Comparing the 3M Peltor X Series Headsets

The 3M Peltor X Series Earmuffs are the standard for offering hearing protection conservation in a comfortable, lightweight design. With the 5 headsets in the series, X1, X2, X3, X4, andf X5, it can be hard to know which one will be the right fit for you when it comes to a hearing protection earmuff. In this blog, we'll touch on the differences between each headset.

A Headset for Every Noise Level

The 3M X Series earmuffs are categorized by color which cooresponds to the level of attenuation, or noise reduction rating (NRR). From the least NRR to the most NRR protection the colors are green, yellow, red, flouresant green/yellow, and black.

3M Peltor X1

The X1 Earmuff is the standard lowest attenuation of its series with a slim earcup design. The Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) is 21 dB (for Hard Hat Attached) and 22 dB (for behind the head and over the head). This headset is lightweight and best for most industrial applications. X1 headsets are color green.

3M Peltor X2

The X2 Earmuff offers the same characteristics of the X1 like the slim earcup, but with improved attenuation. The NRR of this headset is 24 dB (for Hard Hat Attached and Over the Head) and 25 dB (Behind the Head). This headset is best for moderate to high noise environments. X2 headsets are color yellow.

3M Peltor X3

The X3 Earmuff comes with a higher attenuation with a noise reduction rating of 25 db (in Hard Hat Attached) and 28 dB (in Over the Head and Behind the Head). Unlike the other two, this headset isn’t as slim. It has bigger earcups, but still lightweight. Most headsets with high attenuation use double cup design but the X3 utilizes a single cup design which helps keep attenuation high but still lightweight and slim. X3 headsets are color red.

3M Peltor X4

The X4 Earmuff are the second highest attenuation (compared to X5). The NRR rating for the X4 is 25 dB (in Hard Hat Attached) and 27 dB (in over the head and behind the head). This headset has a sleeker slim earcup compared to the X3. This headset is perfect for use with personal protective equipment (PPE) and it’s fluorescent yellow/green color makes it easier to be seen while working outdoors.

3M Peltor X5

The X5 Series is the highest attenuation compared to the rest. The NRR rating for the X5 series is 31 dB, in all configurations. With the higher attenuation means these have larger ear cups but it’s still maintaining a lightweight feel to help with comfort. This headset is best extremely high noise environments. The X5 headset is black.

Suggested Industries

• Mining
• Oil and Gas
• Construction
• Food and beverage manufacturing
• General manufacturing
• Automotive
• Food processing
• Metal fabrication
• Military maintenance
• Transportation
• Pharmaceutical

X Series Buying Guide

Electrically Insulated Hard Hat Attached

Note: These earmuff cups are made of non-conductive (sometimes referred to as “dielectric”) material while the metal components of the headbands and the helmet attachment mechanisms are covered in non-conductive material.

Over the Head

Note: The X-Series (over-the-head) headband version is electrically insulated. The metal components of the headband have been covered by non-conductive material for use in a low voltage electrical hazard.

Hard Hat Attachment (Without Electrically Insulated)

Behind the Head