3M Worktunes Connect + AM/FM Earmuffs Review (2nd edition)

3M Worktunes Connect + AM/FM are hearing protection earmuffs with added Bluetooth connectivity for listening to audio and taking calls and an integrated AM/FM radio.

I extensively tested the first edition.

Now, with 3M’s release of an upgraded second edition, I’ve decided to test both versions side by side.

In this review, I am detailing my experience with the new model (#90572) while pointing out key differences from its predecessor.

For clarity, I’ll refer to the new edition as Worktunes Connect + AM/FM v2 (or WTC AMFM v2) and the earlier model as Worktunes Connect + AM/FM v1 (WTC AMFM v1).

Along with performance details, I’ll provide practical tips for improving comfort and optimizing sound quality.

Note: v1 and v2 are my own designations; 3M markets both generations under the same “Worktunes Connect + AM/FM” name.

If you’re looking for the Bluetooth-only version without radio (WTC v2), check out my separate review of the Worktunes Connect v2.

My impressions summarized

Noise reduction:

• The Worktunes Connect + AM/FM v2 reduce noise well; they produce a consistent seal, even when I turn my head. The noise reduction rating (NRR) is 26 (up from 24 for v1).

Sound:

• They have a more natural tonal balance than their predecessor. In a quiet environment, I’d prefer their sound. With the WTC AMFM v1, vocals are more forward and stand out and the bass sounds a bit “boxy.”
• However, this vocal emphasis makes the v1 louder and clearer in high-noise environments. When listening to radio or audiobooks under loud conditions, the sound tuning of v1 works better for me.
• With newer recordings, the maximum volume of the WTC AMFM v2 is good. Older music and audiobooks, however, are a bit quiet for my taste.
• Similarly, while some radio stations come through loud and clear, others are broadcast at lower volumes. For these quieter broadcasts, I would prefer more volume. For comparison, the radio in the v1 is substantially louder overall.

Comfort:

• The ear cushions (foam) are comfortable. They have changed from v1 (equally comfortable) and are now the same as for the WTC v2 without radio.
• The headband is highly adjustable and should fit even large heads. The WTC AMFM v1 headband, however, can be extended even further.
• I can wear these earmuffs for two hours without major issues; after that, I start feeling the rubber edge of the headband top (as I did with the v1). A headband cover solves this issue for me for both the v2 and v1 (see below for details).

Controls:

• The main functions, including auto-tuning and recalling radio stations, playing/pausing/skipping music tracks, and answering calls, are accessible via a three-way tuning/seek button, even with gloves. The volume lever is easy to use as well.
• A voice assistant announces radio frequencies. This makes it easy to find stations and fine tune frequencies while wearing the headphones. Thanks to the assistant, like with the v1, I have found no need for a display.
• By comparison, I have found the controls on the v1 to work equally well, and perhaps even prefer the large tuning dial over the three-way button but I am fine either way.
• What has improved is that the Worktunes now remember whether you were in AM, FM, or Bluetooth mode when you last turned them off.
• Disconnecting Bluetooth can now easily be done via the earmuffs. With v1, this used to be cumbersome: you had to disconnect using your phone, and only then could you put the Worktunes in pairing mode.

Battery and other specs:

• Like their predecessor, the WTC AMFM v2 can be powered using two AA batteries or an optional rechargeable battery pack (which can be recharged via the USB-C port). The optional battery pack is the same for v2 and v1.
• Having both options is great, but I’d like to see the rechargeable battery come with the earmuffs rather than be an extra purchase.
• The headphones have an IP44 dust / water resistance rating.
• Unlike the v1, the v2 don’t have a wired 3.5 mm line input anymore.

In terms of hearing protection and Bluetooth standard and range, the Worktunes Connect + AM/FM v2 are a solid upgrade over the v1.

In a quiet environment they also sound better and have a more natural tonal balance. I have found the radio reception to be good, on par with but not better than v1.

However, the WTC AMFM v2 don’t go as loud as v1, in particular when listening to quieter radio broadcasts or playing audiobooks or older music tracks via Bluetooth.

Also the v1 emphasize vocals, which helps with clarity and loudness in loud environments, which is where you will likely use these hearing protectors.

In my opinion, if the radio (or listening to audio books) is your priority, the Worktunes Connect + AM/FM v1 are still the better choice.

As of the writing of this review, the v1 are still available.

If you don’t need a radio at all, check out my review for the WTC v2 (without radio). They too go somewhat louder than the WTC AMFM v2, have better bass extension, and have a built-in rechargeable battery. They can’t be powered via AA batteries though, if this is important to you.

Sound quality and maximum volume

The Worktunes Connect + AM/FM v2 have three EQ settings: bass boosted, treble boosted, and balanced. I kept them on bass boosted for this review.

I tested these with various music genres (classic rock, pop rock, hip hop, adult contemporary) and spoken word content (podcasts and audiobooks):

• They sound more refined than their predecessor, the v1.
• They produce natural-sounding vocals with good treble that isn’t harsh. The bass is present and well extended, but a tad on the light side. Overall the headphones have a well-balanced sound signature.

In a quiet setting I’d prefer their sound over the v1.

But, in noisy work settings, the WTC AMFM v1’s louder volume and forward vocals actually make them more versatile and usable overall. Read on for more details.

One issue I noticed with the AMFM v2: the left channel sounds somewhat louder than the right channel—an issue not present in either the WTC AMFM v1 or the WTC v2 (the model without radio).

Volume limiter and maximum volume

Like all Worktunes models, these earmuffs are hearing protectors first. They use a volume limiter to prevent audio from reaching harmful levels.

The WTC AMFM v2 have two limiter modes: safe volume control (which accounts for sound exposure over a whole work day) and a conventional limiter that caps volume below 82 dBA. I used safe volume control mode for this review, which is the default.

The WTC AMFM v1 and the WTC v2 have the same limiter options. Despite using similar limiting tech on paper, the three models produce different maximum volumes:

The WTC AMFM v1 consistently play the loudest among the three models, followed by the WTC v2 (without radio), making both better suited for noisy environments than the AMFM v2.

Why some content sounds quieter

Volume varies significantly depending on when it was produced:

• Modern recordings typically use the full digital dynamic range, often with heavily compressed audio that sounds consistently loud.
• Older music (like classic rock) was mastered with more conservative levels and not heavily compressed.
• Podcasts and audiobooks often have lower average volume levels than commercial music.

This explains why with the same volume setting on the headphones, modern tracks sound loud enough while older recordings and spoken content can seem too quiet for noisy environments.

This affects all three models to some degree, but it’s most noticeable on the quieter WTC AMFM v2.

Sound comparison with the WTC AMFM v1

The WTC AMFM v1 also have an EQ (three settings: rock, pop, flat). I used rock for testing.

Comparing the two:

• The WTC AMFM v2 have a more natural sound with tighter bass.
• The WTC AMFM v1 have more forward vocals that cut through better in noisy environments.
• The WTC AMFM v1 play significantly louder, a major advantage in high-noise settings.
• Bass on the WTC AMFM v1 sounds somewhat “boxy” with more emphasis on higher bass.
• Channel balance is better on the WTC AMFM v1.

In quiet environments, the WTC AMFM v2 sound more natural. But under loud external noise, the WTC AMFM v1’s louder volume and forward vocals work better with more audio sources, including the radio.

Brief comparison with the WTC v2 (Bluetooth-only model)

• The WTC v2 have a substantially stronger lower bass.
• They play louder than the WTC AMFM v2 (similar to the WTC AMFM v1).
• Their sound signature is less balanced, with harsher treble and brighter vocals.
• They too have better channel balance than the WTC AMFM v2.

For bass-heavy genres like hip hop, the WTC v2 are better. Overall, the WTC AMFM v2 have better tonal balance, but in a high noise environment the WTC v2 have the edge.

For podcasts and audiobooks:

• The WTC AMFM v1 perform best with louder playback and clear vocals.
• The WTC v2 come in second with good volume.
• The WTC AMFM v2 sound natural but quieter than the other two.

Sound improvement options

For Android users, there are good options for improving music and speech clarity:

• Dolby Atmos (available on many Samsung and some other Android phones) enhances bass and overall sound and can be used system wide.
• For spoken content and older recordings, you can also use system-wide EQ apps like Wavelet to boost speech frequencies for better clarity and volume.

As an iOS user, you have limited options. While you can use a music player app with a built-in EQ (like Foobar 2000), I am not aware of system-wide EQ applications, making the headphones’ default sound and volume limitations more important.

Summary sound

The WTC AMFM v2 offer good sound and a natural tonal balance. However, the v1’s higher volume and emphasized vocals work better in high-noise environments—the places for which most people get Bluetooth hearing protectors.

For media (music as well as audiobooks) played via an Android phone, I was able to largely compensate and improve volume and clarity using apps. However, this doesn’t make the radio louder.

For maximum volume and vocal clarity in very loud settings, the older WTC AMFM v1 (if available) and the Bluetooth-only WTC v2 work better.

My ranking in terms of sound:

• Sound in high noise environments: WTC v2 = WTC AMFM v1 > WTC AMFM v2
• Tonal balance: WTC AMFM v2 > WTC AMFM v1 > WTC v2
• Maximum volume: WTC AMFM v1 ≥ WTC v2 > WTC AMFM v2

Radio performance and usability

Basic operation

You can cycle through FM → AM → Bluetooth via the source button. The WTC AMFM v2 remember your last selected source when you turn them on. This is an improvement over the v1, which always defaulted to FM mode—a nuisance if you primarily use Bluetooth.

Tuning and station memory

The easiest way to use the radio is by long-pressing the tuning/seek button. This initiates an auto-seek (voice assistant response: auto seek) and stores the first 25 stations it finds.

Note: you can store 25 FM plus 25 AM stations.

Each found station triggers a beep, giving you a good indication of reception quality in your area.

You can also manually tune, store, and delete stations. For example, start with an auto-seek and then customize by replacing or deleting stations you don’t need.

After storing your stations, press the center of the tuning/seek button to cycle through all stored stations. The voice assistant states the frequency for each recalled station.

Alternatively, you can also jump between stations by first activating “recall mode” (press the function button until you hear “recall mode”). Then press up/down (tuning/seek button) to navigate to the previous/next station.

Note: Unfortunately, the v2 (like the v1) default to frequency mode instead of remembering recall mode each time you turn them on.

The headphones remember the last station you listened to when powered off.

Note: One advantage of both the v1 and v2 models is that they don’t need an LCD display. The voice assistant provides the necessary information through speech announcements (such as frequency, mode changes, and battery status). This design makes sense since you wouldn’t be able to see a display while wearing the earmuffs anyway.

Comparison with the WTC AMFM v1

The radio functionality is essentially the same on the v1, except they use a tuning dial (turn left or right, press in) instead of the three-way button found on the v2.

I prefer the tuning dial of the v1 but can adapt to the three-way button as well. The v1’s button layout, with function and source buttons positioned directly above the tuning dial and the volume knob below, also works a bit better for me, but that may be muscle memory.

Reception quality

I primarily use FM radio and have found the reception of the WTC AMFM v2 to be good and comparable to the v1.

Radio volume and performance in noisy environments

Different radio stations broadcast at different volumes. Rock stations, for example, often broadcast louder than classical music stations.

In my experience, the WTC AMFM v2’s maximum volume works well with some stations in loud environments, but others are too quiet for comfortable listening.

By comparison, the WTC AMFM v1 play significantly louder and emphasize vocals/speech, making them clearer in noisy conditions. While the v1 don’t sound as refined, their reception quality is equally good.

Overall radio assessment

The radio on the v2 is decent. However, due to the better volume levels and the emphasized vocals, the radio functionality on the v1 is better. If radio listening is your priority and the WTC AMFM v1 are still available, I’d recommend the older model.

Noise reduction

Worktunes Connect + AM/FM v2 (90572) have been tested according to ANSI standard S 3.19-1974 and have a Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) of 26.

As you would expect for hearing protectors in the U.S., they have an EPA label stating the NRR on the box and a more detailed attenuation table in the manual.

Noise reduction (subjective) in a high-noise environment

On my head, the 3M Worktunes Connect+AM/FM v2 are good hearing protection earmuffs. Their ear cups and soft cushions seal very well—even when I move my head a lot.

Headband and cushions are the same as for the WTC v2 (the new Bluetooth only model), which also have the same noise reduction rating.

I tested them in three high-noise environments: gas-powered lawnmower (97 dBA), metal-cutting circular saw (102 dBA), and router (102 dBA) and felt well-protected.

I also compared the WTC AMFM v2 (NRR 26) to the WTC AMFM v1 (NRR 24).

Subjectively, I found the v2 to reduce noise slightly better than their predecessor, but the difference was small.

Looking at the attenuation table, the main improvement in noise reduction appears to be against high frequency noise (2000 Hz – 8000 Hz). I also find the improvement at the 250 Hz band notable.

Seal consistency

Having tested quite a few different earmuffs, headband adjustability does influence the seal and consequently noise reduction for me.

The headband of the WTC AMFM v2 is well adjustable and should fit even large heads.

I did not have a seal issue, such as noise seeping in when I move my head up and down or from side to side, as I sometimes have with earmuffs with smaller headbands.

The WTC AMFM v1, however, can be extended even further. This difference is noticeable, in particular when I pull the ear cups all the way down.

In any case, either headband works well to keep a consistent seal around my ear.

Wearing comfort

In terms of ear cushions and headband clamping force, I find the Worktunes Connect +AM/FM v2 to be comfortable, even for long wearing periods. (but see below for my comments and mods for the rubber top).

The cushions get as sweaty as any other ones when worn in a warm climate.

As mentioned before, the headband (the same as for the WTC v2 without radio) can be extended to fit even large heads.

However, as mentioned earlier, the WTC AMFM v1 can be extended even further (the most of all headbands I have seen so far):
I measured an additional 0.5 – 0.8 cm extension for the v1 headband compared to the v2.
For most heads though, the v2 headband should provide more than enough space.

The headband is made of steel wires and has a rubber top with cutouts for a ball cap / ventilation.

After wearing these muffs for about two hours (without a ball cap), I start to feel pressure from the rubber headband top. I can adjust the headband, but this only temporarily mitigates the issue.

I experienced a similar comfort issue with the WTC AMFM v1 headband top, which is slightly narrower but comes with a small foam insert that can be removed for wearing the earmuffs with a ball cap. Nevertheless, I start feeling the top after about two hours.

Headband mod

For long-term wearing comfort with both the v2 and the v1, a padded fabric headband cover works for me (as shown in the image):

The cover is an extra expense, but I can wash it/replace it when it’s worn out or remove it when I want to wear the muffs with a ball cap.

Ideally, 3M would tweak the design or add a removable headband cover to the set.

Pleather headbands, while perhaps more comfortable, are not nearly as rugged; when exposed to constant heat and sweat, they tend to flake and it is often hard to find them as a spare part.

Weight

At 426g (15 oz, incl. 2 AA batteries) the WTC AMFM v2 weigh in the same ball park as the v1 at 402g (14.2 oz, incl. 2 AA batteries) and the WTC v2 at 411g (14.5 oz, built-in Li-ion battery).

I don’t mind the weight, provided I use these earmuffs with the mentioned headband cover.

Note: the cover fits all three.

Ear cushion replacement

The ear pads can be swapped out, but 3M has yet to come out with an official replacement kit.

In my experience the ear cushions of virtually all earmuffs deteriorate over time, in particular if they are almost daily exposed to sun and sweat, even if you wipe them down every evening. I would expect to replace them once a year.

I am optimistic though, since 3M, with some delay, also offered a cushion replacement kit for the WTC AMFM v1.

Note that the kit for the WTC AMFM v1 does not fit the v2.

I plan to update this post when/if a kit becomes available.

Call quality

Basics

The Worktunes Connect + AM/FM v2 have a built-in microphone for making calls. When a call comes in, your music or radio is muted, and you hear a ring tone.

They enable “side tone” during calls, letting you hear your own voice through the headphones. This helps you to gauge the loudness of your voice compared to the noise background.

Taking or rejecting calls is straightforward: press in the center of the tune/seek button to answer, long-press to reject. (On the v1, you’d use the center of the tuning wheel instead.)

Note: The Bluetooth connection remains active for receiving calls while listening to the radio for both the v2 and the v1.

Call performance in real-world conditions

I tested both the WTC AMFM v2 and the v1 in various noise environments.

In quiet settings, both models perform well; my voice sounds a bit stuffy but still clear. The v2 have a slightly louder microphone and a “bassier” voice, which I prefer.

Traffic noise test

With moderate traffic noise (up to 65 dB), both suppress background noise effectively. You still hear sudden loud sounds like screeching tires or honking, but the conversation remains clear.

In louder environments (up to 70 dB), I could use both models for short calls, but I’d have to make a conscious effort to raise my voice. Beyond that noise level, neither the WTC AMFM v2 nor the v1 work well enough for practical communication.

I would use them along a smaller road, but not next to a main road with heavy traffic.

Lawnmower test

• At some distance away (76 dB): Both models can handle short calls if I make a conscious effort to speak loud. Background noise is substantially reduced.
• In close proximity to a lawnmower (85+ dB): My voice disappeared. Noise suppression continues to work. The v1 surprisingly suppressed the noise a bit better, but this didn’t make a meaningful difference.

Bottom line

For calls, both the v2 and v1 are fine in everyday environments up to about 65 dB. They can work along a moderately busy road (up to 70 dB) with extra effort. They don’t work for making calls while riding a lawnmower or around other loud machinery (85+ dB).

If your main objective is to make calls around loud machinery (e.g., while riding a lawn tractor or running a saw), take a look at my test and review for the 3M Pro-Comms, which have a boom microphone positioned closer to your mouth.

Bluetooth connection and pairing

Bluetooth connection

I have tried the WTC AMFM v2 with several Android phones (mainly Samsung Galaxy A52-5G), an iPad, and a Windows notebook.

Bluetooth pairing is easy and fast, and the Bluetooth connection is stable. I usually have my phone in my right pocket, the same side where the controls on the Worktunes are.

The WTC AMFM v2 support Bluetooth 5.2. The specified maximum range is 50 ft. (15m).

(For the WTC AMFM v1, the specified range is 25 ft.)

In a direct line of sight (with one glass door between my phone and the WTC), I was able to get more than 60 ft. (20m), but with some dropouts when turning my head. At 40 ft. (13 m), the connection was still solid.

Bluetooth pairing

Note: I recommend wearing the earmuffs while pairing them to your phone so you can follow the voice assistant.

1. Turn the headset on.

2. Long-press the function button until you hear “Bluetooth pairing on.”

If you are already connected to a device, you’ll hear “Bluetooth disconnected, Bluetooth pairing on.”

3. Next go to the Bluetooth device list on your phone and tap the entry Worktunes Connect + AM/FM under Available devices (iOS: Other Devices).
If you had previously paired the headset to your phone, you should find the entry Worktunes Connect + AM/FM under Paired devices (iOS: My Devices).

4. The voice assistant confirms the connection with “Bluetooth connected.”

The headset remembers the most-recently connected device and attempts to auto-connect every time you power it on.

Notes:

• How to reset the WTC AMFM v2? I had to do that occasionally when Bluetooth didn’t connect.
  With the device powered off, press and hold the power and source buttons together until you hear the voice assistant: Factory Reset.
• They can be connected to one device at a time; they don’t support multi-point connectivity.

Other controls

Controls overview

The WTC AMFM v2 have a five button control scheme:

Tuning/seek button (three-way)

• Center press: Play/pause, answer calls, next stored radio station
• Long press: Reject calls
• Up/down: Next/previous track, radio frequency tuning

For more information on controlling the radio, see section radio performance

Volume lever

• Up/down for volume control

Source button

• Press: Cycle through FM → AM → Bluetooth
• Long press: Cycle through EQ presets (balanced, bass boosted, treble boosted)

Function button

• Long press: Enable Bluetooth pairing (disconnects current device)

Power Button

• Press: Power on/off

Controls assessment

The controls are straight-forward and work well.

Tuning/seek and volume are the two buttons I use the most. These are easily accessible even with gloves.
The power button, and the function and source buttons are recessed and take more effort to find with your fingers. I’d prefer if these buttons stuck out a bit more, but that would perhaps make them more vulnerable.

Overall I am fine with the way everything works.

Compared to v1:

• Overall, I think the controls on v1 are slightly better organized, being all at the back of the right ear cup. Also, I prefer the tuning dial and the volume knob (with integrated power button) on v1 (See section radio performance for v1 controls.)
• Disconnecting Bluetooth has become easier with v2. With v1 you had to go to your phone and disconnect before long-pressing the function button to put the headphones into pairing mode.

Either way, all major functions are easily accessible.

Conclusion

The Worktunes Connect + AM/FM v2 are good hearing protectors (NRR 26) that offer both a solid Bluetooth connection and a radio with good reception.

Compared to their predecessor (v1), they have slightly better noise reduction, a more natural sound, and a better Bluetooth range. I have found the radio reception of both v2 and v1 to be equally good.

However, the v1 go quite a bit louder and have emphasized vocals (that cut better through noise) for both radio and Bluetooth. They also have better balance between left and right channel.

This makes the v1 better suited for listening in a high noise environment.

The v2 work fine for me with newer, louder music recording and louder radio stations. They are, however, not loud enough for quiet radio broadcasts and many audiobooks and older music recordings.

At the time of this writing, the v1 are still available.

For me, the Worktunes Connect + AM/FM v1 are the better choice for earmuffs with both a radio and Bluetooth.

If you don’t need the radio, take a look at my review for the Worktunes Connect v2 (Bluetooth only model, NRR 26). They also go louder and have better channel balance than their radio sibling, and they are equally effective as a hearing protector.

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Notes:

Noise reduction ratings and attenuation data as per earmuff packaging and inserts.