Its response time is 0.02 seconds, so you’ll barely hear the loud noise before the ear muffs start working.

Some of our recommendations also have active noise cancellation, which use microphones to cancel out noises at certain frequencies. Active noise cancellation adds a significant amount of weight to the ear muffs, and requires them to be charged.

Best for kids: Jomanda Soft Toys Lamb Earmuffs, Gift Boxed

When it comes to choosing the best earmuffs, there are a few factors to consider. First, you'll want to find a pair that fits comfortably and securely on your head. You should also look for earmuffs that are made from high-quality materials, such as soft, plush fabric or plush fur. Another important factor to consider is the type of earmuffs you need. For example, some earmuffs are designed specifically for outdoor getaways and sporty activities, while others are better suited for casual walks around town. You'll also want to choose earmuffs that are appropriate for the weather you'll be using them in. With that in mind, we've selected some of this season's most stylish earmuffs available to shop now; from designer splurges to bargains on the high street. There's something for everyone too: we've made sure to include some kid-friendly options, as well as sportier unisex designs that fit behind the head.

Although these headphones are powered, they only provide passive noise cancellation, and earn the same 23dB NRR rating as our other recommendations. Instead, 3M decided to build a pair of speakers and a Bluetooth chip into its ear muffs, turning them into a pair of wireless headphones. For reference, many popular earplugs have an NRR rating of 32dB, and can be worn under your noise-reduction ear muffs for an extra layer of protection. Walker’s ear muffs combine excellent passive and active noise cancellation at the cost of some weight.The electronics required for active noise cancellation contributes to the ear muffs weight: 0.77 pounds, which is 0.2 pounds heavier than the lightest pair we recommend. You’ll notice the difference on your head, but the trade-off is worth it given the big difference between its active and passive noise cancellation settings. The only downside is that these ear muffs require a non-rechargeable battery to work, so you’ll always have to keep some around. Powered vs. Passive: As we mentioned earlier, the noise-reduction ear muffs work passively, which means their sound-dampening properties are a function of the materials they’re made out of. Designers pairs will cost considerably higher, of course, but generally speaking, we don't think you have to pay over the odds for a good pair. Where to buy the best earmuffs? Noise-Reduction Rating: Every pair of noise-reduction ear muffs is assigned an NRR (Noise-Reduction Rating), which approximates how much sound it can keep from reaching your ears. All of our recommendations have an NRR value of 23dB. At 0.96 pounds, this is the heaviest pair of ear muffs in our guide. The weight is due in part to the huge ear cups, which are made out of a gel cushion for added comfort. These two physical factors kind of cancel each other out: they’re heavier on your head, but easier on your ears.