Working in a noisy environment can be extremely distracting. If you’re looking for the perfect pair of headphones to help alleviate this problem, then consider noise cancelling ones specifically designed to reduce external noises around loud machinery. With features such as durability and comfort, connectivity, excellent noise reduction capability and long battery life – these are all important factors. A detailed “Buying Guide” has been included in this article below, which should be Helpful to make the final decision of your choice!
We have done extensive research into the best available noise canceling headphones on today’s market – so that you don’t have too!
Best Noise Canceling Headphones for Loud Machinery 2024
Best Noise Canceling Headphones for Loud Machinery Reviews
1. 3M WorkTunes Connect Hearing Protector
First on our list, we would like to start discussing one of the most value for money options that’s available out there. It’s offered by 3M which holds a big chunk of the market share in this category and is a highly trustworthy brand choice.
Starting with the design and build quality of the 3M WorkTunes Connect Hearing Protector, we would say it’s absolutely robust and even looks quite premium as well. Since this pair of earmuffs offer hearing protection of 24 dB NRR, they are ideal for tasks like drilling, mowing, snow blowing, etc. Apart from that, the best part about these noise cancellation headphones is that they feature in-built high-fidelity speakers, and an integrated microphone as well.
With that said, you can not only listen to your favorite music while working but can also make phone calls with it, all via Bluetooth technology. In fact, they are designed to fit almost anybody, and they even feel quite comfortable, thanks to the padded headband and ear cushions. Moreover, these headphones come with an in-built rechargeable battery that lasts for about 8 hours on average. If we talk about its warranty, 3M is quite a popular brand out there and offers a 1 year long warranty on all its offerings.
Best Features:
- Has a 24dB NRR
- Built-in high-fidelity speakers
- Supports Bluetooth
- Features an in-built rechargeable battery
- Integrated Microphone
- Comes with a 1 year long warranty
Pros:
- Offers premium sound quality
- Phone call quality is loud and clear
- Fits very comfortably
Cons:
- Battery life is average
2. ProCase Noise Reduction Safety Ear Muffs
Next on our list, if you have a low budget, you can consider checking out the ProCase Noise Reduction Safety Ear Muffs as this brand is highly popular for making affordable ear protecting gear.
Although its pricing is very cheap, we personally like the way it’s built, and even its design. However, there are no advanced features available on this pair of headphones, like in-built speakers or batteries. The headband of these headphones is designed quite ergonomically and can be adjusted according to your head’s size. Therefore, you will never face any fitting issues.
On top of that, the outer shell of the earmuffs is built from high-grade ABS material which is quite robust and lets you use them outdoors confidently. Moreover, inside the earmuffs, ProCase has used thickened noise-dampening foam that makes these headphones offer up to 28 dB NRR which is quite amazing. With such a level of protection, these noise cancellation headphones can be used in a shooting range as well. Moreover, you should note that ProCase offers a 2 year warranty for its products which is more than most other brands.
Best Features:
- Has a 28dB NRR
- Uses thickened noise-dampening foam
- Built from high-grade ABS material
- Comes with a 2 year warranty
Pros:
- Ideal for using at a shooting range
- Impressive build quality
- Compact folding design
Cons:
- Does not come with any advanced features
3. 3M PELTOR X5A Over-the-Head Ear Muffs
As we discussed earlier, 3M is quite a well-known brand in this industry and offers noise cancellation protection gear of all kinds. With that said, if you are into shooting, the 3M PELTOR X5A Over-the-Head Earmuffs are the best option for you.
The reason why most professionals recommend using 3M PELTOR X5A Over-the-Head Ear Muffs is because of their 31 dB NRR which is quite unmatched by any other option in the market. Well, such a level of protection at an affordable price point is good enough to attract the customers, and 3M has done it quite nicely.
Talking about its design, the earcups are fully adjustable and can be tilted easily to fit any head shape comfortably. However, the size of the ear cups is fairly large as it boasts specially-formulated layers of foam inside that block off the noises for you. In fact, the cushions on these headphones are quite comfy, and replaceable as well. Apart from that, if you are concerned about the warranty, you will be glad to know that 3M offers a 1 year warranty for all its products.
Best Features:
- Has a 31dB NRR
- Tilt-adjustment earcups
- Uses specially-formulated noise-dampening foam
- Replaceable ear cups
- Comes with a 1 year long warranty
Pros:
- Twin band design for more comfort
- Ear cups cushion is very comfy
- Best-in-class noise suppression
Cons:
- Bulky earcups
4. WorkTunes Connect + Gel Ear Cushions Hearing Protector
Moving on to our next noise canceling headphones option, these ones are yet again offered by 3M. So, for those who need premium ear protection gear, this pair of headphones has quite a lot of interesting features to offer.
The major highlight of these protection headphones is their comfort, thanks to the premium gel ear cushions that you will barely find on any other headphones out there. With that said, if you are looking for a comfortable pair of headphones for extensively long usage, these are some of the best options that you can try out. Now, since this pair of headphones demand a very handsome price from the customers, it offers plenty of advanced features in return.
One of the most interesting features of this headphone is that it comes with in-built high-fidelity speakers that offer a very premium sound quality. Thus, you can simply connect this pair of headphones to your smartphone via Bluetooth and enjoy your favorite music while working. Not only that, it also features an in-built microphone unit as well that allows you to talk on phone calls as well. Speaking about its noise reduction, it comes with a 23 dB NRR which makes it suitable for use at workshops, or while mowing, snow blowing, and other basic tasks.
Best Features:
- Has a 23dB NRR
- Built-in high-fidelity speakers
- Supports Bluetooth
- Features an in-built rechargeable battery
- Has an integrated Microphone
- Comes with a 1 year long warranty
Pros:
- Highly comfortable gel cushion pads
- Amazing sound quality
- Very lightweight and robust
Cons:
- Expensive
5. DeWalt DPG15 Industrial Safety Electronic Hearing Muff
DeWalt is one of the best brands in the market that is very high-selling and is very popular amongst construction site workers.
Starting with its protection rating, this pair of noise-canceling headphones delivers protection of 25 dB NRR which makes them highly useful in areas like construction sites. Apart from that, if we talk about its design and build quality, the headphones have a very strongly-built ear cup shell that also features very comfortable ear cushions too. Well, not only is the ear cushion comfortable, but the headband of this headphone is also padded which allows users to wear them for longer sessions without feeling any discomfort.
On the other hand, you will be surprised to know that this headphone also supports Digital AM/FM Radio, and comes with up to 8 radio station presets per band. In addition, if you want to plug in your mobile phone with the headphones, it’s also possible, thanks to the 3.5mm jack present on the headphone. One thing that you should note is that these headphones use 4 AA batteries which are not included in the package. Apart from that, if we talk about its warranty, these headphones are backed up by a 1 year warranty.
Best Features:
- Has a 25dB NRR
- Built-in speakers
- Supports Digital AM/FM Radio
- Works using 4x AA batteries
- Comes with a 1 year long warranty
Pros:
- Foam-filled earcups are very comfortable
- AUX cable is included in the box
- Features an LCD display
Cons:
- Can not make phone calls using it
6. NEIKO Adjustable Safety Earmuffs
For those who are looking for an affordable pair of noise reduction headphones, NEIKO is one of the most trustworthy brands that you can check out.
In this deal, NEIKO offers not just one, but two of these noise-reduction headphones for such attractive and affordable pricing that no other brand dares to offer. Although we would not say that the build quality of these headphones is premium, they look pretty average, good enough for this pricing. However, the good part is that they are very comfortable, and thanks to the adjustable closure, you can adjust them to fit any head size.
If we talk about its performance, this pair of headphones offers 26 dB NRR which makes them quite an ideal option to use at construction sites, or close to loud machinery like drilling machines, jackhammers, etc. In addition, the ear cups are very soft, and even the headphones are quite lightweight which allows the users to carry and store them easily.
Best Features:
- Has a 26dB NRR
- Adjustable Closure
- The package includes 2 headphones
- Padded Ear cushions
Pros:
- Very competitive pricing
- Universal fit
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Build quality is average
7. ProCase Noise Reduction Ear Muffs
Following up next, here’s another interesting deal that ProCase offers on its noise-canceling headphones. In this pack, there are two headphones available, so in case you are looking for an affordable pair, it’s just the right option for you.
With an NRR hearing protection of 28 dB, these headphones are quite useful in places like indoor shooting ranges, and construction sites. Apart from their magnificent performance, if we talk about the design and build quality, you will be glad to know that these headphones are constructed from solid ABS material which is quite tough and robust.
Well, that was about the outside, but on the inside of the earcups, ProCase uses thickened noise-dampening foam that does an amazing job to block off loud noises and protect your ears. In fact, thanks to the 360 degree rotating earcups, you can fold these headphones very compactly. And, since they are quite lightweight too, you will never face any problem carrying them to your workplace. In addition, ProCase even likes to take care of its customers as it offers a 2 year warranty on these noise canceling headphones.
Best Features:
- Has a 28dB NRR
- Uses thickened noise-dampening foam
- Built from high-grade ABS material
- Comes with a 2 year warranty
Pros:
- Foldable design
- Highly portable and lightweight
- Robust build quality
Cons:
- Might make you sweat a little
8. Wulfpowerpro FM MP3 Bluetooth Radio Headphones
In case you are looking for a hearing protection gear that not only protects your ears but also provides you with some dose of entertainment, Wulfpowerpro offers a brilliant noise canceling headphone that you will definitely like.
Let’s start with the design and build quality first, the headphones come with a twin-band headband design which adds additional comfort and reduces heat build-up as well. Moving on to the earcups, the orange accents look pretty unique, and robust also, thanks to the solid plastic construction. Along with the earcups, there are excellent ear cushions that are filled with soft foam to provide you with long-lasting comfort. Meanwhile, inside the earcups, high-quality noise-dampening foam is used that makes these headphones offer protection up to 29 dB NRR which is amazing. Hence, these headphones are even suitable for use in shooting ranges as well.
If we talk about the other features of this pair of headphones, it is quite advanced as it comes with the support of both Bluetooth and Digital FM radio as well. Hence, there are unlimited opportunities for entertainment as you can listen to your favorite music anytime. Moreover, these headphones even come with an in-built microphone that will help you make phone calls too. Although if you don’t want to use Bluetooth, you can also connect these headphones with any MP3 player using an AUX cable directly. In fact, if we talk about its warranty, Wulfpowerpro offers a 30 day replacement warranty for it.
Best Features:
- Has a 29dB NRR
- Built-in speakers
- Supports Bluetooth and Digital FM Radio
- Features an in-built rechargeable battery
- Integrated Microphone
- Comes with a 30 day long warranty
Pros:
- Flawlessly reduces loud noises
- Plenty of features on offer
- Solid construction
Cons:
- A little expensive
9. PROHEAR 037 Hearing Protection Headphones
When it comes to making advanced noise canceling headphones for loud machinery, Prohear is one of the most amazing brands that you can look forward to.
The Prohear 037 hearing protection headphones are one of the best and most advanced headphones that you will find out there in the mid-range budget segment. Hence, these headphones offer a very high value for your money with its interesting features. First of all, you will be happy to know that these headphones offer 25 dB NRR protection which makes them suitable to use in workshops, and even at construction sites around loud machinery.
Apart from that, the most interesting feature of these headphones is that they come with Bluetooth 5.0 support. Hence, you can seamlessly connect your smartphone with the headphones and enjoy some really high-quality music while working. Not just that, these headphones even allow you to make and receive phone calls without taking them off, thanks to the in-built microphone. In fact, these headphones use an 1100 mAh in-built battery that delivers a fantastic battery life of over 40 hours which is great. In terms of fit and quality, the padded ear cushions and headband offer amazing support and comfort all day long.
Best Features:
- Has a 25dB NRR
- Built-in speakers
- Supports Bluetooth 5.0
- Features an in-built 1100mAh rechargeable battery
- Integrated Microphone
- Comes with a 1 year long warranty
Pros:
- Offers 40 hours of battery life
- Brilliant design and comfort
- Decent pricing
Cons:
- Microphone quality is average
10. Huarui Noise Reduction Ear Muffs
Coming up next on our list, we have another affordable offering from Huarui which is quite a popular brand out there known for selling cheap and reliable hearing protection gear.
Since it’s quite affordable, you must not expect it to come with any advanced features as it is simply a raw pair of headphones. Although in terms of performance, these headphones provide you with a 26 dB NRR protection which is pretty good. Moreover, talking about the build quality, these headphones are made entirely from high-grade ABS material which is very strong and sturdy.
If we look inside the earcups, high-quality noise-dampening foam has been used that blocks off outside noises to reach your ears very effectively. Apart from that, the earcups come with highly comfortable and soft cushions that sit right around your ears and cover them nicely. On the top, it does get a padded headband as well that can be easily adjusted according to your head size so that everyone can find their right fit.
Best Features:
- Has a 26dB NRR
- Uses thick noise-dampening foam
- Built from high-grade ABS material
- Comes with a 30 day long warranty
Pros:
- Comfortable ear cushions
- Ideal for yard work or construction sites
- Built from skin-friendly material
Cons:
- Headband quality looks very average
11. Smoostart Fm Radio Hearing Protector
Moving on to the next option, Smoostart is yet another affordable brand that you can check out in case you want a headphone with entertainment features, but for a low price.
Starting with its primary feature, with a protection rating of 30 dB NRR, these are a wonderful pair of headphones that can be used in extremely loud areas such a
s shooting ranges very comfortably. Apart from that, you will be glad to know that despite its low pricing, this pair of headphones come with built-in Digital AM/FM Radio features as well as an LCD screen on the ear cup that can be used for tuning channels.
Not only that, it even supports a 3.5 mm jack as well, so you can easily plug these headphones with your smartphone using an AUX cable and enjoy your favorite music while working. On the other hand, if we talk about the build quality, we personally did not find any flaws in that as it’s built very nicely and can easily survive accidental drops. In fact, the design is quite portable and they don’t even weigh too much which is good. As far as the warranty is concerned, Smoostart delivers a 1 year long warranty for them.
Best Features:
- Has a 30dB NRR
- Built-in speakers
- Supports Digital AM/FM Radio
- Uses 3x AAA batteries
- Comes with a 1 year long warranty
Pros:
- Ideal for shooting
- Easy to operate
- Offers top-notch comfort
Cons:
- Sound quality is average
12. ZOHAN EM037 Hearing Protection
Lastly, we have yet another interesting noise canceling headphones option left to discuss which is offered by Zohan, one of the most high-selling and popular brands out there.
The major highlight of this pair of headphones is that it comes with the latest Bluetooth 5.0 technology, along with built-in high-fidelity speakers as well. Hence, there are no compromises made on the entertainment part of these headphones. In fact, the headphones feature an in-built battery as well that offers you a playtime of more than 40 hours on average, so you will never get bored again while working. Moreover, if you receive any phone calls, you can answer them directly from the headphones, thanks to the in-built microphone.
On the other hand, if we talk about their safety features, these headphones have an NRR of 25 dB which is quite decent. Hence, if you are a construction site worker, or want protection headphones to wear while doing your yard work, these are perfect. Apart from that, you will be surprised to see how comfortably they fit, thanks to the padded headband and ear cushion. In case you are concerned about the warranty of these headphones, Zohan offers a 1 year long warranty for them.
Best Features:
- Has a 25 dB NRR
- Built-in high-fidelity speakers
- Supports Bluetooth 5.0
- Features an in-built rechargeable battery
- Integrated Microphone for phone calls
- Comes with a 1 year long warranty
Pros:
- Phone call quality is crisp and clear
- Excellently comfortable
- Stable connectivity with Bluetooth 5.0
Cons:
- Control buttons are a bit flimsy
Buying Guide for the Best Noise Canceling Headphones for Loud Machinery
While working at construction sites, or even doing necessary tasks at home like mowing, snowblowing, you should not forget about protecting yourself. Well, not just your eyes, but the protection for your ears is equally important as exposure to loud noises for over a certain amount of time can even make you lose your hearing ability.
With that said, you should definitely look out for different kinds of hearing protection gear for yourself and pick the best one that fits right according to your requirements and budget. Although there are so many good options in this article above that we have discussed already, this buying guide will explain more about their features and importance. Thus, if you want to know how you can pick a good hearing protection gear for yourself from the market, make sure to read this buying guide until the end thoroughly.
1. Types of Hearing Protection Gear
First of all, you must know that there are multiple types of hearing protection gear available in the market. The most commonly used and also the cheapest option that you will find in the market is earplugs. If we talk about earplugs, the ones that are meant for one-time use are absolutely cheap, but they don’t usually fit well and block off the noise that good.
On the other hand, reusable earplugs are also available which are generally of a little better quality. But, again, in terms of providing protection to your ears against loud noises, they are still not the best option. Well, so the hearing protection gear that you should be looking forward to is earmuffs. Earmuffs are basically headphone-shaped hearing protection gears that not only offer a snug and comfortable fit but also do the job of blocking loud noises pretty well.
2. Noise Reduction Rating
So, as now you know that noise canceling headphones are the best kinds of hearing protection gear that you should invest in. It’s time for you to know how you can pick one according to your work needs. The effectiveness of a noise-canceling headphone can be judged by its NRR rating. So, the higher the NRR rating is, the better protection it will offer to your ears.
So, in case you want noise canceling headphones that you can use at home while mowing, snowblowing, drilling, etc, any headphones with up to 23-25 NRR rating will do good. On the other hand, for people that usually work at construction sites around loud machinery like jackhammers, headphones with 25-28 NRR are quite a good pick. However, if you want something for wearing at a shooting range, we would recommend going for noise canceling headphones that offer above 28dB NRR.
3. Connectivity Features
Well, protecting your ears is one thing, but you should also know that some noise cancellation headphones do work as regular music headphones as well. Although such headphones come for a little extra price, they are perfect in case you like to work while listening to your favorite music.
While some headphones come with the latest Bluetooth technology that lets you connect your mobile phone with the headphones. There are several options available that support Digital AM/FM Radio functionality as well. In fact, in some advanced noise cancellation headphones, you might even find both the Bluetooth and Digital FM Radio altogether. We personally prefer the Bluetooth ones as they are easy to pair and even let you make phone calls as well.
4. Battery
If you look at the design of most noise canceling headphones that are used for ear protection, they are generally wireless so that the user can move freely and do their job. That said, using advanced features like Bluetooth or Digital FM, the headphones must need the power to work. That said, it’s easy to understand that some of the noise cancellation headphones come with in-built rechargeable batteries while some options still rely on using AAA batteries. Depending on the type of headphones you feel comfortable using, you can simply find one pair for you in the market easily.
5. Build Quality
While looking for a new pair of noise cancellation headphones, you should definitely consider checking the way it’s built and also the type of materials used. Don’t fall for cheaper options that are made from low-grade plastic as they won’t last long enough, especially at heavy-duty work sites. Apart from that, make sure to take a look at the cushions as they must also be soft and should be good enough to cover your ears well while providing you with the necessary comfort.
6. Warranty
One fact that the customers should never overlook is the after-sales services offered by the brand and the product’s warranty. In our list, we have tried to include options from all the popular and trusted brands as their products generally serve well and come with a warranty as well. Thus, if your headphones go faulty, unfortunately, or maybe get damaged during the shipping, you won’t have to pay anything extra to get a replacement from the brand.
FAQs about Noise Canceling Headphones for Loud Machinery
1. Do noise canceling headphones cause you any hearing damage?
Ans. No, your ears will only experience any hearing damage when you expose yourself to loud noises for a prolonged time. However, using noise canceling headphones drastically reduces the risk of getting hearing damage. Yet, the headphones can also provide protection up to a certain level only which means you should avoid working in loud noise environments for prolonged durations.
2. Do earplugs offer the same level of protection as noise canceling headphones?
Ans. No, earplugs are not that effective when it comes to providing protection against loud noises such as gunshots in shooting ranges, or the sound of loud machinery like lawnmowers, jackhammers, drills, etc. Earplugs do reduce the noise a little bit, but an individual can not use them for longer sessions as they are usually not very comfortable and don’t even fit well.
3. What is an ideal NRR rating for hearing protection?
Ans. For using machines like mowers, and snowblowers at home, you can use headphones with a 23-25 dB NRR rating. On the other hand, for working at construction sites around machines like drills, concrete mixers, jackhammers, a headphone with a 26-28 dB NRR rating is recommended. Apart from that, headphones recommended for use in an indoor shooting range should offer more than 28 dB NRR hearing protection.
Conclusion
Wrapping it up, we have covered almost all the best noise canceling headphone options for you that are available in the market right now. Since we have already discussed all of their features, based on them, you can simply compare and find the best suitable choice of headphones for yourself. However, if you need some additional help, we would recommend going through the buying guide as it contains a lot of useful information for all the customers. However, if you are still not able to make your final decision on this, we have a few of our personal recommendations that might interest you:
The 3M WorkTunes Connect Hearing Protector is quite an amazing option if you are looking for hearing protection gear for home use. This pair of headphones has a 24 dB NRR and is pretty comfortable to wear as well. On top of it, you will find advanced features on it including Bluetooth support, in-built speakers, phone call feature, etc. Moreover, these headphones are even backed up by a 1 year long warranty.
On the other hand, if you are looking for an effective noise canceling headphone option, the ProCase Noise Reduction Safety Ear Muffs offers a protection rating of 28 dB NRR. These headphones are amazing to use at construction sites. Although there are no advanced features available, they come for a very affordable price and protect your ears quite nicely. On top of that, ProCase offers a 2 year long warranty too.
Lastly, if you want a pair of noise canceling headphones to use at a shooting range, there’s no better option on this list than the 3M PELTOR X5A Over-the-Head EarMuffs. Since these headphones offer a 31 dB NRR, they are capable of wonderfully blocking outside loud noises, thanks to the specially-formulated foam used in the earcups. Apart from that, the ear cushions are highly comfortable and replaceable too. And, if we talk about warranty, 3M offers a 1 year warranty for these headphones.
