You know a job site can get loud if you work in construction. Sometimes dangerously loud. Protecting your ears from loud noise on the job is vital. Earplugs or noise-canceling earmuffs will keep you safe, but where’s the fun in that?
A high-quality pair of earbuds at the work site can drown out the monotonous, headache-inducing noises of the construction site. At the same time, they allow you to listen to your favorite music, podcasts, and shows while also enabling you to take phone calls with complete clarity and audibility.
Here at Lit Headphones, we have the need-to-know info on the best earbuds for construction sites to help you make the best choice so your next work experience can be safe and enjoyable.
How to Choose Earbuds for Construction
The first and most important thing to consider when looking for construction site earbuds is safety. Osha standard 1910.95 states that workers regularly experiencing sounds of 85 decibels or more during an 8-hour work period must wear some type of protection for their hearing.
For example, the concrete saw, a common tool at most construction sites operates at roughly 115 decibels. Without the proper ear protection, operating a concrete saw on a regular basis can have detrimental effects on your hearing.
Decibels are the units of measurement for the severity of sound. The higher the number, the more intense the sound is; a safe decibel rate for adult ears is about 75.
While many employers will offer earplugs or headphones for safety purposes, workers who wear noise-canceling earbuds should be mindful of their noise reduction rating (NRR). Earbuds with a 25 NRR or more are best for worksites with frequent loud noises.
For additional protection, consider wearing noise-canceling earmuffs over your earbuds while working.
Interesting read – Can Earbuds Cause Neck Pain?
Construction Earbuds: What To Look For
Before you run out and buy a pair of earbuds, take the time to do some research. When you purchase a drill or a saw, hopefully, you check to ensure you have the tool that best suits your needs. Earbuds are another tool you take to the job with you, so choose them carefully.
With so many earbuds out there, it can be difficult to know where to start. There are numerous factors to consider when determining the best earbuds for construction workers, but you can start with the following:
- NRR: The noise reduction rating is the first thing you must consider when shopping for earbuds for construction sites. It is key to your peace of mind on the job site. A good NRR will assure safety while you work and enjoy your auditory entertainment.
- Life of battery: Days on the construction site are long. If your earbuds die on you in the middle of the day, it will feel even longer. Make sure the earbuds you purchase have a battery life that’s healthy enough to get you through the day.
- Water and dust resistance: Construction sites are messy and dirty, so you need a pair of earbuds that can handle your work environment. Sawdust, sand, and concrete can get into your earbuds and affect sound quality and function. Water and sweat are no strangers around a job site, and they can destroy your earbuds’ electrical components, making water-resistant earbuds ideal.
- Wireless headphones: This is a matter of opinion, but we feel that wireless or Bluetooth earplugs are best for construction sites. Wires can catch on things, which gets annoying. Wires dangling out of your ears can also pose a safety hazard.
- Reviews: Look at the reviews for any earbuds you consider buying. Professional critics (like us!) can be insightful and informative about the product. However, customer ratings are equally valuable since they take the earbuds out into everyday life and have a relatable perspective. If a pair of earbuds seems to meet all your requirements, but the reviews are bad, you should probably consider another option.
Related article – Where Is The Microphone On Earbuds?
Best Earbuds For Construction
Below is our list of the best earbuds for construction workers. In the end, it’s a matter of preference and taste.
ISOTUNES PRO 2.0
The ISOtunes Pro 2.0 tops this list because of its various safety features. These earbuds boast a 27 NRR, which is great for blocking out loud sounds from welding, working with saws, and other loud construction equipment.
This ISOtunes model comes with an automatic safety feature that prevents the earbuds from exceeding 85 decibels. The PRO 2.0 also has an impressive 16+ hour battery life.
Although Bluetooth compatible, these earbuds have a cord that connects them. The cord is just long enough to go across your neck, reducing the risk of snagging. This makes the earbuds harder to lose while on the job.
ISOTUNES FREE
These other ISOtunes earbuds are completely wireless and available in Saftey Yellow and Safety Green. The Safety Yellow model tops out automatically at 79 decibels, while the Safety Green will go as high as 85 dB.
The ISOtunes Free earbuds have over 7 hours of battery life. However, they come with a charging case that supplies three additional charges. This amounts to over 28 hours of battery life in total.
This model carries an NRR of 22, which is slightly lower than the ISOtunes PRO 2.0. If your work site tends to be louder than most, this is something to consider.
PLUGFONES LIBERATE 2.0
Plugfones earbuds cost less than ISOtunes while still being high quality. The Liberate 2.0 earbuds come with two kinds of tips: foam and silicone. The foam tips have an NRR of 29, while the silicone tips have an NRR of 27.
The battery life of the Liberate 2.0 earbuds is 12 hours with a fast recharge rate. The noise isolation microphone uses smart technology to eliminate the sounds around you, so machines, high winds, or noisy co-workers don’t find their way into your phone call.
MIPEACE BLUETOOTH EARPLUG EARBUDS
These Mipeace headphones are perfect for construction sites because of their noise-canceling ability. They have an NRR of 29 dB, which makes them ideal for the noisest job sites. These earbuds are not wireless, but they do have a nice neckband that keeps the connecting wire out of your way.
The Mipeace earplug headphones are user-friendly, with a Bluetooth range of 33 feet and buttons and controls you can use without difficulty while wearing gloves. The battery life on these earbuds is 16 hours or more. However, the sound quality is not as good, so they are cheaper than most other brands.
PLUGFONES BASIC PRO EARPLUG-EARBUDS HYBRID
These Plugfones earbuds are cheaper than most other options on this list, but they are still high quality. Unlike the Liberate 2.0, the Basic Pro earbuds have one set of silicone tips that have a similar design to common earplugs.
The battery life is about ten hours for these earbuds, while the Liberate 2.0 should have 12-hour battery life. Many customers complain that the Liberate 2.0 rarely lasts 12 hours, making this difference less relevant when choosing between the two Plugfone models.
Like the Liberate 2.0, the Basic Pro has the QuickCharge option with the noise isolation microphone. The Basic Pro is also a fraction of the price of the Liberate 2.0 but with a higher rating. If the foam earbud tips do not matter to you, the Basic Pro may be the better value.
Conclusion
There are many different kinds of headphones and earbuds on the market today. The only way to get what you really need is to do your research and be diligent. The perfect earbuds for one online reviewer or another may not suit your needs.
There is no one right answer for which devices are the best earbuds for construction sites. Only you know if your work site gets wetter or louder than others.
If noise is your primary concern, the Mipeace Bluetooth Earplug earbuds have the highest NRR we could find. If you’re looking for the best sound quality, ISOtunes may be the brand for you.
You may also like to read Are Earbuds Good For Gaming? or What Is The Difference Between IEMs And Normal Earbuds?
