When trying to reduce the noise in your household and generally throughout the day, making sure that your appliances and other consumer goods generate less noise is an effective measure. However, you can only control so much within your household and very little outside of it.
In this instance, it helps to have some kind of equipment or gear to further reduce the noise you hear and cannot control. To this end, soundproof earmuffs are arguably one of the best solutions, though they feature different engineering designs that can impact where and when you should use each.
That is why we put together a list of the 5 best soundproof earmuff reviews of 2020, highlighting what each one does best. We also provide a helpful buyer’s guide and answer some of the most pressing soundproof earmuff questions, so you know which models are best for the different situations you need to quiet.
Best Soundproof Earmuffs Reviews
Best Seller: Fnova 34dB Highest NRR Safety Ear Muffs – Professional Ear Defenders for Shooting, Adjustable Headband Ear Protection/Shooting Hearing Protector Earmuffs Fits Adults to Kids
- 34dB – Highest NRR ear defenders for shooting, sports events, concerts, festivals, fireworks.
- COMPACT – Portable size for for efficient storage, the must- have for ear protection.
- ADJUSTABLE - Design adjustment headband of the earmuffs for a perfect fit from kid to adults.
Fnova is a somewhat recent company that you may not have heard of but offers a surprising range of different products with a general focus on outdoor or active settings. While the company may not specialize exclusively in noise-reducing products, they still manage to hit pretty high marks for soundproof earmuffs.
For starters, the Fnova soundproof earmuffs tie our list for the best NRR rating at 34 dB, though it achieves this rating through a different method than some of its competition. Rather than simply provide the soundproof earmuffs, Fnova also comes with a pair of PU earplugs.
While this means that the Fnova soundproof earmuffs do not provide a 34 dB NRR on their own, it does allow you to choose how much noise reduction you need for a given setting. For instance, this entry can provide three different methods of reducing noise by wearing either the earmuffs and earplugs separately or combining them.
If you do not choose to wear the earplugs, you do not have to worry that the Fnova soundproof earmuffs are poor quality as they employ a solid design with seven different layers. These layers include two different exclusive acoustic foam layers as well as two different cups, not to mention seals and multiple foam layers at the ear.
While its noise reduction is suitable for louder settings, the Fnova soundproof earmuffs are not a commercial or industrial product given that you cannot wear them with protective headwear. Thankfully, they still work well in other settings where headwear is not an issue due to a compact, collapsible design that makes them easy to transport.
While not the most comfortable option we encountered, the Fnova soundproof earmuffs still fit most head sizes with a padded, adjustable headband and tilting cups. The only issue is that these soundproof earmuffs may not feel as comfortable over longer periods due to their heavier weight which tops our list at 13 ½ oz.
Features
- Blocks out loud noise with a 34 NRR
- Provides a good seal with a seven-layer design
- Fits different sizes with tilting cups and an adjustable headband
- Easy to take on the go with compact, folding design
- Allows adjustable NRR with the inclusion of ear plugs
Verdict
The Fnova soundproof earmuffs tie for the best noise reduction on our list, though they do require the use of the included earplugs to achieve it. Still, they are relatively inexpensive given their total noise reduction and can be used in louder environments than most with the ability to transport easier than some.
Pros
- Has a 34 NRR
- Has a multi-layer design
- Has a compact design
- Is less expensive
Cons
- Is not helmet compatible
- Are heavier earmuffs
Top Pick: 3M PELTOR X5A Over-the-Head Ear Muffs, Noise Protection, NRR 31 dB, Construction, Manufacturing, Maintenance, Automotive, Woodworking, Heavy Engineering, Mining
- HIGH ATTENUATION: Very high attenuation earmuffs recommended for high-noise exposure applications - NRR 31 dB CSA Class AL*
- ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES: High attenuation as a result of newly designed spacers, specially formulated earcup liners and innovative foam...
- COMFORTABLE: Wide, soft foam ear cushions and earcup tilting pivot points designed for high comfort and an effective acoustic seal with the...
3M is easily the most respected and experienced company on our list with a history that stretches back over a century and a structure that encompasses some of the most iconic brands. While 3M does not specialize in anything, in particular, they tend to cover various commercial and industrial accessory markets.
The 3M PELTOR X5A soundproof earmuffs may seem to be a bit odd as a top pick choice given its second-best NRR, but that is somewhat misleading. While the 31 dB NRR might “technically” rank second on our list, these soundproof earmuffs achieve this rating without the aid of secondary noise reduction gear.
This means that you do not need to wear earplugs for the 3M PELTOR X5A soundproof earmuffs to achieve its great NRR. Of course, you are more than welcome and able to supplement these soundproof earmuffs with your choice of earplugs to further increase the NRR, but they are not necessary.
However, the main benefit of the 3M PELTOR X5A soundproof earmuffs is that you can wear them for both commercial and industrial purposes– the only entry on our list that meets this mark. For starters, you can find this specific line of soundproof earmuffs in a helmet-compatible model.
However, for those who want the standard design, the 3M PELTOR X5A soundproof earmuffs still come with a durable stainless steel embedded headband for additional durability. As if that were not enough, these soundproof earmuffs also feature a dielectric treatment that provides electrical insulation.
Of course, you get what you pay for, and the 3M PELTOR X5A soundproof earmuffs are an expensive option. On top of that, these are the second-heaviest entry on our list at 12 oz, do not provide nearly as much padding for comfort as some of its competitors, and do not pack down as compact for transportation.
Features
- Blocks out loud noise with a 31 NRR
- Provides a good seal with a four-layer design
- Easy to keep clean with the included hygiene kit
- Offers additional protection thanks to electric insulation
- Are sturdier than most with a stainless steel wire headband
Verdict
The 3M PELTOR X5A soundproof earmuffs are by far the best-performing option on our list with a NRR that does not require any additional supplement to achieve their rating. While you have to pay a bit more than you might expect for the quality, these are also the only models on our list suitable for commercial or industrial use.
Pros
- Has a 31 NRR
- Comes with a hygiene kit
- Is helmet compatible
- Has electric insulation
Cons
- Is more expensive
- Are heavier earmuffs
Best Value: ClearArmor 141001 Shooters Hearing Protection Safety Ear Muffs Folding-Padded Head Band Ear Cups, Black
- SonicSeal - ClearArmor's exclusive sound technology provides better protection to save your hearing.
- Comfortable, premium quality, lightweight, super soft ear ring foam for maximum long wear comfort.
- Padded head band adjusts to fit most head sizes . . . Industrial grade. . . Engineered to last
ClearArmor has a bit of an ambiguous standing with little definitive information available, but they do maintain a consistent presence. On top of that, this is one of the other companies we reviewed that focuses explicitly on safety equipment designed for use with target shooting or hunting.
This works especially well for our list as this ensures that the ClearArmor 141001 soundproof earmuffs reduce noise given that they need to muffle the sound of a gunshot. To this end, these soundproof earmuffs tie for the best NRR on our list at 31 dB and do not require earplugs to achieve this rating.
However, the ClearArmor 141001 soundproof earmuffs are not truly noise-canceling as they focus on blocking out noise made at louder decibels while leaving normal volumes unchanged. This works out especially well if you want to reduce loud noise, but those looking for complete silence may find these soundproof earmuffs a bit lacking.
It is worth noting that while this entry is designed to work while shooting, the ClearArmor 141001 soundproof earmuffs are not suitable for commercial or industrial settings. These soundproof earmuffs feature a five-layer design that works well with different layers of foam designed to block out specific frequencies.
One thing that is a bit odd about the ClearArmor 141001 soundproof earmuffs is their comfort which runs the gamut due to a headband that sits a bit tight around the head. However, if the headband fits you properly, you do not have to worry about fatigue setting in thanks to the lightweight design tipping the scales at only 9 ½ oz.
Even better, the ClearArmor 141001 soundproof earmuffs are a surprisingly inexpensive model given their specs. Of course, you always have to pay for a product in some sense, and these soundproof earmuffs do not feature as sturdy of a design as some of its high-end competitors with a plastic headband that requires a bit more handling care.
Features
- Blocks out loud noise with a 34 NRR
- Provides a good seal with a five-layer design
- Fits different sizes with tilting cups and an adjustable headband
- Easy to take on the go with compact, folding design
- Sits well on the head weighing only 9 ½ oz
Verdict
The ClearArmor 141001 soundproof earmuffs are perfect for people shooting firearms with some of the best noise reduction we found. That said, these soundproof earmuffs are meant for use in a specific setting and do not feel as comfortable for longer periods, though they are lightweight and inexpensive.
Pros
- Has a 34 NRR
- Has a multi-layer design
- Are lightweight earmuffs
- Is less expensive
Cons
- Not the most comfortable
- Not the most durable
Runner Up: Mpow [Upgraded] Noise Reduction Safety Ear Muffs, SNR 36dB Shooting Hunting Muffs, Hearing Protection with a Carrying Bag, Ear Defenders Fits Adults To Kids with Twist Resistant Headband- Black
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Mpow is another unexpected company to appear on our list, though with more than half a decade of experience, it is one of the older companies we reviewed. While Mpow may not specialize in noise-reducing or safety products, it does focus primarily on auditory gear both for listening and blocking out noise.
The Mpow soundproof earmuffs sit in an odd place as they offer decent noise reduction properties but do not stand out in any meaningful way. Granted, they feature a similar design as some of the higher-end models with the exception that they do not also come with a pair of earplugs which would likely increase the NRR rating to a similar standard.
As it sits, the Mpow soundproof earmuffs provide an NRR of 29 dB, making use of a seven-layer design that features multiple layers of noise-insulating foam as well as different sound cups. Beyond their noise reduction properties, these soundproof earmuffs feature a solid range of functional specs.
For instance, you can wear the Mpow soundproof earmuffs longer than most without suffering from fatigue due to a lightweight design that comes in at 10 oz. Like many of the other soundproof earmuffs we reviewed, it is also easy to adjust the fit of this model, though the headband is not padded like some of its competition.
One thing that is a bit troubling is that the Mpow soundproof earmuffs are not nearly as durable as some of the higher-end options with the ear cup hinges made of thin plastic. On the other hand, these soundproof earmuffs are a decent value given that they are an inexpensive option.
Like many other products with this design, the Mpow soundproof earmuffs also travel exceptionally well with a compact design that collapses in on itself. Also, while you may need to be careful with the plastic hinge, these are one of the few soundproof earmuffs that tilt 360-degrees.
Features
- Blocks out loud noise with a 29 NRR
- Provides a good seal with a seven-layer design
- Fits different sizes with tilting cups and an adjustable headband
- Easy to take on the go with compact, folding design
- Sits well on the head weighing only 10 oz
Verdict
The Mpow soundproof earmuffs follow a similar pattern of design as some of the other high-end models we encountered, but it is not quite as effective at blocking out noise as its competition. However, these soundproof earmuffs are a fairly inexpensive pair that sits well on the head and travels easily.
Pros
- Has a multi-layer design
- Has a compact design
- Are lightweight earmuffs
- Is less expensive
Cons
- Not the most durable
- Not the best NRR
Also Consider: AmazonBasics Noise Reduction Safety Earmuffs Ear Protection, Black and Red
- Safety earmuffs help protect ears from loud noises; 26dB NRR (Noise Reduction Rating); ANSI S3.19-1974 certified
- Ideal for commuting, office settings, studying, stadium events, construction sites, yard work, fireworks, and gun ranges
- Made of durable ABS and PU, along with a cushioning, noise-dampening sponge material
AmazonBasics is the in-house brand owned and founded by Amazon over a decade ago that offers some of the best deals you can find backed by one of the biggest online retailers. AmazonBasics does not specialize in anything and instead rebrands OEM products sold by other companies for significantly more money.
In terms of noise reduction, the AmazonBasics EM-5002B-3 soundproof earmuffs sit at the bottom of our list for a reason as their NRR on blocks out 26 dB of volume. Granted, this is still okay for reducing average household noise, but the four-layer design is the thinnest on our list.
The AmazonBasics EM-5002B-3 soundproof earmuffs’ biggest selling point is their price which is extremely inexpensive given the market. Of course, whenever you sell something for drastically low prices, you should expect to pay for it in other areas of performance, and these soundproof earmuffs are no different.
To put it in perspective, while some of the other models on our list might work well in commercial, sporting, or industrial settings, the AmazonBasics EM-5002B-3 soundproof earmuffs are strictly consumer-grade. This means you should likely only use them at home and only in general situations, or you might not get the experience you expect.
Another reason to keep the AmazonBasics EM-5002B-3 soundproof earmuffs at home is their construction which is not as durable as many of its competitors with the earmuffs falling off of the headband being a consistent issue. Thankfully, you can always reattach the earmuffs when they fall off, but they will continue to fall off once they have done so.
Beyond those issues, the AmazonBasics EM-5002B-3 soundproof earmuffs are still a convenient option with a relatively lightweight design of only 11 oz. On top of that, these soundproof earmuffs also adjust to fit various head sizes and can collapse into a compact profile for easier transportation.
Features
- Blocks out loud noise with a 26 NRR
- Provides a good seal with a four-layer design
- Fits different sizes with tilting cups and an adjustable headband
- Easy to take on the go with compact, folding design
- Sits well on the head weighing only 11 oz
Verdict
The AmazonBasics EM-5002B-3 soundproof earmuffs may provide the least amount of noise reduction, but they are still a decent option if you just need something for around the house. It also does not hurt that they are an extremely inexpensive option that sits light on your head and travels better than some.
Pros
- Has effective NRR
- Has a compact design
- Are lightweight earmuffs
- Is less expensive
Cons
- Not the most durable
- Not the best NRR
Best Soundproof Earmuffs Buying Guide
Soundproofing
This is easily the most important factor to consider when purchasing soundproof earmuffs, but you should read the FAQ to understand how it actually functions. One thing to look for is different types of foam as not all soundproofing foam reduces all frequencies of noise which can leave some unwanted noise remaining.
While the NRR of a pair of soundproof earmuffs is a good way to gauge the soundproofing quality, consider how that rating is measured. For example, some companies will include earplugs in addition to their soundproof earmuffs as part of the total NRR measurement which will drop if you use the product without the earplugs.
Layers
As referenced prior, different types of foam reduce different frequencies of noise, so knowing where you plan to wear the soundproof earmuffs can help identify which ones are right for you. If you do not expect to deal with low-frequency noises which are often heard in industrial settings, you can just go with acoustic foam.
However, if you need your soundproof earmuffs to muffle low-pitched frequencies like deep bass, look for products with LRPu foam. On top of that, making sure that the soundproof earmuffs have multiple layers of different materials will further reduce the amount of noise that makes it through.
Fit
This is arguably just as important as the construction of the soundproof earmuffs since the product cannot reduce the noise if it does not form an adequate seal. Keep in mind, no soundproof earmuffs form an airtight seal nor should they, but the soundproof earmuffs should fit snug over your ears.
However, you need to be careful to make sure that they are not too big either as this will leave openings around your ears and the cups for sound to travel. Another aspect of the fit to consider is the height and size of your head, though most soundproof earmuffs come with an adjustable headband able to accommodate most people.
Comfort
While the comfort of soundproof earmuffs may not impact their performance, it is arguably just as important since you will not want to wear a pair of uncomfortable earmuffs for any length of time. As important as the fit is for efficacy, this aspect also impacts the comfort of the soundproof earmuffs– especially if the cups are too small and press onto the ear.
In this instance, the constant force of the soundproof earmuffs will eventually fatigue the ear’s cartilage and make them feel sore. Another quality that can influence this is the tension of the headband which, if too tight, is far more likely to fatigue your ears than ear cups that are too small.
Portability
Some soundproof earmuffs are more adjustable than others and while this can impact its fit and comfort, it can also make it more or less easy to transport. Most soundproof earmuffs use either a fixed cup or a tilting cup design where the former generally offers a snugger fit but the latter is more convenient.
For fixed cup soundproof earmuffs, the earpiece does not move from its position on the headband, though the headband generally adjusts to offer a better bit. For tilting cup soundproof earmuffs, the earpieces swivel in or out, allowing you to collapse the profile when not in use and making them easier to transport.
Protection
Outside of the protection from loud noise the soundproof earmuffs provide, some models also offer additional protection– though this is usually for a particular setting. A good example of this is commercial or industrial soundproof earmuffs which might offer some protection from electricity.
In this instance, the soundproof earmuffs feature a dielectric material that transmits electricity throughout without conducting it. This allows the soundproof earmuffs to keep you safe from electric shock, though this feature tends to be restricted to particular parts of the product and is not a replacement for recommended protective gear.
FAQ’s
What is NRR?
Anyone looking for soundproof earmuffs will come across the term NRR before too long which stands for noise reduction rating and is given in decibels (dB). However, this term is a bit of a misnomer which can be confusing to the average person just seeking some peace and quiet.
For starters, the dB rating does not tell you how quiet the soundproof earmuffs will make the ambient noise nor does it tell you the volume of noise silenced. Instead, the dB level gives you a rough estimate of how much volume the earmuffs will cancel out, though the actual reduction varies from brand to brand.
A good way of looking at NRR is to take the dB level and subtract between 5 to 7 dB, then dividing the remainder in half and subtracting it from the noise volume. For example, if you are at a music concert that generates 110 dB of noise while wearing soundproof earmuffs with a 34 dB NRR, you can expect the result to be:
Subtract 5 dB to 7 dB from 34 dB for 34 dB – 5 dB to 7 dB = 27 dB to 29 dB for an average of 28 dB; divide the remainder of 28 dB by 2 for 28 dB/2 = 14 dB. Subtract that total from the 110 dB for 110 dB – 14 dB = 86 dB.
So by wearing 34 dB NRR soundproof earmuffs, a concert playing at 100 dB will sound like 86 dB which is equivalent to about a busy traffic street.
What Makes Ear Muffs Soundproof?
All soundproof earmuffs operate under the premise of using foam or other sound dampening materials to absorb incoming sound waves and reduce the amount that reaches your ears. However, different materials and different constructions provide more or less reduction in sound as well as reduce different frequencies of sound.
The most common material used for soundproof earmuffs is low-resilience polyurethane foam or LRPu foam. However, plenty of manufacturers reinforce this sound dampening material with acoustic foam as the combination of these two materials effectively block out loud noise across the frequency spectrum from high to low pitches.
Outside of the internal foam, the cups can also help reduce the amount of noise heard, especially if the soundproof earmuffs include a second sound cup. Finally, consider the actual earmuffs that come in contact with your ears which should also include some PU foam to dampen noise and form a solid seal.
What to Look for?
Outside of noise reduction features, soundproof earmuffs also benefit from an ergonomic design more than many other products– even those you wear. A big part of this comes down to the ears being relatively hardy at first but susceptible to fatigue if pushed or pressed for long periods without a break.
One thing to consider when purchasing soundproof earmuffs is the size of the outer muff, making sure that it completely encircles your ear to prevent fatigue. On top of that, the headband that holds the soundproof earmuffs should be adjustable while also providing a secure grasp without being too tight.
If you need a pair of soundproof earmuffs for commercial or industrial settings, make sure that the product can handle a bit rougher wear and tear than your average consumer-grade model. If you can, look for soundproof earmuffs that are compatible with helmets or hardhats, so you can wear them on the job.
Conclusion
As we can see, most soundproof earmuffs function along similar lines, but they can suit some situations better than others due to minor changes in their approach. For instance, if you need a pair of soundproof earmuffs for use on a professional worksite, the 3M PELTOR X5As are effective and durable.
Of course, if you want to change the amount of noise reduction depending on what is going on around you, the Fnova soundproof earmuffs come with additional earplugs. Those looking for a high-quality pair of soundproof earmuffs on a budget should check out the ClearArmor 141001– especially for shooting.
The Mpow soundproof earmuffs feature a similar design to some of the other high-end models, but the absence of included earplugs reduces their maximum effectiveness a bit. Finally, if you need a pair of extremely cheap soundproof earmuffs for light, occasional use, the AmazonBasics also comes with a solid warranty.