Best Electronic Ear Protection [2025]: Top 7 Picks

Forget the cotton balls. They do next to nothing to protect your hearing.

When ear protection for shooting is in question, every responsible gun enthusiast, hunter, or those of you who are basically living at the ranges should get proper ear protection headgear to protect yourselves from the dangers of loud gun noises.

Common foam earplugs like Mack’s Ear Plugs Ear Ammo are enough to reduce sharp noises and prevent tinnitus at the ranges.

But why not kick it up a notch?

Today’s market has a plethora of high-quality electronic earmuffs that offer the ultimate in ear protection.

They significantly reduce noise levels and offer great additional features that allow you to hear talking and communicate as they filter out the sharper sounds.

Some can even amplify sounds that allow hunters to hear their prey in the bushes, while others have the option to listen to some music.

In today’s round-up, I compiled the best electronic ear protection for shooting; NRR-certified, of course. With so many cheap knock-offs and low-quality products you see on Amazon, it’s difficult to pick the proper ear protection.

I’ll talk about their advantages and disadvantages, what they’re best suited for, who they’re for, and I’ll also list some alternatives if you feel that you don’t need electronic ear protection or would like to keep a low profile.

How I Evaluated My Picks

I’ve had the chance to use and grade some of them, and some are based on personal criteria.

I explored multiple options like noise reduction rating (NRR), amplification power, battery life, comfort, the durability of materials, and additional features like AUX cables and carry cases.

Let’s check them out.

Our Top Pick – Safariland Liberator HP 2.0

Safariland is well-respected in the industry for its high-quality shooting gear, and the Liberator HP 2.0 headset is a perfect example of why.

We had to go with the Liberator HP 2.0 as the best overall ear protection thanks to its superior performance, convertibility, and host of features. You can upgrade it further for various comms and convert it to a helmet mount or behind-the-head setup, but even this “base” model blows much of its competition out of the water.

A 26 dB NRR will keep your ears protected with ease and the three different modes will ensure you can hear or block out exactly the types of sounds you want. Dual ambient microphones provide excellent 360-degree coverage, so you don’t miss anything, and thanks to the comfortable and low-profile gel ear cups, you won’t feel the need to take them off and reposition them constantly.

With the ability to run on AAA or CR123 batteries, you don’t have to rely on finding electricity to recharge them, and they still boast a 160-300 hour run time, depending on the mode. Even the smaller details, such as the battery compartment, were designed with intent, as you’ll find a speed-change cover to make replacing your batteries quick and easy.

While the Liberator HP 2.0s are not cheap, they also aren’t the most expensive on the list and you most definitely get what you pay for. Plus, is your hearing something you want to skimp on? I didn’t think so.

Best Overall Runner-Up – Walker’s Razor Slim Earmuffs

The Walker’s Razor Slim Ear Protection is a brilliant budget option that offers basic ear protection, comfort, two omnidirectional microphones, thick, padded ear cups, and an aesthetic design. They’re made to be as snug and low-profile as possible.

Walker’s Razor Slim electronic shooting earmuffs have a noise reduction rating of 23 dB (-8 dB OSHA rating), 89 dB volume limit, two omnidirectional microphones, integrated audio jack, and a 20 ms reaction time.

They utilize a sound-activated compression circuit (SAC) that filters out loud noises over the 89 dB limit.

While these earmuffs aren’t AUX-compatible, they have Walker’s Upgraded Gel Replacement Pads that guarantee a comfortable fit for anyone’s ears and head.

However, the Razor Slim isn’t as adjustable as the others on the list, and it might be prone to a humming sound when the volume is turned up to the max, especially when windy.

Still, the Walker’s Razor Slim Ear Protection offers all the essential features of good ear protection for shooting.

Using muzzle breaks significantly makes the gunshots louder, so check out our round-up of the best and least noisy muzzle breaks for your AR-15 rifle.

with an impressive 30dB NRR.

Best Budget – Howard Leight Impact Sport Electronic Shooting Earmuff

The Howard Leight by Honeywell Impact Sports earmuffs are one of the most cost-effective devices you can find on the market today. They’re lightweight, affordable, and boast a rating of 22dB NRR.

This is the go-to option for most shooters if you’re tired of taking off your earplugs when somebody talks to you at the ranges. They also come with a 3.5 mm AUX cord and volume knob.

The Howard Leight Impact Sports earmuffs have a voice and ambient amplification up to 82 dB while shutting down sharp sounds above the same mark.

The microphone can amplify the tiniest background noises, which are great if you’re a fowl hunter. It practically gives you Superman’s hearing.

The AAA batteries are non-rechargeable, but it’s not much of a downside because they can last around 350 hours. Moreover, the 4-hour auto-off feature saves the day if you happen to forget to switch it off.

The Howard Leight muffs have an adjustable headband, so you can comfortably wear them for hours. The foldable, compact design also allows backpacking, and they’re slim enough to fit nicely if you wear a helmet or eye protection.

You can also check out the Howard Leight Impact Sport Bolt Electronic Earmuffs. They’re a more expensive option with a 0.5 ms attack time.

Or, if you’re looking for something more powerful, the Howard Leight Impact Pro Earmuffs can also shut off ambient noises up t

Best Premium Option – Peltor ComTac V

You may not see many of these at your local range’s intro to handguns class, but you might in the private contractor training sessions. The ComTac Vs are for those who demand some of the best protection and best communications integrations.

Omni-directional microphones and high-fidelity speakers provide superior audio quality, resulting in the shooter barely noticing they are wearing them while having conversations. Thanks to the multiple modes you can toggle between, they are great for everything from heavy gunfire to environmental listening for situational awareness.

While they offer a ton, you’ll also pay a ton. However, if you’re profession requires you to wear ear pro or you are you’re competing often and are always training, these can be a good option to “buy once and cry once” as you’ll never find yourself feeling the need to “upgrade”.

Best Premium Runner-Up – MSA Sordin Supreme Pro X Hearing Protection Earmuffs

The Swedish manufacturer designed the MSA Sordin Supreme Pro X for serious range junkies.

A lot of sports shooters swear by these, but anyone can appreciate the standard 18 dB noise reduction levels if they can afford them. 

The Sordin Supreme Pro X feels great with a slim profile, and you can choose either the over-the-ear or the neckband model, both of which won’t interfere with your comms.

What makes these so comfy is the built-in gel caps, and they also allow you to combine the Sordins with earplugs if you feel the 18 dB NRR doesn’t cut it. The connected ear cups via the metal struts allow you to wear the headset under a helmet.

The Sordin Supreme Pro X earmuffs use 2 AAA batteries as a power source, and it can also be attached to ballistic helmets and communication devices as well. They come with an AUX input (with a 3.5 mm mono jack).

The sound is a bit high on treble, but that means you’ll hear someone talking to you better. Keep in mind that, with a more crisp sound, you’ll also be more likely to hear minor sounds like footsteps and rustling clothes.

The Sordins offer a snug and comfy fit, and this is the most important thing in earmuffs. You can wear them for hours without feeling any discomfort.

If you can afford to splurge, disregard anything else and just go for the MSA Sordin Supreme Pro X.

Best Low-Profile – Earshield Ranger Pro

I’m all about low-profile ear pro. It gets in the way less when shooting, saves space in your range bag, and just looks better, in my opinion.

The Eearshield Ranger Electronic Pro earmuffs are some of the newer ones on the market and definitely fall into the slim/low-profile category. Despite their compact size, they deliver BIG performance. From the 23 dB NRR to the 5x amplification to the 0.5 millisecond attack time, they don’t leave much to be desired.

They run on 2 AAA batteries and automatically turn off after 4 hours to help preserve the battery life. I love that the on/off switch also controls the volume, so you do not need to fumble around with multiple buttons. There is even an LED power indicator to ensure you don’t forget to turn them off once you’re done!

The gel ear cups are comfortable even during long range sessions and conform nicely around the arms of your shooting glasses. I’ve kept these in one of my primary range bags and put them to use quite often.

For a very small increase in price, you can upgrade to the Bluetooth model if that’s something you prefer. If you’re in the market for a new set of ears and find these for a good deal, I’d say they are worth checking out!

Best Electronic Ear Buds – Walker’s Disrupter Bluetooth Ear Buds

The Walker’s Disrupter Bluetooth Earbuds distinguish themselves by delivering excellent noise protection with a Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) of 24dB, making them particularly suitable for shooting ranges.

Their design comes with practicality in mind; they include a variety of foam and silicone ear tips for a custom fit, ensuring they stay secure during various activities. They even offer Bluetooth connectivity and an app that allows you to change settings and monitor battery life, providing a seamless and interactive experience for the user.

Additionally, the earbuds are versatile and designed for more than just shooting activities. The USB-C charging case is rugged enough to throw in your range bag but also serves as a convenient charging solution for everyday use. The case and earbuds are powered by long-lasting batteries: 11 hours in ambient mode and six hours during Bluetooth streaming.

Moreover, the earbuds have an auto shut-off feature, adjustable passthrough, and five different ambient sound settings, allowing you to adapt to different environments without compromising on safety or functionality.

These are great Bluetooth earbuds, and we have a blast testing them out, so go check out our full review if you want more information.

Proper ear protection is something that can’t be stressed enough, especially if you’re a frequent visitor at the ranges.

You should always try it before you buy it, so look for electronic hearing protection devices that are comfortable for your ears and head.

Here are the four most important points for criteria when looking for suitable electronic earmuffs.

NRR Rating

The NRR (Noise Reduction Rating) calculates the quality of electronic ear protection devices and is measured in decibels (dB). It’s an important concept that tells us how effectively a device can protect our hearing.

The higher the NRR is, the better the hearing protection device is for noise reduction.

Most gun ranges produce intensive, sharp gun noises above the 140 dB (decibel) levels that can cause permanent hearing damage. That’s why we need ear protection for shooting that takes care of the +140 dB mark.

Look for electronic earmuffs with an NRR score of at least 23 decibels. I highly recommend electronic ear protection devices around the 25 mark, especially if you shoot larger calibers like the .44 Magnum revolver (which has one of the highest decibels for firearms ever).

You also need to ensure that the devices you’re planning to purchase are NRR-certified before you do anything.

The CDC has even more cautious standards. According to them, even short-term exposure to 90 dB of sounds can cause hearing loss.

Fit

Comfort should be the second priority, but treat it as paramount.

Look for earmuffs that you can wear for long hours and aren’t too loose or feel like it’s a medieval torture device.

Most headwear on this list has adjustable and rotating earmuffs with comfy padding and cushions around the ear.

It’s a good idea to look for ear protection devices with a padded headband like the Peltor 500 or an oversized plush that you can continuously wear without discomfort.

Profile

Usually, tactical hearing protection devices like the Howard Leight Impact offer a low profile that’s great for when using cheek welds.

It’s important to figure out if you’ll use the earmuffs for your AR-15 rifle for a more compact or modal approach or if you’re satisfied with a bulky but cheaper option.

Water Resistance

Last but not least, if you’re planning on using earmuffs outside, be wary of overcast. Proper noise-canceling earmuffs should have all of the necessary features to be used in rainy weather.

Look for anything that’s waterproof. Indoor use aside, there are many great electronic earmuffs with waterproof features, and you’d be surprised how overlooked this feature is.

Despite your lifestyle, believe me, anyone can damage their hearing one way or another. I have friends that attend rock concerts once every two weeks, and some complain about an annoying high-pitched sound in their ears. That’s tinnitus.

For many, a pair of hearing muffs or simple foam plugs do their job just fine for many. But, I will always recommend electronic ear protection, especially if you’re operating high calibers.

I suggest you first try out multiple models and wear them for a couple of hours before you truly decide.

Besides comfort, I recommend you stick to brand names like Howard Leight, Walker’s, Peltor, and Gloryfire, and watch the NRR rating to be above 22 dB.

I recommend the Howard Leight Impact Sport Electronic Shooting Earmuff because it’s the most straightforward option that offers all the right features for a great value. Besides these, the Peltor Sport Tactical 500 are also a great choice for the shooting range.

My personal opinion is that electronic earmuffs will always be the superior choice, and I’m sure you’ll quickly tire of uncomfortable foam earplugs after a while. Whatever the case may be, your health should always be your number one priority.

Stay safe, shoot straight.