We’re currently in a year-long paid partnership with Home Depot. Part of that involves sponsored projects, I’ve been working on, and the other part involves a cache of tool samples that they send over every quarter for testing and review consideration. The reviews aren’t sponsored in any way, aside from the test samples being no-cost to me.
A pair of 3M Pro-Grade earmuffs arrived a few weeks after the initial test sample shipment, leading me to take special notice of it.
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These earmuffs are rated as having a 30dB NRR when used as directed.
I’ve seen this model in stores before, 90565-4DC-PS, and they looked great except for one big hesitation – they’re made in China. My favorite go-to earmuffs, made by 3M/Peltor, are made in the USA and often costs a little less.
That’s why I’ve been hesitant to try these on my own – they’re pricier than my go-to earmuffs, and are made overseas.
I value quality and features over country of origin, and won’t hesitate to purchase imported products. It’s a decision I make on a case by case basis.
After leaving them to sit on a tool bench for a week or two – in their box – I started a quick project that I needed hearing protection for. My 3M/Peltor earmuffs were nowhere in sight, and another pair would have taken a couple of minutes to retrieve.
So I walked over, grabbed the 3M Pro-Grade earmuffs, and got to work.
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I can immediately tell why they cost more than my go-to earmuffs – they’re better made. Well, not better made, but well, just better.
Compared to my go-to earmuffs, the 3M Pro-Grade has a nicer headband cushion. It’s rubbery, as opposed to cushioned fabric-like material. It’s grippier, but not any less comfortable.
The 3M Pro-Grade earmuffs fit on my head a little more securely, at least until I tweak and adjust my Peltor earmuffs.
Testing against Peltor Optime earmuffs that aren’t brand new but not extensively worn, the 3M Pro-Grade model hugs my head a little better. I’ve used the new 3M earmuffs a few more times, and so far I haven’t had any headaches or added discomfort.
I need a haircut. I wear glasses. My Peltors slide a little, or at least feel less than 100% secure if I don’t adjust them every use or every other quick use.
The ear cushion is a little firmer on the 3M Pro-Grade, which I think I like.
The Pro-grade has more room inside the ear cups. A LOT more room.
Every so often I double-up on hearing protection, wearing ear plugs and ear muffs over them. The Pro-Grade earmuffs, offering much more inner ear cup volume, might open up the possibilities as to what kinds of plugs can be used. I haven’t had too much difficulty with disposable foam plugs, but what if I wanted to wear flanged plugs with stems? The Pro-Grade could allow for that, while the ends of the plugs would hit the foam inside my Peltors’ ear cups.
Externally, the Pro-Grade earmuffs aren’t discernibly bigger, so they don’t take up any more storage space.
The 3M Pro-Grade earmuffs offer the same 30 dB noise reduction rating as the Peltor ones I’m used to.
3M says it has a comfortable vented headband that improves comfort when worn with hats, and has premium cushioning for all day comfort. On Home Depot’s site, they also say these are their #1 noise reducing earmuff.
I never had issue with the Peltor’s headband, but I think I do like the 3M Pro-Grade’s could be better. It does seem like it might slip less when worn over lots of hair or a hat.
I’m not going to say these are my new favorite earmuffs, because I just don’t know yet.
The fact is, I wouldn’t have bought these, and wouldn’t have tried them at all had Home Depot not arranged for a sample pair for review consideration.
I’m glad they did send them over, because these are great earmuffs. No, they’re not made in the USA, which I tend to look for when shopping for personal protective equipment, but I can’t deny how well they’re made, and how comfortable they are, all while providing the same noise reduction rating as the earmuffs I’m used to wearing.
I’m not ready to trade in my 3M/Peltor Optime earmuffs for these, but I plan to use the 3M Pro-Grade earmuffs more regularly. When it comes time to ordering new earmuffs, I might just another a second pair of these Pro-Grade ones.
Do I recommend these 3M Pro-Grade earmuffs? Absolutely!!
Do I recommend them as the BEST hearing protection earmuffs out there? They very well could be, but I’m not sure I can make this call yet. I am very fond and loyal to my Peltor earmuffs.
I can normally find my Optime earmuffs (90561-4DC) for $21-22 or less. Home Depot has the Pro-Grade (90565-4DC-PS) and Optime earmuffs for ~$26 each.
At the same price, I’d get the 3M Pro-Grade. My selection indecision only crops up when comparing Peltor prices at my typical supplier, and Pro-Grade prices at Home Depot.
Price: $26
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I can’t tell you what’s best for your needs, but I can tell you that I’m surprised at how much I ended up liking these 3M Pro-Grade earmuffs.
I had assumed they’d be functionally the same as my 3M/Peltor earmuffs, with only the styling being different and possibly aimed at the consumer market. While the later might be true – it’s hard to say – the functionality is slightly different due to the completely different ear cup and headband design.
These aren’t simply looks-different earmuffs that are made overseas to increase the profit margin. They seem to be functionally better, at least in regard to comfort – in my opinion – while the hearing protection rating is the same.
I would have had a much easier time with this review if I didn’t already have favorite earmuffs that I’ve grown accustomed to.
This review could have used a lot fewer words to convey the same end-message, that I recommend the Pro-Grade earmuffs – but I wanted to show you where I’m coming from.
They’re incrementally better than my favorite earmuffs, which I’ve found to be vastly better than other earmuffs I’ve tried before. So I guess that means these 3M Pro-Grade earmuffs are even more vastly better other earmuffs I’ve tried before. I feel like I caught myself in a hole, comparing infinity +1 to infinity, but I feel that the background details are too important to edit
Thank you to Home Depot for supplying the test sample unconditionally.
fred
Thanks for the insights.
Small PPE are things that I believe are worth having more than one of – to make it convenient to use.
You said: “My 3M/Peltor earmuffs were nowhere in sight, and another pair would have taken a couple of minutes to retrieve.” So it sounds like you have several pairs earmuffs.
I too have quite a number of pairs of earmuffs plus safety/glasses – goggles/face-shields. I keep them in sets. I have a set hanging on the door to the room where my stationary compressor is. I have a set hanging over my table saw and another set on the hook on the other side of the shop near the exit to the yard. In the garage, I have a set with the backpack blower. At the other side of the garage is a set with my string trimmer. My chainsaw is stored with a pair of gloves and a helmet/faceshield/earmuff combination. I have a set in the case with my PATs and one in a nylon bag with my portable air compressor. I keep a set in the truck. It may be overkill – but it puts them “in my face” reminding me that its worth wearing them even for a short task. It also makes it easy for my wife to grab and use them in the garden.
Mark
Your “PATs?” What is this Indonesia, they can’t resist an acronym.
fred
PATs = Powder Actuated Tool(s).
Typically the Powder refers to a 22cal. , 25cal. or 27cal. charge that is used to fire a hardened pin into concrete or steel to fasten wood or other materials/objects:
https://www.amazon.com/305179-DX460-F8-Automatic-Powder-Actuated-Fastening/dp/B00UNBGPL4/
ktash
I, too, have multiples for various locations, including for household noise. The kitchen is another place where there is loud equipment, not to mention vacuum cleaners, etc. Also, there is a pair for when I work outside. I’ve learned never to buy black ones. They blend in with too many things in my shop. I put some bright orange tape on the black ones I have. These 3M’s are red and black, so ok in that regard.
Stuart
Yep! Food processors are mightly loud.
I’ll also wear earmuffs when vacuuming, depending on which one I’m using.
fred
Good point. I think people are inclined to wear hearing protection when using tools like a leaf blower – but probably not while doing the household vacuuming.
With age comes wisdom (or senility I’m not sure which if either comes first) – but my solution is to pay someone else do the household vacuuming. My place in Florida has a central household vacuum system – so local noise is eliminated. The Miele vacuum cleaners that I have in my other places were advertised as being quiet – something like 70db – but they sound noisy to me when I hear them running
And up north, my shop central dust collection system is noisy enough to warrant hearing protection. Since I turn it on when using one of the noisy stationary tools, I already have my earmuffs in place when it starts up. I have a big old Craftsman shop vacuum in the garage that’s a real screamer – especially compared to my old Fein (looks like a Dalek) dust collector. I have to admit that for short bursts of using these I foolishly (can’t blame it on senility) often don’t go grab the earmuffs.
Hilton
I realise you can’t publish an Amazon link but they are a few cents less than $23.
francis
they are $14.99 elsewhere
Stuart
I’m not finding the Pro-Grade ones, with 30 dB NRR, for anywhere near that price.
Mike
Check ebay $14.99 – SAFETY EARMUFF 3M PRO GRADE OVER THE HEAD NRR 30DB (1 PAIR) 90565
fred
I think that ToolGuyd also has an arrangement with Amazon – so no reason not to publish their link – but in general you can always shop around for the best deal. In my over 50 years of tool buying I have discovered that the best deal may not always be the rock-bottom price. In this age of on-line shopping – delivery assurance, delivery time, and return policy might also be something to look at beyond price.
BTW – this style of earmuff is no good around higher-voltage electrical equipment. Some of 3M’s other styles, like the Peltor X series have a dielectric head band.
https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=B00CPCH658+
Eric
This post is sponsored by Home Depot, I don’t imagine they would like Stuart posting links to buy it somewhere else. And I imagine the money he is losing by not posting the Amazon affiliate link is made up for with the money from Home Depot.
glenn
Really?
Stuart
The post is not sponsored by Home Depot.
Most retailer-supplied test samples are of exclusive brand offerings, such as Craftsman, Ridgid power tools, Ryobi, Husky, Kobalt, or other such store brand products.
But yes, if a retailer provides a test sample for review, it’s not very friendly – for lack of a better word – to link to other retailers. In some cases it’s formally agreed upon.
There are very many suppliers I buy safety gear from. If someone wants to shop around for better pricing, or faster shipping, or whatever other reason, the model number should help, and in this case I included it in 2 places.
richard
I have a particular problem with earmuffs and closed style headphones. I had brain surgery several years back and there’s an artery that has been grafted to near my ear and through my skull to bypass a blockage. When trying headphones, if the pads are too tight (or the headband), it will press on this artery, and cause a bad headache. It also creates a fun time for some sunglasses and safety glasses. To top it off, I have a fairly large head, so finding headphones and hearing protection is a difficult proposition. Based on what I’ve said, what hearing protection would you recommend?
Mike47
Richard: You might consider custom-fitted earplugs. Your doctor might give you a prescription for them, and depending on your coverage, they might be free or close to it.
Pete
They even have custom fit ear plugs that are electronic. They’ll aid in hearing when there isnt loud noises and when a loud noise does occur it will cut the noise.
Some insurance offered around $5k for ear devices… granted that was before the healthcare mess…
Talk to your ENT(ear nose throat) doctor office and they could look into your insurance and offer suggestions. I have custom ear plugs made and theyre not that expensive.
dingus
i have two pairs of these, and i think they’re pretty good.
sometimes i actually use them in combination with earplugs if i’m doing something particularly loud or if the activity or other gear i’m wearing compromises the earmuffs’ seal around my ears.
Mark
NO DB rating.
Stuart
The 3M Pro-Grade earmuffs offer the same 30 dB noise reduction rating as the Peltor ones I’m used to.
Sorry, I’ll bold it to help it stand out.
Stuart
Added another mention of the NRR at the top too, thanks!
Mau
Personal protection gear is err, personal. I think this is the reaon of your indecision, maybe if you were not so confortable with the Peltor the decision would be easier. I think that in these cases each situation is different, for example you could find them unconfortable if used with a bulkier mask. Anyway, thanks for the review, I think I will give them a try, I’ve broken mines, and they need replacement.
Alick
Thanks for drawing our attention to these Stuart. These particular ear muffs don’t appear to be available in the UK, but following up your post has made me aware of 3M’s new X series ear defenders which seem to have the same technology.
Ear protection is a compromise between performance and bulk. Over here the 3M Peltor Optime come in three versions from slim to bulky with NRR up to 35dB average and as much as 40db attenuation of higher frequencies. I have all three versions and prefer them to all others i’ve tried.
The new X series use a single, not double wall shell plus different materials and are designed to be slimmer. They also come in different models / performance levels with varying bulk.
Like for like comparisons across the ranges, the Peltor optime are still better against high frequencies (gunshots and routers) while the new X series have better specifications against mid and low frequency noise.
Have to put the X3 and 5 on my shopping list. They will be better in many industrial settings.
Stuart
The X-series is on my radar too.
I have in the past shopped for the highest NRR rating. I like the look of the slimmest X-series earmuffs – they might suffice for the times when I need some but not max hearing protection.
I could have used something like that over the winter when snowblowing and trying to fit earmuffs over a hat and under a hood.
fred
I have an alternative for the snowblower noise issue. My Ariens sits in the garage and I sit on the porch in Sanibel.
Mig
Warning, Don’t buy these earmuffs! I went through two of these in less than a year of constant use. They both broke at the same spot, at the top of the wire. I’m guess all the flexing made the metal brittle and after awhile they broke. I gave up and decided to buy 3M Peltor Optime 105 Over the Head Earmuff, Ear Protectors, Hearing Protection, NRR 30 dB
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00009LI4K/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
jtr165
I can’t keep up with all the different models available.
I’ve had these for nearly 4 years, seem 100% bullet proof so far (the NRR 31db option on that link, not yet sure about the others, haven’t tried them). The side cushions remain like new, and the adjustable head strap is still perfect. I’ve hated wire framed ear protection since the first pair I’ve ever tried when I was a kid.
https://www.amazon.com/3M-Peltor-Over-Earmuffs-X5A/dp/B00CPCHBCQ/
been thrilled with these, will probably order several in different DB ratings before they’re discontinued or whatever happens when companies have like 18 different products lines for what should be…the same products.
Hilton
Well this pushed me to order one. I’m sorry I couldn’t order through your Home Depot affiliates link but they seem to suffer from Xenophobia so I had to go to Amazon.
In the past I’ve just used a cheap earmuff and never gave it much thought but ended up not using it that much because of the vacuum it seemed to cause in my ears.
Looking forward to this one. Out for delivery to my courier as I write this.
Tom
Thanks for the PPE review. As mentioned by other commenters, always good to have lots of pairs around where work is done/risks are encountered, so it’s nice to hear about new options to try.
Could use some more thoughts on safety glasses too – looks like you only have a few reviews in your history. I find it surprisingly hard to find good glasses that fit, don’t fog too easily, and are compatible with dust masks. Will pick up a pair of googles you recommended, but I find glasses much more practical for most tasks (and I’m much more likely to keep them on through the full task).
Stuart
I have yet to find safety goggles that don’t fog up. One of these days I’m going to look into prescription safety glasses again.
At Milwaukee’s last media event, they had safety glasses that fit over my glasses reasonably well. I’ll have to look up the brand.
If you don’t need corrective glasses, there are TONS of options available. I wear goggles because glasses aren’t a comfortable, practical, or fitting option most of the time.
Tom
Yeah, I don’t need correction, so I certainly have lots of options – sorting through them is the hard part! My current favorites are some Milwaukee branded metal frame glasses, but I only have one pair and can’t find them anywhere. May just have to order a selection and see what works best.
fred
We tried a lot of different styles from 3M (Aearo), Deawlt (made by Radians) and others that claimed to be anti-fog. We also tried using wipes that purportedly stopped fogging. Nothing really worked. The combination of perspiration, the warmth of your face heating the enclosed space within the goggle and the outside air cooling the surface of the goggle is a hard thing to mitigate.
Full face masks – with a connected vortex tube and breathing air pumped in – is a better but much more complicated and restrictive solution to the problem.
jtr165
it’s a weird area in terms of ‘safety’ glasses. You can spend $100 on ski/snowboard glasses…and they simply won’t fog up, but they’re also not rated for stuff hitting them; other than ice/snow/rain, etc. Same goes for the decent snowboarding goggles. Then again, I find it a bit hard to believe that my ‘anti-fog’ dewalt w/e’s that were $9 on Amazon…that have fogged up immediately since the day I bought them…are better at impact related safety.
I’ve split the difference for stuff i’m worried about. Have an aging pair of dual lens’d Scott paintball goggles that came in a full mask. Took the mask off, and they’re also summer oriented so not heavily insulated like most snowboarding options. They’re rated to take a paintball at 300mph, the outer lens is 1/4″ thick (they do have some noticeable view distortion in the peripheral areas) but don’t fog…they’re what I go to when grinding or doing anything questionable debris wise, but still 100% need to see without fighting condensation.
Tomf
I got a pair of bolle iris-s prescription glasses, these have a removable prescription insert and outer frame .They are great as the insert is the only expensive bit, the rest costs the same as an ordinary pair .The frame is also available from a main tool supplier online so no need for a repeat visit to an optician if they break .The frame also has versions for outdoor use which saves me having to buy different prescription glasses just swap the insert. I haven’t used the tinted one at work yet but it was cheap to buy the extra frame. They also feel more secure and comfortable than any others i’ve tried .
Nathan
Thanks for the review – good to know there is atleast a reasonable option at home depot and the like. I normally buy my ear protection at shooting/outdoor stores as I find them cheaper with usually more selection.
I also keep a variety of them – well not so much a variety but rather 2 different ones – and multiples.
IE I have my heavy NR models that I believe are in the neighborhood of 40db reduction, biggest I could find 5 years ago. I have that for shooting the barret 50.
but I have 2 sets of Peltor 30’s and 2 sets of 27’s. Not much difference but major difference in size/shape. The 30’s are larger bowls heavier band. I have then one in my shooting bag for pistols, and I keep another on the workbench. at the workbench I use these for table saw, mitre saw, close shopvac, other power tools.
and I keep a set of 27’s in the gun bag as backups – had them for years – and I keep another set in the shop also. Not for backups. the 27’s are a touch thinner, lighter and a lighter head band which works better with a hat. I use the 27’s for OPE most often. IE string trimmer, edging, occasionally when I feel like it I’ll use them with the pressure washer or with lawn mower. Meanwhile I do about an hour of that continuous – anymore and I’d probably get something heavier.
Enno
Great post. Thank you!
I’m wondering how the “3M Pro-Grade” compare comfort-wise with the Peltor Earmuffs. I sit for hours upon hours in loud conversation spaces to read and write, and comfort is a big factor for staying focused.
Any advice?
Stuart
Comparable, maybe.
3M has some slimmer models if you don’t need max protection.
For hours? Maybe I’d go with in-ear or noise cancellation products instead.
Hearing protection earphones aren’t exactly designed for comfort.
Enno
Thanks for responding!
>> For hours? Maybe I’d go with in-ear or noise cancellation products instead.
I’m actually using in-ear noise cancellation + earmuffs. Drowns out any conversation around you.
Stuart
Then maybe the 3M X-series.
Maybe the 27 dB or 22dB models. I believe they’re the same size, but with the 27 dB made with thicker foam?
It looks like 22 dB and 27dB, and separately 24 dB and 28 dB are like-sized ear muffs. The 27 dB looks smaller than the Pro series, which might be more comfortable, assuming one can feel the weight on their head.
Since you’re doubling up, maybe custom-fitted in-ear devices would take things a step further.
John Hartnett
I just bought these to replace another brand where the fit on the ear was just never right and I finally cracked the outer casing (I’ve never been gentle). And, so far so good. I am wondering just how to clean them. 3M’s instructions aren’t too clear on that point.