Replacing ear cushions: how to make your headphones comfortable again
Are your headphone ear pads worn out, flattened or torn? You’ll often notice straight away. Your headphones feel less comfortable, fit less snugly and may even sound less full than you’re used to.
Fortunately, you don’t always have to buy a new pair of headphones or a headset right away. The right replacement ear pads can often make your headphones more comfortable and give them a fresher look. In this blog, we explain what to look for when choosing new ear pads.
When should you replace your ear pads?
Ear pads wear out faster than many people think. They come into daily contact with skin, hair, dust and moisture. Over time, they can tear, come loose, flatten or start to feel less fresh.
New ear pads are especially useful when:
- the cover starts to tear or peel;
- the foam has flattened;
- your headphones feel less comfortable;
- the ear pads come loose from the ear cup;
- your headset no longer seals as well;
- your headphones still work well, but the pads are worn out.
By replacing only the ear pads, you can often keep using your headphones for longer without having to buy an entirely new device.
First, check your headphone brand and model
Compatibility is important when it comes to ear pads. Some are made specifically for certain headphone models, while others are universal and selected mainly by diameter.
Do you use JBL, Logitech, Sennheiser or SteelSeries headphones or a headset? Browse the relevant brand filters here:
Not sure which model you have? Check the product name on the headphones, in your order confirmation, on the packaging or in your device’s Bluetooth name.
Universal ear pads: choose by diameter
Universal foam ear pads are usually selected by diameter. This is particularly important for compact on-ear headphones, where the ear pad fits over the edge of the ear cup or holder.
So carefully measure the outer diameter of your current ear pad or the edge that the new one needs to fit over. Even a few millimetres can affect how snugly the pad fits.
The collection includes various universal sizes, such as 30mm foam ear pads, 40mm foam ear pads, 45mm foam ear pads, 60mm foam ear pads and 80mm foam ear pads.
Specific ear pads for JBL headphones
With JBL, it’s especially important to check the series. Ear pads that fit a JBL Tune model won’t necessarily fit a JBL Live model.
For example, do you use a JBL Tune 600BTNC, Tune 500BT, T450, T450BT or T500BT? Then take a look at the Ibley black ear pads for JBL Tune 600/500BT/450/450BT. Note that this version is not suitable for JBL Live models.
Do you use a JBL E65, E65BTNC, Duet NC, Live 650 BTNC or Live 660 BTNC instead? In that case, the Ibley black ear pads for JBL E65, Duet NC and Live 650/660 BTNC are a better fit.
Ear pads for gaming headsets
Do you use your headset a lot for gaming, work or online meetings? Then comfortable ear pads are especially important. Worn headset pads can cause pressure, feel warm or provide a poorer seal during longer sessions.
For Logitech headsets, for example, take a look at the Ibley black ear pads for Logitech G633/G933/G935 Artemis Spectrum. Do you use a SteelSeries Arctis headset? Then the Ibley black ear pads for SteelSeries Arctis 1/3/5/7/7P/7X/9/9X Pro Wireless are a suitable option.
Ear pads for Sennheiser headphones
With Sennheiser, too, it’s important to check the model number carefully. A small difference in the model name can mean that the attachment or shape is different.
Do you use Sennheiser HD 4.40BT or HD 4.50BT NC headphones? Then take a look at the Ibley black ear pads for Sennheiser HD 4.40BT / HD 4.50BT NC.
Foam, faux leather or memory foam?
The material largely determines how your headphones feel. Universal sponge or foam ear pads are lightweight and flexible, and are mainly suitable for compact on-ear headphones. They’re a handy way to simply replace old foam pads.
Ear pads made with faux leather or memory foam often feel firmer and more substantial. They’re commonly used with larger headphones and gaming headsets. They can help your headphones fit more snugly and feel more comfortable during extended use.
How do you measure the right size?
If possible, carefully remove one old ear pad from your headphones. Then measure the outer diameter of the ear pad or the edge it fits over. Measure in millimetres and compare your result with the size shown on the product page.
With universal foam ear pads, the diameter is what matters. For model-specific ear pads, the compatibility list is most important. Not sure which of two sizes or models to choose? It’s best to check the product page carefully first or get in touch.
How do you replace ear pads?
The replacement method varies by headphone model. Universal foam ear pads are usually carefully stretched over the edge of the ear cup. Model-specific ear pads may click into place or press into a groove.
Always take your time and don’t use sharp objects. First remove the old ear pad, carefully clean the edge, then fit the new ear pad evenly around the ear cup. Afterwards, check that the pad fits snugly all the way around.
Which ear pads fit your headphones?
The quickest way to find the right ear pads is to first work out whether you need a model-specific replacement or a universal size. Do you use a JBL, Logitech, Sennheiser or SteelSeries headset? Filter by brand and check compatibility on the product page.
Do you use basic on-ear headphones without a clear model number? Measure the diameter and browse the universal ear pads.
Browse all ear pads or get in touch if you’re not sure which version is suitable for your headphones.
Related topics
Looking for other audio accessories as well as ear pads? Browse our audio accessories, ear tips, sport hooks and audio adapters.
Do you use in-ear earbuds instead of headphones? Then ear tips are probably more relevant. Not sure which ear tips fit your earbuds? Use the Ibley ear tip finder.
Also read our blogs how to choose the right ear tips for better sound and why do my earbuds keep falling out? to learn more about fit, comfort and sound quality with earbuds.
Frequently asked questions about ear pads
How do I know which ear pads will fit?
First check the brand and model of your headphones or headset. For model-specific ear pads, check the compatibility list. For universal foam ear pads, measure the diameter in millimetres.
Can I use universal ear pads?
Yes, many compact on-ear headphones can use them, as long as the diameter matches. “Universal” doesn’t mean they’ll automatically fit every model, so it’s still important to measure.
When should I replace my ear pads?
Replace your ear pads when they’re torn, flattened, loose, discoloured or less comfortable. New ear pads can also help if your headphones no longer seal as well.
Are ear pads easy to replace?
Many ear pads are easy to replace, but the attachment varies by headphone model. Work carefully, don’t use sharp objects and check that the new ear pad fits snugly all the way around.
What’s the difference between foam and memory foam ear pads?
Foam ear pads are often lightweight and flexible, especially universal sponge pads. Memory foam moulds more closely to the ear and is often used with larger headphones and gaming headsets.
Do JBL Tune ear pads also fit JBL Live models?
Not necessarily. Always check the product page and compatibility list. Some JBL Tune ear pads are specifically not suitable for JBL Live models.
