Whether you’re shooting for competition, recreation or work, repeated exposure to loud noise puts your hearing at risk. A quality earmuff, then, is an essential part of any shooter’s safety repertoire.

Learn more about the best shooting earmuffs in this buying guide. We’re detailing what type, Noise Reduction Rating, fit and other considerations to keep in mind before you buy. Our top pick, the Howard Leight Honeywell Impact Sport, offers excellent protection with a low-profile design for firearm stock clearance.

There are two types of shooting earmuffs, passive and electronic. Constructed of foam and plastic, passive earmuffs protect hearing by reducing all incoming noise but can make communication difficult. However, their simple construction allows for a lower price point and makes sanitization easier.

Likewise, electronic earmuffs provide the same noise reduction as their passive counterparts. Also, they can differentiate between loud and quiet sounds using small microphones and speakers built into the equipment, allowing the shooter to easily communicate with others while still being protected from the damaging noise of a gunshot. The electronic components inside the earmuff are delicate and can make sanitization and storage more complicated.