Loud noises over 120dB can cause instant ear damage. The sound of a gunshot can range anywhere from 150dB to over 160dB, depending on the weapon system you’re using and the ammunition. With this in mind, it’s critical that you purchase (and wear) a good pair of ear defenders, so you’re not saying, “WHAT!?” when someone asks you to pass the salt.
Remember though that most ear defenders will only block between 22 and 25dB, so I recommend using ear plugs as well as a set of ear defenders.
Over the years having served in the Armed Forces and gone to the shooting range with friends, I’ve worn a few different types and styles of ear protection. This list I’m going to make isn’t going to be exhaustive, but I’ll include ear defenders I’ve personally worn, but also pairs that I haven’t worn but that the users have given a high rating.
Hopefully one of the ear protectors on this list will help you out!
I will mention here that any purchases you make using one of the links I provide does give me a small percentage but at no extra cost to you.
With that said, here’s a list of the best ear defenders for shooting.
Peltor Sport Tactical 100
Specs
NRR: 22 dB noise reduction rating
Weight: 13.7 ounces
Batteries: 2 AAA batteries (not included)
Profile: Low Profile Design
Electronics: Digital
Noise Filtering: Adaptive Frequency
Gunshot Suppression: Manual
Audio Input Jack
The Peltor Sport Tactical 100 is an affordable hearing protector which has a Noise Reduction Rating of 22dB. At the time of this article, the Sport Tactical headset has an impressive rating of 4.7 out of 5 with over 10,000 reviews on Amazon!
Check Amazon for the latest pricing!
I’ve used a model similar to this pair called the Peltor Tactical 6-S and really enjoyed them. You can read my full review on that headset here.
What’s great about this headset is the ability to hear low volume noise, such as conversations to the guy next to you, while shooting at the range and having loud noises blocked.
This pair of ear defenders is really affordable costing less than $100, but with that lower price, you’re going to be sacrificing higher quality features.
One is that when gunshots are going off, it immediately blocks all audio. Not a big deal in my opinion, as I’m usually not talking to someone when shooting, but keep this in mind when you’re making your decision.
One user actually used the Peltors as well as other ear defenders and said it was better than the competition.
Howard Leight by Honeywell
Specs
NRR: 22 dB noise reduction rating
Weight: 14.8 ounces
Batteries: 2 AAA batteries (included)
Profile: Low Profile Design
Electronics: Digital
Automatic Noise Blocking
Compact Storage
Audio Input Jack
Headphone Capability
These are one of the most popular and highly rated ear defenders out there. At the time of this article the Howard Leight ear defenders have a rating of 4.7 out of 5 with over 30,000 reviews!
Check Amazon for the latest pricing!
Users have said how durable and long lasting these have been for them, and the functionality is great. As with other electronic ear defenders, these will block loud noises beginning at 82dB.
The Howard Leight ear defenders are very durable as well, and also have a variety of color options. As you can see in the photo above, there is an audio jack input, allowing you to use these as your everyday headphones!
These ear defenders were also designed specifically for shooting, with the ultra slim design, it allows for a full clearance for the stock of your rifle. The Howard Leight ear defenders features a 4 hour automatic shut off in order to prolong the battery life, and has an estimated battery life of 350 hours. Very impressive.
Walker Razor Slim
Specs
NRR: 23dB Noise Reduction Rating
Weight: 0.96 pounds
Batteries: 2 AAA batteries (included)
Profile: Ultra-Low Profile
Response Time: 0.02 seconds
Full Dynamic Range HD Speakers
Compact Storage
Soft Padded Headband
Audio Input Jack
Designed In U.S.A.
The Walker Razor Slim are the #1 rated earmuffs for shooting and hunting on Amazon, with a rating of 4.8 out of 5 and almost 10,000 reviews.
Check Amazon for the latest pricing!
The Walker Razor does a great job at blocking sound with sudden high dB range, but if you’re going shooting, as I mentioned before, you should double up on ear protection with the foam inserts.
The Razor headset is very comfortable with the soft padded headband and durable as well. One problem that has been said is that when hearing the lower volume sounds, like people having a conversation, it’s difficult to know which direction the sound is coming from.
Other than that, the Walker Razor slim is an excellent pair of ear defenders, especially for the price point. The Razor’s were designed to have the lowest possible profile without sacrificing NRR.
Sordin Supreme PRO X
Specs
NRR: 25dB Noise Reduction Rating
Weight: 1.32 pounds
Amplified Low Noises
Waterproof Microphone
Compact Design
Built In Sweden
The most expensive set of ear defenders on this list is the Swedish built Sordin Supreme PRO X, and for good reason. The ratings on this headset have been as high at 4.8 out of 5 on Amazon, with hundreds of reviews.
Check Amazon for the latest pricing!
If you want the highest quality ear defenders available, and aren’t afraid of dropping a few hundred dollars, then you will not be disappointed with these ear defenders.
The Sordin Supreme PRO X have been built to military standards, are extremely durable and have waterproof microphones. The noise cancelling is very good as it suppresses the loud sudden noises, such as firing rounds down range, oppose to other headsets that completely cut out all audio.
With the Supreme PRO X, you can still have a conversation with someone while gunfire is going off. The other gear thing is that they provide 3D audio, meaning you can tell if a sound is left, right, to your front, or behind you.
This isn’t something very common with less expensive options, which is something people have mentioned.
Caldwell E-MAX Pro
Specs
NRR: 23dB Noise Reduction Rating
Batteries: 2 AAA batteries (included)
Compact Design
Audio Input Jack
Push Button Controls
Dual Microphones
Stereo Sound
Optional Rechargeable Battery Pack
One of the most cost effective pair of ear defenders on this list are the Caldwell E-MAX PRO. Don’t be fooled with the low price though, as these have a respectable rating of 4.4 out of 5 on Amazon.
Check Amazon for the latest pricing!
A lot of people had good things to say about the Caldwell E-MAX ear defenders.
They’re very comfortable (so much so that one user said they forgot they had them on), it mutes out loud noises while still being able to hear people talk, lightweight, directional audio, and of course the affordability.
What about the negative remarks?
They’re really not worth taking serious… but there was mention of hearing white noise (I hear white noise without headphones on), and some prefer a knob volume control over the push buttons. But the majority of reviewers had positive things to say.
One complaint with other ear defenders with noise cancelling capability is that it might cut out all audio, but with these people have said that they’re able to carry a conversation with shots going off around them.
For the price you’re paying, this is almost a steal. If your budget doesn’t allow for very much, you wont be disappointed with the Caldwell E-MAX Pros.
Final Thoughts
Remember that regardless of what set of ear defenders you wear, you should always double up with some foam inserts. This will drastically improve the Noise Reduction Rating and protect your ears from hearing loss and/or tinnitus.
All of the headsets listed above are rated extremely high, the lowest being 4.4 out of 5, and some having ratings as high as 4.8 out of 5! It all comes down to what you’re willing to pay for a pair of electronic ear defenders.
All of these ear defenders can be used in many scenarios. Shooting at the range, going hunting, listening to music, working on a loud and busy airfield, etc.
I hope this list of electronic ear defenders has been helpful to you and informative enough for you to make a decision on what you want to purchase. I personally love my pair of Peltor Tactical ear defenders, but I know I would be pleased with any one of the items on this list.
Keep those ears protected, and happy shooting.