Walking Gear and Clothing The 10 Best Ear Warmers of 2021 Keep your ears toasty in style By Christine Luff twitter linkedin Christine Many Luff is a personal trainer, fitness nutrition specialist, and Road Runners Club of America Certified Coach. Learn about our editorial process Christine Luff Fact checked by Fact checked by Ashley Hall on December 20, 2020 linkedin Ashley Hall is a writer and fact checker who has been published in medical journals in the field of surgery. Learn about our editorial process Ashley Hall on December 20, 2020 Print More in Walking Gear and Clothing Walking for Weight Loss Treadmill Walking Long Distance Walking Beginners Walking Shoes Walking Fast Pedometers and Fitness Bands Injuries and Prevention Clubs, Partners, and Programs Treadmill Workouts View All Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Tough Headwear Winter Fleece Headband at Amazon "Suitable to wear for leisure or during any fitness activity, it covers your entire ear without interfering with your earbuds." 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 Running: Smartwool Unisex Reversible Headband at Amazon "Stay prepared for unpredictable weather in this headband, which can be layered under a helmet and worn reversed for a new shade." 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. Best Overall: Tough Headwear Winter Fleece Headband Buy on Amazon A solid addition to any cold-weather activities wardrobe, this headband from Tough Headwear is not too thick or thin and provides a secure, comfortable fit. Constructed of super-soft fleece, it’s ideal for keeping your ears warm and protected, whether you’re enjoying outdoor winter sports or commuting in the cold. You can comfortably wear it under a helmet and over your earbuds. It’s also easy to stash in a pocket or waistband in case the conditions change while you’re on the trails, slopes, or sidewalks. Get it in black or charcoal gray. The 6 Best Workout Headbands for Women of 2021 Best Budget: Turtle Fur Chelonia Fleece Headband Buy on Amazon 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. Best for Running: Smartwool Unisex Reversible Headband Buy on Amazon Buy on Backcountry.com Buy on Rei.com This headband from Smartwool stays put, so there’s no need for mid-run adjustments when running in the cold. Made of soft, non-itchy merino wool, it has natural odor protection and wicks away moisture, keeping your head dry and warm. Durable and comfy, this one-size-fits-all ear warmer can be easily stashed in a pocket or waistband in case the weather changes during your run. The 8 Best Running Hats of 2021 Best for Cycling: The Friendly Swede Headband Buy on Amazon 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. Best for Skiing: L.L.Bean Outdoor Research Windstopper Ear Band Buy on Amazon 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. The 10 Best Fleece-Lined Leggings of 2021 Best for Really Cold Weather: Patagonia Women's Re-Tool Fleece Headband Buy on Dick's 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. The 24 Best Outdoor Gifts of 2021 Best Bluetooth: 180s Bluetooth II Ear Warmer Buy on Amazon 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. The 10 Best Workout Headphones of 2021 Best Adjustable: 180s Women's Shetland Ear Warmer Buy on Dick's 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. The 10 Best Windbreakers of 2021 Best for Ponytail: TrailHeads Women’s Ponytail Headband Buy on Amazon 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. The Best Cold Weather Walking Gear of 2021 Best Bandless: Ear Mitts Bandless Ear Muffs Buy on Amazon 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. The 11 Best Winter Socks of 2021 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. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Looking to start walking off the weight? Our free guide offers tips, workouts, and a printable schedule to help you get on the right track. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit