Best Shooting Earbuds (Noise Cancelling Electronic Earplugs with Bluetooth)

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If you’ve landed here, you’re likely leaning towards purchasing a pair of electronic earplugs for shooting rather than opting for electronic earmuffs. Of course, people may claim there is no better ear protection than earmuffs and that earplugs are simply a cheap temporary fix, but we’re here to set things straight. 

With in-ear electronic shooting ear protection, you’ll never touch the foam earplugs or ear muffs again. Read our review of the Best Electronic Ear Plugs on the market, including our experience, research and extensive customer feedback analysis.

The Top Electronic Ear Plugs for Shooting

While at the indoor range or out hunting, you need reliable hearing protection for shooting. They should block loud sounds from gunshot noises while allowing you to hear conversations. Here we have covered the best shooting ear protection ear plugs in more detail.

Shooting Earbud Reviews

Not all electronic ear plugs have identical features or benefits or cover the same level of protection in every environment, so we’ve included various options in our list. So whether you’re looking for shooting ear protection, or industrial earplugs for work or you’re a musician, you’ll find an electronic earplug that will be right for you.

AXIL XCOR Wireless Earbuds Bluetooth — Digital HearPRO Buds with Touch Control — Bluetooth Enhancement — Hearing Protection — Dust & Water Resistant — Wind Resistant True Wireless Earbuds

The AXIL XCOR earbuds are tailored for shooting sports, combining hearing protection with advanced audio technology. They typically feature a high Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) to safeguard against the intense noise of gunfire, while electronic sound enhancement allows ambient sounds like conversations to be heard clearly. These earbuds are designed for comfort and a secure fit, possibly offering various ear tip sizes or custom-molded options. Durability is a key aspect, with many models being water-resistant or sweat-proof, suitable for rugged use.

In terms of technology, extended battery life is crucial for these electronic earbuds, and they often come with a portable charging case. Bluetooth connectivity is another common feature, enabling users to connect the earbuds to smartphones for music or calls. Additional functionalities might include wind noise reduction, multiple listening modes, and easy control settings.

Topping our list, here’s a set of in-ear electronic hearing protection specifically designed for the best shooting enthusiasts to protect against continuous loud noise. With a price tag near $300, you may start to shy away; however, we reassure you the Gunsport Pro plugs are worth every penny.

The advanced circuitry on these bad boys allows the earplugs to adjust themselves to changing levels of ambient sounds automatically. In addition, the silicone tips offer their own noise reduction, and when combined with noise-cancelling, offer a Noise Reduction Rating of 25.

When listening to a safe level sound, the hearing on the earplugs will be natural, as if you weren’t wearing them at all. However, when a loud noise is realized, the circuitry slowly adapts to protect your hearing from dangerously loud noises.

Intelligent noise reduction blocks background noise like wind noise and compresses loud sound ranges like gunshot fire.

Main Features:

  • 15dB of hearing protection when noise exceeds 86dB.
  • Approved for an NRR of 25.
  • High-definition balanced armature sound drivers & microphones are highly sensitive and designed specifically for signal processing.
  • Flip switch – when activated, it amplifies sound and enhances directional sense.
  • Long battery life

The mission of innovation, education, and hearing conservation is perfectly displayed in these earplugs. In addition, the hearing-enhanced mode amplifies 5x, which is great for those requiring high situational observance in a tactical setting. Finally, as far as comfort is concerned, the ACCO-fired tips offer maximum comfort.

Drawback(s):

The zinc-air batteries are small and can be difficult to replace. There is no Bluetooth.

Best for use as shooting ear protection on the range, out hunting, for law enforcement personnel, or useful for those working in an area with high noise levels, such as on an industrial site. When engaged, these 3M Peltor Tactical Digital Earplugs with an NRR of 23dB are designed to deal with high-impact noises by reducing their volume to a safe level and amplifying ambient environmental sounds for the best situational awareness. These are runner-up for the best electronic ear plugs.

Peltor is known for the best electronic ear protection; they manufacture many electronic ear muffs, this technology and precision have been applied to make the best shooting ear protection earbuds.

Winning Features: 

The winning feature of these tactical earplugs is their superior ability to perform under harsh conditions, reducing loud noise without sacrificing the clarity of amplification. In addition, the 23dB Noise Reduction Rating prevents hearing damage and makes this device one of the best shooting protection earplugs.

In cost, they come in at a slightly higher price than our number 1 pick, making them a more advanced option for your ear protection and offering several additional great features. Powered by either a portable charging station via USB or 3AA Alkaline batteries. Thanks to the various plugs and sizes included, you’ll be guaranteed to find a size that fits you perfectly.

Drawback(s): 

Strong winds have been noted as affecting the sound quality. Many people who review this product comment that a slight delay in the sound transmission could be at fault for making it hard to measure perception and auditory depth.

Walker's Silencer 2.0 Bluetooth Wireless Smartphone Control Rechargeable 24NRR Electronic Hearing Protection Earbuds for Shooting, Hunting, Range

These Walkers silencer earplugs have integrated Omni directional microphones with full dynamic range speakers, which are the most budget-friendly of the bunch. However, the winning feature of this Walker hearing protection device is its advanced technology. The Walker’s BT 2.0 earbuds have everything you need.

The combinations of Digital Sound Processing and Sound Activated Compression work together. These two features ensure that all the amplified sounds you hear are crisp and clear while simultaneously compressing loud noises to a safe level for your ears. These earbuds are powered by 4, #10 batteries, which offer a 25 dB NRR noise reduction rating. To ensure comfort and a perfect fit, 3 sizes of buds are included and a carrying case.

When looking at shooting hearing protection, Walker’s has you covered. They manufacture some of the best electronic ear protection for shooting. The Walker’s Razor ear muffs offer the same features but with comfortable ear cups. Learn more about Walkers Game Ear hearing devices made specifically for hunting sound amplification.

Drawback(s): Sound attenuation is not as effective as the other models we covered.

ISOtunes Sport Caliber Shooting Earbuds: True Wireless Bluetooth Hearing Protection, Water and Dust Proof, 13 Hour Battery, 25 dB Noise Reduction Rating (NRR)

ISOtunes Sport CALIBERS are true wireless earbuds that deliver superior performance and convenience. They feature a unique design that allows them to be worn under any headgear without sacrificing comfort or sound quality. The ergonomic shape provides maximum stability and comfort on the inner ear during extended periods of wear.

Isotunes are makers of some of the best shooting ear buds; they have a variety of products which will suit your needs. They have a stylish design for the indoor range and a long battery life with 13 hours of playtime.

Product Features:

  • Ergonomically shaped for optimal comfort and stability.
  • The unique wireless design allows it to be worn under any headgear.
  • Durable construction meets military standards for durability.
  • IP67 rating protects against sweat, water, dust, and more.
  • Built-in mic and remote controls allow hands-free operation.
  • Includes 3 pairs of silicone tips.
  • Up to 13 hours of playtime on a single charge.
  • Rechargeable lithium-ion battery.
  • The charging case includes 26+ hours of battery life on one charge.
  • Supports Bluetooth 4.1/5.0 connectivity.
  • Frequency response: 20Hz -20Khz.
Howard Leight Impact Sport Bluetooth 5.0 Electronic Shooting Earbuds, Black (R-02701)

Howard Leight has been making high-quality, affordable hearing protection for shooting & accessories since 1983. The Howard Leight Impact Sport earbuds are the latest addition to their line of shooting products that provides wireless Bluetooth earbuds that look like earplugs. This new model offers an improved user experience over previous models. Its sleek design and intuitive controls will surely become your favorite pair of shooting earbuds!

Product Features:

  • Passive hearing protection – Passive noise reduction rating of 29 dB
  • Active Listening Protection: When activated, the Howard Leight Impact Sport actively listens and stops sound amplification when loud impulses such as gunshots or explosions exceed 85dB.
  • Quick Connect Bluetooth Technology: Allows users to connect quickly to any device using the same pairing code.
  • Situational Awareness: Six times more powerful than standard hearing protection, the Howard Leight earbuds amplify low-frequency sounds like range commands, conversations and forest noises.
  • Adjustable Hear-Through Volume: 8 different volume increments above the 85dB initial power-on level provide realistic, natural hear-through in the field.
  • Convenient Carry Case Included: A convenient carrying case protects the buds during transport.
  • Durable Design: The Howard Leight Impact Sports are made from durable materials and have a lifetime warranty.
Caldwell E-MAX Shadows Pro - Electronic Hearing Protection with Ambient Sound Amplification, Bluetooth, and Rechargeable Case for Target Shooting, Range

Caldwell E-MAX Shadows Pro are one of the best Bluetooth hearing protection earbuds that provide superior performance and convenience during target shooting or range activities. This shooting ear protection features a unique combination of advanced electronics and ergonomic design to deliver outstanding sound quality and reliable protection from gunshot noise.

Caldwell is known for making the best ear protection products; now, they are working on ear protection for shooting.

Product Features:

  • Noise reduction rating (NRR): 25 dB
  • High-fidelity stereo sound
  • Easy-to-adjust controls
  • Ergonomically shaped earpieces
  • Durable construction
  • Includes rechargeable battery pack
  • Battery life indicator
  • Waterproof/dustproof
  • Lifetime warranty

Not only great for shooting, use the Bluetooth connectivity on the go.

These Bluetooth shooting earbuds from AXIL are fast becoming a popular choice for outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds.

Not only great for shooters, take them with you anywhere to listen to music and talk on your phone, all while utilizing 29 NRR noise-cancelling and smart amplification. These are low profile and offer a long battery life, offering comfortable wireless earbud hearing protection for hours and other useful features.

Main Features:

  • Modern, low-profile design
  • Connect to your phone to listen to music and take calls
  • Smart amplification and noise-cancellation
  • 29 NRR Rating
  • Use for shooting ear protection, yardwork, construction sites and more

The AXIL GS Digital and Axil earbuds are the right earplugs for long-lasting and fast charging.

OTTO Engineering NoizeBarrier Micro, Black, V4-11029

OTTO Engineering’s NoizeBarrier Micro effectively protects your hearing while hunting or shooting. The NoizeBarrier Micro has two modes of operation: hearing enhancement mode and noise reduction mode.

In hearing enhancement mode, it will amplify soft sounds up to 5x. This feature can be used when hunting in the forest or where there are many background noises, such as traffic, construction, etc.

In noise reduction mode, it reduces loud noises by up to 40dB. This feature can be useful for shooting earbuds because they may block unwanted background noise.

Westone DefendEar Digital Shooter Hearing Protection Ear Plugs, 78346

The price point on a pair of the DefendEar Digital Shooter earplugs is probably quite out of budget for most; however, if you are an avid hunter or require safe hearing protection in harsh conditions and under varied circumstances, we would highly recommend these earplugs. Designed exclusively for shooters and outdoor enthusiasts, these plugs have one of the highest hearing protection levels, around 30 dB.

Main Features of Westone DefendEar:

They also offer amplification up to 86dB, allowing heightened situational awareness when you need it most. The best feature of these plugs is that they are durable and can withstand incredible wind force without affecting sound quality. The 30 dB NRR noise reduction, low profile, discreet design and comfortable plugs make them ideal. The power of this device comes from ion batteries.

Drawback(s):

High cost, no off switch

Going back up in price, the MusicPRO by Etymotic is, as the name states, designed and built for the musician or simply the music lover. So whether you’re in a crowd, on stage, or jamming with friends, a set of these plugs will offer natural listening quality with incredible clear sound. 

MusicPRO Main Features:

  • Automatic adjustment hearing protection (called adaptive noise reduction) can vary between 9-15dB based on your auditory environment at every moment.

  • Full fidelity for input up to 120dB (protects well against percussion sounds). 

  • Two-mode functions (natural hearing and enhanced sound) allow you to switch between without removing the earplugs. 

  • Affordably priced for a set of high-definition earplugs.

Drawback(s): 

As with the GunSport PRO, this model also uses zinc-air batteries, which can be small and difficult to replace if you have larger hands. Other than this, some comment that the bass comes off slightly muted with these earplugs.

More Bluetooth Earplugs for Shooters

Not quite making the top 5; these next 5 electronic plugs will do the job just fine. Check out which type of situation each hearing protection is best suited for.

Grizzly Ears Shooting Earbuds

Opsmen Wireless Shooting Earplugs

Electronic Shooting Ear Protection Earbuds OPSMEN M20T NRR26dB Wireless Hearing Protection Noise Reduction and Cancellation Ear Plugs Protector with Earmor for Shooting Hunting Rechargeable case

Shooting Earbud Buyer’s Guide

If you spend a lot of time in environments with loud noises, such as shooting, you may have noticed the negative effects beginning to take hold of your hearing. Maybe you recognize that you don’t hear as well as you once did, or possibly you’ve developed tinnitus (a ringing in the ears). 

Whether you have or haven’t already experienced signs of hearing loss, you know the importance of hearing protection, so you don’t develop permanent hearing damage; if you didn’t, you wouldn’t be here reading this. Luckily, to assist you in choosing the best hearing protection for shooting, you can use this shooter’s earplug buyer’s guide as a resource.

Earbuds vs Foam Earplugs

In this guide, we spoke solely about active or otherwise known as electronic earplugs. The temporary cheap fix earplug we mentioned earlier is passive disposable foam earplugs, commonly made of silicone, foam or wax, only acting to block noise rather than amplify it.

One good example for shooting hearing protection is Ear Buddy foam earplugs.

If you need to wear ear protection, Ear Buddy foam earplugs are a quick option, aside from passive ear muffs. They have a noise reduction rating of 30dB, enough to prevent hearing damage from a gunshot. They also have unlimited battery life.

Passive earplugs work great for blocking out dangerous sounds; however, they have no electronic circuit, blocking all ambient noise, meaning that your situational awareness is quite limited while wearing passive earplugs. In addition, electronic hearing protection provides additional noise reduction to prevent hearing loss.

Buying Considerations for Electronic Earbuds

If you’re not sure what to look for in the best pair of electronic earplugs, have no fear, our guide will provide you with a detailed list of all the most important must-haves and desirable characteristics you’ll want to ensure you keep your eyes on. 

Now that you have an idea of the best earplugs for electronic use, let’s take a step back and review the types of electronic earplugs go through some of the main brands, and provide a FAQ to answer your most burning questions. 

As mentioned at the beginning of our buyer’s guide, finding the right electronic earplugs starts with figuring out what type you require. You can answer these questions by analyzing the hazardous sounds in your environment, which you’ll need protection against. 

Also, it’s important to identify whether you require task-specific earplugs. For example, based on this information, you can pinpoint whether you need a hunting hearing aid, electronic communication earplug, electronic musician’s earplug, or hearing protection for mowing the lawn.

It’s important to remember that each type of electronic hearing device functions differently. So to choose the best earplug, you must focus on the specific characteristics important for the task and environment in which you’ll be wearing them.

NRR (Noise Reduction Rating)

The Noise Reduction Rating is one of the most important things you should consider when selecting a pair of electronic earplugs. The NRR is measured in decibels (dB) and determines how much noise is reduced within a noisy environment. The higher the NRR rating, the more sound the device with shutting out. Electronic hearing plugs use compression technology to enhance the NRR through noise cancellation.

Read more about the highest NRR earplugs – click here for more.

The noise reduction rating of shooting hearing protection should be at least 25 dB to bring the ~110dB gunshot noise under 85 dB. Most ear protection products have 25 dB noise reduction rating, but you should check the product. An inadequate noise reduction rating will lead to hearing loss over time.

Clarity and Amplification

The best electronic earplugs for construction and other uses are those with a mode that allows you to hear ambient noises clearly as if you weren’t even wearing earplugs. Whether you are seeking noise cancellation or amplification, how clear the sound is at various decibels is important.

The best shooting ear protection with Bluetooth should provide variable situational awareness of ambient noise. These electronic earplugs have directional mics that intelligently filter noise.

Noise Cancelling

This capability of the electric circuit reduces ambient noise to a level that isn’t harmful to your ears. Normally noise-cancelling earplugs function by cutting or compressing sounds above 85 dB to a safe level. As mentioned, this allows the electronic ear plugs to achieve much higher impulse noise reduction ratings NRR than regular earplugs.

Cost & Quality

If you’re investing in a pair of electronic earplugs, you know that whether you like it or not, you’ll have to dig a bit deeper into your pockets than if you were to purchase a reusable pair. For the best quality for price pair safety approved, you will be looking to spend anywhere from $150 upwards of $350. To set your budget, it’s best to consider your risk level when selecting the best earplugs. Expect the costs to increase if you also plan to buy accessories. 

The more high-impact noise in your environment, the more protection you will require, meaning that the quality of the materials in the electric earplug must be substantially greater to provide full protection. Just like anything, you get what you pay for with electronic protection for your ears.

Comfort

No matter how great your new pair of earplugs are, if they can’t stay comfortably in your ear canal, they’ll become irritating and unbearable to wear for extended periods of time. So ensure you are instructed on properly using your electronic hearing protection to know the correct way to insert your plugs for maximum comfort. 

As one final note on comfort, not one size fits all when hearing in-ear plugs. Some individuals may require custom fitting while others will need to decide on another model; all of this will depend on the size of your ear canal or whether you have existing medical problems within the inner ear which inhibit you from wearing an earplug-style model.

If this is the case, ear muffs may be the best shooting ear protection to prevent hearing loss and further damage to your ear canals.

Batteries & Battery Life

Pay attention to what type of batteries you require and how many are needed to power your device. For example, most electronic earplugs use 2 standard AAA batteries. Another important consideration is how long one set of batteries will last, so you can bring extra with you if needed.

Audio Jack or Bluetooth Connectivity

Although not entirely necessary, this design feature allows you to connect your electronic earplugs to an external device. With this capability, you can connect and disconnect the Bluetooth earplugs without taking them out. Like this, protective earplugs with Bluetooth capability can sync directly to your device.

These shooting earbuds allow you to listen to music while still hearing the ambient noise you need to.

Auto Shutoff

You’ll find that there is an auto shut-off; however, not all electronic ear protection has these same capabilities. Auto-shutoff turns off your electronic earplugs after a specific duration of inactivity, anywhere from, on average, 2 to 4 hours.

Warranty

Most companies provide coverage against defects arising due to faulty workmanship or defective materials. The standard manufacturer’s warranty usually lasts 1 year; however, many brands and models offer a longer warranty, up to 5 years. Therefore, it’s always best to check the manual or warranty card for specific coverage details for your electronic ear protection. 

Types of Electronic Earplugs

Thanks to advancements in technology, the price of in-ear electronic hearing protection has decreased substantially and is more affordable for the average earning individual. Along with a reduced price, buyers often favor this form of ear protection for the following main reasons:

  • Small and lightweight design
  • It does not inhibit the user from wearing a hat or shooting glasses
  • Fitted properly to feel as if you’re not even wearing them

Now that you know why active earplugs are a popular piece of safe hearing protection, how do we differentiate between different electronic earplugs?

Hunting Hearing Amplifiers

Typically small devices that fit behind the ear and have a tube that connects to a hearing tip, fitting comfortably inside the opening of the ear canal. These devices amplify ambient sound for more situational awareness. 

When a shot is fired, the electric circuit cuts instantly and compresses the sound safely. After the hazardous sound level has passed, the device amplifies the ambient sounds. 

Nowadays, you can purchase another hunting hearing aid that doesn’t have a behind-the-earpiece. In these models of the best electronic earplugs for shooting, all of the earplugs’ functioning features are inside the in-ear-designed piece. In addition, the NRR level on hunting ear protection is normally lower to allow for more situational awareness.

Hunting hearing aids typically provide a similar level of hearing protection at a lower price. The difference between earplugs and other devices is that they may have a lower sound quality when they amplify than high-end models. As a result, many people purchase hunting hearing aids as a substitute for expensive medical earpieces.

Shooting Ear Protection

Do you frequent the shooting range? There are some great electronic earplug options for indoor and outdoor shooting. Like hunting hearing amplifiers but more focused on compressing loud noises and letting low dB noises reach your hearing.

You can combine these with an additional pair of passive muffs over the top for even more protection or in environments with continuous gunfire.

Read more on hearing protection for gun ranges or hunting if hunting is your primary requirement for purchasing the best electronic hearing protection earplugs. Shooting hearing protection is critical, as shooting combines high-decibel sounds with a high-frequency rate.

Walker's Razor Slim Ear muffs

The Walker’s Razor Slim ear muff is a great substitute for any of the above earbuds if you prefer over-ear protection. The Walker Razor slim earmuffs have been rated as one of the best, with comfortable gel pads in the ear cups, a high noise reduction rating and great sound quality.

These electronic ear muffs have noise cancellation, directional mics and Bluetooth capability to block background noise, still hear range commands and listen to music.

Electronic Communication Ear Plugs

Designed with the industrial worker in mind, the electronic communications earplugs are more than simply hearing protection. These earplugs allow communication to occur even within a high-noise environment. The best ways to communicate using these earplugs are:

Face-to-Face – No need to remove the earplugs while speaking to a coworker.

Radio Connectivity – Combine a radio headset and 2-way radio (these electronic earplugs must have an in-ear mic and an input jack).

Bluetooth Connectivity – Motorcycle ear plugs with Bluetooth allow you to hook up wirelessly to a Bluetooth-compatible device.

These are, more commonly, electronic earmuffs with a microphone for commercial warehouses or factories.

Electronic Musicians Ear Plugs

Great for allowing natural sound hearing while amplifying and increasing the ability to listen to the auditory environment simultaneously. These electronic earplugs protect your ears from sudden loud sounds and allow for crisp hearing and communication without the need to keep removing and re-inserting them. You can learn more about the best musician’s earplugs here.

 

Not Sure Which Hearing Protection is Best for You?

If you’re still unsure which category of hearing protection or earplug you require, it’s best to ask yourself some questions regarding the environment in which you will be wearing them.

Figure out which hazardous sounds you need to protect your hearing from and isolate the specific task for which you require your electronic earplug protection.

Take a look below for a little help:

Hazardous Sound – Analyzing the sound within the environment in which you work determines whether you require hearing protection that focuses more on a range of frequencies, pitch, or intensity of noise.

Task-Specific – Whether you require your electronic ear protection for the construction site, the tarmac of an airport, in the recording studio, for firearms practice or other task-specific applications, you must look for different characteristics. For example, for use in the recording studio or while performing a concert, a musician requires hearing protection to hear a full range of frequencies.

Ear Protection – You need to cover your ears to protect them from physical hazards, not just noise.

Bluetooth Shooting Earbud Brands

A simple search in your browser for the best electronic ear plugs results in various products being sold by many manufacturers. This may leave you wondering how exactly to choose the top brand. No matter how great a product may seem, the important thing is to make sure the brand is reputable and produces a safety-compliant product.

A few things to look for in the brand are:

  • Are they properly certified or not,
  • A warranty covers their products
  • They are a part of the Registered Safety Supplier (RSS) Scheme
  • They list out the restrictions and warnings for use and wear

Lucky for you, we’ve weeded through various brands and have chosen 3 of the best ones to highlight.

Etymotic

Etymotic (pronounced “et-im-oh-tik.”) and meaning ”True to the Ear” describes the company’s mission to create products that correctly assess hearing and improve the lives of the people using their hearing protection.

Their products are best for anyone who has experienced hearing loss, those who want to protect their hearing, and those who require a device to enhance their listening experience. This engineering-driven development and manufacturing business has deep roots within the hearing aid industry and is backed by extensive acoustic research.

From their start in 1983, followed by the invention of insert earphones in 1984, they have continued to grow. To date, 100 patents have been developed. Innovation continues to grow them; it doesn’t look like they plan to stop anytime soon. Along with their research and development, Etymotic Research is an ongoing sponsor of a Dangerous Decibels project. This public health campaign focuses on preventing Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) and tinnitus.

Please read our reviews of Etymotic earplugs here.

3M Peltor Hearing Protection

Peltor is the brand that falls under a larger corporation called 3M, founded in 1902. Since the beginning, they have been manufacturing military-grade safety equipment you can depend on. Specializing in personal safety equipment, 3M with Peltor produces products that keep the needs of the outdoorsman and shooter at the forefront. They promise superior quality when communicating and offer balanced comfort and protection. Their continued mission of helping protect people at work, at home and for life is mentioned across various positive reviews around 3M Peltor products.

3M is a global leading manufacturer of protective communication headsets in harsh environments with dangerously loud noise levels. What makes 3M Peltor one of the best brands today is their focus on function and design with every product they put on the market. With the latest advancements and backed by customer-inspired innovation, the company continues to offer some of the best protective hearing products today.

Westone

A made-in-the-USA company, Westone has been in the business of manufacturing custom earpieces for hearing protection since 1959. Created by Ron Morgan in Colorado, his company quickly elevated itself to the top by designing and producing some of the best quality products on the market. Originally focused more on hearing health, the company now covers in-ear monitors for professional use, protective hearing gear for the military and products for hearing around the home.

Over the years, Westone has branched out to create various models from muffs and in-ear protection. In addition, they have the notable achievement of creating the first in-ear musicians monitor hearing earpiece. Known as ”The In-Ear Expert,” they have now become masters in audio tech.

FAQ on Electronic Ear Plugs

Can I use noise Cancelling earbuds for shooting?

You can’t use regular noise-cancelling earbuds without passive earplug protection; they will not provide enough noise reduction ratings.

The electronic earbuds for shooting we have on our list all feature passive protection, noise filtering, noise cancellation and noise reduction ratings sufficient for gunshot noises.

You could wear foam earplugs under noise-cancelling headphones. Basic gun safety dictates you need ear protection devices with enough noise reduction rating to protect your hearing from noise exposure.

What are the best shooting earbuds?

The overall best earbuds for shooting are the Peltor Tactical TEP-200. Many people ask, ‘are foam earplugs good enough for shooting?’ The answer is yes, but you are missing important features, and the noise reduction could be better.

You will be much more comfortable with an electronic earmuff, tactical earplug, or any of our best shooting ear protection choices. After comparing many brands and models, we concluded the best protection for the gun range or field is the Gunsport PRO.

What hearing protection Do Navy Seals use?

Navy Seals use 3M Tactical products. 3M PELTOR® Solutions for modern military personnel were developed specifically for combat support operations with rifles or ballistic combat helmets.

What are custom molded earplugs?

Custom molded ear plugs are a great option for ear protection for shooting. Decibullz percussive filters are passive but perfect for shooters. For more advanced custom shooting earbuds, look at this video by Etymotic to see exactly what a custom-fit ear mould is and how to create one.

How Does Smart Protection work?

Smart protection responds to every change in your ambient sound environment. Electronic earplugs have technology that adapts using sound recognition; if a gunshot goes off or there is a sudden loud noise, they compress the sound.

It works by cutting out loud noises and lowering the NRR of protection to respond to noises from the background creeping into a hazardous zone.

Which is better for shooters, earplugs or earmuffs?

The answer to this question depends on you. Many high-quality plugs or earmuffs perform the job well, no matter your range of needs. So choose the hearing protection most comfortable for you, and there’s no going wrong.

The advantages of electronic earmuffs are they cover your entire ear using comfortable ear cups and gel pads, in addition to everything the ear buds can do. Alternatively, ear buds are discreet. Custom molded earplugs are also an advantage to in-ear protection.

Passive noise reduction can be better with earmuffs as they seal around your ears; with electronic earmuffs, you also get noise-cancellation. Electronic earmuff use is quite common for shooters; these ear muffs are better than passive foam earplugs. We think the best shooting ear muffs are the Walker razor slim earmuffs.

What makes good ear protection for shooting?

Noise reduction rating is the most important element. After that, features which suit your desires, like Bluetooth and added noise compression.

Selecting a safe and effective product should be the top priority. The larger the NRR, the better the noise reduction of the products. In a shooting environment, it is essential that hearing protection is fitted correctly and especially in children who have not experienced the shooting sport.

Will Airpods work for shooting?

Airpods won’t work for shooting; they do not provide enough protection. The Airpod Pros are rated at 5 dB NRR. This doesn’t protect your ears enough when shooting. A good earplug to shoot with has noise protection levels between 25 – 35 dB.

What are the best earplugs for concerts?

When shopping around for concert earplugs, the best ones are V-MODA, ISOLATE, DUBS, or any of the Eargasm range of products.

What should I know about electronic ear protection maintenance?

This video features the Etymotic Music Pro Earplugs; however, much of the information on general maintenance applies to all in-ear electronic ear protection.

Conclusion

Well, there you have it, all of the best electronic earplugs on the market today, along with a set of considerations you should consider when deciding between them. You could even choose an electronic earmuff for shooting.

Electronic hearing devices effectively protect your ears every moment and under all circumstances, making them a superior choice for hearing protection and situational awareness. So, if you decide to go ahead and purchase one of the electronic earplugs on our list, we’re confident you’ll be delighted.

Top Picks

Etymotic Gunsport PRO – Best shooting earbuds for the range;

Peltor TEP-200 or greater – Best tactical shooting earbuds;

Walker’s Silencer Ear Buds – Best for the industrial worker.

The rest of the bunch will also leave you more satisfied, serving various functions and performing exceptionally well thanks to their solid construction, smart hearing technology, and focus on the safest!