There are two kinds of earmuffs for shooting available, the electronic ones and passive earmuffs.
If you’re in shooting business for a long time then you know very well what a good piece of ear protection can do and it can be the only difference between permanent hearing damage and perfectly sound eardrums.
Especially when you’re firing off rounds in an indoor range, where explosive gunshots can range between 140 to 175 decibels which can damage your ears and cause you hearing loss, ear protection is a must in these places.
- Built-in directional microphones amplify range commands and other ambient sounds to a safe 82 dB, providing more natural listening and enhanced communication
- Actively listens and automatically shuts off amplification when ambient sound reaches 82 dB; Noise Reduction Rating (NRR): 22
- Features low profile earcups for firearm stock clearance; adjustable headband for secure fit; compact folding design for convenient storage; classic green color
- Includes AUX input and 3.5 mm connection cord for MP3 players and scanners. Integrated power/volume knob
Best Earmuffs for Shooting
  | Howard Leight by Honeywell Impact Sport Sound Amplification Electronic Shooting Earmuff, Classic Green (R-01526) | Check Price |
  | Peltor Sport Tactical 100 Electronic Hearing Protector, Ear Protection | Check Price |
  | Howard Leight by Honeywell Impact Pro High Noise Reduction Rating Sound Amplification Electronic Shooting Earmuff for Indoor and Covered Ranges or Other Extremely Loud Shooting Environments (R-01902) | Check Price |
  | Professional Safety Ear Muffs by Decibel Defense - 37dB NRR - The HIGHEST Rated & MOST COMFORTABLE Ear Protection for Shooting & Industrial Use - THE BEST HEARING PROTECTION...GUARANTEED | Check Price |
  | Pro For Sho 34dB Shooting Ear Protection - Special Designed Ear Muffs Lighter Weight & Maximum Hearing Protection - Standard Size, Grey | Check Price |
  | Awesafe Electronic Shooting Earmuff, Shooting Ear Protection Noise Reduction | Check Price |
  | Caldwell E-Max Low Profile Electronic 23 NRR Hearing Protection w/ Sound Amplification and Adjustable Earmuffs for Shooting, Hunting and Range, Shooting Glasses | Check Price |
Electronic earmuffs which are rechargeable are more versatile letting you connect your gadgets in them.
On the other hand, passive earmuffs are simply made to muffle sounds which is enough to protect from casual shooting.
Here in this article, we’ve got some of the best earmuffs for shooting, from affordable passive ones to the top-of-the-line electronic earmuffs for shooting.
We discussed the features as well as the pros and cons of each of the following types of shooting ear protection to help you make an informative decision. Let’s have a look!
Contents
- 1. Howard Leight by Honeywell Electronic Shooting Earmuff – Best Reviewed Earmuffs for Shooting
- 2. Peltor Sport Tactical 100 Electronic Earmuffs – Best Noise Cancelling Earmuffs for Shooting
- 3. Howard Leight by Honeywell Impact Pro Earmuffs – Best Electronic Earmuffs for Shooting
- 4. Decibel Defense Professional Earmuffs for Shooting – Best Passive Earmuffs for Shooting
- 5. Pro For Sho Earmuffs – Best Budget Earmuffs For Shooting
- 6. awesafe Electronic Earmuffs for Shooting – Best Earmuffs For Shooting Range
- 7. Caldwell E-Max Low Profile Electronic Earmuffs – Best Earmuffs for Indoor Shooting
1. Howard Leight by Honeywell Electronic Shooting Earmuff – Best Reviewed Earmuffs for Shooting
By The_Biffster
No matter range or on the hunt this earmuffs from the Howard Leight by Honeywell will ensure protection of your ears from hazardous noise and connected to your environment.
This earmuff is capable of reducing the impact of firearm sounds to 82 db.
One of the most prominent feature of the Honeywell Impact Sport by Howard Leight is its ability to amplify low-level sounds up to about 4 times while at the same time protecting the user against very loud and harmful noise.
This electronic earmuff has ultra-slim, snap-in, added earcups with an adjustable headband to fit user of any age. Its foldable design enables the user to adjust the firearm stock clearance.
“Compared to other brands.” – Check this details review here.
By SquareWarren
Users can also connect it to an MP3 player thanks to the external audio jack. Besides being compatible with an MP3 device, it can also be connected to a scanner, iPod or other audio sources via the same external audio jack.
It also features a 4-hour automatic shut-off system that saves your battery and prolong its usage.
Features
- Built-in directional microphones
- AAA battery powered
- NRR of 22 dB
- AUX input and 3.5 mm connection cord
Pros
- Snap-in ear cushions
- Foldable headband
- Auto shut-off feature after 4 hours
- Battery included
Cons
- The AAA regular batteries are not rechargeable
We hope users will find it as a great product that will protect your ear from damage with its great set of features. Highly recommended.
2. Peltor Sport Tactical 100 Electronic Earmuffs – Best Noise Cancelling Earmuffs for Shooting
“Best pair of earmuffs I own so far. Not as comfortable as others.” – Check this 1500+ words in depth review here.
By John V.
Peltor Sport Tactical 100 electronic earmuffs for shooting is the perfect protection you need for your ear in your day to day range activity.
With a NRR of 22 dB this earmuffs just work like a charm when it comes to suppressing loud gunshot noises as well as reduced background noises for a more focused session.
This earmuff uses compression technology created by 3M, giving the best result possible. Adaptive frequency response technology also allows reduction of background noise while communicating with others so that conversations are more easily understood.
For users looking forward to use it for indoor shooting ranges, the variable suppression time feature will reduce echoes.
This things comes with a 3.5mm audio jack which also happens to be compatible with most of the mp3 or 2-way radios available in the market these days.
By VIB007
As an electric earmuff this thing runs on two AAA batteries, which unfortunately doesn’t come with the package.
The battery compartment is very easy to access and to save battery life, it has a 2 hour auto shutoff system.
Features
- Powered by AAA batteries
- Proprietary 3M technology
- NRR of 22 Db
- 3.5 mm audio input jack
Pros
- 2 hour auto shut-off
- Recessed microphones
- Compatible with most MP3 and 2-way radios
Cons
- Battery not included
- Fit of this may be tight for some users
A perfect combination of superior hearing protection, portability and comfortability. While the price is a little higher than some other earmuffs for shooting, we believe this Peltor Tactical earmuffs are reasonably priced for the value they provide.
3. Howard Leight by Honeywell Impact Pro Earmuffs – Best Electronic Earmuffs for Shooting
“…after 4 months of daily professional use. The earmuffs have been snagged, dragged, and dropped, so they got scuffed here and there, but they still work like on day 1. Even the coldest and rainiest days did not defeat them.” – Read the complete review here.
By Frank Meyer
This is another great earmuffs from Howard Leight, this Impact Pro model is a moderately priced set of electronic earmuffs for shooting with superior noise reduction capabilities. With a NRR of 30 Db, this earmuffs offer better noise reduction at this price range.
The earmuffs for shooting are tough and durable with rubberized cups to protect it from scratching from the butt of a rifle.
With the built-in electronics, it handles the amplification of ambient sound up to 4x. But don’t worry about communication, normal sounds like conversations with your friend or range commands from the safety officer can easily be heard as all the harmful noises get attenuated.
The inclusion of a 3mm headphone jack is another good thing here which enables you to listen to music or anything else you would like. It’s a great feature for a day on the range by yourself.
By Marcy
It also comes with 2 AAA batteries for your convenience, there is an auto shutoff system and the battery chamber is super easy to access.
Features
- NRR of 30db
- 3.5mm audio jack
- Powered by two AAA batteries
- Up to 4x ambient noise amplification
- Approx. 350 hours battery life
Pros
- Well-padded headband
- Automatic shut-off feature engages after 4 hours
- Adjustability to fit anyone’s head
- Low energy consumption
Cons
- The size may seem too big for many consumer
This Howard Leight Impact Pro is a winner. If you are in the market for electronic hearing protection perhaps this is the best earmuffs for shooting available for frequent indoor shooters.
4. Decibel Defense Professional Earmuffs for Shooting – Best Passive Earmuffs for Shooting
Last thing that any user of earmuffs will want is to feel as if it’s been crushing your head. Too tight and it will give you headache and too loose, you will be busy preventing it from falling from your head.
Perfect fit and maximum comfortability, that’s where this convenient earmuffs for shooting from Decibel Defense comes in.
Made with ultimate comfort in mind this heavily padded headbands comes with an anti-slip technology that keeps that earmuff stay put for a long time.
The Decibel Defense foldable earmuffs for shooting are lightweight, weighing in at only 12 oz. and compact for transport.
With a NRR of 37 decibels, which is one of the highest number on the market and truly makes it one of the best earmuffs for rifle shooting.
Another great thing about this earmuff is that the brand has a great reputation for great customer service to back up the products. Any question or problem you might have related to the product will be solved right away.
Features
- NRR of 37 dB
- ANSI S3.19 & CE EN 352-1 certified
- Adjustable sound reception
Pros
- Extra padded headband
- Electronic construction
- Foldable design
- Great customer service
Cons
- Doesn’t have any audio jack to connect an MP3 player
- No active noise canceling system
These ear muffs were designed to be comfortable and efficient, and can, therefore, be used by anyone, regardless of their age or purpose. Does a great job at attenuating the loudest of sounds, allowing you to do your activity with more focus.
5. Pro For Sho Earmuffs – Best Budget Earmuffs For Shooting
For users who have been using earmuffs for a long time now, they know the importance of these two factors, the weight and fit, surprisingly the manufacturer Pro For Sho nailed both of these sectors with their earmuffs.
It has NRR of over 34 Db which is higher than most of its competitor and an impressive figure for a passive earmuffs. These earmuffs block out more noise but since they are passive muffs, you may still hear others talk around you.
These earmuffs comes in a compact size and the foldable design will let you bend it without effort conveniently into a small ball. This makes them easy to transport or place in a shooting bag.
Features
- NRR of 34Db
- ANSI S3.19 & CE EN521 tested + certified
- Durable plastic build
Pros
- Great noise reduction rating
- Affordable price
- Light and compact
- Foldable for convenient storage
Cons
- Some may find the fit too snug
- Very few adjustment options
- Takes a little time to get broken in
Buying these headphones will help reduce your risk for hearing loss with its great features and NRR number. They are simple to use, comfortable and a good product for the price.
6. awesafe Electronic Earmuffs for Shooting – Best Earmuffs For Shooting Range
Another high-quality earmuffs that earned a spot in our list is this earmuffs from awesafe. With an amazing NRR of 22 dB, this can be great for use for day to day use in shooting range.
This earmuffs features a heavy-duty low profile earcup for firearm stock clearance which is very useful and an adjustable headband is there for a perfect, comfortable and snug fit.
With a convenient foldable design that allows easy storage, this earmuffs can be carried around easily in your bag.
It also comes equipped with a 3.5mm connection with an aux input giving you the opportunity to connect radios, DVD players, MP3 players, your mobile phones and tablets.
Built-in omnidirectional microphones of this muffs increase environmental voices when the sound is over 82dB, providing enhanced communication in shooting range.
The awesafe electronic shooting earmuff comes with a carrying pouch, you just need to fold it up and put it in your suitcase, backpack, ammo box, drawer, or wherever you keep your ear muffs.
Features
- Built-in microphones
- 3.5 mm audio connection port
- Powered by AAA batteries
- Built-in omnidirectional microphones
- NRR rating of 22
Pros
- Batteries included
- Comes with a carrying pouch
- Lightweight
- Adjustable anti-slip headband
- Durable with a long-term guarantee
Cons
- Sound quality is not that great
- May not be effective with more noisy guns
It’s the perfect earmuffs for avid shooters and hunters that need protection from noises. The dampening technology filters sound and ensure it reduces noise to a safe level with its 22 Db of NRR. Overall, a good choice.
7. Caldwell E-Max Low Profile Electronic Earmuffs – Best Earmuffs for Indoor Shooting
You will always need a good set of earmuffs to keep you protected from harmful noises and our last pick here from Caldwell can do that in a stylish way for a very reasonable price.
These ear muffs have been built for those who like shooting often and for a long time, they have very comfortable earcups so that long time usage doesn’t bother the user. This earmuffs amplify the environmental sounds while blocking out the harmful ones.
It comes with a 3.5 mm audio jack input which lets you connect audio devices with the earmuffs and enjoy good sound quality with two microphones with stereo sound.
They are powered by AAA batteries, and have a very low energy consumption rate. The lightweight design is impact resistant and the foldable design makes it perfect for easy transport.
Features
- NRR of 23 Db
- 3.5 mm audio jack input
- Two microphones with stereo sound
Pros
- Automatic shut-off
- Very comfortable
- Adjustable volume control
- Foldable build
- Lightweight design
Cons
- Batteries not included
- Some may find them too tight
All in all, you will not go wrong with this Caldwell E-Max Electronic earmuffs. The specs are great, and built to last long.
Conclusion
In the end we hope our review of the best earmuffs for shooting will help you pick a new pair of earmuffs for daily range activity. Arguably, the models we selected in here is some of the best earmuffs for shooting.
There are a few things to look out for while choosing like comfortability, easy to transport, and that fits your budget. These are some very nice standard earmuffs for shooting that will not cost you hundreds dollar but the performance they deliver will be no less than those pricier one.
We tried to review as broad a selection of ear muffs as possible, and categorized them as best for different purposes.
As everyone has their own unique needs, choose the one that fits yours. If you decided to go with our choices, we hope you will get the best possible result.
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Hi, I am Margaret J. Garcia. Involved in paintball industry for around 10 years now. Loved to share my experience, expert opinion here in Paintball Magazine.