In this guide, we’re going to help you choose the best shooting hearing protection.
Over the years, we have tried dozens of hearing protection options. Based on this testing, we chose the Howard Leight Impact Sport as the best option. For those wanting an in-ear option, we also like the Axil XCOR Pro.
We have been using ear pro at the range for over 35 years, so we know what to look for. We have found that some are uncomfortable, while the sound produced by some active options is just terrible.
Keep reading to find our favorites, and then be sure to check out our full concealed carry guide.
Quick Summary of Our Favorites
Best Budget – Walker’s Razor Earmuffs
Best Ear Plugs – The Ear Buddy Foam Ear Plugs
Best Shooting Hearing Protection
Howard Leight Impact Sport – Best Value
- Type: Earmuffs
- Electronic Sound: Yes
- Noise Reduction Rating (NRR): 22 dB
- Batteries: 2 AAA
- MSRP: $76.99
We have been using the Impact Sport earmuffs at the range for over seven years now and find them to be the best value of all the products we have tried.
They are electronic, with directional microphones for each ear that amplify the surrounding noise without making me feel disoriented. They shut off when the noise level is above 82dB, so they allow me to hear everything that is going on around me while still providing hearing protection. The sound from these is good, with no strange background noise.
The headband is adjustable, and all of us can adjust them comfortably.
The battery life is phenomenal. They last so long (approximately 350 hours) that I forget when I last changed them. I always keep an extra pack of AAA batteries in my range bag and just change them when they get low.
I changed the ear pads on mine to the Prohear Gel Ear Pads, and they are more comfortable than the standard ones. I have worn these for most of the day at major matches, and they don’t make my head and ears sore.
I usually find these for around $50-$60, so they are a great value. Add the gel ear pads for another $20, and they are still cheaper than most others.
Recommended for:
The Howard Leight Impact Sport Earmuffs are for anyone who uses an indoor or outdoor range and needs hearing protection. The sound quality is good, so they also work great for hunting.
PROS
Comfortable (with Upgrade)
Good Sounds Quality
Good Battery Life
CONS
Need Gel Ear Cups
Axil XCOR Pro – Best In-Ear
- Type: Ear Buds
- Electronic Sound: Yes
- Noise Reduction Rating (NRR): 21-23 dB
- Batteries: Rechargeable
- MSRP: $199.99
The Axil XCOR Pro earbuds are the best in-ear hearing protection we have used at the range.
I was reluctant to use these at first, but after trying them out, I am a fan. I reach for these when I am at an outdoor range. I also use them when mowing and taking my grandson to monster truck shows!
They are electronic with directional microphones, so I can hear everything normally with them in. Once there is a loud noise, they cut it out and keep the ambient noise constant.
They also have Bluetooth, and I pair them with my phone to talk and listen to music. The sound quality is fine for talking, but it is not amazing for music. They lack the bass response of other earbuds, so if listening to music is your main reason for getting these, go with something else.
I like that they come with a charging case. This makes it easy to recharge them and provides a nice way to carry them without losing them. I found I could recharge them about three times before I had to recharge the case itself. At the range, I found I could get about six hours or so of battery life between charges.
Six earplugs, three foam and three rubber, are included in a separate zippered case. They are different sizes, and I was able to find the size that was most comfortable for me. This is important for earbuds since everyone’s ear is a different size. The foam provides more hearing protection than the rubber (21 vs. 23 NRR). For me, the rubber ones provide plenty of protection and are also more comfortable.
These are great in hot weather out on the range. Earmuffs can get really warm, and these are much cooler. However, they do not provide enough protection for me at indoor ranges. I usually need to double up with foam ear plugs and earmuffs, depending on the number of shooters.
Recommended for:
The Axil XCOR Pro earbuds are great for anyone who shoots outdoors, especially in hot weather. Their Bluetooth connectivity makes it easy to make calls and receive notifications without removing them.
PROS
Bluetooth
Good in Hot Weather
Six Ear Plug Options
Charging Case
CONS
Not Good for Indoor Ranges
Shellshock EXO Pro Earmuff – Most Comfortable
- Type: Earmuffs
- Electronic Sound: Yes
- Noise Reduction Rating (NRR): 22 dB
- Batteries: 2 AAA
- MSRP: $99
The Shellshock EXO Pro earmuffs are the most comfortable pair of shooting earmuffs we have used.
They come standard with PureSeal gel cups, which are very comfortable and seal better than other foam-type ear cups. They seal around my glasses well without pushing them into my head (which can be uncomfortable after a few hours).
They are also fully adjustable, and we could all get them in a comfortable position when we wore them.
A hard case is included, a nice bonus that most other earmuffs don’t include. I can keep them in my bag without worrying about them getting damaged.
They are electronic with dual-directional microphones. We found that the sound quality was just OK, and there seemed to be more background noise sometimes. It sounded like wind, but we haven’t used them on particularly windy days.
The loud noise cutoff also sounded different than the other earmuffs. They were “noisier” than the others when we shot. They did not let through loud noises but seemed to amplify more of the sound. Some of us didn’t like how they sounded, while others didn’t seem to mind much.
Shellshock Protection also has a Bluetooth version if using your phone at the range is important to you.
Recommended for:
The Shellshock EXO Pro earmuffs are for anyone who needs comfortable shooting earmuffs that can be worn all day.
PROS
Gel Ear Cups
Hard Case
Comfortable
Adjustability
CONS
Sound Quality
Warbird Intrepid RC – Best Sound Quality
- Type: Earmuffs
- Electronic Sound: Yes
- Noise Reduction Rating (NRR): 23 dB
- Batteries: Rechargeable
- MSRP: $119
The Warbird Intrepid RC earmuffs are the best-sounding shooting earmuffs we have used.
These have dual Omnidirectional microphones and full dynamic range HD speakers. We found that they produced the most natural sound, and after a few minutes, we almost forgot we were wearing them. They amplify the surrounding sounds while cutting out any loud noises.
We used the standard model, but now Warbird has the upgraded RC version with gell ear pads, a rechargeable battery, and a hard case.
Instead of a standard roller switch on the side (like all the others), these have a series of 4 buttons. We found these a little awkward to use because once we had them on, we were not sure which button was which.
These can turn each microphone on and off, which left us wondering a little. I’m unsure why anyone would want to turn off one side of the earmuffs.
Changing the batteries requires removing the earmuff, although the new model has a USB rechargeable battery, so this is not an issue.
Warbird also has the Intrepid BT if Bluetooth connectivity is important to you.
Recommended for:
The Warbird Intrepid RC earmuffs are for anyone looking for shooting earmuffs with great amplified ambient sound. They are excellent for hunters and outdoorsmen.
PROS
Natural Sound
Rechargeable
Comfortable
Hard Case
CONS
Slightly More Expensive
Walker’s Youth Earmuff – Best for Kids
- Type: Earmuffs
- Electronic Sound: No
- Noise Reduction Rating (NRR): 23 dB
- Batteries: N/A
- MSRP: $17.99
We didn’t want to forget the kids in this one. We like to teach our kids gun safety early, and of course, they are interested in what we do out on the range.
The Walker’s Youth Earmuffs are the best for younger kids under eight years old.
It is important to get smaller earmuffs for kids under eight or so since the larger adult earmuffs do not fit correctly.
My grandson likes to watch us shoot but is also big into monster trucks, and these work great. They are comfortable, and he doesn’t mind wearing them for a few hours. The last time we went, he didn’t want to take them off!
They have a bunch of colors, and the price is great.
These are not electronic, though, so you do have to speak up when talking (even more so than usual)!
Recommended for:
The Walker’s Youth Earmuffs are great for protecting little kids’ ears at the range, motorsports events, and air shows.
PROS
Youth Size for Kids
Comfortable
Price
CONS
Not Electronic
Walker’s Razor Slim Earmuffs – Best Budget
- Type: Earmuffs
- Electronic Sound: Yes
- Noise Reduction Rating (NRR): 23 dB
- Batteries: 2 AAA
- MSRP: $69.99
The Walker’s Razor Slim Earmuffs are the best budget electronic earmuffs we have used.
I usually find these on Amazon for less than $40, which is great.
The earpads are foam, and not as comfortable as the others with gel pads. They are fully adjustable, though, and we found that getting them in a comfortable position was easy.
They are very similar in construction to the Impact Sport earmuffs. However, the headband is a little stiff and not contoured, which makes it less comfortable after a few hours.
However, the biggest difference is the sound quality. The microphones are not bidirectional. I can’t tell which direction the sound came from when there is ambient sound since each side amplifies the sound the same. It sounds a bit like you’re in a barrel, according to one of our testers.
This can be somewhat disorienting, especially since I am used to using bi-directional protection. But, for the same price as some passive earmuffs, they are a great budget option.
Recommended for:
The Walker’s Razor Slim Earmuffs are the best budget electronic earmuffs for shooting that we have used.
PROS
Affordable
Adjustability
Good Protection
CONS
Non Bi-directional Mics
Headband Design
The Ear Buddy Foam Ear Plugs – Best Ear Plugs
- Type: Ear Plugs
- Electronic Sound: No
- Noise Reduction Rating (NRR): 32 dB
- Quantity: 50 pairs
- MSRP: $24.99
The Ear Buddy Soft Foam earplugs are the best earplugs we have tried.
These are made of soft foam that makes them very comfortable. To put them in, I first roll them in my fingers to compress them. I then insert them into my ear, and as they expand, the foam conforms to the shape of my ear.
I wear these outside when it is very hot, and I don’t want to wear earmuffs. I also wear these at indoor ranges. Many indoor ranges get very loud, especially when someone is shooting a high-powered caliber. Earmuffs usually are not enough. I put these in first and then put my earmuffs on over them.
These are also great just to have around when you need to protect your hearing or muffle something you don’t want to hear. I have used them to help me sleep in a strange, loud place. (They’re great for your bugout bag for this reason!)
Plus, they are cheap, less than 50 cents a pair!
The only downside is they are not electronic, so it is a little harder to hear others at the range when I have them in.
Recommended for:
The Ear Buddy Soft Foam earplugs are for everyone who likes to shoot and must be worn at an indoor range under earmuffs.
PROS
Comfortable
Conforms to Ear Shape
Affordable
Good Protection
CONS
Not Electronic
How We Chose and Tested the Best Shooting Hearing Protection Options
Over the years, we have learned that just any old earmuffs or earplugs we find at the sporting goods store are not the best choice. They are typically overpriced and uncomfortable. Here is what we look for and some tips to help you find the best choice the first time.
Comfort
This is the hardest one to judge until you try them. After wearing dozens of different types of hearing protection, we find that earmuffs that are adjustable with gel ear cups are the most comfortable.
The headband is also critical. A stiff headband puts more pressure on my head and causes soreness after an hour or two. A three-piece headband with spring hinges is better than a single-piece headband.
Protection Rating
Hearing protection is rated with a Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) in decibels (dB). The higher the number, the more protection the device provides.
For people who shoot smaller caliber handguns outdoors, we find that an NRR of at least 22 dB is needed. Keep in mind that high calibers and rifles are louder and may need more protection depending on the number of rounds being fired.
In indoor ranges, protection of over 30 dB is needed. This means typical earmuffs are usually not enough, and earplugs should be used in conjunction with them. The protection needed also increases for higher calibers, rifles, and the total number of people shooting at an indoor range.
Active vs Passive
Passive hearing protection does not offer any additional feedback from the environment. Basic foam earplugs are passive.
Active or electronic hearing protection takes the surrounding noise and plays it back through the device’s speakers. Loud noises are cut to protect the users’ hearing.
We find active hearing protection is better to have at outdoor ranges and while hunting. However, it is not of much value at indoor ranges. We have taken classes and shot matches at indoor ranges, and we can hear the range officer/instructor just fine with passive devices.
Also, look for active devices with bi or omnidirectional microphones. These sound the best and will produce the most “real” sound.
Earmuffs vs Ear Buds/Plugs
This is mostly a personal preference, but in general, earbuds or plugs are best for shooting outdoors when it is hot. Earmuffs are fine when indoors or when the weather is cool.
We find that getting earbuds adjusted can be a little challenging. They can be uncomfortable and not work well if the plug does not fit correctly.
When I shoot a rifle or shotgun and use earmuffs, I ensure they are slim and low-profile so they don’t affect my check weld. Some earmuffs are large and hit the stock before I can see the sight.
Bluetooth Capability
This is a personal preference and not a necessity. If you want to hear notifications from your phone and talk while wearing Ear Pro, then Bluetooth capability is nice. On the other hand, you may not want to be bothered.
Price
A good set of earmuffs costs around $100, while earbuds cost around $200. If you spend more than this, you are likely spending more than necessary. Peltor brand earmuffs are nice, but honestly, 95% of the people who get them do not need them, and the price is considerably higher.
Batteries
I like to have batteries that I can change out versus an internal rechargeable battery. It never fails that I forget to charge them and they go out halfway through a range day. I found that the Pale Blue Earth Rechargeable Batteries work well, but I still keep a couple spares with me.
The Best Ear Pro for You
We have been using our picks above at the range and think we have found the best value ear pro out there. The Howard Leight ImpactSport earmuffs with the gel cup upgrade are the best value for most people.
The Shellshock EXO Pro earmuffs are the most comfortable right out of the box and have the best price, while the Axil XCOR Pros are the best electronic earbuds we have tried.
Best sure you check out our concealed carry guide and our other recommendations for range gear in our Self Defense guides and gear reviews.
