Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or just starting out, protecting your hearing at the gun range is an absolute must. Gunshots are loud—like, painfully loud. Over time, exposure to those intense sound levels can cause permanent hearing damage. The good news? There are tons of ear protection options that range from basic to high-tech, so you can shoot comfortably and safely.
Let’s dive into the best options available and why ear protection is non-negotiable.
Snapshot
- Overall Best
- Peltor ComTac V: Durable, military-grade protection with advanced electronic features.
- Best Bang for Buck
- ShellShock Protection EXO PRO Electronic Earmuff: Affordable, effective, and perfect for beginners or casual shooters.
- Best Eyes & Ears Combo
- ShellShock Premium Eyes & Ears Combo (Electronic): Everything you need in one kit, with electronic earmuffs and quality eye protection.
- Best $50 value
- AXIL TRACKR Electronic Earmuffs: Budget-friendly with solid sound management features.
- Best Foam Earplugs
- Ear Buddy Foam Earplugs: Ultra-affordable, disposable, and highly effective for noise reduction.
- Most Protective Passive
- 3M Peltor Optime: Top-notch passive protection for high-noise environments.
- Best In-Ear Electronic
- AXIL XCOR: Compact, in-ear design with electronic noise management.
Why Ear Protection Matters
A gunshot can range from 140 to 190 decibels (dB), depending on the firearm. To put that into perspective, anything over 85 dB can cause hearing damage if you’re exposed for too long. Gun ranges are particularly loud because of multiple shooters and the acoustics of the space.
Investing in good ear protection is crucial for:
- Preventing permanent hearing loss.
- Reducing distractions so you can focus on accuracy and safety.
- Making your shooting experience more comfortable overall.
Types of Ear Protection
- Passive Protection: Basic earmuffs or earplugs that block sound without any fancy features.
- Electronic Protection: Uses technology to amplify safe sounds (like conversations) while dampening harmful noises.
- In-Ear vs. Over-Ear: Choose based on personal comfort and your range environment.
Best Ear Protection Options
Peltor ComTac V (Best Overall)
- Rating: 5/5
- Type: Over-ear, electronic
- NRR: 23 dB
- Why It’s Great: This is military-grade ear protection at its finest. The Peltor ComTac V features advanced electronic hearing protection that enhances ambient sounds like voices while suppressing harmful gunshot noise. Built to withstand tough conditions, it’s ideal for professionals and serious enthusiasts.
- Price: $450+
ShellShock Protection EXO PRO Electronic Earmuff (Best Bang-For-The-Buck)
- Rating: 4.5/5
- Type: Over-ear, electronic
- NRR: 22 dB
- Why It’s Great: Affordable and effective, these earmuffs offer good electronic noise management for the price. They’re lightweight, adjustable, and perfect for beginners or those who don’t hit the range every weekend.
- Price: $99
ShellShock Premium Eyes & Ears Combo (Best Eyes & Ears Combo)
- Rating: 4.5/5
- Type: Over-ear, electronic (includes safety glasses)
- NRR: 23 dB
- Why It’s Great: This kit gives you everything you need: high-quality electronic earmuffs and durable eye protection. It’s a convenient and affordable choice for new shooters or anyone looking to upgrade their range gear.
- Price: $135
AXIL TRACKR Electronic Earmuffs (Best $50 Value)
- Rating: 4/5
- Type: Over-ear, electronic
- NRR: 25 dB
- Why It’s Great: For a budget-friendly option, the AXIL TRACKR offers excellent noise reduction and decent sound amplification. It’s a solid pick for casual shooters who want the benefits of electronic protection without breaking the bank.
- Price: $65
Ear Buddy Foam Earplugs (Best Foam Earplugs)
- Rating: 4/5
- Type: In-ear, foam
- NRR: 32 dB
- Why It’s Great: Sometimes simple is best. These disposable foam earplugs are cheap, easy to use, and highly effective at blocking noise. They’re perfect for backup protection or combining with earmuffs for double protection.
- Price: $20
3M Peltor Optime (Most Protective Passive)
- Rating: 4.5/5
- Type: Over-ear, passive
- NRR: 30 dB
- Why It’s Great: When electronic options aren’t your thing, the 3M Peltor Optime is a top choice for passive protection. With a high noise reduction rating, it’s perfect for especially loud ranges or outdoor shooting.
- Price: $70
AXIL XCOR (Best In-Ear Electronic)
- Rating: 4.5/5
- Type: In-ear, electronic
- NRR: 29 dB
- Why It’s Great: Compact and effective, the AXIL XCOR offers the best of both worlds. These in-ear protectors amplify low-level sounds while cutting out gunfire noise. They’re great for shooters who prefer less bulk.
- Price: $199
Your ear protection choice depends on your shooting style, budget, and comfort preferences. Whether you’re investing in high-tech electronic earmuffs or sticking with reliable foam plugs, there’s an option for everyone.
And hey, if you’re looking for a gun range to test out your new gear, check out BestGunRanges.com. It’s the easiest way to find top-rated ranges near you!
Stay safe, and happy shooting!