3M's Peltor TEP-100 vs TEP-200 Earplugs [Review]

Since original publication of this article, the TEP 100 has been discontinued. 

3M has introduced its new TEP 200 ear plugs, an advanced upgrade to the TEP 100 ear plugs.

Both earplugs are designed to protect your hearing and improve situational awareness in challenging environments.

The TEP 200 and TEP 100 ear plugs have state-of-the-art level dependent technology that improves your situational hearing ability in quiet environments while still protecting you to high noise levels. 

In this series, we will be explaining the key differences between the 3M Peltor TEP 100 and the TEP 200 by exploring:

• Design
• Battery
• Technology
• Compatibility
• Buyer Testimonial

Design

The exterior design of the earplugs is similar in both models. They both have a  small and lightweight design with adjustable ear tips sizes that fit perfectly inside the ear canal. The earplugs are designed to increase comfort and soften the edges that touch your ear.

Both earplugs have one button that controls the on, off and volume settings on the front.

Both TEP 100 and TEP 200 models have a waterproof IP rating of 67. This allows them to be submerged in water for 30 minutes (at 1 meter) and still be operable and allow the microphone to still work properly.

In weight, one TEP 100 and TEP 200 earpiece is .13 oz while the whole carrying case containing the charger, 2 earpieces, ear tips, cord, and batteries is 9.6 oz. The charger case size is 4.5” long x 3.1” wide x 1.1” thick. The slim and small design allows them to be stored easily and comfortable in bags without taking up much space.

The Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) levels vary between the 3M earplugs. While tested in accordance with the ANSI (American National Standards Institute), the NRR rating comes to 30 dB in the TEP 100 while it's only a 23 dB in the TEP 200. To improve the Noise Reduction Rating, there are three different ear tips that are interchangeable within the earplug.

1. Ultrafit Communication Tip with an NRR of 23 dB
2. Triple C Communication Tip with an NRR of 27 dB
3. Skull Screw Tip with an NRR of 30 dB

Battery

The battery life in both the TEP 100 and TEP 200 is about 16 hours, from a full charge. They have about a 90-minute charge time. This battery life may vary on the dependency of the earplugs and how much they are used. The portable charging case is powered by 3 AA batteries and can also be charged by a USB (Micro B) port.

Technology

Both the TEP 100 and TEP 200 are used mainly for advanced hearing protection by using level dependent technology in high noise environments and allowing for clear communication.

A microphone port on the earplug helps minimize wind noise for a clear undisturbed sound. Wearing these earplugs improve situational awareness that can improve productivity and increase safety.

Compatibility

The earplugs are compatible with most of 3M’s Personal Protective Equipment including helmets, hard hats, and face shields.

The earplugs are most commonly used in industries such as military, police and federal law enforcement like SWAT. They are also used widely among hunters for protection from the loud effects of continued gun use. 

Buyer Testimonial for TEP 200

“I use these for goose hunting. When you have 6-7 other guys next you blasting away at the birds, you will be very thankful you purchased these. When I purchased them, I was worried they would fall out of my ears when I was out of the blind chasing birds but that is definitely not the case. I could be on a full sprint and they would stay in my ears. I highly recommend these with the skull screw tips. You know they are there, but you can hear everything perfectly and you are not risking hearing loss.”

- JH (Amazon)

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TEP 200

Comment below and tell us what you think of the TEP-200 earplugs.