buyers guide to radio earpieces

For many of us, wearing an earpiece is part of our day-to-day lives. Earpieces are reliable, discreet and absolutely vital to many professions.

Over the course of this comprehensive, easy-to-read guide, we’ll take a closer look at these remarkable devices, answering key questions while discussing the uses, limitations and benefits of earpieces.

What is an Earpiece?

An Earpiece is part of the equipment that produces sound and is normally held or placed against the ear. A Radio Earpiece produces sound from a transmitting device, normally a walkie talkie or two way radio, allowing the user to communicate in a covert and discreet manner.

  1. Who Uses an Earpiece?
  2. How to Wear an Earpiece
  3. What are Earpieces Used For?
  4. What are the Benefits of Radio Earpieces?
  5. What are the Limitations of Radio Earpieces?
  6. What Equipment is Compatible with Radio Earpieces?
  7. What Should I Consider Before Buying an Earpiece?
  8. How Does ‘Push To Talk’ (PTT) Work?
  9. How do Acoustic Tube Earpieces Work?
  10. What Different Styles of Earpiece are There?
  11. Should you Buy an Earpiece?
  12. The Earpieces

d-ring earpiece

D-Ring Style Earpiece


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g-shaped earpiece

G-shaped style Earpiece


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acoustic tube earpiece

Acoustic Tube style Earpiece


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earbud earpiece

Earbud style Earpiece


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radio headset

Two Way Radio Headset


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remote speaker mic

Remote Speaker Mic


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bone conductor earpiece

Bone Conductor Earpiece


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throat mic earpiece

Throat Mic Earpiece


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Who Uses an Earpiece?

A vast number of industries require the use of earpieces.

If you work in security, door supervision, the secret service, catering, event management/hosting, manufacturing, factory work, construction, broadcasting, the prison service, police, security personnel or other emergency services, the chances are you’ve used an earpiece at some point.

Earpieces allow colleagues to communicate over long distances via walkie talkies. A crowded dining hall, for example, might prove a difficult place from which to co-ordinate staff. If said staff are using earpieces, however, talking to them becomes as simple as pushing a button and letting them know what’s up.

Earpieces are efficient, effective and mostly hands free. That’s why they’re so commonly used across such a wide spectrum of fields.

How to Wear an Earpiece

It might seem simple, but there is a correct way to wear an  earpiece, it needs to be comfortable and secure, so that you can use it when it matters most.

Take the Earpiece and Connect the PTT and Mic to the Front of Your Shirt, Run the Connector End of the Earpiece Down your Shirt, Ready to be connected to the Radio.

Take hold of the Cable and Connect to the Radio, Then turn the Radio on.

Run the Opposite Side of the Earpiece up Through Your Shirt.

Finally Take the Earpiece and place it over your ear, making sure it fits securely and comfortably

What are Radio Earpieces Used For?

The main function of an earpiece is to facilitation reliable communications between colleagues over a distance, they are also very discreet, as well as totally private, this helps when security staff are calling for backup against aggressive customers,  to let other members of staff know about people that behaving inappropriately and may likely assault another member of the public or a member of staff and if someone find something during a Search.

Radio Earpieces are far less noticeable than a mobile phone or two-way radio.

Radio earpieces also allow for hands free communication, which is very useful in situations where both hands are needed (such as security or policing).

Earpieces can also act as a deterrent. A security guard equipped with an earpiece looks as if they have access to back-up, if they feel they need to use force. Earpieces can subtly increase security and deter crime, simply by being worn by the right people in the right place at the right time.

As an added bonus, radio earpieces provide a type of passive noise cancellation, which blocks out some of the noise from large crowds, concerts or etc, but not so much that the user can’t hear what’s going on around them.

What are the Benefits of Radio Earpieces?

There are many benefits associated with using radio earpieces:

Radio earpieces (via a radio) provide fast, efficient communication over long distances. They also offer a degree of noise cancellation, This allows for clearly audible conversations between colleagues across even the loudest environments (without blocking out ambient sound), this is really useful when you need to communicate with a colleague across a room, building or over a long distance.

If you need to conduct private conversations (i.e. those that are inaudible to anybody around the receiver) an earpiece is an excellent choice, as they offer better covert discretion (from a distance, a covert earpiece is all-but invisible). As described elsewhere, earpieces are also good as a deterrent, someone with bad intentions and sees a door supervisor or security guard wearing an earpiece, may have second thoughts to carry out that goal.

Earpieces allow the user to keep both hands free while talking or performing a specific function, we all know that there are a thousand things to carry when working in security, responding to radio calls whilst having your hands full is difficult, connecting an earpiece for hands-free communications is the most efficient way to work, On top of all that, earpieces are very easy to operate, as well as easy to maintain and clean.

earpiece and ear

What are the Limitations of Radio Earpieces?

We wouldn’t be doing our job if we didn’t touch on some of the limitations of covert earpieces, not least because any manufacturers reading this may spot the opportunity to improve their products. Even if that doesn’t end up being the case, honesty is always important, isn’t it?

The truth is that not all earpieces are comfortable to wear. The ones that are comfortable can also end up becoming uncomfortable if worn for long shifts. The sad fact is that there isn’t much anybody can do about that, either.

Also, there is no industry standard for connectors, which causes problems from time to time. If the connector doesn’t fit your walkie-talkie or two-way radio, there really isn’t going to be any way to make it fit.

Major brands (such as Motorola, Hytera, Icom or Kenwood, among others) have a brand-specific connector configuration, but some companies utilize different connectors for different products, even when they are otherwise similar (a Icom two-pin connector, for example, will not connect to a Motorola two-pin). This can get quite confusing and more than a little bit irritating.

Earpieces also need to be cleaned regularly. This is a relatively easy process, however.

What Equipment is Compatible with Radio Earpieces?

Earpieces are mainly limited to two-way radios and walkie-talkies, they are an extension of the the two way radio, assisting to transmit and receive messages covertly. They are powered by the radio and need to be connected to work properly.

Certain earpieces are also compatible with presenter receive monitors, that allow the TV or Radio presenter receive information from the gallery or director, these come with a standard 3.5mm jack and can be used on a large range of mobile phones.

What Should I Consider Before Buying an Earpiece?

As mentioned above, connectivity is an important issue. When buying an earpiece, you must be sure that you can connect it to your intended device.

Other concerns include making sure that the wire for both the earpiece and the microphone is long enough for your purposes. It is important that the user is able to move freely while using the earpiece, and won’t be restricted in any way.

Sound quality is also an important issue. Good sound quality is vital, but it doesn’t need to be great. You just need to be able to hear and follow a conversation. You won’t need studio quality sound, for example – you’re doing a job, not making an album!

Also, ask yourself what you’re going to be using the earpiece for. Do you want a covert or overt earpiece? You’ll want to choose a design based on what job you’ll be doing with the earpiece (more on this later).

Consider if you’ll need features like Kevlar lining or hard cabling. These are very useful if the earpiece is likely to be grabbed or pulled. Basic earpieces are actually quite delicate and do not often survive scuffles.

Security staff, for example, will be better off using the reinforced kind.

It represents ‘false economy’ to save money upfront by buying the cheaper versions, only to spend more over the long term by constantly replacing them when they break.

How Does ‘Push To Talk’ (PTT) Work?

The ‘Push To Talk’ (PTT – sometimes known as ‘Press To Transmit’) is a method of having conversations on half-duplex communication lines. Using it couldn’t be simpler.

The operator pushes the button on the hand-held microphone, walkie-talkie, two-way radio or earpiece itself. The transceiver, in response, switches from ‘receive’ mode to ‘transmit’ mode. The operator then talks, so you push…to talk. See?

On a large majority of covert earpieces, the mic and PTT button are contained within their own housing, the only time they aren’t are with the 3-wire kits and bone conductor Earpieces and they typically have a crocodile clip to attached to a jacket or shirt

PTT button

How do Acoustic Tube Earpieces Work?

Acoustic tubes are a deceptively clever idea. The radio receives a signal, which it relays via the transducer (a small speaker). The speaker vibrates the air inside the tube and those vibrations travel up the tube, reaching the ear. Because the tube is snugly sealed into the in ear, the sound comes through as clearly as it would if the user were wearing headphones.

acoustic tube

gel earmould

Gel Earmoulds

These are usually used with clear tube earpieces. The open ear mould is a neat alternative to the mushroom-shaped shaped earbud that is in ear.

Gel earmoulds fit snugly into the ear canal and are generally quite comfortable to wear. They remove some ambient noise, but not so much that the user can’t tell what’s going on around them.

What Different Styles of Earpiece are There?

Radio earpieces come in a wide variety of styles, shapes and sizes. Each has their own unique benefits and drawbacks, as well as tasks for which they are well and poorly suited.

In this section, we’ll take a look at some of these different models, as well as where they might best be used.

1 wire earpiece

1-Wire Radio Earpiece

These complete kits are in-line Earpiece, PTT and Mic. It starts with the connector at the Radio, this runs on a single wire to the PTT and Mic, that includes a lapel clip to attach to clothing around and near the chest. This then runs in-line up to the Earpiece.

Primarily these are the D-ring Earpieces and the G-shaped Earpieces.

2 wire earpiece

2-Wire Radio Earpiece

A complete kit with PTT. Mic and Earpiece. Starting from the Radio, one wire runs up to the earpiece and a separate wire runs to the PTT and Mic.

This allows the user to run this the PTT and Mic down the arm to the sleeve if needed, but it includes a lapel clip to attach to a a shirt or jacket.

Primarily these are Acoustic Tube Earpieces

3 wire earpiece

3-Wire Radio Earpiece

In this setup, three wires run out from the radio. Separate wires run up to the Earpiece, a second runs up to a separate mic with a lapel clip and a third runs to a PTT button, this can run down the arm, so that it isn’t obvious that you are wearing an earpiece.

Primarily these are Acoustic Tube Earpieces

Should you Buy an Earpiece?

That’s really up to you. The best advice we can offer would be to go back through this article and assess which of the activities mentioned in it match up to the requirements of the job you have in mind.

Earpieces aren’t useful in every occupation, nor do they help in every situation. However, if you are in a situation where clear, reliable and private communication needs to be conveyed, over long distances and in real time, then you just might find that an earpiece can be the answer to your problems.

the earpieces
d-ring earpiece

D-Ring Style Earpiece


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g-shaped earpiece

G-shaped style Earpiece


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acoustic tube earpiece

Acoustic Tube style Earpiece


See More

earbud earpiece

Earbud style Earpiece


See More

radio headset

Two Way Radio Headset


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remote speaker mic

Remote Speaker Mic


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bone conductor earpiece

Bone Conductor Earpiece


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throat mic earpiece

Throat Mic Earpiece


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d-ring earpiece

D-Ring Style Earpiece

This is an earpiece that forms a distinctive ‘D’ shape that fits over the ear. These are readily available in many different connectors and are easily affordable.

They can also be cleaned easily and used by multiple people working different shifts.

The limitations of the D-ring are they can become uncomfortable to wear over long periods and can only be used as part of a 1-wire setup.


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g-shaped earpiece

G-shaped style Earpiece

The G-shaped earpieces (which form a ‘G’ shape as opposed to the ‘D-ring’ design) are a lot more comfortable than many other models.

In any instance, they are certainly more flexible. G-shaped earpieces use sock foam to improve sound quality as well as comfort. Again, these can only be used as part of a 1-wire setup


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acoustic tube earpiece

Acoustic Tube style Earpiece

The clear tube makes for a high quality covert experience. A good majority of these are 2-wire kits.

These are more comfortable than the D-ring and the G-shaped Earpieces and are far more covert as they are in ear.

These earpieces must be cleaned regularly, however, as dirt and earwax can build up and negatively affect performance.


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earbud earpiece

Earbud style Earpiece

The Earbud Style is great for blending in, as they can make a security guard or undercover police officer simply appear to be listening to music or talking on the phone like many other members of the general public.

However if the PTT mic is showing, this can expose the person who is trying to be inconspicuous.

Otherwise, this type of earpiece can be comfortable and user friendly, as most other earpieces of this type are less covert.


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radio headset

Two Way Radio Headset

These headsets, which go over the head and sit against each ear, are excellent for reducing noise in very loud environments, such as construction sites.

Headsets are a great for two-way communication and comfortable to wear as they aren’t invasive and are very adjustable. They aren’t particularly well suited for security work, however.


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remote speaker mic

Remote Speaker Microphone

Remote speaker mics work very well, Commonly they are used by people in larger open spaces. This is probably because they are not very covert. Passers by can easily overhear all communications, making them not great for door work.

These mics are suitable for all weather conditions, and are great if you don’t like wearing an earpiece. If at times you need to have two radios, these remote speaker mics are perfect to connect to the second radio.


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bone conductor earpiece

Bone Conductor Earpiece

Bone conduction headphones, also known as ‘bone-phones’, work by vibrating the skull. This bypasses the eardrum entirely, with the vibrations being interpreted directly by the cochlea.

The technology has been used by audiologists since the 1970’s, but is relatively new to the consumer market.

There’s no need to talk into a mic if you’re using bone-phones, simply push the PTT button and start talking. These headphones are good for loud environments


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throat mic earpiece

Throat Mic Earpiece

A throat microphone, also called a laryngophone, works by absorbing vibrations directly from the wearer’s throat by way of small sensors attached to the wearer’s neck and can be used safely, as it is positioned outside the mask’s face seal and as such does not compromise the respiratory protection provided by the mask.

These sensors can pick up vibrations in even the loudest environments. They can even pick up faint whispers, which makes them perfect for jobs that require quiet communication and/or a high level of discretion.

They also work well in instances where the user is required to wear a helmet.


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d-ring earpiece

D-Ring Style Earpiece


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g-shaped earpiece

G-shaped style Earpiece


Buy Here

acoustic tube earpiece

Acoustic Tube style Earpiece


Buy Here

earbud earpiece

Earbud style Earpiece


Buy Here

radio headset

Two Way Radio Headset


Buy Here

remote speaker mic

Remote Speaker Mic


Buy Here

bone conductor earpiece

Bone Conductor Earpiece


Buy Here

throat mic earpiece

Throat Mic Earpiece


Buy Here