The Best Hearing Protection, Tested

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Listen up: Workshops are often dangerously noisy! Safeguard your ears with one of these top products for hearing protection.

If you spend time operating power tools and machinery, you’re undoubtedly making a racket in the process. While most folks know how important it is to protect the eyes, not enough focus goes toward using the best hearing protection to safeguard your ears.

The tools essential for construction, repairs, and maintenance can be tough on the body. Power tools and lawn equipment can wreak havoc on hearing. Loud noises damage the sensitive cells in ears, and eventually, those cells will die. Instead of letting your hearing slip away, wear a pair of quality earmuffs or earplugs when you work.

To find out what hearing protection is truly the best, we vetted and field-tested a variety of products that fit comfortably, perform well in different settings, and won’t break the bank. Whether users prefer lightweight, disposable foam earplugs for outdoor work in hot weather or over-the-ear muffs with Bluetooth connectivity for streaming music and taking phone calls, we have suggestions. Keep reading to learn more about important shopping considerations, the products we tested, and why we consider our picks to be among the best hearing protection available.

BEST OVERALL: Decibel Defense Safety Earmuff
BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Mack’s Ultra Soft Foam Earplugs
BEST HEADBAND: 3M Peltor X2 Over-the-Head Earmuffs
BEST BLUETOOTH: 3M WorkTunes Connect Wireless Hearing Protector
BEST EARPLUGS: SureFire EP4 Sonic Defenders Plus
BEST SEMI-INSERT EARPLUGS: Howard Leight by Honeywell Quiet Band Foam Ear Pods
BEST FOAM EARPLUGS: The Ear Buddy Premium Soft Foam Earplugs
BEST FOR HARD HATS: 3M Peltor Optime 105 Dielectric Earmuffs

How We Tested the Best Hearing Protection Options

We spent 16 hours researching hearing protection options suitable for use with shop tools and outdoor power equipment. We then built a list of more than 50 products based on workplace standards and recommendations of ANSI, OSHA, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Finally, we pared the list down to the products in this guide.

Every device on our list was independently lab tested and certified with an NRR value, so we focused two rounds of hearing tests on collecting subjective observations like convenience, comfort, and perceived noise-level reduction as well as durability. First, we donned each set of earmuffs or earplugs in a workshop while working with a table saw, miter saw, and router. Then we moved outdoors and retested while operating a gas-powered riding mower, string trimmer, and backpack leaf blower.

In both rounds of tests, we noted comfort and convenience factors. Some earmuffs were lighter or heavier, allowed for better air circulation, or squeezed the head more or less than the others. Most were less comfortable than earplugs while also wearing safety glasses. Some of the plugs inserted more easily or were easier to keep track of when not in use. We also noted both the loud-noise-blocking ability and the ambient-noise filtering ability. The best hearing protection options balanced an excellent ability to block out loud or sharp sounds but allowed some environmental noise for safe situational awareness, such as opening and closing of doors or approaching vehicles, without removing the device.

Finally, we tested each device for durability. We dropped them off a workbench onto a concrete floor five times each. We also carried each item around in a tool bag with a cordless power tool set for a week. Afterwards, we noted any signs of damage or wear and tear. Other than a few superficial scuffs and scratches, they all passed the durability test in perfect working order.

Our Top Picks

Keeping the practical considerations discussed above in mind, we shopped for the best protective earplugs, semi-insert earplugs, and earmuffs. Then we put them through their paces in a home workshop Since each of these products has been independently lab tested and awarded an NRR rating, our tests focused on functionality, comfort, and convenience. Read on to learn more about how our picks performed in our tests, and why we count them among the best hearing protection options available.

Best Overall

Decibel Defense Safety Earmuff

Decibel Defense’s Safety Earmuffs are a worthy choice for anyone who needs as much hearing protection as possible yet doesn’t like sticking earplugs into their ears. While few earmuffs can offer more than 31 dBs of hearing protection, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) rates these over-the-ear earmuffs at 34 dB, while the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) certifies them at 37 dB, offering as much protection as many earplugs.

These earmuffs have thick foam padding for closing off the ear, as well as a comfortable headband with six individual pads for ample airflow. The telescoping arms allow for ideal adjustment as well.

During testing, we found the Decibel Defense earmuffs to be very comfortable and effective. They didn’t squeeze excessively, and the deep pads sealed well around the ear. While the NRR claims are excellent, what we liked most about this model was the comfort while wearing them over the ears as well as on the neck when not in active use. Also, the steel wires that attach the muffs to the headband were thicker than the other models, giving these muffs a higher-quality feel. The only issue we had was the foam inside one muff was misaligned, so we had to remove and reinstall it.

Product Specs

Style: Over the ear
NRR: 34 dB
Extra features: Padded headband

Pros

Higher NRR than other earmuffs; provide superior protection in loud environments
Vented padding in the headband and muffs improves comfort while on the head and when hanging from the neck
Quality materials and durable construction held up well in our tool box test

Cons

Foam padding inside the ear cups needed to be realigned prior to use.

Get the Decibel Defense hearing protection at Amazon or Decibel Defense.

Best Bang for the Buck

Mack’s Ultra Soft Foam Earplugs

The 50 foam earplugs in this pack offer superior noise reduction, incomparable comfort, and great value. With an NRR of 33 dB, they’re very effective at blocking loud sounds, and they’re barely noticeable once inserted, so they’re ideal for the workshop as well as wearing for sleep.

The soft foam rolls easily and expands inside of the ear canal and can be reused several times before they start breaking down. For anyone who doubles up their hearing protection with a set of over-the-ear earmuffs, Mack’s earplugs’ soft foam will ensure that their ears stay comfortable while providing remarkable NRR.

It was very cold on the day we tested these earplugs, and in such low temps it took about a minute and a half for them to expand fully in the ear canal. But once they did, we found them to be the most comfortable form of hearing protection in the group. Plus, the pack of 50 makes them an economical choice. We reused our test pairs at least five times and, while we didn’t notice any foam breakdown, we tossed them after that to avoid risking any hygiene problems associated with dirty earplugs. We also doubled them up with earmuffs, which allowed us to judge their comfort and effectiveness in that setting, both of which were great.

Product Specs

Style: Earplugs
NRR: 33 dB
Extra features: None

Pros

These plugs offer the most comfortable way to achieve an NRR of 33 dB
Easy-to-use and cost-effective design provides highly effective hearing protection
Though designed for disposable convenience, the plugs may be reused several times if kept clean

Cons

The plugs took more than a minute to expand fully in cold weather

Get the Mack’s hearing protection at Amazon or Safeway.

Best Headband

3M Peltor X2 Over-the-Head Earmuffs

Those looking for a basic set of headband earmuffs to protect their hearing will want to check out the Peltor X2 Over-the-Head Earmuffs from 3M. These earmuffs offer an NRR of 24 dB, protecting hearing in all but the loudest scenarios.

The open headband uses two separate wires to allow for plenty of airflow, while the plastic cups are lightweight to reduce discomfort. The soft foam ear cushions create a tight seal without discomfort.

We really liked this pair of earmuffs during testing. First, we appreciated the large yellow trim that makes finding them in a crowded tool box a snap. Next, we valued the airy split headband design, as it allows for ventilation and reduces weight. Also, there isn’t any fabric or nooks and crannies for sweat, sawdust, and other funk to collect in, which makes cleaning these muffs very easy. The only downside we noted is that the cups don’t collapse up into the headband like other models do, so they take up more space in a tool box.

Product Specs

Style: Over the ear
NRR: 24 dB
Extra features: None

Pros

Lightweight frame has just the right amount of squeeze to stay in place
Split headband provides excellent ventilation and improved working comfort
Smooth finish with no unnecessary crevices make it easy to clean

Cons

Earmuffs did not fold down into the headband, so they’re less compact than other models

Get the 3M Peltor X2 hearing protection at Amazon or JB Tools.

Best Bluetooth

3M WorkTunes Connect Wireless Hearing Protector

Keeping tunes going can be a great way to pass the workday happily. Anyone in the market for a pair of wireless Bluetooth headphones that let the good times roll without letting harmful noises reach their eardrums should check out the 3M WorkTunes Connect earmuffs.

These muffs provide an NRR of 24 dB, which is perfect for most workshop activities and allow for media streaming through a Bluetooth-enabled phone, tablet, or other device. They also have a built-in microphone to enable users to take phone calls without removing their hearing protection—ideal when hands are busy finishing a project on a deadline. The high-fidelity speakers will produce high-quality audio, allowing users to enjoy their favorite songs while working in the shop.

These headphones were our favorite for a number of reasons: The sound quality and microphone clarity proved top-notch. The battery life is also outstanding, lasting more than 30 hours on a full charge. And beyond the music and phone connectivity, the headband is ventilated for comfort.

We have two complaints, however: These earmuffs are heavier than the rest, and they don’t collapse for compact storage. Also be aware that these outstanding earmuffs sound so good, they could totally sweep users away from their surroundings—a potentially dangerous scenario. When working with power tools, we recommend turning the music off and using the muffs solely as hearing protection. Save the tunes for lawn mowing or other zen activities.

Product Specs

Style: Over the ear
NRR: 24 dB
Extra features: Bluetooth headphones and microphone

Pros

Boast excellent music and phone sound quality with clear microphone reception
Extended battery life allows users to keep working all day without recharging
Deeply padded and ventilated headband offers all-around user comfort

Cons

Electronic components make these earmuffs noticeably heavier than others reviewed here
Takes up more storage space because the ear pads do not collapse into the headband

Get the 3M WorkTunes hearing protection at Amazon, Ace Hardware, or The Home Depot.

Best Earplugs

SureFire EP4 Sonic Defenders Plus

The EP4 Sonic Defenders Plus are a nice combination of protection, convenience, and comfort. The plugs are made of a soft medical-grade polymer that’s both comfortable and durable to block off the ear canal, creating an NRR of 24 dB. Plus, these plugs have a filter mechanism: a tiny flap that can be opened or closed on the exterior of the ear-canal plug. Opening the flap allows most sound in, while closing it offers the full 24 dB of noise protection.

Users can also maintain a relatively normal conversation when removing the caps without taking the plugs from their ears. This means the earplugs will always be handy, and users needn’t worry about keeping them clean when they take them out. If they are removed during a break, their detachable neckband will keep them in place.

These were some of the most lightweight and comfortable earplugs we tested. They almost felt like they didn’t exist both in the ear and around the neck. In testing, we found that inserting the cover flap made the plugs feel like they were going too deep, so we simply adjusted the flap in hand rather than in ear. Two complementary bonuses worth mentioning: They come with a neck strap and carrying case to keep them clean and close by.

Product Specs

Style: Earplugs
NRR: 24 dB
Extra features: Adjustable filters and neck strap

Pros

These incredibly lightweight and comfortable plugs provide all-day hearing protection
Offer 2 levels of protection—one allowing normal conversation and the other offering full protection
Includes a handy carrying case to protect the plugs from dirt and debris while not in use

Cons

Attaching the filter flap was uncomfortable while the plug was in the ear

Get the SureFire hearing protection at Amazon or Scheels.

Best Semi-Insert Earplugs

Howard Leight by Honeywell Quiet Band Foam Ear Pods

The Quiet Band Foam Ear Pods from Howard Leight by Honeywell are a great option for anyone who likes the protection of an inner earplug but wants the reusability of an over-the-ear system. This canal-cap earplug kit blocks off ear canals with soft foam pods, while the headband keeps them in place, providing an NRR of 25 dB.

To have a conversation, simply pull the plugs out of the ears and rest the headband around the neck. This lets the user chat with others while also keeping the earplugs clean and within easy reach when it’s time to get back to work.

In testing, we found definite benefits to the convenience of semi-insert hearing protection. Not only was the Quiet Band model simple to place in the ears, it was just as easy to remove and store it around the neck to keep it clean. Also great, the kit comes with three headbands, each with an additional set of plugs. Bonus: The bright colors make them easy to locate. The only issue was the headband felt slightly too snug for ideal comfort.

Product Specs

Style: Semi-insert
NRR: 25 dB
Extra features: None

Pros

Semi-insert model feels lightweight and comfortable both in the ear and around the neck
Brightly colored headband and foam caps offer easy visibility
Pack includes additional plugs for fast, easy replacement when needed

Cons

Plug angle, squeeze pressure, or fit may not be comfortable for all users

Get the Howard Leight hearing protection at Amazon (3-pack) or

The Best Hearing Protection, Tested

How We Tested the Best Hearing Protection Options

Our Top Picks