3M Worktunes Connect Bluetooth Earmuffs Review (2nd edition)

3M Worktunes Connect are hearing protection earmuffs with Bluetooth capability for listening to music and making phone calls.

I have had the first edition of these very popular Bluetooth earmuffs for more than four years.

Now that 3M has come out with an upgraded, second edition, I decided to upgrade as well.

In this in-depth review, I am reporting on my experience with this second edition. I’ll call the muffs Worktunes Connect v2 and their predecessor Worktunes Connect v1 (review v1) to distinguish between the two.

I’ll also share mods and tips and tricks for better comfort and sound.

Note: v1 and v2 (product# 90570) are my designations to distinguish between the editions; 3M uses the same name ‘Worktunes Connect’ for both editions.

My impressions summarized

Noise reduction:

• The Worktunes Connect 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 sound good, quite a bit better than v1, and have the best bass extension of all Bluetooth earmuffs (way ahead of v1) I have tested so far.
• With newer recordings, the maximum volume is good; the volume limiter keeps the sound natural. For some older music recordings and audio books, I’d like more loudness.
• In contrast, the v1 volume limiter could lead to volume fluctuations and negatively affect the sound, but it was able to boost quieter passages, e.g., in audio books and podcasts.

Comfort:

• The ear cushions (foam) are comfortable. They appear to be the same for v2 and v1.
• The headband is highly adjustable and should fit even very large heads (it can be made much larger than the v1 headband).
• I can wear these muffs for two hours without major issues; after that, I start feeling the rubber edge of the headband top.
• A headband cover (see below) solves this issue for me. (the v1 headband top doesn’t have ventilation/ball cap cut-outs, but I find it more comfortable.)

Controls:

• The controls work well, even with gloves: you are getting a multi-function button and a volume lever (on the v1, the volume had to be adjusted on the phone).
• The headphones have an IP44 dust / water resistance rating.
• The battery lasts for about 40 hours (specs) before you need to recharge via the USB-C port (v1 USB-B); you should be able to use most phone chargers.

In summary, I like the Worktunes Connect v2. I find them to be a significant upgrade over the v1, which I also liked.

The Connect v2 sound good, substantially better than the v1, offer somewhat better call quality (see details below), fit larger heads, and you can finally adjust the volume on the headset.

What has gotten worse compared to the Worktunes Connect v1?

With older recordings, the v2 don’t go as loud as the v1. 3M should add the v1 limiter as an optional “emphasize-quiet passages” mode, e.g., for audio books and podcasts.

I find the headband top of the v1 to be more comfortable. For longer wearing times (without a ball cap), I use a headband cover (see below) with the v2.

Finally, unlike the v1, the v2 muffs no longer have a 3.5 mm headphone jack, so they are Bluetooth only.

Noise reduction

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

They have the EPA label stating the NRR on the box and a more detailed attenuation table in the manual.

Noise reduction (subjective) in high-noise environments

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

I tried them in three different high noise situations.

• Gas-powered lawnmower (ca 97 dBA).
• Metal-cutting circular saw (ca 102 dBA).
• Router (ca 102 dBA).

In all three situations, I felt well-protected.

I also compared the Connect v2 (NRR 26) to the Connect v1 (NRR 24) and the 3M Pro Protect (NRR 26).

Subjectively, I found the noise reduction of all three muffs very similar.

Seal consistency

Headband adjustability and ear pad design influence the seal consistency and thus noise reduction when moving one’s head (e.g., when doing overhead work).

With the Worktunes v2, the ear pads seal well for me, regardless of whether I move my head up and down or from left to right.

As mentioned earlier, the v2 can be extended to fit much larger heads than v1.

If you have had seal issues with the v1 (or other earmuffs) due to a large head, the v2 should work better for you.

I didn’t have an issue with the v1, but with the even smaller Honeywell Sync Wireless and the HL Sync Stereo the seal tends to weaken (and noise seeps in) when I turn my head.

Noise reduction numbers

For Bluetooth hearing protection muffs, an NRR of 26 represents solid performance in the current market.

For comparison, the Worktunes Connect v1 have an NRR of 24.

The following table shows the NRR and attenuation (ANSI S 3.19-1974, SD in parentheses) in decibels by frequency band for the Connect v2 and other popular Bluetooth hearing protection earmuffs:

Sound quality and maximum volume

I like the sound of the Worktunes Connect v2. They sound significantly better than their predecessor, the v1.

I listened to rock, pop, hip hop, EDM, vocal music, and podcasts with these.

The Connect v2 do something that no other Bluetooth hearing protectors I have tested so far do:

They produce a good sub bass and have a serious bass extension.

The limiter of the v2 (set to safe volume control) does not negatively affect sound quality at all.

In contrast, while the v1 were able to emphasize quieter passages, to accomplish this, they compressed the dynamic range and at times negatively affected the tonal balance. Also, sudden peaks in the music led to volume fluctuations and a reduced bass.

With music, I definitely prefer the Worktunes Connect v2 over their predecessor.

Volume limiter: how loud do these headphones go?

Worktunes are hearing protectors first.

As such, they attempt to limit the music volume to a safe level.

Protecting users’ hearing from outside noise with earmuffs and then allowing them to raise the audio volume to an unhealthy level isn’t a good idea.

Note: Connect v2 have two limiter modes: safe volume control (accounts for sound exposure over a whole work day) and a conventional limiter that limits the volume to below 82 dBA. I tried both but settled on safe volume control mode, which is the default.

With newer recordings and even a lot of older music, I have found the max volume of the Connect v2 to be more than loud enough, even when listening in very loud environments (lawn mower ca 97 dBA, circular saw ca 102 dBA, router ca 102 dBA).

With some older music, and in particular with older audio books and podcasts, however, I wished the Worktunes Connect v2 went a bit louder.

I suspect that quiet recordings (mostly older albums) lead to a max sound level quite a bit below 82 decibels.

In contrast, the Worktunes Connect v1 employed a compression-type limiter (my impression) that emphasized quieter passages and dialed back when sound levels got too high. This made them go louder with quiet recordings and audio books, but it negatively affected bass response and overall sound quality.

For audio books, I would say the v1 are somewhat better.

Ideally, 3M could have kept the compression-type limiter as an additional “emphasize quiet recordings”/”audio books” option.

I also compared the v2 to the Pro-Protect (review). The Pro-Protect sound detailed but lack bass.

Again, I prefer the sound of the v2 with music. On the other hand, the Pro-Protect too go louder with older recordings and audio books.

In fact, for listening to podcasts and audio books (not music) in high noise environments, the Pro-Protect would be my first choice among the three.

My ranking in terms of sound:

• For music: v2 > v1 > Pro-Protect
• For audio books: Pro-Protect > v1 > v2
• For mixed use (music+audio books): v2 > v1 = Pro-Protect

How to improve the volume and sound in quiet recordings and audio books

Please be mindful when using booster apps to increase the volume of your headphones. I do not recommend circumventing the built-in volume limiter.

For Android users: If you find certain content too quiet, Dolby Atmos (available on many Samsung and some other Android devices) can improve the sound and somewhat increase the volume. You can access it from your notification panel:

For iOS users: Options are more limited across all apps. Some music players like Foobar for iOS offer sound enhancement settings, but these adjustments typically only work within that specific app.

Wearing comfort

The Worktunes Connect v2 ear cushions (they appear to be the same as the v1) are comfortable, and the headband doesn’t clamp too tightly.
Overall, I find them comfortable for extended wear. However, I need to add a headband cover to the rubber top for all-day comfort (for details see below).

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

The headband can be extended to fit even very large heads.

Compared to the v1, the v2 provide an additional 1.5 cm extension from the headband bottom to the ear cushions’ inner diameter.
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 feeling pressure from the bottom edges of the rubber headband top. I can adjust the headband, but this only temporarily mitigates the issue.

Headband mod

For long-term wearing comfort, using a headband cover works much better for me:

The cover is an extra expense, but I can wash it / swap it out 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 than rubber-top headbands, come with a different set of challenges: they 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 411g (14.5 oz) the Worktunes Connect v2 (with foam ear cushions) are heavier than the v1 (foam) at 350g (12.35 oz), but lighter than the Pro-Protect (gel cushions) at 438g (15.45 oz).

In practice, I don’t mind the weight, provided I use the muffs with the mentioned headband cover.

Ear cushion replacement

The ear pads can be swapped out. I contacted 3M and they stated they currently don’t have a replacement kit. They said they are working on one, but had no specific availability date.
I am optimistic, since 3M, with some delay, eventually offered a gel cushion kit for the v1.

Gel edition

In the manual for the Worktunes Connect v2, there are references to a model with gel cushions. Again, I asked 3M and they said they are working on them, but no date yet.

The Worktunes Connect v1 also first came out with foam ear pads.

When I already had the foam edition for about 1.5 years, 3M brought the gel edition as a second option to the market (at a substantially higher price point).

The advantage of the gel cushions is that they are roomier and deeper (good for large ears) and adapt better to the temple arms of glasses.

The main downside is that when there is a tear, they leak gel and you have to replace the cushions right away.

I will update this post when/if gels become officially available for the v2.

In any case, I also like the muffs as they are now—with foam ear cushions.

Call quality

Basics

The Worktunes Connect v2 are a complete headset with a built-in microphone. When a call comes in, currently playing audio is muted, you hear a ring tone, and the microphone is activated.

A function called “side tone” is also activated, meaning that you hear your own voice (as well as background noise at a reduced volume) through the headphones. I like side tone in moderately noisy environments because it allows me to gauge how loud I have to speak.

You can take a call by pressing the control button or reject it by long-pressing the same button.

Noise suppression and quality

The Worktunes Connect v2 work fine for me for making calls in quiet and moderately noisy places.

I was able to make calls along a moderately busy road (up to about 70 dB) and at some distance from a lawn mower (noise level up to about 75 decibels).

However, the v2, like their predecessor, the v1, did not work for making calls when in close proximity to a lawn mower (85 dB) or riding one (95+ dB).

I have yet to come across a headset without boom microphone that can be used for making calls while operating machinery that emits noise >85 decibels.

Note: In my experience, if your priority is making calls in high noise environments, you need muffs with a good boom mic like the Pro-Comms (review).

Comparing the Connect v2 to their predecessor, the Connect v1 and the 3M Pro-Protect, the v2 have a louder microphone. They can handle somewhat more background noise than the v1. The weakest among the three were the Pro-Protect.

Surprisingly, while my voice is louder with the v2, it sounds a bit more stuffy than with the v1 and the Pro-Protect. In a quiet environment, the other two headsets are a bit clearer (albeit substantially quieter) than the v2.

Overall, I prefer the louder mic of the v2.

Call quality: Worktunes Connect v2 > v1 > Pro Protect

Button layout and basic operation

Worktunes Connect v2 have a yellow power/control button and a rubber volume lever (up volume up/down volume down). I find the buttons easy to use, even when wearing gloves.

Playing/pausing (single-press), skipping tracks (double-press next track/triple-press previous track) are all done with the control button.

Bluetooth connection

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

Connection stability

Bluetooth pairing (see below for details) is easy and fast, and the Bluetooth connection is stable. I usually have my phone in my right pocket, the same side where the control button is on the headset.

Worktunes Connect v2 support Bluetooth 5.3.

The specified maximum range is 50 ft. (15m).  Separated by a house wall with large windows from my phone, I was able to get to 50 ft., but with dropouts when turning my head. At 35 ft. (10.7m), the connection was still solid.

Bluetooth pairing

Note: I recommend wearing the headset while pairing it with your phone so you can follow the voice assistant.

1. With the headset turned off: Pair with a phone (or iPad, computer etc.) by pressing and holding the yellow control button until you hear “Bluetooth pairing on.”

Note: While you keep the control button pressed, the Worktunes voice assistant goes through the sequence “Powering on,” “Battery X %,” “Bluetooth pairing on.”

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

3. 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.

Connecting to a different device without powering off the headset

Worktunes Connect v2 (like v1) can only be connected to one device at a time, but switching between different devices is easy.

To disconnect and connect to a new device, you can either follow the procedure described above, or alternatively also double-press the control button.

This puts the Connect v2 back into pairing mode.

Note: Music must be stopped for this to work, otherwise you will be skipping tracks.

Conclusion

3M Worktunes Connect v2 are a well-thought-out combination of hearing protection earmuffs and headphones. They are great if you want to spice up your workday with some tunes or audio books.

For many work environments an NRR of 26 is adequate.

Compared to their predecessor (Worktunes Connect v1), which I also liked, these are a significant upgrade.

The Connect v2 sound a lot better, have a higher NRR (26 vs 24), a somewhat better microphone for calls, and you can now control the volume directly on the headset.

If you primarily want to listen to audio books or podcasts in high noise environments, I would say the older Worktunes Connect v1 are somewhat better. They have a limiter that can emphasize quiet passages in recordings. This limiter comes at the expense of music sound quality though.

Another good option for audio books and podcasts are the 3M Pro Protect. They too go somewhat louder and have very clear vocals. Moreover, they have an awareness mode that allows you to hear your environment at a safe volume. Their main downside is that they seriously lack lower bass. Also, they perform worse when making calls.

For music and calls, I like the Worktunes Connect v2  better.

Conclusion summary:

• For music: v2 > v1 > Pro-Protect
• For calls: v2 > v1 > Pro-Protect
• For audio books: Pro-Protect > v1 > v2
• For mixed use (music+audio books): v2 > v1 = Pro-Protect

The Worktunes Connect v2 will replace the v1 in the ranking post My favorite Bluetooth Hearing Protection Earmuffs when that post is updated.

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Notes:

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