The 12 Best Ear Protectors for Shooting in 2024

The 12 Best Ear Protectors for Shooting in 2024: A Hands-On Review

Guns Domain Editor August 6, 2024

0 3 10 minutes read

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Protect your hearing…and hear all important range commands.

You can find the best ear protection for shooting, from passive earmuffs to electronic earmuffs. There are even in-ear earplugs that let you hear your conversation but filter out loud and harmful gunshot noises.

You want to protect your ears, whether you are a Range Officer or a beginner.

Each gunshot’s vibrations kills tiny hairs in the inner ear. This can lead to a high-pitched ringing, humming or buzzing noise that lasts for ever . Tinnitus?

Table of Contents

How We Tested and Chosen

Our team has spent thousands of hours on the range, as competitors, shooters, law enforcement, military and range officers.

This article represents the summation of our knowledge, and we recommend this ear pro to our family and closest friends.

We chose our options specifically based on:

Protection

You will see SNR (Single Number Rates, used by Europe) in decibels. These are the average sound-reduction values that a device has provided.

The higher the better, but there are trade-offs when it comes to different designs. We measured the distance between large caliber rifles in close proximity and also compensated for subjective tests.

NRR and SNR don’t compare directly, but SNR for the same protection level is slightly higher than NRR.

Comfort & Fit

You’ll either get a headache if it’s not comfortable or you’ll have to adjust them…just before a loud shooting burst.

As competition range officers, we have worn these suits for 6+ hours of competitions. This means that we are extra close to the explosions.

Bang-For-The-Buck

Guns and ammunition are already expensive.

Our selections are based on your budget. We have favorites ranging from the disposable foam earplugs, to the best bang for your buck models at $50 to the professional electronic earmuffs at $300.

Wear Style

The options are divided based on the type of wear…from passive to electronic earmuffs, and the latest in-ear electronic options.

Best Shooting Ear Protector

Editor’s Pick – AXIL TRACKR

Specifications

Protection Level: 27dB SNR
Weight: 12 oz
Batteries: 2 AAA

The AXIL TRACKR is my Editor’s Pick for an affordable electronic headset that performs well.

The electronic ear protectors reduce harmful sounds such as gunshots but increase normal sounds, like talking.

It’s great for hunting and hearing animal sounds.

The padding and strap were a bit tight right out of the package, but became very comfortable after a few minutes.

The electronics was what actually performed.

They did an excellent job at the range of blocking shots, and amplifying speech. The first time I tried them in my office, I was a little surprised.

I could hear a conversation taking place in another room. Outside, a bird was tweeting. And my own breathing. AXIL’s experience in hearing aids is evident in the amplification.

NRR is 25dB which is perfect for electronic earmuffs with a thin profile and sufficient for a range day unless you are shooting at really large caliber ranges.

AXIL offers a deal where you can buy for $99.

You can also listen to music with the Bluetooth Version, rated at 27dB. You can adjust the volume of ambient noise and music separately. The extra $30 for each headphone is available at the bottom.

What do you think of AXIL?

ShellShock protection EXO PRO is the most comfortable.

Specifications

Protection Level: 28dB SNR
Weight: 13 oz without batteries
Batteries: 2 AAA

Our team at Pew Pew Tactical has developed our own brand of ShellShock Protection based on our shooting experience.

Our earmuffs, glasses and earplugs are designed to provide comfort and protection.

Gel Pads are standard with all of our ear pros…a feature that is only available on options above $200. These pads keep us comfortable during long competitions and tests.

A 28dB SNR with a.5ms Attack Time Keep your hearing intact while amplifying sounds that you want to hear, such as range commands and your buddies.

For our launch offer, we are offering Free Shipping on all orders and only TX Tax.

Our ANSI-rated Z87.1+ switch ballistic glasses come with Smoke & Clear lens for indoor and outdoor shooting.

Ear Buddy Foam Earplugs are the best foam earplugs.

Specifications

Protection Level: 32dB NRR
50 Pairs

The are the most affordable and offer a 32dB noise reduction rating (NRR).

These earplugs are great for those who want to start shooting sports, or for anyone wanting to double up on their ear protection if they’re near loud guns.

These are small and take up little space, so I keep some in my range bag just in case I forget my larger ones or have guests.

Do not forget to compress the earplugs before inserting them.

It’s not always roses… sometimes foam earplugs block out what you want to hear.

If you have smaller ear canals or larger ones compared to average people, it may not work or feel as well.

You can find a variety of foams, but I’d stay away from the pure cylindrical ones…they aren’t very comfortable.

NRR 32 : Individually packaged
NRR 32: with Connecting Cord

Most Protective Passive – 3M Peltor Optime 105

Specifications

Protection Level: 30dB NRR
Weight: 12 oz

Earmuffs are traditionally “passive”, and come with a headband. They have foam pads which cover the ear and create a seal.

The Optime 95 to the left has a 30dB NRR and is very protective, but also bulky.

The large size of the cheekweld will interfere with the use of rifles and shotguns.

It’s great if you are just starting out with handguns… and especially if it’s at an indoor range, where the sound resonates more than outdoors.

Axil XCOR – Best in-Ear Electronic

Specifications

Protection Level: 29dB SNR
Weight: 6 oz. (with case).
Batteries: Internally Rechargeable

Get rid of bulky over-the ear muffs

The next generation of hearing protectors will protect your ears and enhance what you want to listen to, while still giving you a good cheekweld.

I did not miss wearing a cord around my neck, or having large earmuffs on.

The XCOR is supplied with a charging case, USB cable and a variety of foam plugs. It’s important to take your time in finding the correct size.

If they are too small, the gloves won’t provide you with the protection that you need. Too large, and you’ll feel uncomfortable after some time.

These have been in my possession for several months and I can say that they do an excellent job of protecting me against gunshots while also allowing me to listen to my team. It’s great that I can switch active hearing on and off with just a touch. I like that I can listen to music or answer calls when needed.

These were great for a recent flight. I was able to listen to music and drown out the sound of a baby crying. Thank you 29dbSNR!

Best for Competitions – MSA Sordin Supreme Pro X

Specifications

Protection Level: 22dB NRR
Weight: 12 oz
Batteries: 2 AAA

The majority of my competitors wear Sordins because they are comfortable , and have a good sound quality .

After I was appointed range officer at a few competitions, I gave in. This meant continuous blasts of air for hours, while still having to hear everything.

The MSA’s won the most votes when I asked my competitors, “What are the best electronic earmuffs?”

There are several colors and they already come with gel caps. I went for the camo…

The gel caps are comfortable for long periods of time, they have easy-to-access button controls, a great sound reduction and compression and can be used with earplugs, if 22db NRR is not enough.

The sound quality is excellent. When things are quiet there is no buzzing, the sound cutoff seems to be faster with loud noises, and voices seem better.

One annoying thing, however, is that the battery tends to jam and you will need to knock the whole unit carefully if you wish to replace it.

They can also be attached to ballistic helmets or comms, if you prefer. However, to do so, you will need to remove the glued housing.

Safariland Liberators – Best Helmet Mounting

Specifications

Protection Level: 22dB NRR
Run Time: 160-300 hrs
Batteries: 2 AA batteries or CR123

What is included in my night vision system?

The gel cups are very comfortable and they block loud gunshots well while amplifying the sounds I’m interested in hearing (e.g. Range commands).

The Sordins are more difficult to install on helmets than these because they require you to open anything. You only need the Unity SARA Clips, and Unity Mark 2 rail kit that allows the helmet to be folded back when it is not in use.

Walker’s Razor slim Muff – Also good electronic earmuffs

Specifications

Protection Level: 23db NRR
Weight: 12 oz
Batteries: 2 AAA

The Walker’s are a great looking pair of earphones and their performance is excellent for the price. If you haven’t purchased the AXILs, this is a good option for electronic ear pros who are just starting out.

The Impact Sports are in a head-to-head matchup (with an additional dB NRR).

Keep in mind that the Walkers do not have AUX input if this is important to you. Since I don’t run music or communications, I’ve never needed to use the AUX-in. I like to have my ears fully open to range commands.

They also have access Upgraded Gel Pads that make it more comfortable and seals better against your shooting glass.

Howard Leight Impact Sport Electronic Earmuff, Runner-up

Specifications

Protection Level: 22dB NRR
Weight: 12 oz
Batteries: 2 AAA

These are the original affordable electronic ear pros.

These are extremely popular. They’re affordable and they work… 39K Amazon reviews with an average of 4.7 stars.

Both beginners and advanced shooters still use them.

The first electronic earmuffs that people buy when they get tired of shouting “WHAT?! When someone talks to them on the range, they get tired of yelling “WHAT?!

Comfortable, affordable, and decent protection with 22dB NRR. They also come with AUX input for devices.

Best Passive Cheekweld – 3M Shotgunner II

Specifications

Protection Level: 24dB NRR
Weight: 9 oz

I like the 3M shotgunner.

I painted my over and it served as a great tool for many years. Especially when I needed something slim and simple for pistol shooting, with a bit of rifle mixed in.

The 24dB version is a good starting point, but compensated rifles can be used to double the protection if noise levels are high.

The comfort is average. I find it fine for about a couple of hours, if I remove it from my ears during a cold range. The material of the earcups can become sticky due to sweat, so I also wipe them down when I have some time.

SureFire EP3 Sonic Defenders are the best reusable earplugs.

Specifications

Protection Level: 24dB NRR
Weight: Very light

You can get two levels of hearing protection with this reusable product.

Enter Sonic Defenders EP3 Surefire, which has “filter caps” that you can have in or out.

It is still a decent way to protect yourself from gunshots, but you can hear the range orders and normal talking.

They provide a good 24dB of NRR protection. The fit is excellent but do remember that there are different sizes…I am comfortable with the Mediums above.

These are great for shooting outdoors and with “normal” calibers…but I would double up on these inside if you were shooting magnums or indoors.

Runner-Up In-Ear – Axil GS Extreme 2.0

Specifications

Protection Level: 29dB SNR
Weight: 1 oz
Batteries: Internally Rechargeable
Battery Life: Active 25 hours or standby 120 hours

The first generation GS Extremes did not impress us. The newest generation of GS Extremes is fantastic.

We must also note that you need to The foam plugs are designed to fit your ear perfectly .

The three of us who tested them were able to find a size which worked.

The smaller silicone plugs should only be used for music, not blasting guns.

You’ll no longer have an excuse not to get a cheekweld. But don’t forget to apply some sunscreen to your ears.

What Sound Does to Your Ears

Everyone talks about the middle ears. The eardrum is the main part, along with the three bones that have cool names like the anvil, hammer and stirrup.

What causes real hearing loss is actually what occurs in the inner ear.

Inside, picture a spiral staircase. This passage is only 2 millimeters in width and 30 millimeters in length, all coiled.

The sound of music is heard along the outer edge of the staircase. In the middle, however, are the Basilar Membrane and the Organ of Corti.

The membrane is thin and long, while the organ is resting on it. This little assembly is covered with tiny hairs. The hairs are tiny and register sound, which is then transmitted to the brain via the auditory nerve.

The organ of Corti can be separated from the basilar layer by an intense sound of 140 dB. It’s actually tearing away in pieces and floating around.

You end up with a lesion that is inflamed and causes a chemical reaction. Hairs die. Even with rest, tiny hairs continue to degenerate. The entire auditory nervous system becomes deaf as a result of triggering a cascade.

Researchers believe that tinnitus, that high-pitched noise in your head that just won’t stop, is caused by the brain attempting to recover the ability to hear sound frequencies that it has lost. This happens by increasing the signals from nearby frequencies.

Another thing to remember: noise exposure can be cumulative. You should consider the cumulative effect of noise exposure.

Are you ready to hear protection?

Take note pregnant women

You should be aware of some important considerations before you go to the shooting range if you are pregnant.

Proper Hearing Protection

first of all, forgetcotton ball, tissue, packing nuts, or my old-shooter’s favorite, cigarette filter.

They are not only better than nothing but also close to nothing. You’ll only get maybe a 7dB reduction at best.

Hearing protection is a choice that you can make.

Earplugs
earmuffs
Combinations of two or more
Sound-circuit technology offers some interesting alternatives.

With so many options available, there is no reason to not protect your earhairs. There’s something to suit everyone, from neon foam on strings to high-tech headsets.

You should look for a noise reduction of at least 15dB. However, 30dB would be preferable. If you pair a set of plugs and muffs together, you can shut out an additional 10 to 15dB.

A conservative figure of 140dB for an average muzzleblast is common. A magnum will produce more noise than a.22.

You can achieve a level of protection that is still loud – like a chainsaw or sandblast – but up to 1000 times quieter.