufacturing top-quality shooting headsets or earmuffs and we are happy to report that the Pro For Sho 34dB Shooting Ear Protection is currently an Amazon Best Seller. This type of headset is compact, lightweight and it can dramatically reduce surrounding noises.

Let's find out some more interesting features related to this product.

You can buy them in 4 different colors, including pink.
It has a padded headband to make them more comfortable.
This headset can be used for shooting or while working with noisy, heavy machinery.
It features a compact and lightweight design and can be easily transported in bags or cases.

This type of ear protection from Pro For Sho sells very well on Amazon, so grab yours before stocks get depleted!

The Peltor Sport Tactical earmuff from 3M features a 22 dB Noise Reduction Rating and comes with an adjustable headband for increased safety and comfort. If you want a higher-end model then go for the TacticalPro Communications Headset from the same manufacturer.

3M Peltor Sport Tactical 100 Electronic Shooting Earmuff with Variable Suppression Time and 3.5mm Port

3M Shooting Earmuff TAC100-OTH - Black

Features

3M is a company that specializes in hearing protection devices and various accessories that are useful for painters such as adhesives, tapes, insulation kits and more. For our review, we have selected the Sport Tactical 100 Electronic shooting earmuff because this item is excellent for hunters, shooters or people who work in noisy environments.

Let's explore the highlights of this product.

It can drastically reduce surrounding noise levels while remaining comfortable to wear.
It comes with a 3.5mm audio jack that allows you to listen to your MP3 player.
The recessed microphones will reduce wind noise.
The headset works with 2 AAA batteries and it has an auto shut-off feature to prolong battery life.
Thanks to the Variable Suppression Time technology, echoes are reduced in indoor shooting environments.

If you liked this one, we would like to mention that 3M also makes best-selling paint spray respirators and sells them at affordable prices. Next time you want to paint your house, check out 3M's products to discover a great deal of useful accessories that will make your job easier.

If you want to see more earmuffs, then check out the other shooting headsets made by 3M. You will be impressed!

The ClearArmor 141001 Safety Ear Muffs are some of the most popular and well-received shooting headsets available on the market. This headset offers the highest Noise Reduction Rating and it is currently an Amazon Best Seller. If you are using them while working with heavy machinery, you might also need a pair of safety glasses from the same brand!

ClearArmor Shooters Ear Muffs, Hearing Protection with Folding-Padded Head Band, Certified S3.19 & EN352

ClearArmor 141001 - Black

Features

ClearArmor manufactures only 2 products, but it does it very well! The ClearArmor 141001 Safety Ear Muffs are currently an Amazon Best Seller with more than 5 thousand positive reviews on Amazon. This headset offers utmost noise protection and they come at a reduced price.

Let's find out the advantages of this shooting earmuff.

The headset features industrial grade materials including 2 layers of noise reducing foam.
The headband is fully adjustable.
The earmuff can be folded to fit in a purse or bag.
This headset has been rigorously tested and certified by the American National Standards Institute.
The solid construction features screws not glue, which makes this headset more durable and resistant to wear and tear.

This shooting headset from ClearArmor can save your hearing! Get your own headset today and see for yourself!

The Walker’s Game Ear Pro-Low Profile Folding Muff is ideal for protecting your hearing when working with noisy machinery or shooting. This headset comes at an affordable price and it is ANSI S3.19 Rated. If you want an electronic shooting earmuff, then go for the Walker's Alpha Series Power Muffs.

Walkers Game Ear Pro-Low Profile Shooting Headset with Padded Headband and PVC Ear Pads

Walkers Game Ear Shooting Earmuff GWP-FPM1 - Black

Features

Just as you have probably guessed, Walker’s Game Ear is a brand that specializes in hearing protection and enhancement. This company currently sells a wide variety of headsets that can enhance radio communications while minimizing exterior noises. We loved the Pro-Low Profile Folding Muff and we think it deserves a spot in our review.

Here are the benefits of this shooting headset.

It features a compact, lightweight and foldable design.
The headband is padded for additional comfort.
The ear pads are soft and made from PVC.
This headset is currently ANSI S3.19 rated and approved.

Walker's Game Ear also manufactures high-quality assisted living devices which are usually suitable for seniors and enable them to hear surrounding sounds more accurately.

Are you looking for something more sophisticated? Check out the other shooting headsets made by Walker's Game Ear!

Get the Best Shooting Earmuff of 2018!

These are just a few of the best shooting earmuffs/headsets available on the market. If you have other preferences, make sure that you are buying from a reputable brand and you'll be fine when you go hunting or work with noisy machinery.

Our Top Choice

Howard Leight Honeywell Impact Sport Earmuffs

Best Value

Pro For Sho 34dB Shooting Ear Protection

3M Peltor Sport Tactical 100 Electronic Hearing Protector

ClearArmor Safety Over-The-Head Ear Muffs

Walker's Game Ear Pro Low Profile Folding Muff