Are you tired of dealing with loud noises at work or during recreational activities? Then, investing in a noise-canceling headset can make all the difference. But with so many options on the market, how do you know which one to choose?
In this article, we’ll compare two popular noise-canceling headsets: the Otto NoizeBarrier and the Peltor TEP-200. We’ll look at the features, pros, and cons of each headset to help you decide which is the best fit for your needs. So, let’s dive in and see how these two headsets stack up against each other.
In This Article:
Peltor TEP 200 vs Otto Noizebarrier Earplugs
Based on the established criteria, let’s compare the Otto NoizeBarrier and the Peltor TEP-200 electronic earplugs.
Noise Reduction Rating (NRR)
The silicone tips and noise suppression of Peltor TEP-200 earplugs offer an NRR of 23dB, reducing any sounds over 82 dB, which provides excellent protection against loud noises.
The Otto NoizeBarrier Micro earplugs offer up to 40 dB of impulse noise protection with filters, which is significant when encountering abrupt, high-intensity noise like gunfire. In addition, they provide 15 dB of active noise-cancellation in “active” mode. Total NRR: 28 dB(Foam Tips); 23 dB (3-Flange Tips)
They are both valuable tools for people in law enforcement, the military, or anyone who could be exposed to abrupt, loud noises. The choice based on NRR depends on what you’re using them for.
Sound Amplification and Quality
The Otto NoizeBarrier and Peltor TEP-200 earplugs have impressive sound amplification and noise-canceling features and provide high-quality sound reproduction.
The Otto NoizeBarrier earplugs have a unique feature that allows them to amplify soft sounds up to five times, which is great for hearing subtle sounds in the environment. The NoizeBarrier also provides up to 15dB of adaptive noise reduction.
This means that the earplugs can adjust the level of noise reduction based on the surrounding noise levels. For instance, if you are in a quiet environment, the earplugs will not suppress the sound as much, but if you are in a loud environment, they will reduce more noise. Regarding sound quality, the Otto NoizeBarrier earplugs deliver clear and natural sound reproduction. They also have a high-definition sound reproduction system, ensuring you hear sounds accurately and without distortion.
On the other hand, the Peltor TEP-200 earplugs also provide sound amplification and noise reduction. They are designed to enhance low-level sounds while reducing the volume of loud noises. This is particularly useful in situations where you need to hear ambient sounds, such as conversations, but also need protection from loud, potentially harmful noises.
The TEP-200 earplugs use a technology called “environmental adaptive listening,” which adjusts the noise reduction level based on the environment’s noise level. As for sound quality, the Peltor TEP-200 earplugs are known for their clear and natural sound. In addition, they have an advanced sound reproduction system that ensures that you hear sounds as they are, without any distortion or alteration.
Comfort & Ear Tips
Comfort is a crucial factor in earplugs because they must be worn for extended periods. As a result, bothPeltor TEP-200 and the Otto NoizeBarrier have prioritized comfort in their designs.
The Peltor TEP-200 earplugs are designed to fit snugly into the ear, providing a secure yet comfortable fit. The earplugs come with various sizes of ear tips to ensure a perfect fit for different users. These ear tips are made of soft silicone, which is durable and comfortable to wear for prolonged periods.
They also have a contoured shape that conforms to the natural curves of the ear canal. The Peltor TEP-200 earplugs are also lightweight, which adds to their comfort and makes them easy to wear for extended periods without causing discomfort or fatigue.
The Otto NoizeBarrier earplugs also prioritize comfort. They feature a unique design that securely fits the ear without causing pressure or discomfort. In addition, the NoizeBarrier earplugs come with multiple sizes of ear tips, providing options for users with different ear sizes.
The ear tips are soft and flexible, which allows them to adapt to the unique shape of each user’s ear canal. This ensures a comfortable fit and helps create an effective seal to block unwanted noise.
Both earplugs also come with a carrying case that makes them easy to transport and store when not in use. In addition, the cases are compact and lightweight so they won’t add much bulk to your gear.
Durability
The Otto NoizeBarrier and Peltor TEP-200 earplugs are built to last with durability in mind.
The Otto NoizeBarrier earplugs are robust and designed for harsh conditions. They are built with a sturdy, high-strength plastic material that can withstand heavy use. Moreover, they are water and dust resistant with an IP68 rating, making them suitable for use in various environments.
The Peltor TEP-200 earplugs are also highly durable. They are designed with a rugged case that protects the earplugs from damage. Furthermore, they are water-resistant with an IP67 rating, making them ideal for use in different weather conditions. In addition, the ear tips of the TEP-200 are replaceable, which adds to their longevity as you can replace the tips when they wear out instead of the whole unit.
Battery Life
The Otto NoizeBarrier and Peltor TEP-200 earplugs both provide significant battery life for extended use, but they have different mechanisms for power.
The Otto NoizeBarrier earplugs have a rechargeable battery that lasts up to 16 hours on a single charge. This is enough for a whole day of use in most situations. In addition, the earplugs are recharged using a USB charging port, making it convenient to power up, even on the go.
On the other hand, the Peltor TEP-200 earplugs use replaceable batteries. As a result, they can operate for up to 16 hours on one set of batteries. While you need to replace the batteries once they’re depleted, the advantage is you can carry spare batteries and replace them as needed, allowing for continuous use during extended periods away from power sources.
In terms of rechargeability, both models have their advantages. The Otto NoizeBarrier’s rechargeable battery can be more convenient and environmentally friendly. In contrast, the Peltor TEP-200’s replaceable batteries offer the advantage of instant power replenishment without the need for a charging source.
Water and Dust Resistance
The Otto NoizeBarrier and Peltor TEP-200 earplugs are designed to withstand harsh conditions, including exposure to water and dust.
The Otto NoizeBarrier earplugs are IP68 rated, meaning they are dust tight and can be submerged in water up to 1.5 meters deep for 30 minutes without suffering damage. This makes them suitable for use in environments where dust and water exposure may be a concern.
Similarly, the Peltor TEP-200 earplugs also have a high water and dust resistance level. In addition, they are IP67 rated, indicating they are also dust tight and can be submerged in up to 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes.
Size and Portability
The Otto NoizeBarrier and Peltor TEP-200 earplugs are compact and portable, designed for easy transport and comfortable use.
The Otto NoizeBarrier earplugs are lightweight and small, designed to fit snugly in the ear. In addition, they come with a rugged carrying case that can easily be attached to a belt or pack, making them highly portable. The case also doubles as a charging station, adding to the convenience.
Similarly, the Peltor TEP-200 earplugs are compact and easy to carry. They are designed to fit comfortably within the ear canal, providing protection without bulkiness. The TEP-200 also has a portable charging case that can hold and charge the earplugs when not used. In addition, this case is compact and sturdy, fitting easily in a pocket or bag.
Extra Features
The Otto NoizeBarrier and Peltor TEP-200 earplugs have additional features to enhance their performance.
The Otto NoizeBarrier has a unique feature called the “Hear-Thru” technology, which uses built-in microphones to enhance situational awareness by amplifying ambient noises. This allows users to hear important sounds in their environment, like voices or alarms, while protecting against harmful noise levels. It also has an auto shut-off feature to conserve battery life when not in use.
The Peltor TEP-200, on the other hand, features an environmental listening function. This function allows users to hear low-level sounds, like conversation or footsteps, while still providing protection from harmful noises. It can also be connected to a two-way radio for communications. The TEP-200 also comes with an array of different ear tips to cater to different user preferences and comfort levels.
What Do They Cost?
Peltor TEP 200 – ~$500 USD
OTTO Noizebarrier – ~$500 USD
Brand Reputation and Reviews
OTTO Engineering is well-regarded for its products’ quality and performance in audio communication devices. In addition, they have a strong reputation for innovative designs, including the NoizeBarrier range of earplugs.
On the other hand, 3M Peltor is a globally recognized brand in personal protective equipment, including hearing protection devices. Their products are trusted and widely used in various industries, from construction to military. For the TEP-200 model specifically, one customer review highlighted that the earplugs worked well in reducing background noise while still allowing essential sounds to come through, especially in combat situations.
Otto Noizebarrier vs Peltor TEP: Which is Better?
Both products perform well across most criteria, although there are a few potential differences. For example, the Otto NoizeBarrier offers a higher NRR and specific amplification characteristics, while the Peltor TEP-200 has a proven water-resistant rating. Other factors like comfort, battery life, and price may require additional research or personal testing for a final decision.