Sensear SM1P vs SM1B vs SM1R
— Which One Do You Need?
Last updated: June 2026
Sensear makes the most widely used intrinsically safe headsets in the world. But they offer multiple models and the naming is confusing. Here is exactly what each one does and which one you should buy.
Quick Answer
Full Feature Comparison
| Feature | SM1P-Ex | SM1B-Ex | SM1R-Ex | SM1B-ExDP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-ear | Over-ear | In-ear | Over-ear + plug |
| Bluetooth | ||||
| Two-way radio | ||||
| SENS® technology | ||||
| NRR | 27 dB | 27 dB | 25 dB | 31 dB |
| Battery life | 24 hr | 24 hr | 24 hr | 24 hr |
| Helmet mount | N/A | |||
| Zone | 1/21 | 1/21 | 1/21 | 1/21 |
| ATEX / IECEx / UL913 | ||||
| IP rating | IP54 | IP54 | IP54 | IP54 |
| Price (est.) | ~$1,200 | ~$900 | ~$800 | ~$1,100 |
Which Model for Which Job?
Oil & Gas / Offshore
Pick: SM1P-Ex. You need Bluetooth to pair with ATEX smartphones (ecom Smart-Ex, Xshielder iPhone) for remote expert calls, plus two-way radio for daily operations. The Bluetooth makes the $300 premium over the SM1B worth it.
Chemical / Pharmaceutical
Pick: SM1B-Ex. Most chemical plants use two-way radios and don't allow personal smartphones in the plant. The SM1B gives you everything you need at $300 less than the SM1P.
Mining / Extreme Noise (>100 dB)
Pick: SM1B-ExDP. The double protection system (earplug + earmuff = 31 dB NRR) is the only ATEX headset that adequately protects in extreme noise environments. Worth the premium over the SM1B for environments where 27 dB isn't enough.
Maintenance / Inspection Teams
Pick: SM1R-Ex. The in-ear form factor is more compact and lighter than over-ear models. Maintenance technicians who move between areas and don't wear headsets all day prefer the SM1R. Works under hard hats without bulk.
What Is SENS® Technology?
All Sensear headsets use SENS® (Speech Enhancement, Noise Suppression). It works by:
- External microphones pick up ambient sound
- Digital signal processing separates speech from noise
- Speech is enhanced and played through internal speakers
- Background noise is suppressed to a safe 82 dB(A) in-ear level
- Result: you can have a face-to-face conversation while wearing the headset