A relatively new entrant in the hearing protection market has begun to make a noise locally and across the ditch. Deals on Wheels went to find out more.
In the landscape of worksite safety gear in New Zealand, one brand that’s been quietly carving out a niche is Mufftech. Founded in early 2023 by Wellington-based Simon Stone, the business is very much a family affair.
A builder by trade and not satisfied with hearing protection products available on the local market, Simon did what any entrepreneurial Kiwi would do and decided to make something better.
“I lost count of the types of Bluetooth earmuffs I’ve used over the years,” he says. “I went from expensive brands to cheap nameless ones and everything else in between – but they either didn’t fit or work well – or fell to bits quickly.”
Spurred on by his wife Alana who told him to stop complaining and make his own, he took that good advice and before too long his tradie mates were wanting pairs of their own.
“I thought, ‘hmm, maybe I’ve got a business here’. And so, I sold up my building business and have been working on Mufftech fulltime since November 2024,” Simon says.
Emerging business
Right: Mufftech features up to 40 hours of battery life
Fair to say, Simon in now wrangling a tiger by its tail. Currently the business has about 50 retailers in New Zealand, Australia, Japan and the United Kingdom, with some 28 countries around the world ordering products online.
“Things have gone a bit crazy,” says Simon. “We’re a finalist in the NZ Export Awards in the Central region for an emerging new business, and we’re also up for the Wellington Business Awards for construction trades and infrastructure, as well as health, safety, wellbeing, which is sponsored by ACC.”
Regulated environment
For those thinking that launching a safety gear brand is a straight-forward prospect, in a regulated environment there are hearing protection standards and workplace safety regulations to negotiate, which involves not only product development but often certification, testing, and distribution logistics. Mufftech’s entry therefore comes at a time when Bluetooth-enabled earmuffs are gaining traction in trades, construction and workshop settings – so they’re positioning themselves in a competitive niche.
What the Products Offer – Beyond the Hype
Right: Protective gear that merges safety with lifestyle features are a must on job sites
In their product descriptions, Mufftech earmuffs claim to combine hearing protection (noise reduction) with Bluetooth audio/communication capability. For example, their ‘Hard Hat Bluetooth Earmuffs – Double OG’ listing outlines:
25 dB NRR (Noise Reduction Rating) certification via AS/NZS 1270:2002
Bluetooth 5.x connectivity, up to “~30 ft” range
Up to 40 hours of rechargeable battery life in one model
These are solid specs on paper – though ‘up to’ hours of use and the dynamic performance of battery/connection/comfort under heavy use are variables many users will notice over time.
One commenter on Reddit says: “Been using Mufftech’s for over a year now … super comfortable and the sound quality is amazing! I haven’t charged them for two weeks and still going!”
That suggests real-world usage beyond just marketing claims. On the other hand, another user flagged call quality in a noisy environment – although the wearer still gave them five stars for comfiness and sound quality. No doubt Simon and his team are already looking into the call quality issue to ensure all their products deliver his vision for better hearing protection products.
Where Mufftech Stands in the Market
Comparatively, Bluetooth-enabled hearing protection is not unique – global brands such as 3M WorkTunes and others already operate in that space.
What Mufftech brings, potentially, is a local flavour and distribution (for New Zealand users) plus a visible trade-site orientation. The store locator on their website shows various registered user reviews in New Zealand and Australia.
Considerations for Buyers & Users
For readers or tradespeople thinking of buying Mufftech gear, here are some observations and caveats based on current public information:
Noise Reduction vs. Hearing Protection Needs
While 25 dB NRR is respectable, it may not be sufficient in extremely loud environments (>100 dB) unless used correctly. Always check if it matches the site’s hearing protection requirements.
Bluetooth and Communication Integration
The appeal is the ability to play music, take calls and still wear protective earmuffs. But microphones on noisy worksites can still struggle – regardless of the brand.
Battery Life and Convenience
Specs quote up to 40 hours usage – good if accurate. But real-world battery life will depend on volume, ambient noise, temperature, and Bluetooth activity. One user reported two weeks of use; another flagged the battery only lasting half a workday if not fully charged.
Comfort and Fit
A strong recurring theme: users highlight comfort (especially long shifts) and compatibility with safety glasses etc.
Service and Warranty
The business being relatively new (2023) means long-term reliability and service network are less documented. Users should check local warranty coverage, replacement parts (e.g., cushions), and shipping/delivery terms especially in New Zealand remote locations.
The Bigger Picture: Innovation in PPE
Mufftech reflects a trend: protective gear is merging safety with lifestyle/audio features. For tradespeople, the ability to listen to podcasts/music or take calls while still complying with hearing protection is increasingly valued. The question is not just “Does it shut out noise?” but “Does it integrate into the workflow?”
However, combining Bluetooth audio with hearing protection raises trade-offs: signal stability in high-interference zones, microphone pickup in noise, the bulk/weight of the gear, battery maintenance and after-sales servicing.
For New Zealand users, a local brand like Mufftech may offer advantages in support and relevance to Kiwi worksites (weather, norms, fit for hard hats common in New Zealand trades).
“We’re looking developing some new cool stuff,” says Simon. “We’re dealing with the government and universities to get something that hasn’t hit the market yet. The business is going from strength to strength, which is good.”
Outlook
For machine operators seeking an audio/hearing-protection hybrid product, Mufftech is a live contender, worthy of consideration. The combination of local presence and focused product design makes them an interesting alternative to the global incumbents. That said, as always with PPE, users should match product to site risk, inspect fit and comfort personally, and treat the purchase as an investment in safety not just audio convenience.
For more information, contact mufftech.co.nz
Images supplied