I Barely Heard My Wood Chipper While Using This Solar-Powered Headset

I recently got the chance to test the new 3M WorkTunes Connect + Solar Hearing Protector, and I’m glad I did. Hearing protection is one of the most important tools for any job. Even limited exposure to loud noise from power tools, lawn equipment, and other machinery can lead to noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), but noise-reducing earmuffs or earplugs can help protect your hearing in these settings. 

The best hearing protection comes with a noise reduction rating (NRR) that specifies a level of protection, and it also should be comfortable. 3M’s WorkTunes protector takes it a step further with built-in audio for phone and entertainment connectivity. I wondered if the sound quality and battery life would be worth the added expense and whether they could still provide meaningful hearing protection. In this 3M WorkTunes Connect + Solar Hearing Protector review, I’ll provide my honest opinion after 2 weeks of testing.

3M WorkTunes Connect + Solar Hearing Protector: At a Glance

Our rating: 4.5/5

Testing the 3M WorkTunes Connect + Solar Hearing Protector

The 3M WorkTunes Connect + Solar Hearing Protector offers a 26-decibel (dB) noise reduction rating (NRR) and Bluetooth connectivity for uninterrupted audio streaming and phone access. It does not have a built-in AM/FM radio receiver, so it relies on the Bluetooth connection for all audio functionality. Deep padded ear cups seal out noise, and the padded headband provides a comfortable fit. The electronic system features a built-in microphone with intelligent background noise reduction to enable phone calls in loud working environments without needing to remove the headset. A rechargeable battery powers the headset, providing up to 40 hours of audio time per charge. The battery can be juiced up via USB-C or its solar cell, which generates power from sunlight and indoor light. 

The earmuff design with Bluetooth connectivity is a well-tested system that 3M has used successfully in the WorkTunes platform for several years now. For this model, I was mostly looking forward to trying out the latest phone capabilities and pushing the runtime to its limit. I spent 7 days running the audio for a total of 60 hours, keeping the headphones in a box during downtime to prevent the battery from charging via light. I streamed music and podcasts and made at least a dozen phone calls while operating a wood chipper, lawn tractor, chainsaw, leaf blower, and weed eater. After testing, I rated them on a scale of 1 to 5 in terms of all-day comfort (4), noise reduction (4.7), reliable connectivity (5), audio quality (4.5), and value (4.3). Overall, they were really good, but they won’t be right for everyone.

Comfortable Fit…But Not For Hot Weather

The sizing was easy to adjust by sliding the ear muffs lower on the headband. My head is larger than average, yet I had no problem achieving a perfect seal over my ears. The padding on the headband was kind of stiff, but not uncomfortably so. In fact, the midpoint of the headband has an unpadded spot to accommodate the button on top of a ball cap, which gave it a nice low-profile fit without creating a pressure point. The ear padding was really soft, too. 

At this point, I noted a couple of caveats with regard to comfort, which are common among earmuff hearing protectors. I live in the South, where even in autumn, the temperature easily tops 80 degrees Fahrenheit. In general, earmuffs are just too hot from late spring through early fall, and they do not work with broad-brimmed sun hats. These follow the trend. Another typical weak point of earmuffs is that they make safety glasses uncomfortable because they press on the earpieces, which is also true of the 3M WorkTunes Connect + Solar earmuffs.

Easy To Operate Without Removing Work Gloves

The headphones came with a USB-C charging cable. After initially charging them at a wall outlet, I turned them on and followed the audio prompts to pair them with my phone. No problem. After that, every time I powered up the headphones, they automatically connected within a couple of seconds. There are two controls on the headphones, both on the same earpiece: a power button and a volume button. Both were easy to operate without removing my work gloves.

The solar charging system ended up eliminating the need to recharge altogether, at least with my usage pattern. I connected the unit to a running stream of audio all day long in full sunlight, then powered them off in the evening before storing them in a box overnight. After the first charge, every time I turned on the headset, the voice assistant announced “Battery: 100 percent.” Having to charge the headset only rarely—or never—is an impressive feature.

Good Noise Protection, Excellent Sound Quality

The NRR rating on some hearing protectors can seem misleading, whether because of the individual fit or because certain types of noises pass through more easily. But the 3M WorkTunes Connect + Solar hearing protector did a really good job, at least partly due to the excellent seal around the ears. The wood chipper was the loudest machine I operated while wearing them, and the noise only partially came through. 

The best part was the sound quality. Some other products I’ve used over the years have done a good job with volume, but the audio quality left much to be desired. This one sounds really good. The volume does top out at a slightly lower level than some of the other ones I’ve used, but that is actually a safety feature. If you’re wearing these headphones and cannot hear the audio over any external noise, you may need to turn off the music and insert earplugs for additional protection. 

I especially appreciated the ability to use my phone while continuing to work, without removing the headset. The noise-reducing microphone worked as advertised. I was able to take calls while mowing the grass and operating the leaf blower, and I had no problems understanding or being understood during the conversation.

Expensive, But Worth The Price 

The 3M WorkTunes Connect + Solar Hearing Protector is one of the more expensive Bluetooth hearing protectors. In my comparison with similar products, they cost over $50 more than the second most expensive product. Pure price shoppers may find that differential hard to swallow, but those with a special interest in performance will recognize the value. This hearing protector comes with a typical NRR for earmuff-style models, and the audio quality is quite good. The built-in microphone with intelligent noise reduction is exceptional. Bolstered by a 40-hour battery and automatic solar charging, they outclass the competition when it comes to running time. Sure, you could buy something similar for less, but it won’t be as good.

Buy the 3M WorkTunes Connect + Solar Hearing Protector on:

• Amazon for $169.99
• Blain’s Farm & Fleet for $169.99

Product Comparisons

So, is the 3M WorkTunes Connect + Solar Hearing Protector right for you?

If you’re considering buying the 3M WorkTunes Connect + Solar Hearing Protector, no wonder—they’re an impressive product. But there are a few considerations worth weighing before pulling the trigger. They are more expensive than other Bluetooth hearing protection, and, to me, they’re really not great for hot weather work. The usual earmuff complaints apply: over-the-ear hearing protectors make the user much warmer than earplugs, they don’t fit with a broad-brimmed hat for sun protection, and wearing safety glasses with earmuffs is less comfortable and can reduce the noise-reduction effect. If you’re not sure if earmuffs are right for you, it might be wise to try out a cheap set before spending a premium on these.

But if you’re specifically looking for Bluetooth earmuffs to stream your playlist or favorite podcasts and make calls without stopping work, 3M’s WorkTunes Connect + Solar could be the best option. They offer good hearing protection, excellent sound quality, and nearly unlimited runtime if you work in the sun. Sure, they’re expensive, but you can recover what you spend by a boost in productivity.

Meet the Tester

Mark Wolfe is a writer and product tester who spent 20 years in the nursery and landscaping industry. For more than two decades, he mowed, edged, planted, pruned, cultivated, irrigated, and renovated beautiful landscapes. Now, he tests and writes reviews about the latest outdoor power equipment, hand tools, lawn care products, and other outdoor living goods.

 

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