As an Amazon Associate and eBay Partner, toptenpick.com earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are subject to change.
NASCAR grandstands and pit-road viewing areas can be extremely loud, so choose hearing protection by its labelled NRR, how it seals on your head or in your ear, and whether you need to hear a scanner or speak with companions. An NRR is a laboratory rating, not a promise of the reduction any individual will receive; fit, glasses, hair and wearing time matter. Passive earplugs are the simplest option, while scanner headphones and communication headsets combine hearing protection with audio. For a long, loud event, many people use properly fitted plugs under earmuffs or a purpose-built race headset, but follow each maker’s instructions and do not assume ratings simply add together.
| # | Product | Price | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Encon NASCAR Comfort Earmuff (31EAR5002N) | $22.80 | Amazon |
| 2 | 3M E-A-R Pistonz NASCAR Earplugs (P1401) | $10–$25 | Amazon |
| 3 | EAROS x Hendrick Motorsports Earplugs | $50.00 | Amazon · eBay |
| 4 | Racing Electronics RE-58 Platinum Stereo Headphones | $99.95 | Amazon · eBay |
| 5 | Racing Electronics RE-58BT Bluetooth Platinum Headphones | $124.95 | Amazon · eBay |
| 6 | Rugged Radios H20/H40 Listen-Only Headset | $75.00 | Amazon |
| 7 | Rugged Radios H41 Behind-the-Head Headset (H41-CF-V2) | $109.00 | Amazon · eBay |
| 8 | 3M PELTOR Optime 105 H10A Earmuffs | $25–$45 | Amazon · eBay |
| 9 | 3M PELTOR X5A Earmuffs | $35–$60 | Amazon · eBay |
| 10 | Howard Leight Leightning L3 Passive Earmuff | $43.25 | Amazon · eBay |
| 11 | Moldex SparkPlugs Foam Earplugs (6604) | $45–$55 per 200 pairs | Amazon · eBay |
The picks, in detail
Encon NASCAR Comfort Earmuff (31EAR5002N)
A NASCAR-licensed passive earmuff with folding headband for a spectator who wants a simple, no-radio over-ear option.
- earmuff
- NRR 26 dB
- folding padded headband
- Official NASCAR product family
- List price published
- No scanner audio
- Seal can be affected by glasses
3M E-A-R Pistonz NASCAR Earplugs (P1401)
Corded push-to-fit foam plugs officially licensed for NASCAR, with a stiff insertion stem and soft cylindrical foam tip.
- earplug
- NRR 29 dB
- corded push-to-fit foam
- Does not interfere with a scanner headset
- Stem avoids rolling foam between fingers
- Correct insertion is essential
- No audio or communication
EAROS x Hendrick Motorsports Earplugs
Reusable racing-themed earplugs for a fan who prefers a low-profile in-ear design rather than a headband.
- earplug
- NRR 20 dB
- reusable in-ear design
- Hendrick Motorsports editions
- Compact for all-day carry
- Lower labelled NRR than the foam-plug picks
- Fit is personal
Racing Electronics RE-58 Platinum Stereo Headphones
A behind-the-head scanner headphone with volume control and a stereo connection for compatible race scanners.
- scanner headphone earmuff
- NRR 25 dB
- behind-the-head strap and stereo plug
- Built for race-day scanner listening
- One-year warranty
- Older RE1000/RE3000 scanners may need the RE-20 adapter
- Not an intercom headset
Racing Electronics RE-58BT Bluetooth Platinum Headphones
The Bluetooth version of Racing Electronics’ behind-the-head headphone, intended to pair wirelessly with the RE4000 scanner.
- scanner headphone earmuff
- NRR 25 dB
- Bluetooth and 9V battery
- Wireless scanner pairing
- Adjustable behind-the-head strap
- 9V battery not included
- Bluetooth feature depends on the source device
Rugged Radios H20/H40 Listen-Only Headset
A scanner or race-receiver headset sold in over-the-head H20 and behind-the-head H40 configurations, each with a 3.5 mm mono coiled lead.
- scanner headset earmuff
- NRR 24 dB
- 3.5 mm mono, H20 or H40 fit
- No batteries or charging
- Volume knob on the headset
- Listen-only—no talk-back microphone
- Mono lead must match the receiver
Rugged Radios H41 Behind-the-Head Headset (H41-CF-V2)
A behind-the-head two-way-radio headset with dynamic noise-cancelling microphone, 3.5 mm scanner input and five-pin radio port.
- radio headset earmuff
- NRR 24 dB
- 5-pin radio port and 3.5 mm input
- Microphone and push-to-talk capable with the right cable
- Behind-the-head fit works with many hats
- Requires a radio-specific jumper cable
- Not a standalone scanner
3M PELTOR Optime 105 H10A Earmuffs
A red-and-black over-the-head passive earmuff with a labelled 30 dB NRR and a conventional headband seal.
- earmuff
- NRR 30 dB
- over-the-head H10A headband
- High passive rating
- No batteries or receiver required
- No audio input
- Bulky for some hats
3M PELTOR X5A Earmuffs
A high-attenuation passive headband earmuff; use it when scanner audio is not required and headband clearance is acceptable.
- earmuff
- NRR 31 dB
- X-series headband
- One of 3M’s highest-labelled passive NRR options
- Simple dedicated hearing protector
- No scanner or radio connection
- Large cups can conflict with eyewear or headwear
Howard Leight Leightning L3 Passive Earmuff
A passive over-ear design with telescopic steel-wire headband adjustment, replaceable snap-in cushions and Air Flow Control construction.
- earmuff
- NRR 30 dB
- telescopic padded headband
- Manufacturer MSRP published
- Cushions are replaceable
- No scanner audio
- Headband seal must sit flat
Moldex SparkPlugs Foam Earplugs (6604)
Disposable tapered foam plugs with a 33 dB NRR; a compact choice to wear alone or, where appropriate, beneath an over-ear protector.
- earplug
- NRR 33 dB
- extra-soft low-pressure foam
- High labelled NRR
- Easy to pack spares for a group
- Disposable
- Correct insertion still determines the seal
Buying tips
- Use the labelled NRR as a comparison tool, not a guarantee; a poor plug insertion or broken earmuff seal changes the result.
- If you want race radio, match the headphone plug or Bluetooth feature to the exact scanner or receiver you will carry.
- For very loud areas, consider properly fitted plugs plus compatible earmuffs or a race headset, following the manufacturers’ instructions for dual protection.
As an Amazon Associate and eBay Partner, toptenpick.com earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are subject to change.