The 8 Best Ear Warmers of 2021

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Our Top Picks

Best Budget:

Turtle Fur Chelonia Fleece Headband at Amazon

Protect your ears from the wind and minimize pesky flyaways with Turtle Fur's unisex fleece headband.

Best for Cycling:

The Friendly Swede Headband at Amazon

Lightweight enough to be tossed into your bag or pocket, it promises to keep your ears warm while keeping the cold out.

Best for Skiing:

L.L.Bean Outdoor Research Windstopper Ear Band at Amazon

Winter athletes will appreciate this pick, which features velcro closure so you can customize the fit.

Best for Really Cold Weather:

Patagonia Women's Re-Tool Fleece Headband at Dick's

Promises to be anti-slip with its plush trim while half of its material is recycled, making it a purchase you can feel good about.

Best Bluetooth:

180s Bluetooth II Ear Warmer at Amazon

Its Bluetooth capabilities allow you to take important calls or play your favorite music or podcast as you take on your workout.

Best Adjustable:

180s Women's Shetland Ear Warmer at Dick's

Collapsible for easy storage, its insulated design provides all of the warmth without being too constricting.

Best for Ponytail:

TrailHeads Women’s Ponytail Headband at Amazon

Rain or snow is no match for this water-resistant headband, while its back opening allows you to keep your hair out of the way.

Best Bandless:

Ear Mitts Bandless Ear Muffs at Amazon

Compatible with helmets and earbuds, its three-layered fleece ensures ultimate coverage as you head outdoors.

Whether you’re running outdoors, hitting the slopes, or power-walking through the neighborhood in cold weather, you’ll want to make sure your ears stay warm and protected. Ear warmers are not as bulky or constricting as hats, so there’s less chance of overheating, and they also help you avoid the dreaded hat hair.

From fleece headbands to ear mittens, there's something for every type of cold weather outdoor activity.

Here are the best ear warmers on the market.

For a super affordable, comfy, and versatile ear warmer, you can’t beat this one from Turtle Fur. Made with just the right amount of stretch for perfect coverage, one size fits most men and women. The headband’s fleece is soft, itch-free, and quick-drying, so you stay warm and comfortable.

They’re available in more than a dozen basic and vibrant colors, so you may want more than one to coordinate with your winter outdoor workout wardrobe.

Cyclists need a warm-but-thin headband to protect their ears from wind chill, and this helmet-friendly one from The Friendly Swede gets the job done. With a smooth surface, the headband keeps wind out but is still breathable and sweat-wicking, so moisture doesn’t accumulate as you’re riding.

Constructed of a fleece polyester and Spandex blend, it stretches and adapts to your head size, so it’s suitable for both men and women. Buy these as singles or in a two-pack with various colors and patterns.

L.L.Bean Outdoor Research Windstopper Ear Band

For windy, frigid days on the slopes, you can’t beat the extra ear protection from this Outdoor Research ear band. Made of a soft polyester fleece Gore-Tex, it blocks the wind from cutting through. The contoured shape allows for a comfortable fit, while the rear adjustment lets you make it as snug as you want it to be.

This versatile ear band can be worn alone or under a hat or helmet and comes in small, medium, and large sizes.

Patagonia Women's Re-Tool Fleece Headband

This headband from Patagonia proves that you don’t need a full hat to keep your ears warm in very cold weather. Made of a soft, fleece fabric, the wide headband provides ample coverage and features extra-long fibers to hold in the warmth.

The plush trim keeps it comfortably in place, no matter what activity you’re doing in the great outdoors. The one-size-fits-all headband comes in five colors—Raw Linen, Tailored Grey, black, Sky Blue, and Balsamic.

Stay warm while listening to your favorite playlist or answering calls with these insulated headphones that have Bluetooth capability. With an eight-hour battery life, they can help you power through your outdoor adventures in the cold.

The inside is plush, warm, and feels soft against the face. They’re adjustable, so you can get a comfortable, snug fit, and they’re easy to collapse for hassle-free storage when you’re not using them.

If you’ve struggled to find ear warmers that stay in place, try these adjustable ones for a custom fit. The innovative behind-the-head design allows them to stay comfortably over your ears and fits a variety of head sizes.

The PrimaLoft insulation is soft and warm, keeping ears protected from stinging cold and biting wind. The one-size-fits-all ear warmers collapse down for convenient and easy storage in your pocket or bag.

Runners with ponytails will be delighted with this headband that keeps their hair in place while protecting their ears. Made of a stretchy polyester and Spandex fabric blend, the water-resistant headband wicks away sweat, keeping you dry and comfortable.

The fleece interior is super soft and not itchy, while the contoured shape provides excellent coverage right where you need it most. Additionally, the headband’s reflective elements help keep you safe and seen during early morning and evening outdoor activities.

If you’re one of those people who don’t like to mess up your hair or have anything on your head, you may want to give these bandless ear muffs a try. Just slip them on over your ears to get warmth and protection from three layers of soft thermal fleece and 3M Thinsulate insulation.

The durable frame adjusts to your ears for a snug fit, so you don’t have to worry about wind slipping through. The mitts can be worn underneath a hat, hood, or helmet, as well as over earbuds, and easily stored in a pocket or bag when not in use.

Final Verdict

Our best overall picks, the Tough Headwear Headband and Lululemon Run for It All Ear Warmer, rise to the top for their performance, comfort, and durability, while the Turtle Fur Fleece Headband stands out as a high-quality, very affordable option.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

As a marathon running coach, trail runner, and avid skier, Christine Luff has researched and recommended lots of ear warmers, as well as personally tested them during outdoor adventures in cold, blustery winter weather.

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The 8 Best Ear Warmers of 2021

Keep your ears toasty in style

Best Budget: Turtle Fur Chelonia Fleece Headband

Best for Cycling: The Friendly Swede Headband

Best for Skiing: L.L.Bean Outdoor Research Windstopper Ear Band

Best for Really Cold Weather: Patagonia Women's Re-Tool Fleece Headband

Best Bluetooth: 180s Bluetooth II Ear Warmer

Best Adjustable: 180s Women's Shetland Ear Warmer

Best for Ponytail: TrailHeads Women’s Ponytail Headband

Best Bandless: Ear Mitts Bandless Ear Muffs

Final Verdict

Why Trust Verywell Fit