It’s easy to forget to put on a warming headband or a pair of earmuffs while you’re getting ready to leave the house on a particularly cold winter day. Our ears regrettably become an afterthought since we are nearly always more concerned with keeping our bodies and legs warm and covered. This is why it’s so crucial to wear a really nice pair of earwarmers, headbands, or earmuffs.
I asked several winter clothing and travel specialists for advice in order to locate the best earmuffs, and they clarified the factors to consider before making a purchase.
GO Ahead and SkipHow did I choose the greatest earmuffs? Why should I trust NBC Select?
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Best overall earmuffsMaxw Collection Wool Ear Muffs
$25.99$28.99Amazon
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Best behind-the-head earmuffsDegrees Behind-the-Head Winter Ear Warmers
$24.99$30.00Amazon
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Best for runningLululemon Fast and Free Running Ear Warmer
$28.00$28.00Lululemon
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Best faux fur ear warmerAlo Faux Fur Ear Warmer
$58.00$58.00Alo
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How I picked the best earmuffs
Experts suggest the following factors to take into account when selecting a suitable pair of earmuffs or an ear-warming headband:
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Material:
As with most winter apparel, it s important to prioritize earmuffs made from a warm, soft and overall comfortable material, such as wool, faux fur or fleece. If possible, it s also good to consider earmuffs, headbands and warmers with two layers. Look for a soft material that provides enough warmth for the environment, says Kari Swindle, a children s wear buyer atREI
. Double-layer hats will provide warmth in more extreme cold temps. I made sure to include earmuffs made from the materials mentioned above in this roundup.
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Adjustability and shape:
Additionally, a good pair of earmuffs often has adjustable features, such as being collapsible or having a headband with a customizable length. Adjustability makes it easier to keep the earmuffs secure on your head, whether you re wearing them for everyday activities or while running or exercising. I included several earmuffs, headbands and ear warmers with adjustable features in this list.
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Top-rated earmuffs, ear warmers and headbands for winter
Based on at least 500 reviews on Amazon or at least 50 reviews on the websites of their individual brands, every earmuff on this list has an average rating of at least four stars. I also included staff recommendations from NBC Select that I and my colleagues have personally used.
Maxw Collection Wool Ear Muffs
Maxw Collection Wool Ear Muffs
- Soft fuzzy material
- Warm wool lining
- Foldable
- Hand wash only
The inside of the headband and each of the ear cups of these earmuffs, which have 1,151 reviews and an average rating of four stars on Amazon, are lined with fuzzy wool. Suede, which comes in a variety of hues, covers the exterior. According to the company, the wool lining provides warmth, making them ideal for daily use or for other wintertime activities like walking or running. Additionally, the ear cups fold inward, making it simple to disassemble and store in a bag or backpack.
Degrees Behind-the-Head Winter Ear Warmers
Degrees Behind-the-Head Winter Ear Warmers
- Simple design
- Fully collapsible
- Several styles available
- Only one size
According to the makers, these ear warmers are completely foldable, so if you want a behind-the-head look, give them a try. The earmuffs, which have an overall simple design and a 4.6-star average rating based on 7,852 reviews on Amazon, are perfect for people who don’t want to mess up their hair while wearing them or who prefer a winter accessory that doesn’t fit over their head.
Lululemon Fast and Free Running Ear Warmer
Lululemon Fast and Free Running Ear Warmer
- Ideal for running
- Fleece-based material
- Sweat-repellent
- Not as thick as an earmuff
The Lululemon Fast and Free band is one of the greatest choices for runners and athletes who wish to stay warm outside, even if it is technically an ear-warming headband rather than an earmuff. In contrast to a thicker, fluffy, wool-lined earmuff, this one features a thin, fleece-based texture. You don’t have to be concerned about it slipping when you run because it fits snugly around the head. Additionally, the brand claims that the material is water-repellent, which makes it great for keeping it in place and preventing perspiration.
Alo Faux Fur Ear Warmer
Alo Faux Fur Ear Warmer
- Faux fur
- Fuzzy texture
- Has an elastic band
- Hand wash only
The Alo fake Fur Ear Warmer is a hybrid of an athletic headband and a classic fuzzy, fake fur-lined earmuff. It fits easily around your head because to its soft outer layer covering an elastic band inside. You can wear it when on vacation near snowy mountains or on a chilly winter commute because it’s still comfortable despite being faux fur. Based on 84 reviews, the ear warmer has an average rating of 4.7 stars on Alo.
Muji Collapsible Earmuffs
Muji Collapsible Earmuffs
- Travel friendly
- Adjustable headband
- Nothing to note at this time
In order to keep my ears toasty on my windy December trips to London, I purchased these incredibly lightweight earmuffs. I adore how soft they are without being unduly large or heavy. Additionally, I can raise or lower them whenever I want to thanks to the couple-inch adjustment on the headband immediately above each ear cup. Additionally, I didn’t find them irritating or scratchy, which is probably my biggest issue with winter headgear in general.
Metog Unisex Foldable Ear Warmers
Metog Unisex Foldable Ear Warmers
- Travel friendly
- Foldable and adjustable
- Extra-warm ear cups
- Nothing to note at this time
This compact and convenient travel earmuff can be folded up to nearly half, making it a popular choice for packing in a backpack, suitcase, or duffel bag. The earmuffs come in over five styles and have an average rating of 4.2 stars based on 9,618 reviews on Amazon. The manufacturer claims that the additional fill material on the inside of each ear cup offers a robust defense against chilly gusts. Additionally, the headband may be stretched to fit a wide range of head shapes and sizes.
Surblue Unisex Warm Knit Earmuffs
Surblue Unisex Warm Knit Earmuffs
- Knit outer layer
- Has extra-wide ear cups
- Hand wash only
The Surblue knit earmuffs resemble classic behind-the-ear earmuffs in design and construction, but their knitted exterior is more akin to a scarf or beanie. According to the brand, the knit outside is made of polyester, while the inside of the headband and ear cups is composed of a fuzzy imitation fur material. Additionally, the ear cups are larger than 4.5 inches in diameter, which guarantees that they completely enclose each ear and provide protection from strong winds. Based on 5,237 reviews, the earmuffs have an average rating of 4.1 stars on Amazon.
Joeyoung Fleece Ear Warmers
Joeyoung Fleece Ear Warmers
- Fleece outer later
- Can wear under a helmet
- Fits many sizes
- Best for athletes
Like the Alo ear warmer headband, the brand claims that this fleece-covered band is perfect for toddlers, women, and men. The headband, which comes in over seven different forms, covers nearly the entire forehead, the entire ear, and a portion of the back of the head—things that a conventional pair of earmuffs cannot. You can even wear it under a helmet when participating in sports like hockey or football because it is constructed of a thin but elastic material. Based on 5,487 reviews, they have an average rating of 4.5 stars on Amazon.
Foldable Faux Fur Winter Earmuffs
Foldable Faux Fur Winter Earmuffs
- Fuzzy texture
- Wide ear cups
- Flexible headband
- Best for casual activities
This option, which has a 4.3-star average rating from 3,070 reviews on Amazon, is ideal if you like earmuffs with a cozier appearance and feel. It features wide fuzzy ear cups that add extra warmth and a thin but flexible headband in the middle. The ear cups are collapsible and cover the entire ear as well as a small portion of the head. They have a diameter of around five inches. Given their size and design, they are more appropriate for casual occasions, even if you can wear them for a variety of snow-related activities.
F Flammi Kids Knit Earmuffs
F Flammi Kids Knit Earmuffs
- Available in many styles
- Knit outer layer
- May be small for older kids
These earmuffs are a great choice for youngsters who want earmuffs that will keep them warm and come in their favorite color. They come in a variety of styles, such as rainbow, panda, or dinosaur. When buying for children, Swindle advises looking for unique patterns and vivid hues that will make the child visible and easily recognized from a distance. Both the headband and the ear cups feature a knit exterior layer, but the inside is lined with a fuzzy texture for warmth. They weigh slightly more than two pounds, have a 4.6-star average rating based on 2,055 reviews on Amazon, and are partially adjustable at both ends of the headband.
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How to shop for earmuffs
Our experts offer the following advice when choosing an earmuff to wear throughout the winter:
Fashion
Choose your preferred style of ear warmers or earmuffs while taking into account the primary purpose for which you plan to use them. Earmuffs with large and fuzzy ear cups aren t the most practical for running, for example, something like a fleece or faux fur-lined headband or behind-the-head earwarmer that sits tight on the head is best. A behind-the-head earmuff can work better for you than one that covers your head if you have a lot of hair on it.
Sturdiness
According to Eric Mooradian, vice president of product development at Heat Holders, an online retailer of winter clothing, if you want earmuffs that will endure for years—even after multiple runs, a lot of perspiration, and numerous washings—you should look for ones with a sturdy construction to withstand frequent use, especially in snowy or wet conditions. In other words, anticipate your earmuffs coming in contact with moisture, and look for ones that are easy to regularly wash by hand and ones that won t suddenly rip after a few months.
Adjustability and insulation
Lastly, always consider earmuffs with ear cups that have some sort of insulated material and feel, says Mooradian. For example, if you prefer the look of a headband rather than a fuzzy earmuff, you might reach for any old headband, even if it s super thin and has little to no insulation. If that s the case, then consider one of the headbands recommended above which are less bulky but still warm.
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we collaborate with professionals that possess specific expertise and power derived from pertinent education and/or job experience. Additionally, we take precautions to guarantee that all professional counsel and suggestions are given impartially and free from unreported financial conflicts of interest.
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Kari Swindle
is a children s wear buyer at outdoor and fitness apparel retailerREI
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Eric Mooradian
is vice president of product development at winter apparel online retailerHeat Holders
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Why trust NBC Select?
I m acommerce editorat NBC Select, where I write about several home and lifestyle topics, such as apparel, bedding, kitchen and cleaning. I ve written about thebest blankets, increasingly popularbamboo sheetsandhow to clean beanies. I spoke with winter apparel experts for this story.
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