After Testing Various Solutions, This $3 Product is the Best Ear Protection for Mowing

It’s important to wear good ear protection for lawn mowing, leafblowing, and every noisy lawn and garden project in between. Although quieter manual and electric-powered tools are less likely to damage your ears, most gas-powered tools are loud enough to cause permanent hearing loss over time. Depending on your personal preference and the noise level, there are numerous types of ear protection to choose from, including noise-reducing earplugs, ear protection headphones, and even ear protection with Bluetooth connectivity. We tested seven different types in order to find the all-around best ear protection for mowing lawns. 

We chose 3M Peltor Tri-Flange Earplugs as the best overall option of the bunch. They were affordable (a 3-pack is $9.99, making each set of earplugs only $3.33), reusable, cleanable, and comfortable, but they may not be right for everyone. In this guide, we recommend several other great options for those who either need or prefer comfortable over-ear protection, inexpensive single-use plugs, or a reliable Bluetooth connection. Any of these models will help save your hearing if worn properly and consistently. For more information about the plugs and muffs we tested, why we consider them to be the best ear protection for mowing, and the criteria we used to select them in the first place, read on.

1. BEST OVERALL: 3M Peltor Tri-Flange Earplugs
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2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Flents Protechs Foam Earplugs
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3. BEST EARMUFFS: DeWalt Interceptor Protective Safety Earmuffs
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4. BEST BAND-STYLE: 3M Band-Style Hearing Protector
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5. BEST EARBUDS: DeWalt Jobsite Pro X2 True Wireless Earbuds
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6. BEST WITH BLUETOOTH: 3M WorkTunes Connect + Solar Hearing Protector
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7. BEST NOISE REDUCTION: Decibel Defense Professional Safety Earmuffs
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Ear Protection Comparison Chart

Our Top Picks

Noise reduction is important, but so is comfort—the best hearing protection is the kind you will actually use. Check out these reviews to learn more about the noise-reducing capability of each option and how they felt to us as we wore them.

Best Overall

3M Peltor Tri-Flange Earplugs

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What We Like

• Lightweight and comfortable to wear
• Hi-vis nylon retainer cord helps prevent loss 
• Durable, easy-to-clean silicone plugs
• Works with hats and safety glasses

What We Don’t Like

• Takes time and practice to fit properly

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Specs 

• NRR 26 dB
• Style In-ear
• Connectivity None

Our Ratings

We chose 3M Peltor Tri-Flange Earplugs for the top spot because they are simple, affordable, and effective. The three-flange plugs fit different ear canal shapes and sizes, but do not require rolling like foam earplugs. These silicone plugs feature rigid stem grips that make them easy to insert. They are washable and reusable. Peltor Tri-Flange earplugs are available with either vinyl or cloth retaining cords. 

We went with earplugs over earmuffs because they are not as hot in summertime and because they work better than earmuffs while wearing a hat and safety glasses. We preferred the cloth retaining cords on these earplugs instead of the more commonly available vinyl corded option. These didn’t stick to sweaty skin on the back of the neck and, being more supple than vinyl, they were less likely to snag on wayward tree branches. The NRR rating on these plugs was less than most of the others we tested, but adequate for mowing since it brings down mower noise from about 100 decibels (dB) unfiltered to less than 75 dB entering the ear. 

What our tester says: “I prefer reusable earplugs for mowing because they are comfortable and produce less waste than single-use foam plugs. The 3M Peltor Tri-Flange earplugs are comfortable, durable, and easy to clean. They are also affordable. I can keep a separate pair conveniently nearby each piece of equipment that calls for hearing protection.”—Mark Wolfe, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the 3M Peltor ear protection for mowing at Amazon, ASA Safety Supply, Ear Plug Superstore, R. S. Hughes, or Würth Industries.

Best Bang for the Buck

Flents Protechs Foam Earplugs

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What We Like

• One size fits all
• Budget-friendly 50-pack
• Excellent noise reduction ability
• Pairs well with earmuffs for maximum protection

What We Don’t Like

• Easy to lose 
• Get dirty easily

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Specs 

• NRR 32 dB
• Style In-ear
• Connectivity None

Our Ratings

For maximum hearing protection at a budget-friendly price, a big pack of foam earplugs might be the best bet. Flents Protechs offer a 32 dB NRR and come in a convenient 50-pair pack that will last all mowing season. Unlike cylinder shaped foam earplugs, these are contoured for a more comfortable fit.

Flents single-use foam earplugs are some of the cheapest and most effective hearing protection you can buy. They provided more than adequate noise protection to safely operate the riding mower, string trimmer, and backpack leaf blower, and they were comfortable for hours of continuous wear. When we wanted a little more protection while running the wood chipper, adding a pair of earmuffs on top was no problem. We couldn’t do that with our top pick because of the rigid stem grips. The only challenges were that they should be inserted with clean hands, which means doing so before handling tools and equipment, and they are small and easy to drop.

Get the Flents Protechs ear protection for mowing at Amazon, Walmart, or Flents.

Best Earmuffs

DeWalt Interceptor Protective Safety Earmuffs

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What We Like

• Affordable over-the-ear option
• Lightweight, comfortable fit 
• Good noise reduction 
• Durable build for active work

What We Don’t Like

• May not work with a hat and safety glasses

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Specs 

• NRR 29 dB
• Style Over-ear
• Connectivity None

Our Ratings

For those who prefer over-ear hearing protection instead of plugs, DeWalt’s Interceptor ear protection muffs answer the call. They are lightweight and feature moisture-wicking padding on the headband for improved comfort in warm weather. The adjustable muffs feature deep padding and fold inward for compact storage. The 29 dB NRR provides adequate protection for most gas-powered lawn and garden equipment.

These were the most comfortable earmuffs for mowing because of the lightweight build and moisture-wicking padded band. They did a good job minimizing lawn mower noise. They fit well over a low-profile ball cap or under a hood but were not compatible with the broad-brimmed hat that our tester uses for midsummer sun protection. The soft padding allowed for use with safety glasses ear pieces, but doing so let in some noise. We got better, more comfortable results when we paired the DeWalt Interceptors and other earmuffs with safety goggles that had an elastic band instead of earpieces.

Get the DeWalt Interceptor ear protection for mowing at Amazon or Global Industrial.

Best Band-Style

3M Band-Style Hearing Protector

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What We Like

• Very affordable and effective
• Quick and easy to put on and take off
• Doesn’t get dirty or lost like regular foam earplugs

What We Don’t Like

• Not as easy to hear ambient noise while wearing

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Specs 

• NRR 28 dB
• Style In-ear
• Connectivity None

Our Ratings

This band-style hearing protector from 3M incorporates lightweight, pliable foam ear tips (pods) with a rigid plastic retainer band. The soft foam pods sit inside the ear, taking the shape of the ear canal and blocking out dangerous dB levels, with an NRR of 28 dB. When not in use, the plastic band rests around the neck, keeping the plugs out of the way but at the ready. The foam pods are replaceable.

This system offers a lower level of hearing protection than some of the other options, but it is adequate for mowing grass. We like anything that provides a baseline of hearing protection for mowing while allowing unfettered use of a sun hat and safety glasses, which the 3M Band-Style Hearing Protector does. They go on and off as easily as earmuffs, and the rigid band did a better job of keeping up with the pods than the string on our top pick.

On the downside, the in-ear fit was not great for us, so we didn’t get the full measure of hearing protection in real life that must have been for the NRR rating test. We perceived a low level of unfiltered mower noise regardless of how we adjusted the foam tips.

Get the 3M band-style ear protection for mowing at Amazon, Ace Hardware, or The Home Depot.

Best Earbuds

DeWalt Jobsite Pro X2 True Wireless Earbuds

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What We Like

• 10 hours of runtime per charge, 40 hours with case
• IP54 rated against dust and water damage
• Active noise cancellation technology
• Includes multiple ear cushion sizes for the best fit

What We Don’t Like

• More expensive than other Bluetooth options

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Specs 

• NRR 38 dB
• Style In-ear
• Connectivity Bluetooth

Our Ratings

Bluetooth noise-cancelling earplugs allow you to stay safe and stay connected while cutting the grass. The DeWalt Jobsite Pro X2 wireless earbuds are purpose-built for loud work environments, with active noise cancellation technology for up to 38 dB of noise reduction. They are also IP54 dust and water-resistant. 

With up to 10 hours of runtime per charge—40 hours with the included charging case—you can stream music all day and answer every phone call. Onboard dial-controlled volume lets you adjust the sound level while wearing work gloves, and multifunction buttons allow you to switch between three audio EQ modes and three listening settings or activate your phone’s voice assistant.

The DeWalt Jobsite X2 earbuds were easy to set up and adjust, and they did a great job blocking mower noise. The music and voice sound quality were both outstanding, enhanced by the ability to quickly select from the four EQ modes. The mic produced excellent clarity for listeners on the other end of phone calls, even while we were mowing.

Comfort was a somewhat weak point with these earbuds. They felt a bit heavy, and those with smaller ears may find them uncomfortably large. The large size made it easier to operate the controls, but it filled our ear space to the brim. The kit did include multiple sets of foam and silicone ear cushions in different sizes for a degree of customization, which prevented any major pain or discomfort.

Get the DeWalt Jobsite ear protection for mowing at Amazon.

Best with Bluetooth

3M WorkTunes Connect + Solar Hearing Protector

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What We Like

• Bluetooth connection to mobile device
• Built-in microphone with background noise reduction
• Constant charging via an integrated solar cell

What We Don’t Like

• More expensive than other Bluetooth options
• May not fit as well over a hat and safety glasses

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Specs 

• NRR 26 dB
• Style Over-ear
• Connectivity Bluetooth

Our Ratings

If you need a reliable Bluetooth connection and prefer over-ear protection, we recommend 3M WorkTunes Connect + Solar Hearing Protector. These Bluetooth earmuffs offer a 26 dB NRR suitable for mowing. Pair them with your mobile device to stream media or make phone calls. An onboard solar cell constantly charges the battery in outdoor or indoor lighting, so you never need to worry about losing your connection. 

The solar cell is a significant improvement over previous WorkTunes headphones. That addition raised the price, and it definitely adds value. We spent more time testing these than the other Bluetooth hearing protectors because we wanted to see if we could wear down the battery. Starting with a full charge, we streamed audio for 45 hours under normal indoor light and never had to resort to the backup wall charging system. If you mostly use them outdoors, the solar cell should be sufficient.

We appreciated the noise reduction for mowing and other outdoor chores, but like other headphones, these may interfere with hats and safety glasses. The audio quality was really good for both music and conversation, and the microphone did a great job of filtering out mower noise during phone calls. They worked well up to about 30 feet away from the mobile device before the Bluetooth connection became sketchy, which is typical of Bluetooth technology. As for comfort, the WorkTunes headphones totally outclassed Bluetooth earbuds.

Get the 3M WorkTunes ear protection for mowing at Amazon, Ace Hardware, Blain’s Farm & Fleet, or Staples.

Best with Noise Reduction

Decibel Defense Professional Safety Earmuffs

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What We Like

• Very high NRR rating 
• Adjustable ear cups and padded headband 
• Vented band and ear cup padding
• Folds into a small package

What We Don’t Like

• Heavier and bulkier than similar options
• May not fit as well over a hat and safety glasses

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Specs 

• NRR 34 to 37 dB
• Style Over-ear
• Connectivity None

Our Ratings

Hearing protection with a 30+ dB NRR is far from common, but Decibel Defense’s noise-cancelling earmuffs provide it. These over-ear hearing protectors feature thick padding and deep ear cups filled with foam to provide that extra NRR rating without the user having to wear earplugs underneath. The ear cups slide and tilt on wire bands, making them completely adjustable for nearly anyone’s head size (including children). 

In our purely subjective hearing test, we noted that these earmuffs for mowing sealed out most noise. That was a great thing for protecting our ears, but it did interfere with situational awareness. The passive noise blocking ability did not allow the “good” noises in either.

Despite the added weight and bulk that came with the higher level of hearing protection, we found the Decibel Defense earmuffs to be very comfortable. The ear cup cushions sealed well around the ear, and worked with safety glasses better than many other headphones. The hat issue was about the same as average headphones—we could comfortably wear them over a low-profile ball cap.

What our tester says: “The Decibel Defense earmuffs were super quiet, surprisingly comfortable, and very affordable. If you’re looking for the best deal on high NRR over-ear hearing protection, this is it.”—Mark Wolfe, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the Decibel Defense ear protection for mowing at Amazon or Decibel Defense.

Jump to Our Top Picks

How We Chose and Tested the Best Ear Protection for Mowing

We counted on our more than 3 decades of personal experience, along with thousands of product ratings, as we scoured the internet to find the best ear protection for mowing. We vetted more than 30 options before selecting seven for testing, including both in-ear and over-ear hearing protectors. We wore each product for at least 1 hour while operating a push mower, riding mower, string trimmer, and leaf blower. We recorded our observations with regard to user comfort and convenience, noise reduction effectiveness, and our perceptions of quality and value. After working through all of the products, we added our notes to a scoring rubric before determining the overall and category winners.

What to Consider When Choosing Ear Protection for Mowing

It’s important to practice safety with all lawn and garden tools, and there are a lot of things to consider when choosing the best hearing protection for lawn mowing. It’s important to find a set of muffs or plugs that are effective and comfortable, but there are also some extra creature comforts that might make a particular set a bit more attractive. Below are some of the most important factors to consider when choosing hearing protection for lawn mowing.

Noise Reduction Rating 

Manufacturers indicate how effective their products are by listing their noise reduction rate, or NRR. This describes the number of decibels a hearing protection product can lower the noise by before it hits the wearer’s ears. For instance, a pair of hearing protection earmuffs with an NRR of 25 will lower 50 dB to 25 dB.

Different types of ear protection offer varying levels of NRR protection. For instance, earplugs almost always offer the most protection, providing around 33 dB. Meanwhile, earmuff-style hearing protection can offer around 31 dB. It’s possible to stack them and use both at the same time for 36 dB.

In general, decibel levels of 70 dB or less are considered safe. Since most lawn mowers produce around 90 dB, ideal ear protection for mowing will offer an NRR of 20 or more. The greater the NRR, the less noise will make it through the muffs or plugs, providing more protection.

In-ear vs. Over-ear

There are two basic styles of hearing protection: in-ear protection and over-ear protection. Each has its pros and cons, so it’s important to be familiar with both before settling on one or the other.

In-ear hearing protection typically involves small cylindrical foam earplugs, or soft foam tips on the ends of a stiff plastic horseshoe-like band (these are actually called “semi-inserts”). The foam enters the ear, expands, and blocks sound from making its way in. 

Over-the-head protection includes muff-style protectors. These hearing protection devices have plastic cups with foam inside that compresses around the wearer’s ear. This compression seals off the ear, lowering the amount of noise that can penetrate the eardrum.

In-ear protection is typically the most comfortable as the foam is very light, and there isn’t any pressure on the wearer’s head. However, some folks prefer to keep things out of their ears, and these plugs are only good for a couple of uses. Earmuffs can be heavy, hot, and create a bit of pressure on the sides of the wearer’s head, but they’re suitable for multiple wears, and they don’t require sticking anything in the ear.

Comfort and Fit

Hearing protection devices need to be as comfortable as possible; the wearer isn’t going to want to throw them on when they’re mowing if they aren’t. For that reason, it’s important to find earplugs or muffs that are comfortable not only while they’re doing their job but also while they’re around the neck. 

For folks who have sensitive ears or simply prefer not to place anything inside their ears, muff-style over-ear hearing protection is the best bet. These can be a bit heavy and cumbersome, but they can be particularly comfortable when worn around the neck. Look for products with breathable designs or materials for the headband to promote as much comfort as possible.

For those who don’t mind sticking a bit of foam in their ears, in-earplugs are the most comfortable. These devices are soft, small, and lightweight, becoming just snug enough to keep noise out once they expand. Some even come with soft, flexible bands for wearing around the neck. 

For those who’d prefer an in-between option, the aforementioned semi-insert plugs would be a good fit. These are lightweight, and the bands they’re attached to provide just enough pressure to keep the foam tips in the rim of the wearer’s ear without placing a foam plug inside.

Connectivity

What’s more zen than listening to a podcast or a favorite playlist while mowing the lawn? Rather than stuffing a pair of earbuds underneath some earmuffs, users can connect their hearing protection to their phones or the radio waves around them.

Many of the best hearing protection for mowing products feature Bluetooth connectivity. This allows users to mow the yard while listening to music or a talk show while also preventing their ears from experiencing damage. 

For those who’d prefer something a bit more old-school, hearing protection with built-in AM/FM receivers allows the user to protect their ears while also tuning into a game broadcast or a countdown.

Keep in mind that these devices do require rechargeable or replaceable batteries.

FAQs

That’s a lot of information about the best ear protection for mowing, and the options can feel overwhelming. The following section aims to answer any remaining questions, as it contains some of the most frequently asked questions about ear protection. 

Q. Should I wear hearing protection when mowing?

Yes, you should. Safe noise levels are under 70 dB. Lawn mowers generally produce over 90 dB of noise. Prolonged exposure to this volume can cause permanent damage without hearing protection.

Q. Can lawn mowers cause hearing loss?

Yes, push, stand-on, and even zero-turn mowers can cause hearing loss. Their decibel output is higher than the levels generally accepted as safe. For mowing, the most reliable option is a pair of earmuffs.

Q. What level of hearing protection do I need while mowing the lawn?

Look for hearing protection with an NRR of 20 or more to protect your hearing. One of the highest NRR ratings on our list comes with the Decibel Defense ear protection for mowing. It provides a 33 dB NRR rating and has sliding and tiltable muffs for comfort while in use. 

Q. Can I listen to music while mowing the lawn?

There are varieties of ear protection with radio capability, audio input jacks, or Bluetooth connectivity, allowing users to stay engaged while mowing the lawn, no matter their preferred method.

Q. How long does it take for a lawn mower to damage your ears?

Sounds louder than 85 dB can cause permanent hearing damage over time. Lawn mowers are fairly loud tools; conventional gas-powered lawn mowers average around 100 dB, which means they can permanently damage the operator’s hearing in just a few minutes without hearing protection.

Q. Which is better, earmuffs or earplugs?

Earplugs offer better protection than earmuffs because they fit into the ear canal.

Q. Do quiet lawn mowers exist?

Gas-powered lawn mowers are loud, but quieter options exist. In most cases, manual reel mowers and electric lawn mowers produce low noise levels that do not require hearing protection.

Meet the Tester

Mark Wolfe is a writer and product tester who spent 20 years in the nursery and landscaping industry. For more than twenty years, he mowed, edged, planted, pruned, cultivated, irrigated, and renovated beautiful landscapes. Now he tests and writes reviews about the latest outdoor power equipment, hand tools, lawn care products, and other outdoor living goods.

Additional research provided by Tom Scalisi.

 

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