10 Best Ear Muffs With Radios in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

The first thing you may think of when you hear the phrase “ear muffs” is something you wear to keep your ears warm in the cold. While they will do so, they also offer hearing protection if you work or are in a noisy environment. Scientists measure the volume of sound in decibels (dB), starting with 0 and going up from there. Noise starts to become annoying when it reaches about 70 dB¹, the sound of a dishwasher.

Things begin to get worse from there, particularly when it goes 80 dB or more. The risk of hearing loss and damage increases with the loudness and the duration of the sound. Roughly 48 million Americans² must deal with these issues to varying degrees.

Our guide will discuss the features of the best ear muffs with radios so that you can get the hearing protection you need and still enjoy your favorite music. We also provided detailed reviews of some of our favorite products.

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024

Rating	Image	Product	Details
Best Overall		3M WorkTunes Hearing Protector	Durable Easy to control Excellent reception	CHECK PRICE
Best Value		Walker's Radio Muff	Comfortable Affordably priced Decent hearing protection	CHECK PRICE
Premium Choice		Sordin Supreme PRO X Ear Muffs	Comfortable Excellent sound quality Waterproof microphone	CHECK PRICE
		Honeywell Retail Sync Wireless Earmuff	Optimal airflow Volume control Microphone connectivity	CHECK PRICE
		PROHEAR 027 Headphones	Comfortable Highly visible Affordably priced	CHECK PRICE

The 10 Best Ear Muffs With Radios

1. 3M WorkTunes Hearing Protector – Best Overall

The 3M WorkTunes Hearing Protector ticks off many boxes we have on our wishlist, making it our best overall ear muffs with radio. If you like to channel surf, this one is for you, with up to 50 preset radio channels. You’ll enjoy excellent reception on the ones you choose. It is also easy to control with buttons that you can work without problems. The protection exceeds the recommended levels. The only downside is the batteries.

2. Walker’s Radio Muff – Best Value

The Walker’s Radio Muff has many features you see in high-end models, albeit scaled down to match the price point. You can set up to 8 presets with a respectable 25 dB NRR. The auto-search feature is handy to keep you in the groove while on the job. The ear muffs are comfortable with their extra wide headband, although it’s not the most attractive of the bunch. It’s valued and priced, making it our best ear muffs with radios for the money.

3. Sordin Supreme PRO X Ear Muffs – Premium Choice

The Sordin Supreme PRO X Ear Muffs provide excellent hearing protection by decreasing the loud, harmful sounds and amplifying the ones you need to hear. Two AA batteries provide the power for this comfort set. The result is excellent sound quality, which makes it worth the high price tag if you need and can afford the best of the best. We also appreciate the 5-year manufacturer warranty to protect your purchase.

4. Honeywell Retail Sync Wireless Earmuff

The Honeywell Retail Sync Wireless Earmuff is a good-looking set with a price tag to match. The design, stitching, and headband make a product you’d be proud to own. The manufacturer is proactive with volume control and optimal airflow in addition to hearing protection. It has a rechargeable battery, which we like. However, the charge time is a bit less than comparable products.

5. PROHEAR 027 Headphones

The PROHEAR 027 Headphones have many features we like to see in these products at an affordable price. You can’t beat what you get for the money. These ear muffs deliver excellent sound over 20 presets. The color is a good choice that makes them visible on the job. They are also comfortable for extended wear. The product also includes a 90-day guarantee and a 1-year warranty that seal the deal.

6. Howard Leight by Honeywell Earmuff

The Howard Leight by Honeywell Earmuff is a well-designed set that delivers high quality and performance even if it’s more expensive than comparable models. It is wired and runs on AA batteries. The color is spot-on when visibility adds to the safety factor. The NRR exceeds industry recommendations, making it an excellent choice for safety. Maintenance is easy peasy with snap-in ear cushions as well.

7. The ROP Shop PELTOR WORKTUNES

The ROP Shop PELTOR WORKTUNES headphones cover a lot of bases with their product. It has user-friendly features, such as auto shut-off and an integrated microphone for taking calls. You can opt for a rechargeable unit or one with AA batteries. The sound quality is decent, whatever you choose. It used Bluetooth technology to connect. We liked its 1-year warranty that gives you peace of mind when making costly purchases.

8. ZOHAN EM042 Headphone

The ZOHAN EM042 Headphone gets high marks on several scores. It’s easy to use, with buttons controlling all the necessary features at your fingertips. The product is well-made and sure to handle several years of heavy use. The company supports its product with a 1-year warranty and lifetime support. It’s not rechargeable, though, which is a buzzkill.

9. HQ ISSUE Walker’s Electronic Ear Muffs

The HQ ISSUE Walker’s Electronic Ear Muffs are an excellent choice for a workplace model with their voice activation and walkie-talkie feature. They are well made with a design that fits well. They also fold up to protect them when traveling. It optimizes sound control to protect your hearing while allowing you to be aware of what’s important in the field. They are durable enough to give you years of hearing protection.

10. 3M WorkTunes Connect Hearing Protector

The 3M WorkTunes Connect Hearing Protector is a well-designed product that is user-friendly on many scores. It’s comfortable to wear with an adjustable headband and is lightweight. You can easily wear this hearing protection for hours. We liked the integration of a microphone so that you can take and make phone calls while using them. The manufacturer thought of everything, including a low-battery indicator.

Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Ear Muffs With Radios

Many products you’ll see are geared for workplace use. You may find them helpful if you work in a factory or any place where noise is a factor. However, you can also use them when doing yard work. After all, a lawnmower pushes 80 dB or more. You still need hearing protection even if you’re not on the job. Ear muffs with radios are a godsend if you use public transportation to commute.

Ear muffs run the gamut of price points, from under $50 to well over $500. However, many features transcend the cost. High-end models often have specific applications, such as military or hunting use. The average homeowner looking for a decent and affordable product to protect their hearing while mowing the lawn will find plenty from which to choose. Things to consider include the following:

Type

You’ll find three main types based on how they transmit sound. Broadcast ear muffs have a retractable antenna to pick up the broadcasts of local radio stations. You can expect to get decent sound from these products as long as you’re in range. Wired ear muffs require a direct connection to receive the transmission. The sound quality is exceptional for these devices since they plug directly into the source.

Bluetooth or wireless ear muffs are a popular choice you can pair with your smartphone to furnish the signal. They’re convenient since there are no wires to get in your way. However, their ease of use comes at the price of sound quality.

Presets

If you tune into your local radio stations, presets are a must-have feature. Many manufacturers provide options to store several of your favorites in both the AM and FM bands. It’s an excellent component since it can cut down on the wear and tear of your ear muffs. You won’t have to waste time trying to get the best signal. That’s an essential factor if you wear gloves on the job or work in a dusty environment.

Battery Type/Power Source

The battery type is another vital feature. It can play a role in how long you use the ear muffs and how heavy they are. Most products we saw used either AA or lithium-ion batteries. You’ll also see rechargeable ones. The charge time is decent on most models. You can expect to get 18 hours or more of uptime. Many devices also have smartphone apps that allow you to monitor battery levels.

Noise Reduction Rating (NRR)

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets Recommended Exposure Limits (REL) and Permissible Exposure Limits (PEL) to protect employees from noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Employers must provide hearing protection if workers are exposed to 85 dB for 8 hours. The PEL is 90 dB. This equipment safeguards individuals by lowering the dB. The noise reduction rating (NRR) measures it.

Products sold as hearing protection must have this information on their labels. The threshold is 15 dB. However, many manufacturers exceed it, making it a valid selling point depending on your circumstances. It is a matter of balance. You may not need uber-protection for some jobs where worker-to-worker communication is imperative for safety.

You might consider measuring the amount of protection you need to know how relevant a higher NRR is for you. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has a free iOS app you can use to get the scoop. Let’s put the dB level in context. Whispering is about 30 dB. Normal conversation is about 65 dB. It starts to get dicey at 85 dB with a lawnmower running. Anything over that is in the danger zone of hearing loss.

Warranty and Support

Most sellers will protect your purchase with a defective product guarantee. If it doesn’t work, you should expect and get a replacement or refund. Many manufacturers take it the extra mile with extended warranties or support. We recommend reading the fine print for any gotcha conditions that may exist. We prefer products that offer this extra layer of protection, given that you’re dealing with electronics.

Comfort

If you must wear ear muffs for extended periods, comfort is paramount. Look for features like padded ear cushions and an adjustable headband. If you expect to use them a lot, find out if you can get replacements for the cushions. It’s not a matter of if they will deteriorate but when. We recommend taking advantage of a satisfaction guarantee. If they’re not comfortable, return them. Many other products exist.

Conclusion

After going through our reviews, the 3M WorkTunes Hearing Protector came out as a top pick for the best ear muffs with a radio. The Walker’s Radio Muff packs a lot of features in an affordably priced product. Budget-minded buyers will get their money’s worth with this model. You won’t go wrong choosing any ear muffs on our list.