Our Top Picks
Best Overall
Honeywell Verishield V130
The memory foam ear cushions are a total game-changer.
Check Price on AmazonBest on a Budget
Honeywell Leightning L3
Cuts down noise across all frequencies without making the ear cups bulky.
Check Price on AmazonBest In-Ear Pick
Walker’s Silencer BT 2.0
The dynamic wind noise reduction is a nice touch when you’re outdoors.
Check Price on AmazonEver left the range or a hunt with that ringing in your ears, wondering if it’s a temporary annoyance or the start of lasting damage? You’re not alone. Choosing the best hearing protection for shooting can be a game-changer, but with so many options out there, it’s easy to grab the wrong pair. What if the most popular choice isn’t actually the best? Let’s dive into the surprising details of hearing protection that could save your ears before it’s too late.
Table of Contents
How to Choose the Best Hearing Protection for Shooting
Picking the right hearing protection for shooting can be a bit tricky. You need something that’s comfortable enough to wear all day, blocks out harmful noise, and won’t fall apart after a few uses. Let’s break down what to look for, so you can find protection that actually works for you.
Ergonomics
If your ear protection is uncomfortable, chances are you won’t wear it for long, right? That’s why ergonomics is key. Look for earmuffs with adjustable headbands and cushioned ear cups, or go for earplugs that mold to your ear shape. They should sit snugly without pinching or causing pressure. After all, no one wants to be distracted by uncomfortable gear when they’re trying to focus on their shot.
Noise Reduction Properties
Not all ear protection is created equal when it comes to blocking out noise. The Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) tells you how much sound it can reduce, so pay attention to that number. For shooting, go for a minimum NRR of 25 dB, but if you’re using louder firearms, go for 30 dB or more. Electronic earmuffs are a solid choice too. They filter out gunshots while letting you hear conversations, so you’re not totally isolated.
Build Quality
You don’t want any of your gun accessories falling apart after a few range trips. Look for tough materials, like high-quality plastics or even metal components, that can handle regular use. Earmuffs with solid hinges and earplugs with durable materials are worth the extra bucks, especially if you’re serious about shooting. Waterproofing is a nice bonus if you often shoot outdoors.
Value
More expensive doesn’t always mean better. The trick is finding something that offers good noise protection and comfort without costing a fortune. Some budget options might surprise you, while others just don’t cut it. Think about how often you’ll be using them, and spend accordingly. A mid-range option that’s durable and effective will likely give you the best bang for your buck.
5 Best Hearing Protection for Shooting
Best Overall: Honeywell Verishield V130
If you’ve been on the hunt for a pair of earmuffs that don’t feel like they’re squeezing your head, the Honeywell Verishield VS130 will not disappoint. The memory foam ear cushions are a total game-changer. You can wear them for hours without feeling like you need to take a break. They’re lightweight too, so no annoying neck strain after a long day. They block out noise with their 30 dB NRR, though you may notice they’re not as great with lower frequencies, like deep engine hums. That said, they fit larger heads perfectly, But someone with a smaller noggin might find them a bit loose. Overall, we recommend these for both comfort and protection!
Pros
- 30 dB noise reduction
- Lightest headphone pick (10 oz)
- More extendable headband than most brands
- Oil-resistant earmuffs
- Memory foam ear cushions
- Air Flow Control feature
- Most affordable pick
Cons
- Too big for small heads
- Less effective for low frequencies
What Customers Say
Solid quality, very adjustable and very effective. That cover it entirely. More expensive but worth it. Your hearing and your eyes are irreplaceable!
Anon
Best on a Budget: Honeywell Leightning L3
I’ve been using the Howard Leight Leightning L3 earmuffs, and they’ve been a solid choice for shooting and other noisy activities. With a 30 NRR, these things seriously block out sound, making them perfect for range days. The Air Flow Control tech is great—it cuts down noise across all frequencies without making the ear cups bulky. Plus, they’re super comfortable. The padded headband and soft ear cushions mean you can wear them for hours without feeling like your head’s being squeezed. They’re also surprisingly lightweight, so you’ll barely notice them. However, they might be a bit tight for folks with bigger heads. Also, the headband can wear out over time. But for the price, they’re hard to beat!
Pros
- 30 dB noise reduction
- Lightweight (10.6 oz)
- Telescopic headband adjustment
- Patented Air Flow Control feature
- Padded headband
- Affordable
Cons
- Headband wears out easily
- Too snug for bigger heads
What Customers Say
It’s embarrassing but yes, I have a big head. Most ear muffs did not fit well or squeezed too tight, these fit me beautifully and completely covered my ears without pain. The sound proofing is excellent and higher than most you can purchase which is helpful as I am sensitive to sounds. These are not the active headset with batteries and volume control — I found I do not need that anyways as I can hear my range instructor just fine and. now I don’t have to fiddle with my headset trying to find the volume. I recommend these. Well made. Excellent fit. Excellent sound proofing.
Kravjoy
Best In-Ear Pick: Walker’s Silencer BT 2.0
The Walker’s Silencer Bluetooth 5.0 connection makes it super easy to listen to music or take calls while still protecting your hearing, which you’ll love when you’re at the range or working outside. The Sound Activated Compression cuts out loud noises instantly but still lets you hear important sounds like range commands. Plus, the dynamic wind noise reduction is a nice touch when you’re outdoors. The touch controls are super handy, and the battery life is solid with the charging case. My only gripe? The foam ear tips aren’t as comfy as silicone, and at $299.99, they’re not cheap. But overall, they’re a fantastic blend of tech and protection!
Pros
- 24 dB noise reduction
- Great for hot weather
- Long battery life (4 hours with Bluetooth on)
- Lightest pick (8.16 oz)
- Comes with a charging case
- Sound activated compression
- Touch button controls
- Bluetooth connectivity
Cons
- Most expensive pick
- Won’t work for all-day use
What Customers Say
No only are there sound suppression plugs good on the range but their Bluetooth quality is good for anything you may want to use them for. Just got in from walking the dog listening to music. Great sound.
LS Goldstein
Walker’s Razor Bluetooth Quad
The Walker’s Razor Bluetooth Quad earmuffs are a great find for anyone who wants hearing protection without sacrificing music, podcasts, or phone calls. We love how easy it is to pair with phones, so it’s perfect for a day at the range or while working in noisy areas. The sound quality is top-notch, with four built-in microphones that let you stay aware of your surroundings while blocking out harmful noise. They’ve got a super comfortable fit thanks to the low-profile ear cups and fold up nicely when you’re done. The only downside is the AAA batteries—you’ll be swapping them out more often than I’d like. Plus, they’re a bit bulkier compared to in-ear options. But if you’re after a solid mix of hearing protection and Bluetooth connectivity, these earmuffs are a win.
Pros
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Lightweight (12 oz)
- Low-profile ear picks
- Excellent sound quality
- Four built-in microphones
- Comfortable fit
Cons
- Lowest NRR (22 dB)
- Pricier than most picks
- Frequent battery changes
What Customers Say
I work in a engine space with loud machinery. These block out the sound and allows me to hear others who are talking to me without them having to yell. I love them worth the money.
Carol
Peltor Sport Tactical 500
The Peltor Sport Tactical 500 is an awesome electronic hearing protector for shooting and hunting, packed with cool features. The noise reduction is great—at 26 dB, it blocks out loud gunshots but still lets you chat with friends without taking it off. The Bluetooth is a game-changer too. It allows you to take calls or listen to music while out shooting is super convenient. Plus, the dynamic suppression and voice tracking really make a difference in keeping things comfortable and clear. Our only gripe is that the fit could be better for long sessions, and the music quality isn’t amazing. But for shooting protection, it’s seriously solid, and you’ll be glad you picked it up!
Pros
- 26 dB noise reduction
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Durable microphone
- Clear voice tracking
- Long battery life (5 hours)
- Vented, adjustable headband
- Low-profile, cushioned ear cups
Cons
- Expensive
- Subpar sound quality
- Heaviest pick (14.9 oz)
- Limited adjustability
What Customers Say
I’m glad I went with these! The pass through for hearing your environment is much more subtle and comfortable on these, Even more the noise gate for when a shot is fired or a loud noise occurs is much more responsive on the 500s. Now as for the Bluetooth speakers in these muffs.. they leave a little to be desired, very crunchy and harsh, unless!! You have an android phone and can tune with the EQ. Once I messed with my EQ in my phone it made the speakers sound much better, got rid of the crunchy bass and muffled highs. Overall I like them alot, pretty comfy too!
Cameron
FAQs
What type of hearing protection is best for shooting?
When it comes to hearing protection for shooting, you’ve got a few options. Earplugs (foam or silicone) fit in your ear canal and work well but might get uncomfortable over time. Earmuffs are easier to use and cover your whole ear, with electronic versions like the Peltor Sport Tactical 500 that allow you to hear normal sounds while still blocking loud noises. For maximum protection, you can combine both earplugs and earmuffs, giving you an extra 5-10 dB of noise reduction.
Are earplugs or earmuffs better for shooting?
Both earplugs and earmuffs offer solid hearing protection for shooting, but the choice depends on what works best for you. Earplugs are low-profile and won’t get in the way of a rifle stock, but you need to make sure they fit properly in your ear. Earmuffs are easier to use and fit most people, with electronic versions like some of our picks above letting you hear range commands while blocking gunshots. For the best noise reduction, you can combine earplugs and earmuffs, giving you an extra 5-10 dB of protection, which is especially useful in loud environments like indoor ranges.
Are 3M earmuffs good for shooting?
Yes, the 3M Peltor Sport Tactical 500 earmuffs are a great pick for shooting. They’ve got this cool Dynamic Suppression Time tech that adjusts how much noise they block based on each gunshot, which is super handy. Plus, with Clear Voice Tracking, you can still hear people talking while it filters out the rest of the noise. Even without the electronics, they block more noise than most other earmuffs. And they’re comfy too, with a padded headband and ear cushions, so they’re easy to wear all day.
What is the hearing protection standard for shooting?
The Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) tells you how much noise your hearing protection can block. You’ll want something with an NRR of at least 20-30 dB. Foam earplugs usually have a high NRR around 29-33 dB, while earmuffs range from 20-31 dB. Electronic earmuffs, like the Walker’s Razor Bluetooth Quad or Peltor Tactical 500, tend to be on the higher end. For maximum protection, you can combine earplugs and earmuffs to get an NRR of 30-40 dB or more.
Summary: Best hearing protection for shooting
When it comes to shooting, protecting your ears is a must, but comfort is just as important. You want earmuffs or earplugs that you can wear for hours without them digging into your ears. The Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) is a big deal. 25 dB is the bare minimum for shooting, but the higher, the better, especially for louder guns. Make sure they’re durable too, so they don’t fall apart after a few uses. And don’t forget about value. Spending more doesn’t always mean better, but cheap gear might not hold up. Find what works for you, and your ears will definitely thank you after every range session!
Further reading: Ultimate Guide to Gun Reviews
Last update on 2025-03-25 / Images from Amazon Product API