Lawn mowing is one of the simple, yet beneficial activities. However, excessive noise can be unbearable. Also, as exciting as it might be, it gets a little boring after a while, so you might need to get yourself motivated by listening to some music or talking to your friend while getting the work done.
For these reasons and more, we made you a list of the best headphones for mowing, keeping in mind the different reasons you might be looking for these headphones. With that being said, we made sure to include a headphone for every purpose with a variety of features and prices.
Moreover, we talked about the key features that will help you make an informed decision about which of these headphones you should be opting for. There’s a lot to cover, so let’s dive right in!
Contents
Comparison Table:
| Headset | Noise Reduction Rate (NRR) | Dimensions | Weight |
| 3M Worktunes | 24 dB | 5.83 x 3.9 x 7.05 inches | 15.5 ounces |
| Sony WH-1000XM3 | 35 dB | 7.3 x 1.2 x 10.4 inches | 8.99 ounces |
| Bose Quiet Comfort 35 II | 33 dB | 6.7 x 7.1 x 3.3 inches | 8.3 ounces |
| Soundcore Life Q20 | 90% | 7.68 x 7.09 x 3.06 inches | 9.28 ounces |
| Mpow 035 Ear Muffs | 28 dB | 6.02 x 6.22 x 3.78 inches | 11.5 ounces |
| Bose 700 | 27 dB | 38.5 x 2.26 x 4.25 inches | 9.7 ounces |
The 6 Best Headphones for Mowing in 2021
1. 3M Worktunes Headset – Editor’s Choice
The 3M Worktunes is a convenient headset that can be used as a wired or a wireless gadget as it comes with a 3.5mm jack, and also, it’s Bluetooth enabled.
The noise reduction capabilities of the headset make it a great option for mowing lawns. As you might have seen on the box, the NRR (Noise Reduction Rating) is as high as 24 dB, which is sufficient to decrease sound exposure while using the mower. Moreover, it’s approved by the ANSI (American National Standards Institute) for hearing protection.
The headset is comfortable to wear with an adjustable headband and cushioned earmuffs. It offers decent performance with controlling the surrounding noise, but they work best with low to mid-frequencies.
When it comes to sound quality, the 3M Worktunes won’t fail to impress, because the outstanding noise reduction enables you to hear every little detail. The bass, on the other hand, is a little disappointing because of the built-in volume limiter that’s restricted to 82 dBA, so the music will never be loud enough for you to get fully immersed.
One of the features you’ll appreciate is that the headset allows you to receive phone calls with the aid of the built-in microphone. The controls on the left earcup will help you to either answer or reject a call.
Unfortunately, the microphone doesn’t support noise cancellation, so the caller will hear whatever’s happening in the background. Also, you might find yourself talking louder than usual because your voice gets blocked by the earmuffs.
The Bluetooth connection is quite stable, and the AM/FM radio comes in handy when your phone is out of reach, or the battery is dead. And speaking of batteries, you’ll get a maximum of 38 hours of continuous playtime when the battery is fully charged. Moreover, the headset features an audio-assist technology that notifies you when the battery is running low.
Pros:
- Comfortable
- Affordable
- Excellent noise reduction
- Features an AM/FM radio
- Battery life of 38 hours
- Features an Audio-Assist Technology
Cons:
- Weak Bass
- Microphone doesn’t support noise-cancellation
Bottom Line
Although the 3M lacks some of the fancy features you will find on some of the other headsets on the list; it offers amazing performance for its price range.
2. Sony WH-1000XM3 – Highest Noise Reduction Rate
The Sony WH-1000XM3 has a few tweaks over the previous 1000XM2 model with almost no difference when it comes to the price, so you might as well pick the newer model. Not only is the XM3 model lighter, but the padding is thicker to offer more comfort as well. Also, the newer model supports a Type-C USB port for charging the headset.
Jumping to noise reduction, get ready for an astonishing NRR of 35 dB, which is one of the highest on the market. Even when compared to the previous XM2 model, it’s almost four times more efficient when it comes to blocking the surrounding noise.
Playing music is a little bit tricky, and you can tell the difference in sound quality depending on your connectivity. With the wireless connection, things are much easier because you can adjust your settings using the Sony App. Conversely, using the wired connection is a bummer, and there’s no chance to tailor the sound profile.
You’ll find many convenient features with the Sony WH-1000XM3, including a built-in microphone, Alexa Voice Assistant, and user-friendly touch controls. The sound quality when receiving a phone call is pretty good, but not exceptional.
Sometimes the caller will struggle to hear you if they’re in a noisy environment, so if you happen to receive many phone calls while mowing, perhaps this headset isn’t the best option for you. Otherwise, it’ll get the job done.
In addition, the battery life is up to 30 hours, so you can rest assured that it will last through your mowing session. Even if you forgot to recharge the battery, you don’t have to settle for the wired connectivity because charging the 1000XM3 for 10 min. offers 5 hours of playback. The “Quick Charge” feature steps up the game, and it’s quite hard to beat when compared to other models that might offer a longer battery life.
Pros:
- NRR of 35 dB
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Touch controls
- Adjustable equalizer using the app
- Alexa Enabled voice assistant
- Quick Charge Technology
Cons:
- Sound quality is compromised with the wired connection
- Phone calls quality could be improved
- Expensive
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a premium headset with the best noise reduction functions, then the Sony WH-1000XM3 is a perfect choice.
3. Bose Quiet Comfort 35 II – Best Value for Money
Although this headset might seem a bit cheaply made at first glance, that’s not even close to being true. The plastic build contributes to the lightweight and can surprisingly withstand some serious mistreatment. Also, the headset comes with a solid case that protects it while travelling.
As for noise cancellation, it features an NRR of 33, which is almost as high as the previous model and one of the reasons we think it’s a decent alternative for the Song headset we mentioned earlier. Ultimately, the efficiency of Bose Quiet Comfort 35 II when it comes to blocking ambient noise is the reason why it’s one of the best headphones for mowing.
The sound experience is not the selling point, but it’s not disappointing either. Because the headset doesn’t offer the dynamic range that’s offered by the Sony WH-1000XM3, we don’t recommend it for audiophiles. However, the headset is almost $100 cheaper than that model, so you might be willing to make such a compromise.
Phone calls are quite stable with no drops whatsoever, at least not because of the headset. The microphone picks a lot of the surrounding noise, but again, this is an issue that you’ll encounter while going through the majority of mowing headsets, even the most expensive ones.
The Bose Comfort 35 II can be used for up to 20 hours of continuous playtime when fully charged. You can always use the wired connectivity to save some battery. Moreover, you’ll get Google Assistant, and the control panel is easy to deal with, particularly when it comes to connecting the headset to other devices.
Pros:
- Reasonably priced
- NRR of 33 dB
- Supports Google Assistant
- 20-hours battery life
Cons:
- Average sound quality
- Low microphone quality
Bottom Line
The beauty of Bose Quiet Comfort 35 II is that it focuses on noise reduction at an affordable price and, thus, saves you a lot of money so that you don’t have to break the bank to mow your lawn without getting a headache.
4. Soundcore Life Q20 – Longest Playtime
The Soundcore Life Q20 is a user-friendly headset that comes in a foldable design and features an adjustable headband with thick padding. Additionally, the earcups can swivel to accommodate different head sizes without any sacrifices in terms of comfort.
As you might have noticed from our previous reviews, the main feature to determine whether a headset is good for mowing or not is noise cancellation. With Anker’s Soundcore Life Q20, you’ll be able to control the surrounding noise level that reaches your ears using a switch that activates noise cancellation and turn it back off whenever necessary. The feature significantly reduces ambient noise to up to 90%.
Furthermore, the headset features a BassUp technology to strengthen the bass, solving one of the most common issues that most users face with noise-cancelling headsets, which is the weak bass. All you have you do is to press on the play button twice whenever you’re playing louder music.
Even with the BassUp feature inactivated, you’ll be able to feel your music come to life once you turn off Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), on the other hand, the sound is quite muffled whenever the feature is on, especially with low and mid-frequencies.
Answering a phone call is never a problem while using this headset. Both the user’s and the caller’s sound are clear with an impressive mic performance. Regardless, what will truly blow you away is the battery life with 40 hours of continuous playtime with wireless connections while using the ANC and 60 hours when using the wired mode.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Foldable design
- Extremely comfortable
- Amazing battery life
- BassUp technology enhances the sound quality
Cons:
- Wired connection offers a lower sound quality
Bottom Line
The Anker Soundcore life Q20 is one of the most affordable headsets for mowing. It’s a great choice for those who want the maximum battery life possible to avoid frequent battery charging.
5. Mpow 035 Ear Muffs – Most Affordable
The Mpow 035 is a humble headset that’s designed for those who want to keep it simple. It has such a compact design with foldable earcups, which is perfect for frequent travelers and users who prefer lightweight headsets.
Noise reduction with these headphones is a little different than expected, in particular when compared to the other options on the list. At an NRR of 28 dB, the Mpow 035 passively reduces the surrounding noise.
You can immediately feel the isolation when you put it on, and the earmuffs are utterly sealed. The Mpow 035 is ANSI-certified for hearing protection when you’re working in a loud environment, including lawn mowing, construction work, and even hunting.
There’s a dial that controls the noise cancellation according to your personal preference. Keep in mind that this headset is mainly designed for hearing protection, so don’t expect much in terms of music, especially when noise cancelling is turned on. Can you use it to listen to music? Yes. Will it be any good? Not so much, which is pretty expected at this price range.
Inside the box, you’ll find a membership card that allows you to get a 2-year warranty. Also, there’s a 3.5mm jack that helps you connect to your devices. The cable included in the package is surprisingly durable.
Although you won’t find any batteries with the packaging, you’ll need 2 triple-A batteries that should be inserted on the left earcup. The included manual isn’t that handy, but there’s nothing left there to explain.
Pros:
- Excellent price
- Compact design
- Comfortable
- ANSI-certified for hearing protection
Cons:
- Weak bass
- No batteries included
- Doesn’t come with a hard case
Bottom Line
These headphones are among the most used headsets for mowing because they simply get the job done at the lowest price possible.
6. Bose 700 Noise Cancelling Headphones- Best Design
Bose makes trusted headsets and believe it or not; there’s always this one thing that makes each headset unique. The Bose 700 is one of their most stylish models with sleek edges and beautiful finish.
As far as noise reduction, it features an NRR of 27 dB. This is high enough to protect your ears while mowing or doing any other activity that requires being in a noisy environment. Moreover, there are 11 different levels for adjusting noise-canceling, allowing you to get the optimal level of noise cancellation according to your surroundings.
Unlike some of the other Bose noise-cancelling headsets, this one doesn’t impact other aspects like listening to music or receiving phone calls. Actually, the Bose 700 is the right headset for those who struggle with frequent phone calls and are desperate to find a high-quality headset to use without having to shout above the surrounding noise.
Listening to music is enjoyable, particularly because you get to decide the level of noise cancellation, which, in return, determines how much the bass will be reduced or strengthened. In other words, you can easily customize your listening experience through the headset itself or by connecting to the app.
Unfortunately, the Bose 700 doesn’t shine when it comes to battery life, and just like the Quiet Comfort 35 II model, you’re only getting 20 hours of playtime with every charge. We believe it’s only fair to accept an average battery performance, considering all the other great features you’ll end up with.
The touch controls make using the headset a piece of cake, and when you throw in Alexa Assistant, you get our favorite Bose headset mix. With the high levels of comfort and the excellent sound quality with both music and phone calls, the Bose 700 is an outstanding headset to settle for.
Pros:
- Stylish
- Comfortable
- Supports Google Assistant
- 11 different levels for adjusting noise cancellation
- Good for answering calls
Cons:
- A little too pricey
Bottom Line
The Bose 700 is built for those who appreciate authenticity. You don’t need to go this far with a headset unless you’re looking for a unique experience.
Why Do You Need a Headset for Mowing?
Safety
Lawn mowing can be a little time consuming, and the sound of the mowing machine might affect your hearing. This is the main reason we recommend using headphones, but to stay extra safe, make sure to go for a wireless headset that will give you more mobility and help avoid any tangles that might lead to serious accidents.
Productivity
Noise-cancelling headsets isolate you from everything that’s happening around you. You simply clear your head, forget about the world, and pay full attention to what you’re doing. You’ll be surprised by how efficient you can be if you start using headphones while cutting your grass.
What to Look for When Buying a Headset for Lawn Mowing
Connection Type
When choosing a headphone for mowing, it’s better to stay away from any design that might restrict your movement, let alone causing some serious injuries if the wires got caught in the machine. We can’t stress enough that a wireless headset is essential while mowing not only because it’s more convenient, but also because safety comes first.
Size and Weight
Lawn mowing is more or less of an exercise, and it involves moving multiple muscles that might be a little too strenuous. The last thing you need is a bulky headset that adds too much weight on your neck. Instead, make sure to buy a lightweight headset that’s efficient enough to protect your ears from the noise, yet comes at a suitable size and feels comfortable on your head.
Noise Cancellation
As mentioned earlier, if a headset doesn’t offer a high level of noise cancellation, then it’s not good enough for mowing. People who don’t use headsets or use ones that don’t feature noise-cancelling usually end up with hearing difficulties, in addition to the headaches that can last for days after a long mowing session.
Noise Isolation
Many people confuse noise-cancelling for noise isolation, but they’re pretty different. The isolation indicates the physical barrier that’s caused by the headphones and stands in the way of the sound waves preventing them from entering your ears. It’s a passive mechanism to reduce the noise that depends on many factors, including the design of the headset, the clamping force, and the material of the earmuffs.
Durability
Mowing is a bit aggressive, so a flimsy headset can easily fly away from your head with vigorous movements. For this reason, it’s important to go for a high-quality headset that can withstand some abuse.
Comfort
Comfort can’t be compromised, especially for those who own a large yard, and the mowing process can possibly take longer than usual. A good pair of headphones should comfortably sit on your ears without causing any tightness, itchiness, or pain.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can Mowing Impact Hearing?
Unfortunately, yes. The noise produced by the mower is usually higher than the maximum healthy threshold that won’t harm your ears. This is why it’s crucial to use ear protection or noise-cancelling headsets.
Are Headphones Safe to Wear While Mowing?
Yes, absolutely. You only have to stay away from the wired ones, and you’ll be good to go.
What’s the Best NRR for Mowing?
As far as we’re concerned, anywhere starting from 20 dB is good enough for mowing, of course, the higher, the better.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best headphones for mowing is quite simple once you grasp a better understanding of what you should be looking for. In our humble opinion, the 3M Worktunes is a decent option that will help protect your ears, yet get some useful features that can be really handy at times.
On the other side, the Bose Quiet Comfort and Bose 700 are on the high-end when it comes to noise-cancelling. The Bose 700 is more expensive, but it offers more features, so you do the math!
Last but not least, we think that users who are on a tight budget will appreciate the efficiency of the Mpow 035 Ear Muffs, and since they’re ANSI-Certified, you can rest assured that you’re putting your money in the right place.