Best Shooting Ear Protection

If you’ve ever been shooting before, you appreciate the importance of having good hearing protection. If you haven’t, let’s be as clear as possible. Guns are loud. Very loud.

Those action movies where the heroes get into a gunfight in a big echoey warehouse and immediately have a normal conversation afterward? Totally fictional. In reality, Bruce Willis and his sidekick would be temporarily deaf and their ears would be ringing for hours, if not days.

When you go to the range, it’s important to have the best shooting ear protection you can get your hands on. At the same time, you want something that’s comfortable, durable, and easy to pack up when you’re done shooting.

You also want something that’s appropriate to the noise level at hand. If you’re blasting away with a .50 BMG or .308 deer hunting rifle, that means a big pair of heavy-duty Mickey Mouse ears. If you’re plinking with a .22 long rifle, simple foam earplugs will do the trick, and you’ll be able to talk to your buddies without shouting.

We’ve reviewed the most popular ear protection rigs online. There’s a wide range of performance, comfort, durability, and price in our selection, so there’s something here for everybody.

Best Shooting Ear Protection

1. Walker’s Razor Slim

Walker’s Razor Slim Electronic Ear Muffs provide noise-canceling protection, but only reduce noise by 23 decibels. Consider these for hunting protection, but not for use at the range. They have an adjustable amplification knob for boosting ambient sounds. There’s also an aux jack for listening to music while you perform everyday tasks.

The padded headband is very comfortable but is not adjustable. People with large heads may have some trouble fitting them. People with large ears will also have trouble since the ear wells are particularly small. On the other hand, they have a slim profile that won’t interfere with your aim while you’re drawing a bead on that prize buck.

Pros

• Slim profile
• Padded headband
• Adjustable amplification
• Aux jack for playing music
• Affordable

Cons

• Only 23dB of sound protection
• Small ear wells
• Not adjustable

Why It’s Recommended

Walker’s Razor Slim Electronic Ear Muffs are a good choice if you need an affordable pair of hunting ear muffs.

2. The Ear Buddy

Ear Buddy Foam Earplugs are bright orange foam earplugs that keep you protected without taking up a tone of space in your range bag. As basic as they look, they’re actually pretty powerful; they provide 32 decibels of noise reduction, as much as some high-quality over-the-ear protection.

These earplugs are latex-free, so they’re hypoallergenic for the vast majority of people. 50 pairs come in a single affordable jar. Of course, like all earplugs, they wear out and collect bacteria over time, so you should only use each pair a few times. They’re also a bit big for small ears, so if you’re taking your kids shooting, bring some traditional ear muffs for them.

Pros

• 32dB of noise reduction
• Comfortable
• Latex-free
• 50 pairs to a jar
• Affordable

Cons

• Limited use
• Not good for small ears

Why It’s Recommended

Basic earplugs are the best shooting ear protection for small caliber firearms. Ear Buddy Foam Earplugs are as basic as they get, and they’re high quality.

3. Honeywell Impact Sport Sound

Howard Leight Impact Sport Sound Amplification Ear Muffs are designed specifically for shooting. They have a low profile for easy rifle shooting. That said, they only provide 22 decibels of noise reduction, so they’re only really useful for smaller to medium calibers. Needless to say, these are for outdoor shooting only, not for the louder environment of an indoor range.

The headband is generously padded, and is adjustable enough to fit almost any head size. These ear muffs provide amplification for any sound under 82 decibels, so you can talk between shots without taking them off. The AAA batteries have up to 350 hours of battery life.

Pros

• Low profile
• Padded, adjustable headband
• Provides amplification under 82dB
• 350 hours of battery life

Cons

• Only 22dB of noise reduction

Why It’s Recommended

These are a good pair of ear muffs for plinking or light target shooting, particularly if you want to chat with your friends between shots.

4. Honeywell Impact Pro Sound

Howard Leight Impact Pro Sound Amplification Ear Muffs are a beefed-up version of the Impact Sport design. They’re full-sized, not low profile, but the extra bulk allows them to provide 30 decibels of noise reduction. Like the Impact Sport, they also amplify anything quieter than 82 decibels. They also have rubber bumpers on the shell to keep it from scratching your rifle stock.

These ear muffs are sensitive to some cell phones, which can cause them to hiss constantly. Try them out as soon as you get them to make sure your phone isn’t a problem. The battery life is excellent – 350 hours – and they take AAA batteries. They’re also reasonably priced for the quality.

Pros

• 30dB of noise reduction
• Amplifies anything quieter than 82dB
• Padded, adjustable headband
• Rubberized shell prevents scratching
• 350 hours of battery life
• Great value

Cons

• Sensitive to electromagnetic interference

Why It’s Recommended

The Howard Leight Impact Pro aren’t the best ear muffs on our list, but they’re by far the best shooting ear muffs for the money.

5. 3M Peltor Earmuff

3M Peltor Optime Ear Muffs are over-the-head ear muffs that provide 30 decibels of noise reduction. This is sufficient for most firearms, although you’ll want something beefier if you’re shooting a high-caliber rifle. They have a sturdy, drop-proof shell, and they’re very comfortable.

However, they’re not adjustable. Because of this, they may be less comfortable for people with large or small heads. The plastic sheathing on the ear covers also wears off quickly, exposing the foam underneath. Since these are an inexpensive pair, we’re still going to consider them a good investment.

Pros

• 30dB of noise reduction
• Comfortable
• Sturdy, drop-proof shell
• Affordable

Cons

• Not adjustable
• Plastic sheathing wears off in about a year

Why It’s Recommended

The 3M Peltor Optime is a budget set of ear muffs that provides enough hearing protection for medium caliber and rimfire firearms.

6. Peltor Sport Hearing Protector

3M Peltor Shotgunner Ear Muffs are a slimmer version of 3M’s classic X-Series ear muffs. This low profile makes them very comfortable for shooting air rifles or a turkey shotgun. Unfortunately, they only provide 24 decibels of noise reduction, so they’re not good for a 12 gauge, or for most hunting rifles.

These earmuffs have an adjustable head band, but are sized for people with smaller heads. This makes them perfect for young shooters who are learning with a 10/22. The foam cushions are soft and comfortable, and there’s even a hole in the top so the head band won’t press down on your ball cap button.

Pros

• Low profile
• Adjustable headband
• Comfortable foam cushions
• Opening in the top for your hat button
• Affordable

Cons

• Only 24dB of noise reduction
• Relatively small size

Why It’s Recommended

3M Peltor Shotgunner Ear Muffs are ideal for youth shooters, or for adults with small heads.

7. Pro Ears Hearing Protection

Pro Ears Pro Tac Slim Gold Shooting Ear Muffs have a slim profile, and amplify softer sounds in your environment. The decibel level is set with a dial, so you control the level of amplification. There’s even a high gain setting for hunters, so you can hear sounds you’d otherwise miss.

These ear muffs only provide 28 decibels of noise reduction, but they’re useful for more than just shooting. Thanks to the aux jack, you can plug your iPhone into them and use them while you’re mowing the lawn. They accept AAA batteries, and have a battery life up to 250 hours.

Pros

• Built-in amplification
• High gain option for hunters
• 250 hours of battery life
• Aux jack for iPhones or MP3 players

Cons

• Only 28dB of noise reduction
• Pricey

Why It’s Recommended

Pro Ears Pro Tac Slim Gold Shooting Ear Muffs are a good choice for pretty much any activity, from hunting to everyday chores.

8. Pro For Sho Ear Protection

The Pro For Sho 34dB Shooting Ear Protection is a pair of earmuffs that are designed specifically for range use. They provide an impressive 34 decibels of noise reduction and have a curved profile to keep them from getting in the way of your gun. They’re also collapsible and will fit easily in your range bag.

These inexpensive ear muffs have a padded headband for plenty of comfort. However, the headband isn’t adjustable and doesn’t reach far enough for larger heads.

Pros

• 34dB noise reduction
• Padded headband
• Collapsible for easy storage
• Good profile for shooting
• Inexpensive

Cons

• Doesn’t fit larger heads
• Not adjustable

Why It’s Recommended

Pro For Sho 34dB Shooting Ear Protection is a quality pair of earmuffs that comes at a low price.

9. Decibullz Custom Molded Earplugs

Decibullz Custom Molded Earplugs are made to fit virtually any ear. They have a two-part design: an outer plastic shell that sits in your outer ear, and washable silicone plugs that go into your ear canal. The silicone plugs come in three different sizes. To fit the outer shells, you boil them in water, then press them into your ear while they’re still warm.

Unfortunately, the hard plastic part doesn’t “stick” to your outer ear, so you’ll need to rely on the silicon plugs to keep them in. They’re still very comfortable, though, and provide an impressive 31 decibels of noise reduction.

Pros

• 31dB of noise reduction
• Will custom fit to almost any ear
• Three sets of washable silicone tips

Cons

• Doesn’t stick to your ears

Why It’s Recommended

Decibullz Custom Molded Earplugs are some of the most comfortable earplugs on the market, and reduce noise significantly.

10. ClearArmor Shooting Ear Muffs

ClearArmor 2-Pack Safety Shooting Ear Muffs are full-profile ear muffs that provide 31.5 decibels of noise reduction. They have a padded headband that adjusts to fit most people’s heads, and they’re very reasonably priced. They also come in a 2-pack, as the name implies, which makes them ideal for couples who spend time together at the range.

That said, these ear muffs don’t work well with glasses. The padding just isn’t flexible enough to provide a good seal around glasses frames. They also have small ear wells, so they don’t fit well if you have large ears.

Pros

• 31.5dB of noise reduction
• Padded adjustable headband
• Comes in a 2-pack
• Very affordable

Cons

• Doesn’t work well with glasses
• Small ear wells

Why It’s Recommended

ClearArmor 2-Pack Safety Shooting Ear Muffs are perfect for couples who like to go shooting together.

11. Howard Leight by Sperian

Howard Leight Banded Earplugs are a pair of rubber earplugs that are joined by a semi-rigid plastic band. Because they’re rubber instead of foam, these plugs are washable. When they eventually wear out, Howard Leight sells replacement plugs.

These are convenient if you like earplugs but don’t want to risk losing one. The band keeps them together as a pair. That said, they only offer 25 decibels of noise reduction, so they’re only well-suited for shooting smaller caliber guns. The band is also a bit tight for people with larger heads.

Pros

• Washable rubber plugs
• Band keeps you from losing plugs
• Replacement plugs available
• Very inexpensive

Cons

• Only 25dB of noise reduction
• Not well-fitted for larger heads

Why It’s Recommended

Howard Leight Banded Earplugs are a solid budget choice for people who shoot smaller caliber firearms.

Shooting Ear Protection Buyers Guide

If this is your first time buying ear protection, you probably have some questions about what’s good, what’s not, and what decibel ratings are all about. Let us enlighten you.

What Are the Best Ear Muffs For Shooting

The best ear muffs, bare none, are noise-canceling models designed specifically for canceling out loud noises. These devices work similarly to cheaper noise-canceling headphones and earbuds you might already use for listening to music.

Since sound travels in a wave, the earmuffs can effectively eliminate the noise altogether by transmitting a wave that’s exactly the opposite. This works because waves are added to each other when they’re moving through the same place. If we imagine that waves are numbers, let’s pretend the crack of your rifle is a 40. A noise-canceling headphone will play an identical crack that’s at -40. The end result? Sweet silence.

Of course, these kinds of ear muffs can get expensive. They’re a good idea if you’re shooting a very large gun, or shooting a medium gun for a long period of time. But this kind of protection isn’t always necessary.

If you’re shooting a .22, for example, you’ll only need some cheap foam earplugs to keep your ears safe.

Most people are going to want something somewhere in between. Standard ear muffs are effective for most handguns and rifles, and won’t break the bank like a pricey pair of noise-canceling earmuffs.

If you own a high-powered rifle and don’t want to spend a small fortune on high-performance noise-canceling earmuffs, a good technique is to combine foam earplugs with a set of standard earmuffs. They’ll work together to reduce noise by a much larger amount.

What is an NRR Rating, and What is a Good Rating For Shooting Ear Muffs

NRR stands for Noise Reduction Rating, and it’s a measure of how many decibels it will reduce sound by. The higher the rating, the more noise it will reduce. But what do decibels mean in real-life terms? Here are some examples of everyday sounds:

• 40dB – A quiet room
• 50 dB – Moderate rainfall
• 60 dB – Normal conversation
• 70 dB – Vacuum cleaner
• 80 dB – A busy road
• 90 dB – A lawnmower
• 100 dB – A chainsaw
• 110 dB – Heavy construction equipment
• 120 dB – A jet aircraft
• 130 dB – A Jackhammer
• 140 dB – An air raid siren
• 150 dB – The loudest part of a heavy metal concert

OSHA recommends ear protection for extended exposure to anything louder than 90dB. The louder the noise, the faster it can damage your hearing. For example, a company can be fined if their workers are exposed to 110dB of sound for more than 30 minutes a day without ear protection.

How do some common firearms stack up? Let’s take a look:

• Ruger 10/22 – 140dB
• 12 gauge shotgun – 160dB
• Glock 17 9mm – 162dB
• AR-15 – 165dB
• Remington 700 in .308 – 167dB
• Glock 17 in .45 ACP – 167dB

Now, we’re obviously not going to get any of these firearms to sound lower than 90dB, even with very good earmuffs.

Thankfully, gunshots are very short, so you have limited total exposure to the noise. Instead, most safety experts recommend using ear protection that keeps the sound below the “pain threshold”, which is about 140dB. That’s a bare minimum. For a long shooting session, 130dB is a better goal.

So what’s a good NRR rating for shooting ear muffs? Whatever will get your firearm to sound quieter than 130dB. Exactly what that is will depend on the gun you’re shooting. If you’re plinking with your 10/22, a 10dB NRR will lower than 140dB crack to 130dB, which is safe. On the other hand, if you’re shooting a .308, you’ll need an NRR of 37 to get the same result.

That said, there’s nothing wrong with having more protection than you need. If you have multiple firearms, get a set of earmuffs that works with the most powerful one. No need to have a whole bag full of different levels of ear protection.

How Long Should Ear Muffs Last

Ear muff durability is going to depend on a number of factors, and not all of these are under your control.

For example, foam earplugs should only be used a few times before you throw them out. While they may technically be effective far longer than this, they can harbor bacteria, so you want to change them out before this becomes a problem. Higher-end earplugs are made of ribbed plastic, and can be washed. Make sure to follow your manufacturer’s recommendations on the proper cleaning solution.

Standard ear muffs should last you for years, provided they’re not subjected to extreme temperatures. The same goes for noise-canceling earmuffs, although you’ll need to change the batteries from time to time.

Bottom Line

As we hope we’ve made clear, there’s no single “best” ear protection for shooting. There are a variety of factors that go into choosing the best ear protection.

To begin with, you’ll need to choose ear protection that’s sufficient for the firearm you’re shooting. Anyone who’s ever heard a .22 go off at the same time as a .45 ACP knows that you can’t even hear the .22 over the sound of the .45. The louder your gun, the stronger protection you’re going to need to keep your ears safe.

You’ll also need to choose ear muffs that are comfortable, easy to transport, and that fits your budget. If you don’t have hundreds of dollars to spend on a high-end noise-canceling system, there are some very nice standard ear muffs that come at a fraction of the price.

That said, it’s essential to keep yourself under the 140dB “pain threshold”. Sounds above that volume can do permanent damage to your ears, and leave you with permanent ringing in your ears if you’re repeatedly exposed to them.

We love shooting, but safety is paramount, whether you’re on the range or in the woods. Stay safe when you’re shooting, and you’ll continue to have fun with your gun for many years to come.

We hope you’ve enjoyed our guide. We tried to review as broad a selection of earmuffs as possible, and we believe that there’s something on our list for everybody. That said, everyone has their own unique needs. If you decided to go a different direction, we hope at least our guide helped point you in the right direction. Happy shooting!

Check out the OutdoorWorld Reviews homepage for more safety equipment reviews including gloves and eye protection.