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Safety Works SWX00115 Foldable Ear Muffs - NRR 27 dB (Black)
$19.81
Final price set by Amazon · may vary
EDITORIAL REVIEW: 4.5/5 WC Safety Review — Safety Works SWX00115 Foldable earmuffs, Black Editorial assessment by the WC Safety Editorial Team, based on published Safety specifications and category fit. We did not...
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EDITORIAL REVIEW: 4.5/5 WC Safety Review — Safety Works SWX00115 Foldable earmuffs, Black
Editorial assessment by the WC Safety Editorial Team, based on published Safety specifications and category fit. We did not laboratory-test this product.
Safety Works SWX00115 Foldable Ear Muffs - NRR 27 dB (Black) Overview
The Safety Works SWX00115 is a passive, over-the-head ear muff rated NRR 27 dB under ANSI S3.19. Its defining feature is a collapsible headband that folds the cups inward so the unit stows flat in a tool box, range bag, or glove compartment without sacrificing cup coverage. This is a no-electronics muff: there is no Bluetooth, radio, or sound amplification, so attenuation is purely passive and consistent every time you put it on.
Treat the printed NRR 27 as a laboratory ceiling, not a field guarantee. NIOSH recommends derating a muff's NRR by 25%, which puts the SWX00115 near 20 dB of real-world protection; OSHA's 29 CFR 1910.95 method subtracts 7 dB then halves the remainder. If you are unsure whether 27 dB is enough for your exposure, run your dose through our how to calculate the NRR you need walkthrough before you buy.
This muff fits buyers who want grab-and-go hearing protection that disappears into a bag between uses: occasional range trips, lawn and yard equipment, power tools, and shop work in the 85-100 dB range. If you need a stationary muff for a fixed bench or want amplification to hear range commands and conversation, see the alternatives in the comparison and specs below.
What It Is Built For
| Use case | Fit | Buyer guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Range / outdoor shooting (occasional) | Good | NRR 27 (derated ~20 dB) covers most pistol and rifle sessions; folds into a range bag. For hearing range commands, an electronic muff is better. |
| Lawn care, mowers, leaf blowers | Strong | 85-100 dB yard equipment sits well within the derated rating; the fold-flat headband stores in a garage drawer between jobs. |
| Power tools / home shop | Strong | Routers, table saws, and impact tools fall under the effective attenuation; passive design means no batteries to die mid-task. |
| Industrial 8-hour shift near 95-100 dB | Fair | Acceptable if a dosimeter confirms NRR 27 is enough after derate; for higher TWA exposures consider dual protection or a higher-rated muff. |
| Hard hat / cap-mounted work | Poor | This is an over-the-head headband muff, not a cap-mount unit. Use a cap-mount earmuff designed to clip into hard-hat slots. |
| Hearing range commands or conversation | Poor | Passive muffs block all sound equally. Choose an electronic muff that amplifies quiet sound and compresses gunshots while still protecting to its NRR. |
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 NRR 27 dB (ANSI S3.19) with no batteries, pairing, or electronics to fail
- Folding headband collapses flat for tool boxes, range bags, and glove compartments
- Over-the-head design seals consistently every wear, no fitting curve like plugs
- Budget-friendly grab-and-go protection for yard work, shop, and occasional range use
- Adjustable headband accommodates a range of head sizes
Cons
- NRR 27 is a lab ceiling; real-world protection is closer to ~20 dB after NIOSH/OSHA derate
- Passive only - no amplification, so it blocks speech and range commands along with noise
- Over-the-head only; not compatible with hard-hat cap-mount slots
- Folding hinge adds wear points versus a one-piece industrial muff for all-day daily use
- Cup depth and clamp may feel tight over long continuous shifts
How It Compares
Within passive folding muffs, the SWX00115's NRR 27 is competitive but mid-pack. The Radians Def-Guard 23 earmuff trades a few dB for a different fit, while the Moldex MX-6 over-the-head earmuff is a non-folding industrial alternative for fixed-station use. If you want to compare ratings across the passive field, see our best passive ear muffs guide.
If you need to hear range commands or conversation between shots, step up to an electronic ear muff such as the Howard Leight Impact Sport electronic ear muffs - electronic muffs amplify quiet sound and compress loud impulses but still only protect to their printed NRR, not beyond it. Unsure whether muffs or plugs suit your task? Our ear plugs vs ear muffs breakdown covers the trade-offs.
Specifications
| Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) | 27 dB (ANSI S3.19) |
| Technology | Passive (no electronics, amplification, radio, or Bluetooth) |
| Form factor | Over-the-head, folding headband |
| Cap-mount compatible | No - headband style only, not for hard-hat slots |
| Color | Black |
| Model | Safety Works SWX00115 |
| Standard reference | OSHA 29 CFR 1910.95 hearing conservation |
| Best for | Occasional range, yard equipment, power tools, shop work |
| Power | None required (no batteries) |
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 Safety Works SWX00115?
It is rated NRR 27 dB under ANSI S3.19. That figure is a laboratory ceiling; after the NIOSH 25% derate, plan on roughly 20 dB of real-world protection.
Is the SWX00115 a passive or electronic ear muff?
It is a passive muff. There is no amplification, AM/FM radio, or Bluetooth - attenuation comes purely from the cups and seals, so there are no batteries to maintain and the protection is consistent every wear.
Will these let me hear range commands or conversation?
No. As a passive muff, it blocks speech and ambient sound along with the noise. If you need to hear commands between shots, choose an electronic ear muff that amplifies quiet sound and compresses loud impulses while still protecting to its NRR.
Is NRR 27 enough for shooting?
For most outdoor pistol and rifle sessions, an NRR 27 muff (derated near 20 dB) is reasonable. For indoor ranges or magnum loads, many shooters double up with plugs under the muffs. Use our how to calculate the NRR you need guide to confirm for your setup.
Why is real-world protection lower than the printed 27 dB?
Lab NRR is measured under ideal conditions. NIOSH recommends derating muffs by 25% (to ~20 dB here), and OSHA's 1910.95 method subtracts 7 dB then halves the remainder. Fit, hair, and glasses arms further reduce the seal in the field.
Does the SWX00115 fold for storage?
Yes - the headband collapses the cups inward so the unit folds flat. That makes it easy to drop into a tool box, range bag, or glove compartment between uses, which is its main advantage over a one-piece muff.
Can I attach these to a hard hat?
No. This is an over-the-head headband muff, not a cap-mount model. Hard-hat use requires a cap-mount earmuff with arms designed to clip into the helmet's accessory slots.
Does it meet OSHA hearing protection requirements?
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.95 requires hearing protection once an employee's 8-hour TWA reaches 85 dB. The SWX00115's NRR 27 can satisfy that for many exposures, but you must confirm the derated attenuation covers your measured noise dose.
How does it compare to the Moldex MX-6?
The Moldex MX-6 is a non-folding over-the-head industrial muff suited to a fixed bench, while the SWX00115 trades a one-piece build for fold-flat portability. Choose based on whether storage portability or all-day stationary wear matters more.
Should I pick muffs or ear plugs for this job?
Muffs are faster to put on and off and seal consistently; plugs offer higher ratings in a smaller package and work under hard hats. Our ear plugs vs ear muffs guide breaks down which fits your task and exposure.
Does it need batteries?
No. It is fully passive, so there is nothing to charge or replace. That is an advantage for grab-and-go use where a dead battery on an electronic muff would leave you unprotected.
Is one muff enough or should I double up with plugs?
For exposures comfortably under the derated rating, the muff alone is enough. For very loud impulse noise or high sustained levels, combining plugs and muffs adds protection - but the combined NRR is not simply the sum; add about 5 dB to the higher-rated device.
Written by Steven Eaton, WC Safety Editorial. Specifications sourced from Safety 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
Safety
Model / SKU
SWX00115
Product Type
Earmuffs
Price
$19.81 (Amazon)
Rating
4.86 / 5 — 7 reviews
Availability
Check current availability on Amazon
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Verified Buyer Reviews
Customer Reviews
★★★★☆4.5 / 5· 18 ratings on Amazon
★★★★★
They work great!
Nice noise cancelling ear protection piece - works well for my job. They don't completely cancel out all of the noise, but wearing them and then not wearing them, there is a HUGE difference! They were a bit stiff the first couple of times I wore them, but not to the point they were uncomfortable. The color is nice, and I appreciate the fact that they are adjustable (for those of us who have a bigger head.) I'm very happy with my purchase - feels good to be able to protect my ears and hearing for a reasonable price.
Verified Purchaser · December 1 · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★★★★
Effective sound protection and comfortable fit.
I had a pair for years and broke them across the top band (that connects the two ear pieces). I just bought a new pair and the fit is still like my old ones. There is enough room under the top band to wear a ball cap or knit hat while I’m blowing leaves or doing lawn work.
Verified Purchaser · December 1 · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★★★★
Very nice product
These work really well
Verified Purchaser · August 23, · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★★★★
Good for big head
Fits my big noggin well without even opening all the way
Verified Purchaser · July 11, 2 · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★★★☆
Great noise reduction for a fair price!
These are great for the price, they help alot with noise reduction. Highly recommend for sure. I'm giving them 4/5 stars only because I recieved a different color set than what was shown or described, if I liked the color it would of been 5 but I preferred the grey.
Verified Purchaser · August 28, · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★★★★
Good buy
Really nice for the price. Already have 50% hearing loss so need to protect what I have. I use for lawn mowing and weed eating around home .
Verified Purchaser · June 24, 2 · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★★★★
Perfect
Perfect for the work we use them for.
Verified Purchaser · August 4, · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
Showing 7 of 18 Amazon reviews.
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