Most hunters agree that it is important to provide your ears with protection. Hunting earmuffs are designed to dampen the sound of heavy gunfire. As a result, earmuffs have been a staple in the hunting community and are an essential piece of gear to have with you.
When looking at hunting earmuffs it will be important to consider the following attributes:
- Noise reduction rating (NRR)
- Adjustable
- Size of ear cups / inserts
- Noise canceling
- Audio enhancements
- Water / weather proof
Any noise above 85 decibels could cause hearing loss. As hunters we cannot state this strongly enough. If it is loud enough, a single gunshot could cause immediate hearing damage. For your reference a gunshot is between 130-180 decibels. As a result, its important to get yourself a strong pair of hunting earmuffs to protect your ears and reduce the risk of hearing damage in the future.
If you are in the market for a new pair or would like to see some of the most popular options look no further! We have done the research for you and have put together the following list of the 10 best hunting earmuffs in 2023!
The 10 Best Hunting Earmuffs in 2023
1. Howard Leight Honeywell Sound Amplification Electronic Hunting Earmuffs
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Noise canceling
- Built-in directional microphones
- Actively listens and automatically shuts off when ambient sound reaches 82 dB
The Howard Leight hunting earmuffs offer the best safety and hearing protection. The safety is delivered through distortion-free amplification (up to a safe 82 dB) of important low level sounds like range commands and conversation. The protection comes from instant blocking of any noise above 82 dB.
Designed for use at the range or in the field, this earmuff also features low profile earcups that won’t interfere with your aiming. The headband is padded for comfort, and telescopes to ensure a secure, custom fit. An external audio jack lets the earmuff do double duty as stereo headphones when connected to an MP3 player or other audio source.
2. Walker’s Razor Slim Electronic Shooting Hunting Earmuffs with Sound Amplification & Suppression
HIGHLIGHTS
- Sound activated compression reaction of 0.02 seconds
- Independent volume controls
- Composite housing
Similar to the Howard Leights, the Walker Razor Slim electronic hunting earmuffs are engineered to automatically shut off to loud sounds and amplify normal conversation. A quick reaction time and independent volume controls give you flexibility in sound monitoring. The headband is comfort padded and adjustable. This unit also comes with a carry case.
3. Caldwell E-MAX Low Profile Electronic Hearing Earmuffs with Sound Amplification
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Adjustable & padded earcups
- Slim low profile design
- Dual microphones in each ear
Caldwell engineered the E-Max hunting earmuff with noise canceling in mind. Dual microphones provide high quality stereo sound, keeping range commands crystal clear. A turn dial allows for easy volume adjustments. A low profile design offers comfort while allowing an up-close cheek weld. There is also an LED indicator to inform you that they are on and active. The padded earcups and headband are comfortable and adjustable to ensure a custom fit.
4. PROHEAR 016 Safety Shooting Earmuffs with Noise Reduction
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Amazing value
- Specially designed foam ear pads allowing for a closed head seal
- Not electronic but one of the best standard safety earmuffs
One of the best non-electronic hunting earmuffs would have to be this PROHEAR 016. With an affordable price, these sport fantastic noise reduction foam and sound dampening composite housing. With a Noise Reduction Rating of 26dB, these earmuffs effectively dampen and protect your ears from shrill sounds. As a result, these earmuffs are only 0.46 pounds. Because of this, they will not cause strong discomfort after a long day of use unlike other heavier brands in the market. These are a consumer favorite for range shooting, hunting, woodworking, lawn mowing and other noisy applications.
5. Howard Leight Impact Sport Digital Electronic Shooting Earmuffs
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Built-in directional microphones
- Automatic noise-blocking
- Ultra slim earcups with snap-in ear cushions
The Impact Sport Sound Amplification Electronic Earmuff offers the ultimate package for safety and ear protection. Amplification shuts off at 82 dB, and patented Air Flow Control technology provides optimal noise reduction across all frequencies. As a result of the padded, telescoping headband, this unit can adjust to most head shapes and sizes. A convenient folding design allows for easy storage on the range or in the field. The battery delivers approximately 350 hours of usage and the automatic shut-off feature engages after 4 hours to help save battery life. As a reminder, all Howard Leight electronic earmuffs and safety eyewear are compatible for use with each other.
6. ZOHAN EM054 Electronic Hunting Earmuffs
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Active noise reduction with 0.01 reaction time
- Rolling volume control knobs
- 1-year warranty
After comparing the sound amplification functions of many similar products, the ZOHAN brand spent more time and energy upgrading their electronic system. As a result it provides extremely quick noise reduction while having better sound amplification functions. In the shooting range, you can chat with friends without taking these off. Snap-in ear cushions make replacement easy. Features auto shut-off after 4 hours and snap-on lid for easy replacement. These hunting earmuffs are a great find at a good price.
7. GLORYFIRE Hunting Earmuffs
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Built-in Omni-directional microphones
- compress technology
- 6X sound amplification vs. 4X by other brands
GLORYFIRE has engineering a wonderful earmuff that is perfect for beginner or advanced hunters. The built-in directional microphones amplify sounds from multiple locations giving you 6X amplification vs other brands that bolster 4X. As a result you will be able to hear where your prey is located around you without having to remove them to listen. The deep ear pads also keep you protected. As with other brands on this list, you will be able to communicate with others clearly. This is another great product at a good price.
8. Pro For Sho Hunting & Shooting Earmuffs | Light Weight
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Quality material
- Super light weight
- Non-electronic but strong NRR rating (34dB)
Similar to the PROHEAR unit above, this Pro For Sho earmuff is non-electronic but packs a powerful punch when it comes to noise canceling capabilities. These Pro For Sho safety ear muffs are industrial grade. Protect your hearing while shooting, using loud power tools, or even attending concerts. Made for a variety of wearers with a variety of needs from daily sound protection for sensitive ears or for those who engage in loud environments such as a shooting range. They fit children and adults with an adjustable and padded headband, comfort fit, and have a slim profile. Check out these great earmuffs at their affordable price.
9. Peltor Sport Tactical 500 Smart Electronic Hearing Protector with Bluetooth
HIGHLIGHTS:
- High-end performance
- Built for shooting ranges
- Bluetooth for music or calls
Get optimized protection, clear communication, easy operation and a low-profile design with the Peltor Sport 500 earmuff. This active hearing protector uses SMART technologies to suppress harmful gunshot noise and amplify low-level sounds. It’s easy to use, lightweight and comfortable enough to wear all day. Plus, it seamlessly syncs with Bluetooth enabled devices — so you can stay connected and protected. It comes equipped with an auto-shutoff feature to help save battery power. The adjustable, vented headband improves comfort when worn with hats or other headgear. This is a great high performance hunting earmuff. Check it out!
10. Act Fire Electronic Hunting Earmuffs | Gun Range Ready
HIGHLIGHTS:
- 23dB NRR rating
- One-handed volume adjustment
- Full-motion HD speakers
Act Fire has created an outstanding electronic hunting earmuff that is built with quality materials. Designed with a low profile, these muffs provide superior hearing protection and amplification without compromising their thin profile. With a reduction of 23dB, the series will protect your hearing without causing interference with normal sounds. ACTFIRE’s new comfort fit headband makes it ideal for all-day shooting, and it comes in a variety of attractive colors. Painted with Japan imported painting, these have a better protection, can prevent damage to the surface, and would not change colors easily after a long sun exposure under UV rays.
Our Pro-Tip: If You Know You Need It, Then Pull The Trigger
It’s true that the cost of a quality pair of hunting earmuffs may be slightly higher than regular earbuds. Don’t settle for earbuds just to save a few! Make the investment (depending on your hunting situation) and reap the benefits of how quality hunting earmuffs are engineered. You will not be disappointed in the long run and it could save your hearing.
A slight price difference shouldn’t be a factor if you are truly looking for quality hunting earmuffs that will last. The best things in life always come at a cost. Don’t just save a few bucks on cheaper earbuds if you truly need hunting quality. You will be glad you invested your money where it counts!
