Besides fast cars, one of the most exciting things about watching Formula 1 live is the noise. And what a noise. As wonderful as those engines sound, the noise can become overwhelming and quite detrimental to your hearing. Enter the role of ear protection.
Amazon offers a wide array of F1-appropriate ear protection, be it earmuffs, earplugs, or a combination of both. You will be able to find the correct ear protection to suit you so that you can watch as much Formula 1 as you want in comfort and without the worry of hearing damage.
Below we look at the top picks currently available and have made your choices that much easier by giving you a comprehensive breakdown of what you can expect in terms of specs, style, comfort, and most importantly, safety.
If you’re looking for some F1 merchandise, check out the awesome stuff at the official F1 store here.
1. ACOUFUN Official Formula 1 Earplugs
Starting with an obvious choice for any Formula 1 fan, if you watch the F1 live, you may as well do it kitted out in F1 gear. The ACOUFUN official Formula 1 earplugs have been made by Alpine Hearing Protection in partnership with F1, specifically to combat the potential damage that can occur to your ears due to the high levels of noise found at the F1 Grand Prix.
These are the official F1 earplugs. Thanks to over 25 years of research and development by Alpine Hearing Protection, the ACOUFIN official Formula 1 earplugs have been tried and tested in F1 conditions where noises can reach peaks of 140 decibels.
The ACOUFUN official Formula 1 earplugs have been proven to provide a noise reduction of 30 dB SNR bringing the noise exposure down to within safe limits.
The ACOUFUN Official Formula 1 ear plugs have been made following US Regulations, so you know your ears are being cared for.
The ACOUFIN official Formula 1 earplugs are made from silicone and are comfortable and reusable, with up to 100 uses, making them a sustainable option. The earplugs are hypoallergenic and made to fit adult ears.
These earplugs come in their own easy-to-tote stylish F1 carry pod, with a key chain fitting for ease of use. The ACOUFUN official F1 earplugs also come with a handy fitted cord to ensure you won’t lose them. The in-ear section is a see-through silicone, and the outer section comes in a transparent red color. As far as ear plugs go, these are good-looking.
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Pros
- These earplugs are stylish and a great option for the total F1 fan.
- In terms of comfort, these are great, and the silicone bud can be kept in for hours without discomfort.
- With over 100 uses, they are long-lasting.
- Hypoallergenic making then suitable for everyone.
- Small and discreet.
Cons
- These only come in one adult size, medium.
2. 3M Peltor Sport Bull’s Eye Hearing Protector
The Peltor Sport Bull’s Eye is one of many offerings from 3M in the earmuff variety. Earmuffs are a good alternative to in-ear protection for those who find earplugs uncomfortable.
The Peltor Sport Bull’s Eye is a passive hearing protection earmuff that comes in three noise reduction protection options, 24 dB, 27 dB, and 30 dB. All three would be viable options for attending F1 Grand Prix, but with the 30 dB, you can be sure to have maximum protection, which will be necessary, especially if your seats are close to the action.
This is a simple, clean-cut, and classic earmuff that allows for adjustment to fit your head type. It weighs under a pound and has foam ear cushions for extended comfort during wear.
The muff casings are plastic, meaning they can take a few knocks, and the color is a muted grey and black.
To improve the wear-ability, the earmuffs have a vented headband design to help mitigate overheating. This will also make the muff much more versatile when wearing caps or hats. As these come in one size, the headband serves to expand or contract to help the earmuffs fit you best.
The Peltor Sport Bull’s Eye can also be used on the gun range and have space within the muff for wearing ear pieces or additional earplugs if you so wish, although their protection is enough to dispense with doubling up.
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Pros
- Comfortable.
- Lightweight.
- One size fits all.
- Multi-use.
Cons
- These don’t fit well with large framed glasses, so either ditch the specs or opt for a thin metal frame.
3. Alpine Hearing Protection Muffy Earmuffs
Watching F1 can often be a family affair, and Alpine has created this great kid-friendly option in ear protection. The Alpine Hearing Protection Muffy Earmuffs come in various fun colors, including green, blue, mint, pink, and yellow, to suit every little personality.
Muffy Earmuffs are made of soft, sustainable, hypoallergenic material, so you won’t need to worry about allergic reactions. The Muffy Earmuffs are also silicone-free.
These super lightweight earmuffs provide protection of 28 Db NSR, making them great for watching F1 amongst other events.
They have specifically designed to fit a child’s head and have an adjustable headband to allow for a comfortable but secure fit. And they are easy to clean as we all know how grubby little hands can get.
The Muffy Earmuff can be used by children from ages 3-16 and come with a useful carry bag to keep them safe when not in use.
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Pros
- Lightweight and comfortable.
- Easy to clean.
- Multiple color options.
- Adjustable headband.
- Adults with smaller heads can use them too.
- They can be worn with glasses.
Cons
- You must ensure the headband is properly adjusted for full protection.
4. ISOtunes Pro Aware Hearing Protection
If you’re not worried about spending a bit extra, the ISOtunes Pro Aware earbuds are a great multi-functional option when it comes to hearing protection.
The ISOtunes Pro Aware has Bluetooth connectivity allowing you to listen to music or take calls while giving adequate noise-canceling protection of a 26 Db NSR. So if you want to add a soundtrack to your F1 experience, these earbuds will be a great choice.
The earbuds have rechargeable lithium batteries that give you up to 10 hours of battery life, giving you more than enough power time for a Grand Prix viewing.
These earbuds have a great noise suppression and amplification feature in that, if turned up, you can amplify certain sounds, but if you turn it off, the earbuds work like passive noise isolating earphones. So, if you ever find that you need to take a work call while attending a Grand Prix, all the loud noise can be blocked out.
The ISOtunes Pro Aware is made to handle most environments providing sweat, water, and dust resistance. And it comes with several size options of both silicone and foam tips to ensure you will find the most comfortable fit.
The design is simple and relatively sleek.
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Pros
- Unobtrusive, in-ear buds.
- Foam and silicone bud tip options for comfort.
- Rechargeable with 10-hour battery life.
- Sweat, water, and dust resistant.
- An aware function can allow hearing while drowning out ambient sound.
Cons
- It’s on the pricier side, but in all, it is worth the cost.
- They should be handled with care as the area between the cord and the earpiece is fragile.
5. Alpine WorkSafe Ear Protection Earplugs
Another offering from Alpine is the Alpine WorkSafe Ear Protection Earplugs have been specifically designed for use on Construction sites where loud noises are an ongoing and daily occurrence.
Made to US Regulations and having a 27 dB SNR, these ear plugs will keep your ears well protected from loud noise.
Made from Alpine Thermoshape material, these earplugs are made for long-term usage, ensuring you will have the best possible comfort regardless of conditions. The Thermoshape material is hypoallergenic and silicone free and molds itself to the shape of your ear, meaning maximum comfort and fit. These earplugs can be used many times before needing replacement.
As the Alpine WorkSafe earplugs are made for work environments, they will filter out the louder, more dangerous noise levels while still allowing you to hear conversations and warning alarms.
The earplugs come in a handy carry case and a cord attachment to make it easier to hold on to the earbuds when you take them out. A lengthened stem makes the earplugs much easier to insert and remove, which is useful in the cold when you’re wearing gloves.
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Pros
- Great price.
- Comfortable.
- Reusable.
- Safety cord and carry case.
Cons
- You need to give them a bit of time to mold to your ear, but once they fit, then they are very comfy.
- The safety cord is a bit thin and light so if you take the earplugs out, keep an eye on it.
6. Walker’s Razor Slim Passive Earmuffs Ultra Low Profile
Walker’s offers a really well-priced low-profile earmuff known as the Walker’s Razor Slim Passive Earmuff. These have an NSR 27 dB protection, so they should be suitable for use at an F1 Grand Prix.
A great feature of this earmuff is its low profile, and they are as unobtrusive as an earmuff can get with a wonderfully slim design that doesn’t skimp on protection. The Razor Slim is lightweight and comfortable with rubberized ear cups within a composite housing, meaning long periods of wear will not be an issue.
The adjustable frame is made up of metal wire within a comfortable headband, and the whole folds up into a lovely compact unit for ease of storage.
The Walker’s Razor Slim Passive earmuff also comes in a whole range of colors and designs, allowing you a variety of choices.
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Pros
- Amazing price.
- Reusable.
- Slim low profile fit.
- Compact.
Cons
- These need to be broken in, as they initially feel tight.
- Best to dry-clean when trying to remove sweat.
7. Zohan EM030 Kids Hearing Protection Safety Earmuffs
Another option for the kids (and the folks with smaller heads), the Zohan EM030 earmuffs are a colorful and fun take on protective earmuffs.
Made with children in mind, Zohan offers bright and decorative options, including a unicorn, rap, music notes, skulls, nebula, and graffiti motifs, so there should be a match there for everyone.
The Zohan EM030 earmuff fits children from toddler age through to early teens, thanks to their adjustable padded headbands. The materials are lightweight and comfy, using ultra foam ear pads to ensure a comfortable fit.
The earmuff is free of PVC as well as silicone and BPA. The foldable compact design means the earmuff is both easy to transport and store, and it comes with a travel bag.
With the protection of up to 22 dB NRR, the Zohan EM030 earmuff is just within safe parameters for wear for F1. As an additional safety precaution, these earmuffs come with no metal or loose parts reducing possible choking hazards.
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![ZOHAN EM030 [Upgraded] Kids Hearing Protection Safety Earmuffs | Adjustable Ear Defenders Fit for Toddlers, Children and Young Teens - Graffiti Pattern](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51Lv7SS-j9L._SL160_.jpg)
Pros
- Lightweight and compact.
- Great noise canceling.
- Fun and cute design and color options.
- Great price.
Cons
- Difficult and uncomfortable to wear with glasses.
8. Mack’s Ultra Soft Foam Earplugs
These are easily one of the most cost-friendly forms of ear protection available. With an NRR of 33 dB, they are also highly effective in keeping your ears safe from the dangerous sound levels likely to be encountered when watching Formula 1.
Mack’s Ultra Soft Foam earplugs are in-ear plugs that come in packs of 50 pairs. They are not reusable.
The earplugs are made of a polyurethane Comfy Cush Comfort Foam that has low pressure and slow-release properties to allow the earplugs to comfortably fit your ears.
Ergonomically shaped with a taper towards the ear canal, they also assist in ensuring you have the most comfortable user experience. Mack’s Ultra Soft Foam earplugs come in a single size, with other offerings in the same brand available for those requiring smaller sizes.
These are incredibly light, and you will barely notice you have them in apart from the noise reduction.
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Pros
- Comfortable.
- Very lightweight.
- Really low price.
Cons
- With no cord, they are easy to lose.
- Not ideal for small children due to the choking hazard.
- You need to be sure you have inserted them properly, or they will fall out.
9. Decibel Defense Professional Safety Earmuffs
Decibel Defense has the highest safety rating at 37 dB NRR, making them a great option for attending F1 Grand Prix, particularly if you know you will be seated close to the track.
These are great for the whole family from age 4 and up, making them a great investment as they last well. They also come in regular and extra-large, so you are guaranteed to find the right fit.
The Decibel Defense Professional Safety earmuffs are lightweight and foldable for easy use and storage. The adjustable headband is padded and helps to ensure a good fit.
These earmuffs come in a variety of solid colors that are pretty bright, but they also come in black if you prefer a simpler look.
Pros
- Well priced.
- Comfortable.
- Multiple color options are available.
- High protection rating.
Cons
- You need to get the fit just right for optimal protection.
10. Caldwell E-Max Shadows Pro
Offering a more discreet but high-tech form of ear protection, the Caldwell E-Max Shadows Pro is another Bluetooth-enabled in-ear earbud that offers both hearing protection and ambient sound amplification.
Although specifically designed for the shooting range, they can also serve for use at the F1 track, so if shooting is also one of your hobbies, these are a great option as they offer that versatility.
Again, the tech makes it much more costly, but if you can afford it, it’s a great option for saving your hearing while watching F1. The earbuds offer 25 dB NRR protection, and with the multiple tip size options, you can be sure of a good fit for maximum noise cancellation.
The buds have a super-compact design, which will fit snugly in your ears. The carry case is also the charging port and offers a visual indication of the charging levels of each earpiece as well as the charger itself, so you will never be in doubt about how much power your earbuds have.
The buds have control functions on each earpiece, allowing you to control your volume and ambient sounds with ease and with no threat of clipping. The Caldwell E-Max Shadows Pro also comes with an optional lanyard which makes it easy to keep them on standby around your neck when not in immediate use. It’s also a useful extra to help you keep them safe from accidental loss.
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Pros
- Discreet and stylish design.
- Bluetooth connectivity.
- Volume and ambient sound control on the pieces.
- The carry case and charger conveniently come as one.
- The charging status is visually indicated on the case.
- Optional lanyard for ease of use and safety.
- Lifetime warranty from Caldwell.
Cons
- Only water-resistant, so not an option for bad weather Grand Prix’s unless you’re properly wrapped up.
11. Etymotic Research ER20XS High-Fidelity Earplugs
This is another very well-priced earplug that is simple, understated, but highly effective at giving your ears the protection they deserve. They offer a 20-30 dB sound reduction.
The Etymotic Research ER0XS High-Fidelity earplugs are super discreet – almost invisible as they have a new and revolutionary stemless design with parts that may be visible being transparent. But not to worry, they do come with a small removal tag to ensure you can still get them safely out of your ears once you no longer need them.
The inner ear tips are made of 3 flange silicone and are replaceable, so you can reuse the device as often as you need. Remember to change your tips every 3-6 months if they get used a lot. This will ensure that the tip maintains adequate elasticity to keep your ears safe. The tips are easily cleanable with a damp cloth.
If you are still looking to experience the sounds of F1 but safely, these are perfect for you as the Etymotic Research ER02XS subdue sounds to a safe level but ensure that you can still have perfect natural-sounding clarity of hearing simultaneously. And let’s face it, the zoom is what F1 is all about.
These earplugs come with a useful carry case and a safety lanyard to make them much easier to use.
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Pros
- Simple and discreet.
- Multi-wear use.
- Replaceable ear tips.
- Convenient carry case and safety lanyard.
Cons
- Not hypoallergenic, so if you have known silicone allergies, give these a miss.
12. ProCase Noise Reduction Safety Ear Muffs
ProCase provides you with another ear muff option that is super cost-effective. The ProCase Noise Reduction Safety earmuffs are a great option for ear protection. They fit most heads from children through to adults and come with an ergonomic adjustable headband that provides amazing comfort.
The shell is solid ABS with comfort padding and thick, soft foam for noise reduction. Each ear casing can rotate 360°, meaning you can get them to fit at exactly the right angle on your head for maximum comfort and protection.
The ear muffs provide up to a 28 dB protection NRR rating. They come in a number of color options, although prices may vary.
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Pros
- Nice price.
- Color options are available.
- Hardy build.
Cons
- Bulky profile.
Conclusion
Regardless of what your requirements are, Amazon has the best F1 ear protection selection available. You will be able to find anything from simple in-ear buds to tech-integrated buds and muffs of every variety.
Amazon has both adults and children covered when it comes to F1 ear protection, and the options on offer are large enough for everyone to fit their best fit for both their physical needs and preferred fashion style.
