When you’re getting ready to head out the door during an especially frigid winter day, it can be easy to forget to throw on a pair of earmuffs or a warming headband. Since we’re almost always more worried about making sure our bodies and legs are warm and layered, our ears sadly become an afterthought. This is why wearing a truly great pair of earmuffs, headband or earwarmer is so important.
To find the best earmuffs, I spoke with multiple winter apparel and travel experts for their guidance and they explained which aspects to look out for before purchasing.
SKIP AHEAD How I picked the best earmuffs | The best earmuffs | Why trust NBC Select?
How I picked the best earmuffs
Below, are some of the important aspects to consider when choosing a good pair of earmuffs or an ear-warming headband, according to experts:
- 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 at REI. “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.
- 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
All of the earmuffs on this list have at least a 4-star average rating from 500 reviews or more on Amazon or from at least 50 reviews on their respective brand sites. Additionally, I included NBC Select staff recommendations that my colleagues and I have used ourselves.
Maxw Collection Wool Ear Muffs
- Soft fuzzy material
- Warm wool lining
- Foldable
- Hand wash only
These earmuffs, which have a 4-star average rating with 1,151 reviews on Amazon, have a fuzzy wool lining on the inside of the headband and each of the ear cups. The outside is covered in suede, which is available in a few different colors. The wool lining adds warmth, making them perfect for everyday wear or for other winter activities like running or walking, according to the brand. Plus, the ear cups fold inward, so they’re easy to break down and fit in a backpack or duffel.
Degrees Behind-the-Head Winter Ear Warmers
- Simple design
- Fully collapsible
- Several styles available
- Only one size
If you prefer a behind-the-head style when it comes to earmuffs, consider this pair of ear warmers, which are fully collapsible, according to the brand. With a 4.6-star average rating from 7,852 reviews on Amazon, the earmuffs have an overall simplistic design and are ideal for those who prefer a winter accessory that doesn’t fit over their head or if they don’t want to mess up their hair while wearing it.
Lululemon Fast and Free Running Ear Warmer
- Ideal for running
- Fleece-based material
- Sweat-repellent
- Not as thick as an earmuff
While technically an ear-warming headband rather than an earmuff, the Lululemon Fast and Free band is one of the best options for runners and athletes who want to stay warm outside. It has a thin, fleece-based texture, compared to a thicker fuzzy, wool-lined earmuff. It fits securely around the head, so you don’t have to worry about it starting to slip as you run. Plus, the material is water-repellent, according to the brand, making it excellent for blocking out sweat and keeping it in place.
Alo Faux Fur Ear Warmer
- Faux fur
- Fuzzy texture
- Has an elastic band
- Hand wash only
The Alo Faux Fur Ear Warmer is sort of a cross between a traditional fuzzy, faux fur-lined earmuff and a headband for athletes. It has a soft outer layer that covers an elastic band on the inside, making it easy to fit around your head. While it’s faux fur, it’s still warm, so you can wear it during a commute in cold winter months or while on vacation around snowy mountains. The ear warmer has a 4.7-star average rating from 84 reviews at Alo.
Muji Collapsible Earmuffs
- Travel friendly
- Adjustable headband
- Nothing to note at this time
I got these very lightweight earmuffs to help keep my ears warm during my December trips to London, which was quite windy. I love that they’re super soft, but aren’t overly bulky or cumbersome. Plus, the part of the headband right above each ear cup is adjustable by a couple inches, so I can raise or lower them whenever I want to. I also didn’t find them itchy or bothersome at all, which is arguably my main problem with winter head wear in general.
Metog Unisex Foldable Ear Warmers
- Travel friendly
- Foldable and adjustable
- Extra-warm ear cups
- Nothing to note at this time
This small and travel-friendly earmuff is completely foldable, so it can almost reduce its size by half, making it a go-to option to pack in a duffel, suitcase or backpack. The earmuffs have a 4.2-star average rating from 9,618 reviews on Amazon and are available in more than five styles. The inside of each of the ear cups have extra fill material, providing a strong defense against cold winds, according to the brand. Plus, the headband is extendable so it fits over many head sizes and shapes.
Surblue Unisex Warm Knit Earmuffs
- Knit outer layer
- Has extra-wide ear cups
- Hand wash only
The Surblue knit earmuffs have the shape and structure of traditional behind-the-ear style earmuffs, but the outside has a knitted texture that’s more reminiscent of a beanie or scarf. The inside of the headband and the ear cups is made of a fuzzy faux fur material, while the knit outside is made of a polyester, according to the brand. Plus, the ear cups have a diameter of over 4.5 inches to ensure they cover the entirety of each ear, protecting from harsh winds. The earmuffs have a 4.1-star average rating from 5,237 reviews on Amazon.
Joeyoung Fleece Ear Warmers
- Fleece outer later
- Can wear under a helmet
- Fits many sizes
- Best for athletes
Similar to the Alo ear warmer headband, this fleece-covered band is ideal for men, women and kids, according to the brand. Available in more than seven styles, the headband covers almost all of the forehead, the whole ear and part of the back of the head, which a traditional pair of earmuffs doesn’t technically do. Since it’s made from a thin but elastic material, you can also wear it under a helmet while playing sports like football or hockey. They have a 4.5-star average rating from 5,487 reviews on Amazon.
Foldable Faux Fur Winter Earmuffs
- Fuzzy texture
- Wide ear cups
- Flexible headband
- Best for casual activities
If you prefer earmuffs with a more cozy look and feel, this option, which has a 4.3-star average rating from 3,070 reviews on Amazon, has a thin but flexible headband in the middle and large fuzzy ear cups that provide extra warmth. The ear cups are around five inches in diameter, covering the entire ear and some surrounding area of the head, and they’re collapsible. While you can wear them for several activities in the snow, they’re more practical for wearing in casual settings, given their size and shape.
F Flammi Kids Knit Earmuffs
- Available in many styles
- Knit outer layer
- May be small for older kids
Available in a range of styles, like a rainbow, panda or dinosaur, these earmuffs are a smart option for kids who want earmuffs that’ll keep them warm but also one in their favorite color. “Look for novel designs and bright colors so the child can be seen and easily identified from a distance,” says Swindle, when shopping for kids. They have a knitted outer layer on both the ear cups and the headband, but the inside has a fuzzy-textured lining for warmth. With a 4.6-star average rating from 2,055 reviews at Amazon, they’re partially adjustable at each end of the headband and weigh just over 2 pounds.
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How to shop for earmuffs
Here’s how our experts recommend deciding on an earmuff to wear all winter:
Style
Decide on what style of earmuffs and/or ear warmers you prefer, while also considering what you’ll mainly be using them for. 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. If you have a lot of hair on your head, a behind-the-head earmuff may be more compatible than one that goes over your head.
Durability
If you’re want earmuffs that’ll last for years, even after several runs, lots of sweat and many washes, you should look for ones with “sturdy construction to withstand regular use, especially in snowy or wet conditions,” says Eric Mooradian, the vice president of of product development at Heat Holders, an online winter apparel retailer. 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.
Insulation and adjustability
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 work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Kari Swindle is a children’s wear buyer at outdoor and fitness apparel retailer REI.
- Eric Mooradian is vice president of product development at winter apparel online retailer Heat Holders.
Why trust NBC Select?
I’m a commerce editor at NBC Select, where I write about several home and lifestyle topics, such as apparel, bedding, kitchen and cleaning. I’ve written about the best blankets, increasingly popular bamboo sheets and how to clean beanies. I spoke with winter apparel experts for this story.
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