Shooting earbuds are a relatively new innovation in the world of hearing protection. They provide a convenient and comfortable way for shooters to protect their ears while still being able to hear important sounds such as range commands and conversations with fellow shooters. Shooting earbuds come in a variety of styles and designs, and it’s essential to choose the right one for your needs.
When shopping for the best shooting earbuds, one of the essential factors to consider is noise reduction rating (NRR). This is a measure of how much noise the earbuds can block out, and the higher the rating, the better the protection. Another critical factor is comfort, as you’ll be wearing the earbuds for extended periods. Look for earbuds that come with different sizes of ear tips to ensure a comfortable fit.
We tested several shooting earbuds to identify the best options on the market. Our top picks offer excellent noise reduction and comfort, making them ideal for shooting enthusiasts of all levels. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the features and benefits of the best shooting earbuds, so you can make an informed decision when choosing the right one for your needs.
Best Shooting Earbuds
When it comes to shooting, ear protection is a must. While traditional earmuffs are effective, they can be bulky and uncomfortable, especially during long shooting sessions. That’s where shooting earbuds come in. These compact earbuds offer the same level of protection as earmuffs, but with the added benefit of being more comfortable and easier to wear for extended periods of time. In this article, we’ve rounded up the best shooting earbuds on the market to help you find the perfect pair for your next trip to the range.
AXIL GS Extreme 2.0 Shooting Ear Protection Ear Buds
If you’re looking for shooting earbuds that offer both hearing protection and Bluetooth audio, the AXIL GS Extreme 2.0 earbuds might be worth considering.
Pros
- 3-in-1 functionality: Bluetooth earbuds, noise isolation headphones, and electronic ear muffs for shooting
- Advanced technology: switch between hearing enhancement and protection mode to Bluetooth audio mode, or use both at the same time with independent volume controls
- Long-lasting battery: 25 hours of run time or 120 hours of standby time
Cons
- Some users report issues with fit and earbuds staying in place
- Price may be a bit steep for some budgets
- Not as comfortable as other options on the market
The AXIL GS Extreme 2.0 earbuds offer a unique 3-in-1 functionality, making them a versatile option for shooting and hunting enthusiasts. You can use them as Bluetooth earbuds, noise isolation headphones, and electronic ear muffs for shooting all in one product. The advanced technology allows you to switch between hearing enhancement and protection mode to Bluetooth audio mode, or use both at the same time with independent volume controls.
One of the biggest advantages of the AXIL GS Extreme 2.0 earbuds is their long-lasting battery life. You can enjoy up to 25 hours of run time or 120 hours of standby time. However, some users report issues with fit and earbuds staying in place, which can be a bit frustrating. Additionally, the price may be a bit steep for some budgets, and they may not be as comfortable as other options on the market.
Overall, if you’re looking for a unique and versatile option for shooting earbuds, the AXIL GS Extreme 2.0 earbuds are worth considering. However, if comfort and fit are your top priorities, there may be better options out there.
Earmor Electronic Shooting Ear Protection Earbuds
If you’re looking for electronic shooting earplugs, the Earmor M20T is a great option.
Pros
- Provides NRR 26 dB and suppresses hazardous noise above 82dB
- Three sound modes for different environments
- Wireless BT5.3 connection function to listen to music, answer calls, or reject calls
Cons
- Battery life is inconsistent
- Wind noise when used for hunting
- Ear tips need to be properly sized for best noise reduction and sound quality
The Earmor M20T is designed to be comfortable to wear, providing a secure and snug fit in your ear canal with foam tips that conform to your ear’s shape for optimal noise reduction. The earbuds are lightweight and comfortable, and they won’t obstruct you or your gun. Lock fins and an optional anti-loss lanyard offer added security for a worry-free experience.
The M20T electronic hearing protection earplugs feature a single button that switches 3 modes (silent, indoor, and outdoor), making it suitable for noisy environments such as hunting, shooting, training, manufacturing, and construction. The wireless BT5.3 connection function can connect devices in a state of noise reduction, freely listen to music, answer calls or reject calls, share communication and entertainment diversity.
The shooting earbuds charging case can be fully charged earbuds 3 times under regular use. The earbuds can be powered for up to 6.5 hours when it is fully charged, so you won’t need to worry about running out of power when you’re out. Battery life depends on device, features enabled, usage, environment, and many other factors. In addition, a detailed guide, 18 months warranty, and friendly customer service provide you with a better user experience.
Overall, the Earmor M20T is a great option for electronic shooting earplugs. They provide excellent noise reduction and amplification, and the three sound modes make them suitable for various environments. However, the battery life can be inconsistent, and the ear tips need to be properly sized for the best noise reduction and sound quality.
ISOtunes Sport ADVANCE BT Shooting Earbuds
These earbuds are a great option for shooters looking for hearing protection without sacrificing sound quality.
Pros
- TACTICAL SOUND CONTROL: Block impact noise with audio passthrough technology. TSC enables conversation and environmental awareness while suppressing percussive noises from gun ranges or other hunting and shooting related activities. Also features passive noise isolation of 26 dB noise reduction rate (NRR).
- ALL DAY BATTERY: ISOtunes Sport ADVANCE Features a lightweight rechargeable lithium-ion battery with up to 10 hours of battery life on a full charge. Certain to provide you with hearing protection for long sessions at the shooting range.
- BLUETOOTH CONNECTIVITY: Seamlessly connects to your phone, computer, or tablet for easy on the go use and control of your music or phone calls. Uses Bluetooth 5.0 technology.
Cons
- FOAM EAR BUDS: The foam ear buds can be a bit uncomfortable for some users.
- SHORT LENGTH: The earbuds may be too short for some users.
- BATTERY LIFE: The battery life is not as long as some other options on the market.
These earbuds are a great option for shooters who want to protect their hearing without sacrificing sound quality. The tactical sound control feature allows for conversation and environmental awareness while blocking percussive noises, making it a great option for gun ranges or hunting. The lightweight rechargeable battery provides up to 10 hours of hearing protection, making it perfect for long sessions at the range. The Bluetooth connectivity is seamless and allows for easy control of music and phone calls. The foam ear buds can be a bit uncomfortable for some users, and the earbuds may be too short for some. The battery life is not as long as some other options on the market.
Caldwell E-MAX Shadows Pro
If you’re looking for electronic earplugs with Bluetooth connectivity, the Caldwell E-MAX Shadows Pro is a great choice.
Pros
- The Caldwell E-MAX Shadows Pro offers high-quality stereo sound while protecting your hearing with a 25 NRR.
- It features adjustable ambient noise levels and volume and mode buttons, making it easy to use.
- The included case doubles as a charger and storage compartment with battery level indicators for each earpiece and the case itself.
Cons
- Some users have reported issues with the charging case not working properly.
- The earbuds may not fit comfortably for all users.
- The sound quality is not as good as some other electronic earplugs on the market.
The Caldwell E-MAX Shadows Pro is a great choice for anyone looking for electronic earplugs with Bluetooth connectivity. With adjustable ambient noise, volume and mode buttons, and a storage case with charge level indicators, the Caldwell Shadows Pro will become part of your must-have range essentials. The included case doubles as a charger and storage compartment with battery level indicators for each earpiece and the case itself. However, some users have reported issues with the charging case not working properly, and the earbuds may not fit comfortably for all users. Additionally, the sound quality is not as good as some other electronic earplugs on the market.
Caldwell E-MAX Shadows 23 NRR
If you’re looking for shooting earbuds that allow you to stay connected with your surroundings while still protecting your hearing, the Caldwell E-MAX Shadows 23 NRR is a great option.
Pros
- The earbuds provide high-quality stereo sound while protecting your hearing with 23 Decibels NRR.
- With six sizes of comfortable foam tips, you can find a custom fit for your ear to ensure proper noise cancellation and hearing protection.
- The earbuds continuously suppress sound to a safe level without clipping, and you can easily connect to your mobile device with Bluetooth so you can seamlessly transition between listening to media and shooting.
Cons
- Some users report that it’s hard to tell where voices are coming from and that directional clarity could be improved.
- The earbuds automatically shut off after four hours of inactivity, which could be inconvenient for some users.
- While the included case duals as a charger and storage compartment, some users feel that the charging time is too long.
These minimalist earplugs by Caldwell protect your hearing while allowing you to stay connected to your surroundings. Listen to music or other media through Bluetooth connectivity and then seamlessly transition to hunting or shooting. Dual microphones in each ear provide directional clarity, allowing users to identify the source of sounds.
The Caldwell E-MAX Shadows 23 NRR earbuds come with a hard charging case, a soft storage case, a charging cord, and six interchangeable ear tips. They’re a great option for anyone looking for shooting earbuds that provide high-quality sound and hearing protection.
ISOtunes Sport CALIBER BT Shooting Earbuds
If you are looking for wireless earbuds that offer hearing protection while shooting, the ISOtunes Sport CALIBER BT Shooting Earbuds are worth considering.
Pros
- TACTICAL SOUND CONTROL: Block impact noise with audio passthrough technology. TSC enables conversation and environmental awareness while suppressing percussive noises from gun ranges or other hunting and shooting related activities. Also features passive noise isolation of 25 dB noise reduction rate (NRR).
- ALL DAY BATTERY: ISOtunes Sport CALIBER features lightweight rechargeable lithium-ion batteries with up to 13 hours of battery life on a full charge while the charging case can provide an additional 26+ hours of battery on a single charge. Certain to provide you with hearing protection for long sessions at the shooting range.
- BLUETOOTH CONNECTIVITY: Seamlessly connects to your phone, computer, or tablet for easy on the go use and control of your music or phone calls. Uses Bluetooth 5.2 technology.
Cons
- FOAM EAR TIPS: Some users report that the foam ear tips do not fit the posts on the buds, which may cause discomfort and affect the ambient sound quality.
- AUDIO QUALITY: While the earbuds offer decent audio quality, they are not designed for music and may not meet the expectations of audiophiles.
- AMBIENT SOUND: The pass-through audio could be quieter, and the ambient sound gets spotty at times.
The ISOtunes Sport CALIBER BT Shooting Earbuds are built to last and feature IP67 rated protection against sweat, water, and dust. The earbuds come with a signature noise suppressing microphone with echo cancellation technology that helps block percussive noise from firearms, air compressors, or hammers for clear calls in loud environments.
Overall, if you are looking for wireless earbuds that offer hearing protection while shooting, the ISOtunes Sport CALIBER BT Shooting Earbuds are a solid choice.
AKT1 Sport StrikePRO HTBT
If you’re looking for a versatile pair of earbuds that offer both hearing protection and Bluetooth connectivity, the AKT1 Sport StrikePRO HTBT is worth considering.
Pros
- Incorporates both Bluetooth 5.0 and advanced Hear Through technology
- Has a high noise reduction rating of 29 NRR
- Features 4x sound amplification, letting you hear important sounds while blocking out harmful ones
Cons
- Some users found that the noise cancellation was not as effective as they had hoped
- The earbuds may not fit comfortably for all users
- The price point may be higher than some other options on the market
The AKT1 Sport StrikePRO HTBT offers an all-in-one solution for those in need of hearing protection while also wanting to stay connected to their Bluetooth devices. The Hear Through technology allows for situational awareness, while the 4x sound amplification ensures that important sounds are not missed.
One potential downside is that some users found that the noise cancellation was not as effective as they had hoped, and others found that the earbuds did not fit comfortably. Additionally, the price point may be higher than some other options on the market.
Overall, if you’re looking for a pair of earbuds that offer both hearing protection and Bluetooth connectivity, the AKT1 Sport StrikePRO HTBT is worth considering.
Walker’s Silencer Wireless NRR25dB Electronic Sound Suppression Hearing Protection Earbuds
If you’re looking for a high-quality shooting earbud that provides hearing protection and crystal clear digital hearing enhancement, the Walker’s Silencer earbuds are a great choice.
Pros
- The patented secure-lock fitting system ensures all-day comfort and a customized fit.
- The SAC (Sound Activated Compression) technology protects your hearing by reducing harmful sounds.
- The integrated omni-directional microphones and full dynamic range speakers deliver crisp, clear sound.
Cons
- The earbuds are not rechargeable, so you’ll need to purchase extra batteries for continual reuse.
- The battery life is estimated to be around 80 hours, but that can vary depending on usage.
- The earbuds are primarily designed for suppressing loud sounds, not for carrying conversations.
These earbuds are perfect for anyone who needs hearing protection while shooting or hunting. The patented secure-lock fitting system ensures all-day comfort and a customized fit, while the SAC technology protects your hearing by reducing harmful sounds. The integrated omni-directional microphones and full dynamic range speakers deliver crisp, clear sound, making it easy to communicate on the range. However, the earbuds are not rechargeable, so you’ll need to purchase extra batteries for continual reuse. Additionally, the earbuds are primarily designed for suppressing loud sounds, not for carrying conversations. Despite these limitations, the Walker’s Silencer earbuds are a great choice for anyone who needs high-quality hearing protection while shooting or hunting.
ACT FIRE Shooting Ear Protection
If you’re looking for a professional-grade shooting earbud that’s lightweight, breathable, and comfortable to wear, ACT FIRE’s earbuds are a great choice.
Pros
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Two noise reduction modes
- Durable
Cons
- May not block sound of gunfire on indoor ranges
- Limited battery life
- May not fit all ear sizes
ACT FIRE’s earbuds have two noise reduction modes that reduce echo and reverberation, making them a great choice for professional shooters. They’re also durable and can be used for a minimum of 8 hours and a maximum of 13 hours. However, they may not block the sound of gunfire on indoor ranges, have limited battery life, and may not fit all ear sizes.
The earbuds are easy to use, with voice prompts and indicator lights that simplify their use. They also come with a charging case that doubles as a storage compartment, and each earbud and case itself has a battery level indicator. The earbuds are covered by a limited lifetime warranty provided by ACT FIRE, making them a great investment for shooting enthusiasts.
Overall, if you’re looking for a professional-grade shooting earbud that’s lightweight, breathable, and comfortable to wear, ACT FIRE’s earbuds are a great choice.
Walker’s Sport Earbuds
If you’re looking for versatile earbuds that can protect your hearing and stay on your ears during any activity, Walker’s Sport Earbuds might be a good choice for you.
Pros
- The ear hooks and foam ear tips provide all-day comfort and ensure the earbuds stay in place during movement.
- Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity and 4 program settings allow for sound suppression/enhancement technology and operational control.
- The earbuds are rechargeable via USB-C and have 7.5 hours of battery life per charge.
Cons
- The size of the earbud tips may not match the size of your ear canals, affecting sound quality and call performance.
- The listening mode settings may not be suitable for all users.
- The foam ear tips may not fit all users, and the overall ergonomics may not be suitable for some.
Walker’s Sport Earbuds are lightweight and come with a flexible around-the-ear hook for added security. The earbuds also include a behind-the-neck retention strap, which allows you to drop the earbuds around your neck when not in use but keep them readily available. The ear hooks combined with multi-sized foam ear tips ensure all-day comfort and hold the earbuds in place during movement.
The earbuds have Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity and are compatible with Walker’s Link Mobile App. The 4 program settings include universal, clear voice, power, and high-frequency boost. The listening mode settings of the earbuds may not be suitable for all users, but they allow for sound suppression/enhancement technology and operational control.
The earbuds are rechargeable via USB-C and have 7.5 hours of battery life per charge. The auto shut-off feature turns off the earbuds after 4 hours to prevent premature power loss. The earbuds also have digital sound quality and low noise frequency tuned for sound clarity. The sound-activated compression (SAC) feature helps protect your hearing by reducing loud sounds to a safe level.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for versatile earbuds that can protect your hearing and stay in place during any activity, Walker’s Sport Earbuds might be a good choice for you. However, the size of the earbud tips, listening mode settings, and ergonomics may not be suitable for all users.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying shooting earbuds, there are several factors to consider to ensure you’re getting the best product for your needs. Here are some key features to look for when choosing shooting earbuds:
Noise Reduction
One of the most important features of shooting earbuds is their noise reduction capability. Look for earbuds that offer high levels of noise reduction, as this will help protect your hearing from the loud noises associated with shooting.
Comfort
Comfort is another important factor to consider when choosing shooting earbuds. Look for earbuds that are ergonomically designed and come with a variety of ear tips to ensure a comfortable fit.
Durability
Shooting earbuds are often exposed to harsh environments, so it’s important to choose a product that is durable and can withstand wear and tear. Look for earbuds that are made from high-quality materials and come with a protective case.
Connectivity
Some shooting earbuds come with Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to connect to your phone or other devices. This can be a convenient feature, but make sure the earbuds also have a wired option in case the battery dies or you need a more reliable connection.
Battery Life
If you opt for Bluetooth earbuds, make sure to check the battery life. Look for earbuds that offer a long battery life, as this will ensure you can use them for extended periods without needing to recharge.
Price
Finally, consider the price of the earbuds. While it’s important to invest in a high-quality product, there’s no need to overspend. Look for earbuds that offer a good balance of features and price, and don’t be afraid to shop around to find the best deal.
Aaron Smith is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
