9+ best earmuffs and ear warmers for cold temperatures
It’s important to look for earmuffs made with warm and comfortable materials, like fleece, that will hold up over time.
Lululemon Fast and Free Running Ear Warmer
$28.00
$28.00
Below, are some of the important aspects to consider when choosing a good pair of earmuffs or an ear-warming headband, according to experts:
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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