The Axil GSX 3.0 is the latest from Axil, and after a few outings at the range and around the house, it’s clear this is one of the most flexible Bluetooth hearing protection earbuds I’ve used. Whether you’re shooting, working with power tools, mowing the lawn, or just outdoors with some music, GSX 3.0 blends protection, awareness, and convenience in one compact package.
What the Axil GSX 3.0 Brings to the Table
With three core operating modes, the GSX 3.0 gives you options other earbuds can’t match:
- Bluetooth 5.3 audio – stream music, podcasts, or calls with stable connectivity
- Hearing enhancement mode – 5 adjustable levels to amplify voices and ambient sounds for safety or awareness
- Hearing protection mode – foam or silicone tips plus electronic compression that manages loud noises like gunshots or power tools
On top of that, Axil backs it with feature-rich extras: multiple tip sizes, concha locks, IP65 water & sweat resistance, a compact case, and a rechargeable battery that beats most standalone ear pro. For anyone who wants in-ear hearing protection for shooting range, workshops, or outdoor work, this looks like a strong contender.
Fit, Comfort & Wearability
Fit can make or break earbuds – especially in-ear hearing protection. I think my ears are probably oddly shaped. Yet Axil includes a wide selection of tips and ear locks, which gives you a good shot at a snug, secure fit without pressure points. In my testing, the earbuds stayed in place while walking at a fast pace, shooting, and while wearing glasses.
The “Lock-n-Loaded Fit” design lives up to the name: once the ear locks engage, they stay locked. Even after several hours, they never felt loose like a cheap pair might. For shooters or tradesmen who switch environments often, that stability is important. Since I’m still not an ear model, I’ve borrowed the photo below from the Axil website.
Axil GSX 3.0 Controls
One of my favorite features of the Axil GSX 3.0 earbuds is the touch control. Both earbuds have a touch pad that controls various functions. Holding either pad turns the hearing enhancement on or off, and a polite female voice confirms this action. A simple tap of the left side reduces ambient volume, while doing the same on the right side increases it.
Music controls are handled by the module that contains the battery, which is the right side one. The “+” button is closest to your ear, while the “- ” button is at the other end. These buttons also control advancing or replaying tracks by using a long press. Full instructions for all controls are found in the included Start Guide, making it easy to get up and running with minimal fuss.
Hearing Enhancement and Protection Performance
Flip on the hearing enhancement mode and the difference is noticeable. Ambient conversations, range commands, and those annoying chickens down the road from the range – all come in clearer, with more depth. It doesn’t sound artificial or muffled, and the amplification stays natural. That’s a big plus if you want situational awareness without wearing bulky over-ear muffs.
Switch to protection mode and, with the Max Protect foam tips (26 dB SNR / 21 dB NRR), loud noises get clipped hard. I tested them on both rimfire and centerfire loads outdoors – the reduction felt solid, and I didn’t notice any issues after a full session. For an in-ear pair, that’s impressive. Just remember: no ear pro is foolproof for every environment – if you’re indoors or blasting heavy calibers, over-ear protection might still be the safest call.
Axil GSX 3.0 Bluetooth Audio, Calls & Daily Use
In Bluetooth mode, the Axil GSX 3.0 does more than just protect; it works like a competent everyday pair of earbuds. Pairing was quick, signal held great, and audio had more bass and clarity than I expected, thanks to Axil’s “Bass Boost” chamber design. It’s good for workout playlists, range downtime, or long walks along the beach. My musical taste runs mostly towards classic rock and 80s music, which is reproduced quite well – clear vocals and guitar solos, and a little bit of punch on the bottom end.
The “Call Aware” feature is neat: The hearing enhancement feature stays on, so you maintain ambient hearing when a call comes in. This makes them useful if you expect to take calls while working or traveling. Volume limiting during Hear-Through helps keep things safe and situationally aware, too. With enhancement on, music volumes are limited too, so that you can hear your surroundings. Turning off enhancement allows for maximum music and call volumes.
Battery Life & Durability
Axil claims up to 40 hours of hearing enhancement, 20 hours Bluetooth-only, and ~15 hours combined use. In real-world testing, mixed use (hearing enhancement + protection + Bluetooth), I can get a full week out of a charge. That’s several hours at the range, and several more of just listening to music while doing things around the house, or going for a walk. Charging via USB-C took about 2 hours. Notably, the battery isn’t user-replaceable, so keeping them charged regularly is part of the routine.
As for durability: the IP65 rating held up. I wore them through sweat, dust, and a light drizzle on a windy shooting day – no degradation or water ingress. For outdoor use, yard work, or range days, that’s a major advantage over standard earbuds.
Who the Axil GSX 3.0 is for, and Who Might Want Something Else
The GSX 3.0 works well if you want a single device that covers multiple roles:
- Shooting range users who want ear-pro + music or calls without bulky muffs
- Hunters or outdoor folks who want hearing protection but also situational awareness
- Tradesmen, landscapers, or DIYers working with loud tools but needing communication and comfort
- Anyone wanting rechargeable, weather-resistant hearing protection earbuds for daily use
If you spend lots of time on indoor rifle ranges, especially with high-power rifles, you may still want heavy-duty over-ear protection – in-ear earbuds can’t always match that level of suppression. Also, the battery being non-replaceable means you must stay on top of charging if you plan long sessions away from power.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Triple functionality – hearing protection, enhancement, and Bluetooth audio
- Secure, comfortable fit with many tip options and concha locks
- Good audio quality with Bass Boost chamber, usable for music/podcasts
- Long battery life compared to other electronic ear pro earbuds
- IP65 water & sweat resistance – rugged enough for outdoor or workshop use
- Situational awareness remains possible thanks to the enhanced hearing mode
Cons / Limitations:
- In-ear protection may not match over-ear muffs for high-caliber rifles or indoor ranges
- Battery is not user-replaceable – you must keep it charged
- Earbud fit can require some trial-and-error to seal properly
Other Axil Products Worth a Look
Axil offers a full line of hearing-protection gear – from similar Bluetooth-enabled earbuds to more traditional electronic muffs. If you want to explore their full catalog or find a model more tuned to your shooting or work needs, you can browse here: Axil Hearing Protection.
Final Thoughts
The new Axil GSX 3.0 is among the most versatile hearing-protection earbuds I’ve tested. With each new release, the GSX series just gets better and better. It combines secure in-ear protection, ambient hearing enhancement, and Bluetooth audio in one lightweight, weather-resistant package. For range days, yard work, workshop use, or everyday listening – it’s a solid all-in-one solution.
They’re available in black as well as desert tan (FDE). If you want to check pricing or pick up a pair, here’s a link: Axil GSX 3.0.
Disclosure: Axil provided the GSX 3.0 for testing and evaluation. As always, thoughts and opinions are my own. This article contains affiliate links that help support the site at no extra cost to you.