#1 Guide to The Best Ear Muffs for Shooting

Everyone’s aware of the obvious dangers of owning and operating a firearm. If you don’t take care of it, or follow certain safety procedures, you could seriously hurt yourself or somebody else. But what about the non-obvious dangers?

One in particular, hearing loss, affects thousands upon thousands of hunters and gun enthusiasts in America alone. And some don’t even know that they’ve been affected — though their loved ones are probably aware, with all the “Huhs?” and “Whos?” and “What’s?” likely being thrown around.

Many of the best ear muffs for shooting, both electronic and passive, provide an easy solution to this self-inflicted dilemma, especially since many are designed to provide ultimate comfort and protection, and a select few can even heighten the experience of shooting.  Let’s see what the best ear muffs for shooting are let’s discuss few things to consider while searching for the perfect fit. So, without any further ado…

The Best Ear Muffs for Shooting: Comparison Table

Picture	Product Name	Type	NRR	Price	Our Score
	Howard Leight R-01902 Impact Pro	Electronic	30 dB	$$$	5.0
	3M Peltor Soundtrap 6S	Electronic	19 dB	$$$	4.6
	Howard Leight Impact Sport OD	Electronic	22 dB	$$$	4.8
	Champion Earmuffs	Electronic	25 dB	$$	4.7
	Peltor Sport Tactical 100	Electronic	22 dB	$$$	4.7
	Howard Leight Leightning L0F	Passive	23 dB	$$	4.5
	3M Peltor Bull's Eye 9	Passive	22 dB	$	4.5
	Clear Armor	Passive	34 dB	$$	4.9
	3M Peltor X-Series	Passive	31 dB	$$	4.8

The Best Electronic Hearing Protection: Our Top 3 Picks!

Howard Leight Impact Sport OD

The Impact Sport, produced by Howard Leight, a global provider of electronic and passive ear protection devices, boasts a slim frame — especially for an electronic device — and comes equipped with loads of awesome goodies.

There’s a single, easy-to-use power and volume control, a 4-hour shut-off timer and an AUX jack that allows for connection to MP3 players and other devices. The earmuffs automatically block loud, impulse noises, bringing them down to a tolerable level, all while amplifying safer sounds, like conversation and ambient noise, up to 4 times their normal range.

They’re foldable frame makes for simple storage and they’re pretty accurately priced for everything they offer. The Impact Sport definitely are amongst the best ear muffs for shooting.

Additional Information:

• NR Rating = 22
• Water resistant
• 2 AAA batteries required and included
• Available in teal, camo and green

Champion’s Electronic Ear Muffs

Though not as sleek as The Impact Sport, Champion’s Electronic Ear Muffs still provide respectable noise reduction while offering the same kind of amplification abilities. They’re also fully adjustable and easily collapsible for increased comfort and convenience.

Priced at around half of what the previous pair are selling for they’re pretty inexpensive, especially since they provide better protection. (See NR Rating below.) Each earmuff also contains a separate volume control, so you can reduce the noise from your shooting side, while keeping your other ear amplified. Should we call them the best shooting ear muffs? Within that price range, we think they’re one of the top.

Additional Information:

• NR Rating = 25dB
• Available in black and pink

The Peltor Soundtrap Tactical 6-S Headset

Developed by 3M, a multi-billion dollar corporation that specializes in innovative consumer products, The Peltor Soundtrap Tactical provides some of the best electronic hearing protection for noises over 82dB. Independent volume controls on each of its stereo-microphoned cups allow for complete control and increased amplitude, while its lightweight frame and fold-ability allow for easy storage and free range-of-motion.

Minimizing firearm interference, The Peltor Soundtrap is as sleek as The Impact Sport, though they’re a bit more expensive. The fact that they’re available in both headband and neckband styles does lend itself to some added versatility however.

Additional Information:

• NR Rating = 19dB

The Best Passive Ear Muffs: Our Top 3 Picks!

The 3M Peltor Bull’s Eye Earmuff

Again, developed by 3M, the Peltor Bull’s Eye Earmuff is a price-friendly, non-electronic earmuff that boasts a sleek build and a lightweight design. The headband is fully adjustable and padded for your comfort and the ear cushions are incredibly soft.

Depending on the size of your head — if yours is rather large, then this might not apply — but the Peltor Bull’s Eye has a Goldilocks-style fit, as it’s not too loose, nor too tight, preventing headaches and lost equipment. And, priced at just under $15 in most stores, the earmuffs are wallet friendly as well. Not a bad buy if you’re looking for something simple yet effective.

Additional Information:

• NR Rating = 25dB

The Howard Leight Leightning L0F

Silly name aside, the Leightning L0F, designed by Howard Leight, might be the slightest and slimmest of all the earmuffs in this article, which is awesome if you’re working with some close-firing firearms. Its ultra-slim frame can also fold down to a quarter of its size, making it super easy to carry. Design wise, they most definitely lead the race for the best ear muffs for shooting.

Add a pair of super soft ear cushions and a padded headband and you have yourself one of the most comfortable shooting accessories on the market. And, thanks to its steel wire construction, said comfort doesn’t come in exchange for craftsmanship.

At just over $20 (typically, as price varies depending on the store), it’s a pretty good purchase as well, especially since it weighs all of 6 ounces.

Additional Information:

• NR Rating = 23

The Peltor X-Series X5A

From slim to plump, The Peltor X5A, created by 3M, makes up for its larger size by offering up the highest protection available on the passive earmuff market. (See NR Rating below.)

Utilizing a combination of advanced technologies, including newly designed spacers, specially formulated earcup liners, dielectrics and a twin headband that helps reduce heat buildup, The Peltor X5A is, without a doubt, the most advanced set of passive ear muffs for shooting on this list. A wire headband and tilt-able earcups also make it one of the most wearable as well.

Priced reasonably, it might also be the biggest bargain, especially considering its many available features. Hard to get over the size though, at least for some…

Additional Information:

• NR Rating = 31dB
• One size fits most

What to Look for When Choosing the Best Shooting Ear Muffs

Now that we’ve seen six pretty awesome products, three electric, three passive, it’s now time to determine which, if any, best suits you and your needs. EarplugsGuide team put together some things to consider while making your decision…

Electric vs Passive

Do you like bells, whistles and added accessories? Or do you prefer a plain pair of functional earmuffs whose sole priority is to protect your hearing?

If you like the former, then we suggest you go electric, as most electric earmuffs offer a little something extra. If you’re looking for something simple and well-priced, well, then, passive is what you’ll want when choosing your best ear muffs for shooting

NR Rating

All hearing protection devices must first be inspected by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency before sale. During this inspection, the item is given an NRR, a noise reduction rating. The number, however, is only an approximation.

To better understand how effective the device truly is, it’s best to reduce its NR rating by 50% and then subtract that number from the decibel level you you’ll be working with.

[alert-note]For example, if you’re practicing with a .22-calibre rifle that fires off at 140db and you’re using the Peltor X5A with an NR rating of 31, your equation will look like this…

31dB / 2 = 15.5dB

140dB – 15.5dB = 124.5dB

124.5dB = A much safer sound range for your ears.

 

Or, if you don’t like math, just remember, higher ratings mean less noise. It’s as simple as that.[/alert-note]

Comfort

Earmuffs can be a little heavy on the head, depending on their design. It’s best to find a set that will sit securely on your noggin without giving you a headache and without making you feel too top heavy. Proper padding and insulation are important as well.

Finally, it’s also important to think about what you’ll be using the earmuffs for. If you’re planning on being out in the woods, or on the move, you might want to go with a slimmer pair, for ease of mobility.

Color and Design

Where will I be wearing them? Is it okay if they’re neon green? Is it okay if they’re not-so-easy to carry?

These are some of the color and design questions you should be asking yourself while shopping for the best earmuffs. Bright orange, non-foldable earmuffs might be fine if you’re trying to shoot in style at the range, but if you’re out hunting, it might be a different story. Just something to keep in mind.

In Conclusion

Can you really put a price on eardrums? We don’t think so, especially since most earmuffs, electronic or not, come equipped with some pretty worthy additions, and at such affordable prices to boot.

Last update on 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API