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3M Folding Ear Muffs, NRR 25 dB Passive Over-the-Head Hearing Protection, Adjustable Padded Headband
$10.99
Final price set by Amazon · may vary
EDITORIAL REVIEW: 4.5/5 WC Safety Review — 3M Folding Earmuff, Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) 25 dB, Adjustable Ear Muffs, Padded Headband For Comfort, Flexible & Ad Editorial assessment by the WC Safety Editori...
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EDITORIAL REVIEW: 4.5/5 WC Safety Review — 3M Folding Earmuff, Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) 25 dB, Adjustable Ear Muffs, Padded Headband For Comfort, Flexible & Ad
Editorial assessment by the WC Safety Editorial Team, based on published 3M specifications and category fit. We did not laboratory-test this product.
3M Folding Ear Muffs, NRR 25 dB Passive Over-the-Head Hearing Protection, Adjustable Padded Headband Overview
The 3M Folding Ear Muff is a passive, over-the-head hearing protector rated NRR 25 dB (ANSI S3.19). It is built for buyers who need dependable, no-frills attenuation that folds flat into a tool bag, glove box, or range bag. The padded headband and adjustable cups let one pair fit a range of head sizes across a shift.
Because this is a passive muff, there is no electronics, no battery, no Bluetooth, and no sound amplification or impulse compression — it blocks noise mechanically up to its NRR. If you want amplified situational awareness, see our electronic ear muffs instead. For sustained exposure, this muff is best for hearing protection in moderate-to-loud environments.
The labeled NRR is a laboratory figure. Real-world protection is almost always lower than the printed number because of fit, hair, glasses, and seal break. NIOSH recommends derating muffs (commonly by 25%), so plan on roughly 18–19 dB of effective attenuation from a 25 dB muff, then verify against your measured noise level. Our guide on how to calculate the NRR you need walks through the math, and what is NRR explains the rating system.
Employers must meet OSHA 1910.95: when an 8-hour time-weighted average reaches or exceeds 85 dBA, hearing protectors and a conservation program are required. Confirm this muff's derated attenuation drops your exposure below that threshold. Deciding between cups and plugs? Compare in ear plugs vs ear muffs, and browse the full ear muffs range to compare ratings.
What It Is Built For
| Use case | Fit | Buyer guidance |
|---|---|---|
| General construction / job-site noise | Strong | NRR 25 dB passive muff covers many trades; derate to ~18-19 dB and verify against your measured dBA per OSHA 1910.95. |
| Mowing, trimming, grounds-keeping | Strong | Folds flat for storage between jobs; padded headband suits multi-hour wear in moderate-to-loud yard equipment noise. |
| Indoor or outdoor gun range | Good | Passive 25 dB blocks steady noise but offers no amplification for range commands; double up with plugs for high-caliber impulse noise. |
| Situational-awareness work (need to hear speech/alarms) | Limited | This is passive — no microphones or sound restoration. Choose electronic ear muffs if you must hear voices between loud bursts. |
| Very high steady noise (95 dBA+ TWA) | Limited | A derated 25 dB muff may not be enough alone; consider a higher-NRR muff or dual protection (muff + plug). |
| Cap-mounted use with a hard hat | Not suitable | This is an over-the-head headband model, not a cap-mount muff; pick a slotted cap-mount muff for hard-hat integration. |
Earmuffs reduce noise, but the labeled NRR is a laboratory number — real-world protection is lower (NIOSH and OSHA both derate it). The muff only protects if the cushions seal fully around the ear: long hair, eyeglass temples, and gaps under a hard-hat-mounted muff all break the seal. In very high noise, wear muffs and earplugs together (dual protection). Electronic muffs amplify quiet sounds and cut loud impulses but still protect only to their rated NRR. OSHA 29 CFR 1910.95 sets the 85 dBA action level; size protection to your measured noise — see how to calculate the NRR you need.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Passive design — no batteries, charging, or electronics to fail on the job
- NRR 25 dB (ANSI S3.19) covers a wide range of construction and yard-equipment noise
- Folding headband collapses flat for storage in a tool bag or range bag
- Padded, adjustable headband supports multi-hour wear and varied head sizes
- Over-the-head fit works without a hard hat and is fast to don and doff
Cons
- No amplification or sound restoration — you cannot hear speech or alarms better than with plain muffs
- No Bluetooth, AM/FM, or aux audio
- Real-world attenuation is lower than the 25 dB label once derated for fit
- Headband-only — not a cap-mount muff for hard-hat slots
- May be insufficient alone for very high steady-noise environments without dual protection
How It Compares
Within 3M's passive over-the-head lineup, NRR and bulk are the main trade-offs. This folding NRR 25 dB muff sits in the mid-protection range and adds the convenience of a fold-flat headband. If you need higher attenuation in a non-folding headband, a 3M PELTOR Optime 105-class muff steps up to roughly NRR 30 dB but is bulkier. For lighter, lower-profile coverage, an Optime 101-class muff (around NRR 27 dB) trades a little attenuation for reduced weight.
All of these are passive muffs — none amplify quiet sound or compress impulses. If situational awareness is the priority, an electronic muff such as the Howard Leight Impact Sport electronic ear muffs amplifies low-level sound and cuts loud spikes, while still only protecting to its own NRR. Compare every option in our best passive ear muffs guide before you buy.
Specifications
| Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) | 25 dB (ANSI S3.19, as labeled) |
| Technology | Passive (non-electronic) |
| Form factor | Over-the-head folding headband |
| Headband | Adjustable, padded for comfort |
| Amplification / impulse compression | None (passive) |
| Bluetooth / radio / aux | None |
| Cap-mount (hard-hat slot) compatible | No — headband model |
| Brand | 3M |
| Best use | Construction, grounds-keeping, range, general industrial noise |
Related Resources
ear muffs electronic ear muffs hearing protection noise-canceling headsets best passive ear muffs best electronic ear muffs ear plugs vs ear muffs how to calculate NRR what is NRR OSHA 1910.95
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NRR of the 3M folding ear muff?
It is labeled NRR 25 dB under ANSI S3.19. That is a laboratory rating — expect lower effective protection in real use once you derate for fit, hair, and glasses.
How much real-world protection does NRR 25 dB actually give?
Less than 25 dB. NIOSH recommends derating muffs (often by 25%), so plan on roughly 18-19 dB of effective attenuation. Use our guide on how to calculate the NRR you need to match it to your measured noise level.
Is this an electronic or passive ear muff?
It is fully passive. There are no microphones, no amplification, no impulse compression, and no Bluetooth or radio. It blocks noise mechanically up to its NRR. If you need to hear speech between loud bursts, choose electronic ear muffs instead.
Can I hear voices or range commands while wearing these?
Only as well as any plain muff allows — they muffle everything, including speech. They do not amplify quiet sound. For situational awareness, look at an electronic model such as the Howard Leight Impact Sport electronic ear muffs.
Does the headband really fold flat?
Yes. The folding over-the-head headband collapses for compact storage in a tool bag, glove box, or range bag, which is the main reason buyers choose this model over a fixed-headband muff.
Can I mount these on a hard hat?
No. This is an over-the-head headband muff, not a cap-mount model, so it does not fit hard-hat accessory slots. You would need a slotted cap-mount muff for hard-hat use.
Are these good for shooting at the range?
They work for steady range noise as a passive 25 dB muff, but offer no amplification for hearing commands. For high-caliber impulse noise, many shooters double up with ear plugs under the muffs. See our best passive ear muffs guide for options.
Will NRR 25 dB meet OSHA requirements?
It depends on your noise level. OSHA 1910.95 requires protection that brings your 8-hour time-weighted average below 85 dBA. Measure your exposure, apply the derated attenuation, and confirm the result. Read our OSHA 1910.95 overview for the rule.
Should I choose ear muffs or ear plugs?
Muffs are faster to don and doff and easier to fit consistently; plugs give higher attenuation and are cooler in heat. Our ear plugs vs ear muffs guide compares both for your environment.
Do these need batteries?
No. As a passive muff there is nothing to charge or replace — no batteries, no electronics. That is a reliability advantage on long shifts and in the field.
Are these dielectric (safe near electrical hazards)?
The product does not list a verified dielectric rating, so we do not claim one. If you need a non-conductive muff for electrical work, choose a model explicitly marked dielectric and confirm its specification.
Where can I buy the 3M folding ear muff?
Use the Amazon button on this page to check current price and availability. To compare ratings and styles first, browse our full hearing protection and ear muffs collections.
Written by Steven Eaton, WC Safety Editorial. Specifications sourced from 3M published data. Compare the range in hearing protection.
WC Safety is an independent PPE retailer and Amazon Associate; no paid placement. Match the product to your specific hazard and follow your site PPE program.
Brand / Vendor
3M
Model / SKU
90563H1-DC
Product Type
Earmuffs
Price
$10.99 (Amazon)
Rating
4.12 / 5 — 8 reviews
Availability
Check current availability on Amazon
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Verified Buyer Reviews
Customer Reviews
★★★★☆4.2 / 5· 207 ratings on Amazon
★★★★★
Reliable and trusted noise reduction
Excellent for guns or loud equipment
Verified Purchaser · June 5, 20 · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★★★★
Solid ear muffs
I was a little afraid of the build quality at the low price of ~$10, but I've been impressed so far. They've held up for a year or so and look no worse for wear. They seem to block noise well. They're roomy and comfortable.
Verified Purchaser · November 2 · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★★★★
Economical but also excellent quality…
These earmuffs are perfect for any loud environment, where noise reduction is important. They work well by themselves or with in the ear noise protection as well. They are comfortable and fit nicely, and are economical in price. You don’t lose any quality, you just purchase a great item at a great price.
Verified Purchaser · December 3 · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★★☆☆
NOT THE BEST HEARING PROTECTION
I bought 3 ear muffs at 3 price points and 3 listed noise reduction ratings. Here are the results of my real world test:3m Peltor X5, NNR 31 dB ($34): Far and above the best of the 3 tested ear muffs. Best noise reduction, period.Fnova, NRR 34 dB, ($15): Noticeably less noise reduction (at NNR 34dB) than the Peltor X5 (at 31 dB).3M Folding Earmuff, Black, NRR 25 dB, ($12): Noticeably less noise reduction (at NNR 25 dB) than the Fnova.Of these 3, If hearing protection is your goal, get the Peltor X5.
Verified Purchaser · May 27, 20 · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★★★☆
Good sound blocking
Did the job ! When we needed them too :)
Verified Purchaser · May 5, 202 · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★★★★
Does the job, simply stuff
It does perform from what it specifies in the description. Again, it's for simple use, not a very good isolation. The built is good, and are comfortable. Just, keep in mind if you wear glasses.
Verified Purchaser · October 24 · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★★★★
What? I can’t hear you now.
Great eye protection from 3M. Much better than anything I found at a big box store. I purchased for my wife to protect her hearing. She loves the noise reduction as well as the comfort.
Verified Purchaser · October 3, · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★☆☆☆☆
These would not even fit a child.
I had heard 3M was the brand to go with so I snapped these up on sale for Black Friday, but wow... They're terrible. I spent a solid minute trying to just get the ears oriented right, because the hinge on the ear cups moves so freely that they just kept flopping around and were hard to even put on. I was utterly bewildered when I figured out that they are not able to be resized or adjusted in any way. The band, which is misshapen out of the box, is very very tiny. It looks like you could extend it the way you would a pair of headphones. Instead, the vinyl/plastic sheath on the band just moved from side to side. My niece is four and these are smaller than her earmuffs; I physically cannot put these on my own adult-sized head, and I have a pretty small head. Even getting my hand in there to show the way they have very slight horizontal give but no vertical room was difficult. These aren't usable by anyone.
Verified Purchaser · December 1 · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
Showing 8 of 207 Amazon reviews.
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