Top companies make the best earbuds for tactical professionals.
These premium devices will provide crystal clear sound with each step they take on a job site or while running an operation to ensure that communication stays quick-paced without having difficulty hearing what is being said!
The following are the best tactical earbuds on the market. All of these have been tested and reviewed by experts in their respective fields, so you can be sure they are reliable.
This article will provide a brief overview of what to look for when purchasing an earbud and some of the most important features that should be considered before making your purchase.
The goal is to help you find the perfect pair of earbuds for your needs without spending too much time or money finding them.
Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
What To Look For When Buying Tactical Earbuds?
There are several factors to consider before buying earbuds.
First, you will need to ensure they are compatible with all devices you plan to use (this includes phones, tablets, laptops, etc.).
The other thing to consider is whether or not the battery life lasts for extended periods of use, as well as their frequency range which refers to how many sounds can be heard within certain intervals depending on the quality of the earbuds.
Additionally, there are a few other features that you may want to consider, such as noise cancellation, water resistance, and durability. The following section will provide a more in-depth look at these factors.
Compatibility
One of the most important things to consider when buying earbuds is compatibility.
This means they need to be compatible with all devices you plan on using (phones, tablets, laptops, etc.). The best way to check this is by reading the product description or contacting the manufacturer if you are unsure.
Battery Life
Another thing to consider is battery life. Most earbuds have a battery life of around 3-4 hours; however, some can last up to 10 hours.
This is especially important if you plan on using them for an extended period, such as during a long trip or workout.
Frequency Range
The frequency range refers to the number of sounds that can be heard within certain intervals (higher ranges mean you will be able to hear more sounds).
The range varies with each pair depending on their price and quality. It is usually between 12 Hz – 24 kHz. If the earbuds you are considering have a higher frequency range, they are better suited for playing games rather than listening to music.
Noise Cancellation & Water Resistance
Some earbuds come with noise cancellation, allowing you to listen to your music without any background noise.
Additionally, some earbuds also come with a water-resistant design, making them suitable for use during workouts and in wet conditions such as rain.
Durability and Ruggedness
The last factor to consider is durability. This refers to how long your earbuds will last before requiring replacement.
Some may need to be replaced after just a few months of use, while others can remain functional for several years, depending on the quality and type of material used in their construction.
Top 15 Tactical Earbuds
Best Overall
- DIMENSIONS: Single ear bud (1” L x 1” W x 1” D), charging case (3” L x 1.5” W x 1.5” D) and 0.3 lbs total
- SPECS: Experience high quality stereo sound while confidently protecting your hearing with 25 NRR (Noise Reduction Rating)
- COMFORTABLE: Featuring multiple size tips, you’ll find a custom fit for your ear to ensure proper noise cancellation and hearing protection. The Caldwell E-MAX Shadows Pro have a more compact design than the original Shadows
- EASE OF USE: Easily connect to your mobile device with Bluetooth to seamlessly transition from listening to media and shooting
- FEATURES: Adjust ambient noise levels and continually suppress sounds to a safe level without clipping. Controls on ear pieces allow for volume and mode adjustments while an optional lanyard ensures each earbud stays secure
- TACTICAL SOUND CONTROL: Block impact noise with audio passthrough technology. TSC enables conversation and environmental awareness while suppressing percussive noises from gun ranges or other hunting and shooting related activities. Also features passive noise isolation of 26 dB noise reduction rate (NRR).
- ALL DAY BATTERY: ISOtunes Sport ADVANCE Features a lightweight rechargeable lithium-ion battery with up to 10 hours of battery life on a full charge. Certain to provide you with hearing protection for long sessions at the shooting range.
- BLUETOOTH CONNECTIVITY: Seamlessly connects to your phone, computer, or tablet for easy on the go use and control of your music or phone calls. Uses Bluetooth 5.0 technology.
- CLEAR CALLS AT THE RANGE: Signature noise suppressing microphone with echo cancellation technology help block percussive noise from firearms, air compressors, or hammers for clear calls in loud environments.
- BUILT TO LAST: Whether you’re at an indoor range, or out in the elements, ISOtunes Sport ADVANCE features IP67 rated protection against sweat, water, and dust. No matter your environment, ISOtunes Sport will hold up against the elements.
- SPECS: FDE - Experience high quality stereo sound while confidently protecting your hearing with 23 Decibels NRR (Noise Reduction Rating)
- COMFORTABLE: With 6 sizes of comfortable foam tips, you’ll find a custom fit for your ear to ensure proper noise cancellation and hearing protection
- EASE OF USE: Caldwell Shadows continuously suppress sound to a safe level without clipping. Easily connect to your mobile device with Bluetooth so you can seamlessly transition between listening to media and shooting
- FEATURES: Your E-MAX Shadows automatically shut off after 4 hours of inactivity, which is displayed on the illuminated on/off indicator
- CONVENIENT: The included case duals as a charger and storage compartment
- BEST-IN-CLASS PLAYTIME / WIRELESS + USB CHARGING CASE: Epic Air Sport ANC features 15+ hours of Bluetooth playtime in each earbud and 55+ additional hours from the charging case. That’s 70+ hours of Bluetooth 5 playtime. Plus, use ANC to tune out noise around you, you’ll get 50+ hours of Bluetooth ANC playtime. Dual charging options: Use any wireless pad to charge your case so you stay powered. Plus use the integrated charging cable and plug into any USB-A charging port.
- SMART ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION: Control how you hear outside noise with three noise control modes in the hardware: ANC On, ANC Off and Be Aware (pass through outside noises). Six microphones work together to cancel out noise and provide uninterrupted audio – wherever you GO. Further customize the noise around you with the JLab Air ANC app.
- JLAB AIR ANC APP: With the new JLab Air ANC app, you’ll have control to customize the Active Noise Control settings, touch controls, and sound to your personal preference – or use the presets for JLab Signature, Balance or Bass Boost. Plus get software updates for your product right when they’re available. Available on the App or Google Play Store.
- DUAL CONNECT AND C3 CALLING: Use either earbud independently or use both and experience a seamless connection no matter the situation. Both earbuds auto connect to your device so no need to worry about switching or missing a connection. Experience clearer phone calls with C3 Calling. One mic picks up and eliminates surrounding noise while the other picks up your voice for clear conversations anywhere, anytime.
- MOVIE MODE / WEAR DETECT SENSOR: Elevate your movie-watching experience. With this super low latency mode, reduce the audio lag so voices match up perfectly to the screen. Designed with an infrared sensor in each bud, your music will pause automatically when you take them out of your ear. They’ll start playing once you place them back in.
- HEARING PROTECTIONS EARBUDS - Walker's Silencer Digital Earbuds are an in-the-ear-canal device that both amplifies low-level sounds so you can communicate on the range, and suppresses harmful sounds to protect your hearing
- NOISE REDUCTION - Silencer Ear Buds provide NRR 25 dB (Noise Reduction Rating) protection against gun blasts through SAC (Sound Activated Compression)
- COMFORTABLE FIT - Walkers Silencer Compact In The Ear Buds won't interfere with you or your gun and cone with Secure-Lock sizing fins (comes with 3 different sized countered fins and foam buds) provides a tight and a customized fit
- EASY TO CONTROL - Integrated Omni directional microphones and full dynamic range speakers deliver a crisp clear sound; The speakers feature independent volume control and an off/on switch
- DETAILS - Walker's Silencer Digital Ear Buds run on two #10 batteries (includes 4), and come with a removable lanyard and a carry case for easy transportation
- BLOCK NOISE: heat-activated memory foam eartips expand like earplugs to significantly reduce outside noise. ANSI-certified and OSHA-compliant with a 22 dB Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) and 85 dB SafeMax Volume Limiter. Comes with 3 pairs of foam eartips (S,M,L) and 3 pairs of silicone double-flange eartips.
- TRUE WIRELESS: ISOtunes FREE introduces a cordless solution for your workshop, jobsite, and home. Remove sweaty cords and muffs for increased versatility and comfort. Utilizes latest Bluetooth 5.0 technology with easy-to-use automatic pairing to your devices.
- ALL DAY BATTERY: 7+ hour battery life gets you through long days without having to recharge. Minimize recharging hassle with our compact, portable charging case capable of 3 full charges for 21 hours of extra use. Expanding foam eartips and thoughtfully designed earbuds hold comfortably and securely all day.
- CLEAR CALLS IN LOUD ENVIRONMENTS: Signature noise suppressing microphone with echo cancellation technology help block steady state noise like engines, mowers, fans, vacuums, and saws for clear calls in loud environments. Isolation for you, cancellation for them.
- BUILT TO LAST: Backed by best-in-class 1-year limited manufacturer’s warranty. Small but mighty, rated IP45 for sweat & water resistance.
- BLOCK NOISE: heat-activated memory foam eartips expand like earplugs to significantly reduce outside noise. ISOtunes PRO hearing protection headphones are ANSI-certified and OSHA-compliant with a 27 dB Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) and ISOtunes SafeMax Technology. Comes with 4 pairs of foam eartips and 1 pair of silicone triple-flange eartips.
- WIRELESS MUSIC & CALLS: wirelessly play music and take calls 30+ feet from your device with Bluetooth 4.1 technology. Features high-fidelity speakers and aptX streaming audio.
- USE ALL DAY: 10+ hour battery life and 240-hour standby time gets you through long days without having to recharge. Custom-fit memory wires fold gently behind your ears to keep eartips securely in place during active and extended wear. Ultra-lightweight design stays comfortable all day.
- CLEAR CALLS IN LOUD ENVIRONMENTS: Signature noise suppressing microphone with echo cancellation technology help block steady state noise like engines, mowers, fans, vacuums, and saws for clear calls in loud environments. Isolation for you, cancellation for them
- BUILT TO LAST: ISOtunes PRO is IP55 sweat & water resistant and comes with a best-in-class 1-year limited manufacturer’s warranty.
- 3-in-1 AXIL Earbuds:Take your shooting hearing protection to the next level with AXIL GS Extreme 2.0 earbuds. These 3-in-1 AXIL ear protection earbuds are like having Bluetooth ear buds, noise isolation headphones, and electronic ear muffs for shooting all in one product. Make these shooting and hunting accessories your new ''Go To Ears''!
- Advanced Technology: Our electronic hearing protection for shooting range and hunting allows you to switch between hearing enhancement and protection mode to Bluetooth audio mode, or tune to your environment by using both at the same time with the independent volume controls on the shooting and hunting hearing protection with Bluetooth.
- Premium Features: These concerts or shooting earbuds enhance noises up to 6 times your normal hearing while compressing sounds at 85 decibels or louder. Our electronic ear protection for shooting or construction sites features 5.0 Bluetooth for studio-quality audio and hands-free communication.
- Comfortable & Long-Lasting: GS Extreme noise canceling earbuds are designed with comfortable ear hooks to stay in place and a rechargeable lithium battery on the lanyard. Our Bluetooth ear plugs for loud environments provide 25 hours of run time or 120 hours of standby time.
- About Us: AXIL operates with a clear vision that innovation is the heart of its business. With the fast-paced product and technology expansion, AXIL has led the way in providing the best product designs and advancements to the sporting goods industry.
- OSHA COMPLIANT HEARING PROTECTION: ANSI-certified Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) of 25 decibels provide proven ear protection in loud noisy environments. The noise isolating medical-grade silicone earplug ear tips ensure a comfortable fit while significantly reducing harmful noise from power tools, lawn mowers, engines, industrial equipment and more.
- BLUETOOTH 5.3 WITH IMMERSIVE AUDIO: Using the latest Bluetooth technology, our Bluetooth earplug headphones provide faster pairing with devices and an extended wireless range up to 50 feet. The noise cancelling microphone allows for clear communication when making and receiving phone calls. Custom-tuned speaker drivers offer rich dynamic sound while listening to music, podcasts and audiobooks.
- BEST IN CLASS BATTERY LIFE: These long lasting Bluetooth headphones feature built-in rechargeable batteries that provide over 14 hours of continuous audio playback on a single charge making them perfect for long days on construction sites, in the workshop, lawn mowing, or even a weekend motorcycle ride.
- IP65 DUST AND SWEATPROOF: Our water resistant earbuds conform to international standards for blocking out dust, sweat and rain in the toughest work conditions. They are great Bluetooth hearing protection for landscaping, welding, woodworking, DIY work, the gym, running, the shooting range, yard work, farming and more.
- PROFESSIONAL GRADE ENGINEERING: Backed by our 1-year manufacturer's warranty, these safety headphones are built to work as hard as you do. They feature tough enclosures and Kevlar reinforced neckband and cable for ironclad durability. The ergonomic design of these in-ear headphones provide a secure fit for all-day comfort. The Discord comes complete with 2 collar clips and a reinforced storage case.
- Noise cancelling earbuds – Engineered with the world-class noise cancelling. Bose controllable noise cancellation and full Transparency Mode allow you to eliminate distractions, let your surroundings in, or a little bit of each..Note : If the size of the earbud tips does not match the size of your ear canals or the headset is not worn properly in your ears, you may not obtain the correct sound qualities or call performance. Change the earbud tips to ones that fit more snugly in your ears
- High-fidelity audio – An exclusive acoustic architecture brings your music, podcasts, and videos to life, while Volume-optimized Active EQ keeps the sound crisp and balanced at any level.
- Comfortable wireless earbuds – Three sizes of StayHear Max eartips are included for a secure fit. Crafted from soft silicone, they provide passive noise blocking with total comfort.
- Simple touch controls – It’s as easy as tap, swipe, or press. Control your noise cancellation settings, pause, play, and volume right from the side of the earbud itself. Enable it all in the Bose Music app.
- Noise-rejecting microphones – Tiny microphones work together to focus on your voice, filtering out surrounding noises for fewer distractions during phone calls.
- Note : If the size of the earbud tips does not match the size of your ear canals or the headset is not worn properly in your ears, you may not obtain the correct sound qualities or call performance. Change the earbud tips to ones that fit more snugly in your ear.Specific uses for product : Sports and Exercise
- ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION cuts out background noise so you stay in the zone and perform at your max.
- PRODUCT NOTE: The earbuds include 3 sizes of interchangeable eargels. If the size of the earbud tips do not fit properly, change the earbud tips to ones that fit snugly in your ears to obtain the correct sound quality and call performance.
- SURROUNDSENSE keeps you connected and aware of your surroundings. Wind-guarded mics monitor ambient noise so you can stay spatially aware without missing a beat.
- EARTHPROOF DURABILITY IP68 waterproof, sweatproof, and dustproof, with MIL-STD 810G freeze, shock, and impact resistance..Note:If you face issue in Bluetooth connectivity please turn off the Bluetooth function for a couple of minutes, then turn it back on
- Wireless Bluetooth earbuds engineered by Bose for your best workout yet..Note : If the size of the earbud tips does not match the size of your ear canals or the headset is not worn properly in your ears, you may not obtain the correct sound qualities or call performance. Change the earbud tips to ones that fit more snugly in your ears
- Product Note : If the size of the earbud tips does not match the size of your ear canals or the headset is not worn properly in your ears, you may not obtain the correct sound qualities or call performance. Change the earbud tips to ones that fit more snugly in your ears
- Bose lifelike sound: Makes your music sound like the performer is right there beside you, pushing you to go 1 more mile or do 1 more rep. To power them off, place both earbuds in the charging case and close the case.
- Secure and comfortable earbuds: Customize your fit with the included 3 sizes of StayHear Max tips that won’t hurt your ears and won’t fall out no matter tough your workout is.
- Weather and sweat resistant earbuds: IPX4 rated, with electronics wrapped in special materials to protect from moisture wherever you exercise
- Astria Coaxial Acoustic Architecture: A state-of-the-art design which integrates a customized Knowles balanced armature and an 11mm dynamic driver into a single body. Aligned direct-to-ear, Astria completely eliminates interference while producing harmonized treble and bass for jaw-dropping sound.
- In-Ear Studio Performance: Liberty 2 Pro is recommended by 10 Grammy Award winning producers. Sound is delivered at stadium-scale with impeccable depth and nuance. Every instrument presented perfectly across an expansive soundstage for a stunning representation of what the sound engineer and artist hoped you would hear.
- 8-Hour Playtime*: A single charge of the earbuds gives 8 hours of audio, with 4 more full recharges from the charging case. The charging case recharges via fast-charge USB-C or wireless charging, and provides the earbuds with 2 hours of listening from a 10-minute charge.
- HearID Custom Sound: To ensure everyone gets a perfect listening experience, HearID intelligently analyses your unique hearing profile and creates a tailor-made sound setup just for your ears. Or take complete control of the sound with an adjustable EQ or 22 preset sound profiles.
- Quad-Microphone Calls: With 4 microphones and cVc 8.0 noise reduction, your voice is isolated and transmitted in high-clarity for a seamless hands-free experience.
Conclusion
In this article, we have shared a list of the top 15 best tactical earbuds on the market.
These earbuds have been tested and reviewed by experts in their respective fields, so you can be sure they are reliable.
There are several factors to consider before buying an earbud, such as compatibility with all devices, battery life, frequency range, noise cancellation & water resistance, and durability.
Which of these factors do you value most when purchasing new earbuds?
Let us know about your experience with tactical or running headphones below!
Frequently Asked Questions – Tactical Earbuds
What are the best earbuds for the shooting range?
Caldwell E-MAX Shadows Pro will work great. These earbuds are designed for maximum comfort and performance.
The ear muffs perfectly seal out noise for better accuracy during the shooting session. The earmuffs are also adjustable.
Furthermore, the earmuffs are also padded to distribute sound waves evenly. Overall, Caldwell E-MAX Shadows Pro is an excellent product for the shooting range.
Who makes the best earplugs for shooting?
Caldwell Shooting Supplies makes the best earplugs for shooting. They come in an assortment of colors and designs. They make sure that you can hear and feel the gun go off. They block out most of the sound and keep your ears from ringing.
We would also recommend ISOtunes. The ISOtunes Sport comes with Tactical Sound Control™. An exclusive technology specially developed to allow users to hear & communicate with others while still being protected from high-impact noises like gunshots and blasts.
What is the highest earplug rating?
The highest earplug rating is the Noise Reduction Rating or NRR. The highest NRR rating for earplugs is 33.
Can ISOtunes be used for shooting?
ISOtunes Sport hearing protectors have been designed for active use in the field and are perfect for shooting.
They are snug enough to keep them in place consistently and are extremely lightweight, portable, and comfortable.
They won’t get in your way while you’re shooting, and they’re discreet enough to wear in the field so that you don’t disturb your environment.
The Tactical Sound Control™ feature was specifically engineered to protect you from sudden loud noises — like gunshots and blasts — while still allowing you to hear the sounds around you.
