Old headphones can sound great but feel terrible once the ear pads crack, peel, or flatten. If the sound is fine yet the comfort is gone, replacing the pads is usually all that is needed. Here are a few of the strongest options based on real user feedback:
Top professionally picked replacement ear pads
These recommendations are chosen with comfort, durability, and sound in mind, looking at hundreds of owner reviews and common fit issues.
- Compatibility: Link Dream Replacemen Ear Cushions Kit for Bose QC 35 series are designed the same as original, these soft protein leather foam ear pads fit great with Bose Quiet Comfort 35 35II, Quiet Comfort 25, Quiet Comfort 15, Quiet Comfort 2, AE2, AE2i, AE2w, Sound True, Sound Link (Over-Ear) headphones.
- 【60-Second Installation, No Extra Tools Needed】 Swap ear pads in 60 seconds with our quick-release tool. Foolproof guide included. Precision-fit design prevents scratches or damage to headphones during installation.
- The replacement ear pads are compatible with Skullcandy Crusher Wireless, Crusher Evo Wireless, Crusher ANC, Hesh3 Wireless, HeshEVO HeshANC, Crusher Evo Collina Strada, Crusher Evo Budweiser Limited Edition earpads.
- High elasticity, light-weight, soft and comfortable touching
- High elasticity, light-weight, soft and comfortable touching
Why replacement ear pads can completely change old headphones
Many people throw away headphones that still sound good because the pads look destroyed. The leather flakes, foam collapses, and suddenly everything feels rough and cheap around your ears.
The thing is, drivers inside the cups usually last much longer than the pads. Replace the pads and the headphones can feel almost new again. Ears stop hurting, sound gets a bit more focused, and outside noise stays out better.
The biggest upgrade for many headphones is not a new model, but simply a fresh set of ear pads that seal well and feel comfortable for long listening sessions.
For people who care about radio, podcasts, or long music sessions, fresh pads can be the difference between using the same headphones for another few years, or giving up and buying a new pair that may not even sound as good.
Main types of replacement ear pads
Before looking at what makes a good product, it helps to know the main categories. Different materials and shapes can change both comfort and the sound you hear.
Common materials: what they feel like and how they age
| Material | Comfort | Heat / sweat | Durability | Sound impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Protein leather (PU leather) | Soft, smooth | Can feel warm | Can peel over time | Good isolation and bass |
| Genuine leather | Firm at first, then softens | Breathes a bit better | Long lasting with care | Strong seal, solid bass |
| Velour / fabric | Very soft, gentle on skin | Cooler, more breathable | Can flatten, may collect lint | Less isolation, airier sound |
| Hybrid (leather outside, velour on face) | Soft on skin, firm structure | Moderate warmth | Balanced, depends on build | Mix of isolation and openness |
| Memory foam filling | Conforms to head and ears | Can feel warm in long use | Holds shape longer | Helps with consistent seal |
Protein leather is the most common. It is soft, generally cheap, and seals sound well. The tradeoff is flaking over time, especially in hot or humid rooms.
Velour or fabric pads feel cooler and breathe better, which many people like for longer listening. These usually do not isolate outside noise as strongly, so the bass can feel lighter but the soundstage can feel a bit more open.
Hybrids try to combine the good parts of both: a leather or leather-like ring around the pad to keep sound in, with velour or fabric on the face where the pads touch the skin. For radio or spoken word, this often works very well, since the mids stay clear while comfort stays high.
If comfort is the main concern, breathable fabric or velour pads help most. If isolation and bass are the priority, stick with leather style pads that seal firmly.
Over-ear vs on-ear replacement pads
Headphones usually fall into two groups:
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Over-ear: pads surround the ear completely
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On-ear: pads sit directly on top of the ear
When looking at replacement ear pads, match the style of your headphones. Over-ear pads are deeper with a larger inner hole. On-ear pads are smaller and flatter.
Some people try to convert on-ear headphones into over-ear by installing bigger pads. This sometimes works, but often ruins the sound or fit. The drivers were tuned for a certain distance and shape around the ear. So it is usually safer to stay close to the original style, at least for your first replacement.
Closed-back vs open-back pad choices
If your headphones have vents or open grills on the cups, they are likely open-back. These already leak sound in and out, so the pad material plays a slightly different role compared with sealed, closed-back models.
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Closed-back headphones benefit more from leather style pads, which keep air and sound trapped and maintain bass.
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Open-back headphones can pair well with velour or fabric pads for a more airy, natural feel.
This is not a strict rule. Some people like leather pads even on open-back sets for stronger bass. Still, if the goal is relaxed radio listening at home with minimal heat, fabric pads on open-back headphones can feel very easy to live with.
Key things to look for in replacement ear pads
Since this is a buyer guide, here are the main checks before deciding what to order. Skipping these is often what leads to returns or a poor fit.
1. Size and compatibility
Fit is the first step. A great pad that does not attach correctly is useless.
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Check your headphone model in the product description or compatibility list.
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Measure outer diameter, inner hole size, and depth of the original pads if possible.
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Look at how the old pads attach: groove and lip, clips, double sided tape, or mounting ring.
Many third party pads are marketed as “for popular models and also compatible with others.” That can be true, but it can also be a stretch. If your headphones are from a smaller brand, it may take a bit more research.
For perfect fit, a replacement pad that lists your exact headphone model is usually safer than a “universal” option with only size measurements.
2. Comfort: foam type, clamping pressure, and pad depth
Comfort is not just the fabric on the surface. Foam density and pad depth matter just as much.
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Memory foam tends to feel premium and shapes around glasses, but can feel warm after long listening.
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Standard foam can feel lighter and cooler, but may compress quicker over time.
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Deeper pads help if your ears touch the driver covers with stock pads.
People with glasses often struggle with pressure points. Softer outer edges and memory foam help the arms of the glasses sink into the pad. That reduces leakage around the side of the head and stops sore spots.
If your headphones already clamp tightly, thick or very firm pads can make them feel too tight. In that case, slightly softer or not overly tall pads might be more comfortable.
3. Seal and isolation
The way the pads seal around your ears affects both comfort and how your headphones sound.
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Good seal: stronger bass, less outside noise, more intimate sound
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Poor seal: weaker bass, more outside noise, thinner sound
If you use your headphones on public transport, in a busy office, or near a loud TV, a pad that seals well will feel much better. Protein leather and genuine leather are the usual choices here.
For at-home listening where isolation is not as critical, velour or hybrid pads can be more comfortable over long days with only a small tradeoff in isolation.
4. Impact on sound signature
Many people are surprised how much ear pads change the sound of their favorite headphones. Sometimes for the better, sometimes not.
Here are some general shifts that often happen:
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Thicker pads can add a bit of bass and soundstage, but sometimes reduce midrange presence.
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Thinner pads can tighten up bass but push mids closer to the ear, which some people feel as a more direct sound.
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Leather surfaces reflect more sound back toward the driver, often boosting bass and slightly boosting treble sparkle.
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Velour or fabric absorbs more high frequency content, which can make treble smoother but less bright.
If you like your current sound and only want comfort back, aim for pads that mimic the original material and shape as closely as possible. If you are open to small changes, you can use new pads almost as a tuning upgrade.
5. Build quality and stitching
Low price pads can be tempting, but thin seams, poor glue, or poorly attached mounting rings will show up within a short time.
Good signs include:
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Even stitching around the edge with no loose threads.
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Thick, smooth backing material that will not tear when stretched over the cup.
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Reinforced inner ring where the pad meets the mounting lip.
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Consistent foam thickness without lumpy or hollow spots when you press around the pad.
Many users share photos in reviews. Looking at actual close ups of seams and backing materials can be more helpful than the marketing photos from the listing.
6. Ease of installation
Some headphones are simple: the pads have a thin rubber lip that tucks into a groove around the driver housing. Others require removing a plastic ring, or dealing with hidden clips.
When reading about replacement ear pads, pay attention to the install method. Helpful signs include:
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Mentions of “clip on” or “snap on” systems for brands that use mounting rings.
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Inclusion of small plastic tools or instructions.
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User reviews saying “took only a few minutes” or “a little tough but possible” rather than “tore the backing trying to install.”
Even if the process looks tricky, it usually only has to be done once every year or two. Watching a short video for your headphone model can save a lot of frustration.
Common ear pad shapes and what they change
Oval vs round pads
Most modern over-ear headphones use oval pads, as ears tend to be more vertical than circular. Round pads are common on DJ style or studio monitors.
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Oval pads tend to spread pressure more evenly and feel gentler for longer sessions.
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Round pads can clamp more evenly but sometimes touch the top or bottom of the ear.
Swapping shapes is usually not recommended unless the mounting system is identical and known to work. The internal foam cutout positions the ear relative to the driver in a very specific way, so big shape changes can alter the sound or comfort in ways that are hard to predict.
Flat vs angled pads
Angled pads are thicker at the back and thinner at the front, which tilts the driver slightly toward your ear canal. Many higher end headphones use this for a more natural soundstage.
Changing from flat to angled pads, or the other way around, can subtly change:
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Perceived direction of voices and instruments.
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Distance of sound from your head.
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Balance between bass and treble.
People who listen to spoken voice, such as radio shows or audiobooks, often like angled pads because voices feel a bit more centered and natural.
Benefits and drawbacks of upgrading to third party ear pads
Pros and cons of aftermarket ear pads
Original manufacturer pads are sometimes great, but they can also be expensive or hard to find. Third party pads can offer real advantages, but they are not perfect.
Advantages of third party replacement ear pads
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Lower cost compared with many original pads, especially for popular brands.
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More material options such as velour, hybrid, or thicker memory foam.
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Can improve comfort beyond what the stock pads offered, especially for large ears or glasses.
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Sometimes improve isolation and bass for travel or noisy offices.
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Fresh pads can make older headphones feel and look almost new again.
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Different sound tuning options without having to buy new headphones.
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Often easier to find in stock than official pads from some brands.
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Multiple color choices if you want a different style.
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Can extend the lifespan of a favorite pair of headphones by many years.
Drawbacks or risks with third party ear pads
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Fit may not be perfect if your exact headphone model is not listed.
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Sound may change in ways you do not like, even if comfort improves.
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Cheap stitching or thin backing materials can tear during installation.
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Leather style surfaces can peel faster on lower quality models.
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Some very thick pads can increase clamping pressure and discomfort.
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Warranty coverage from the headphone maker may not apply if parts are modified.
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Color or finish may not match the original design if that is important to you.
The best third party ear pads are the ones that keep the sound close to original while solving a specific problem: worn material, lack of comfort, poor isolation, or excessive heat.
How to match ear pads to how you use your headphones
For long radio and podcast sessions
If you often listen for hours to talk radio, news, or podcasts, comfort matters more than a tiny bit of extra bass. Breathable materials help prevent hot spots and sweaty ears.
In this case, look for:
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Velour or fabric surface on the face of the pad.
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Moderate thickness, not extremely bulky.
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Soft foam that compresses gently on the sides of the head.
Since spoken voice sits mostly in the midrange, small changes in bass level are less critical. A more open sound from fabric pads can even help voices feel more natural and less “in your head.”
For travel and commuting
If you use headphones on buses, trains, or airplanes, isolation and a solid seal are top priorities.
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Protein leather or genuine leather pads provide better noise blocking.
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Thicker pads can improve fit for different head shapes and reduce outside noise.
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Memory foam helps maintain a tight seal even as you move around.
Yes, these can feel warmer, but outside noise is reduced and bass will stay more stable even in loud spaces. For radio listening in a noisy place, this helps a lot with clarity.
For home music listening
At home, you can aim for a balance:
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Hybrid pads if you want both comfort and isolation.
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Angled pads for a more relaxed soundstage and natural imaging.
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Material similar to the stock pads if you already like the sound.
Fans of detailed music often experiment with pad materials to fine tune brightness, bass, or soundstage. For radio or streaming stations that focus on spoken sound, minor tuning changes are often less critical, but comfort still matters a lot.
Simple guide to measuring your old ear pads
Proper measurement can turn a guess into a confident choice. Here is a simple way to get the dimensions that matter.
What to measure
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Outer height and width: Longest vertical and horizontal distance across the pad.
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Inner opening height and width: The hole where your ear fits.
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Depth: Thickness of the pad from the base to the surface that touches your head.
A flexible measuring tape works best, but a ruler can also work if you are patient.
| Measurement | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Outer size | Needs to match the cup shape so the pad can attach securely. |
| Inner opening | Affects comfort and whether your ears fit inside without rubbing. |
| Depth | Influences distance from driver, sound signature, and ear clearance. |
When reading product listings, sizes are often listed in millimeters. A small difference of a few millimeters is usually fine, but be cautious with large jumps, especially in inner opening size, as that can affect comfort a lot.
Installation tips to avoid damage
Many people worry about tearing pads during installation. With a bit of patience, it is manageable.
General steps most headphones share
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Gently remove the old pads by peeling them away. If they use a lip and groove system, pull from the inner side first.
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Clean the surface with a soft, dry cloth to remove old foam dust or peeling flakes.
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Align the new pad so the thinner and thicker sides match the original orientation if they are angled.
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Attach one side of the mounting lip or ring into the groove, then work slowly around the circle, stretching and tucking as needed.
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Check for gaps by running a finger around the full edge. Correct any spots that are not fully seated.
Some headphones use adhesive rings. If so, make sure the surface is clean, align carefully before pressing, and apply even pressure for a short time to help the glue bond.
Care tips to keep replacement ear pads in good shape
Once you have invested in better pads, a little care extends their life.
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Wipe protein or genuine leather pads with a slightly damp, soft cloth after long use, then dry gently.
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Avoid strong cleaners or alcohol on leather style materials, since that can dry them out and lead to cracking.
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For velour or fabric pads, use a lint roller or soft brush occasionally to remove dust and hair.
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Do not leave headphones in direct sunlight or hot cars, since heat speeds up peeling.
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If you sweat a lot during use, give the pads time to dry before storing them in a closed case.
Normal wear will still appear over time, but these small steps can extend the comfort and appearance of the pads by quite a bit.
Frequently asked questions about replacement ear pads
Do replacement ear pads affect sound quality of headphones?
Yes, replacement pads can change the sound. Thicker, leather style pads usually increase bass and isolation. Thinner or velour pads often reduce bass slightly and make the treble smoother. If you want to keep the sound very close to original, choose pads that match the stock material and dimensions as closely as possible.
How to choose replacement ear pads for glasses wearers?
For glasses wearers, soft and conforming pads are key. Memory foam is useful because it shapes around the arms of the glasses, keeping a better seal and reducing pressure points. Deeper pads with a wide contact area can spread clamping force more evenly. Materials with a little grip, like leather style surfaces, help prevent the headphones from sliding around on top of the glasses.
Are universal replacement ear pads good for any headphones?
Universal pads can work well for some models, but they are not perfect for every headphone. The mounting system, cup shape, and driver distance all vary. A universal pad that matches the size and attachment style might fit securely, but the sound can change more than with model specific pads. For expensive or favorite headphones, pads that name your exact model are usually safer.
How often should headphone ear pads be replaced?
The timing depends on use, climate, and material. Protein leather in hot, humid environments may start to peel sooner. Signs that it is time to replace include visible cracking or flaking, foam collapsing so that ears touch the driver cover, and loss of isolation where outside noise leaks in more than before. For many regular listeners, replacement every so often keeps both comfort and sound consistent.
Can replacement ear pads fix loose fitting headphones?
To a small degree, yes. Thicker or firmer pads can improve the feel of loose headphones by filling more space between the head and the cups. This can also improve isolation and bass. That said, if the headband itself is very stretched or broken, pads alone will not fully fix the fit. In that case, a combination of new pads and headband adjustment or repair is needed.
What replacement ear pad material is best for long listening?
For long listening sessions, many people prefer velour or fabric pads because they feel cooler and allow more air flow. Hybrids with a fabric contact surface and leather style outer ring can also provide good comfort while keeping decent isolation. If you listen for long hours daily, comfort usually matters more than the small extra isolation leather surfaces can provide.
Will thicker replacement ear pads always give more bass?
Not always, but often they do. Thicker pads change the distance between the driver and your ear, which can affect bass response. In many cases, added space enhances low frequencies and soundstage, but some headphones can lose midrange clarity or balance with overly thick pads. So it is a tradeoff, not a guaranteed upgrade in every situation.
Are genuine leather replacement ear pads worth the extra cost?
Genuine leather pads can be worth the higher price for people who want longer life and a more premium feel. They tend to resist peeling better than protein leather and can develop a softer texture with use. For someone who listens daily and plans to keep the same headphones for years, the higher upfront cost may balance out over time.
Can replacement ear pads improve comfort for large ears?
Yes, larger and deeper pads can help a lot if your ears touch the driver or the inside edges of the cups. Look for inner opening measurements that are noticeably taller and wider than the stock pads, along with increased depth. That gives more room for the ear to sit inside the pad, instead of being compressed against hard surfaces.
Do replacement ear pads work well for people who listen mainly to radio?
For radio listeners, comfort and clear midrange matter most. Replacement pads can make a big difference here by removing hard edges and restoring a clean seal. Hybrid or velour pads often feel more relaxed over long spoken word sessions, and minor changes in bass are usually less of a concern. Good pads can turn radio listening from a short task into something you can enjoy for hours without irritation.
So which replacement ear pads are right for your headphones?
The answer depends on how you listen, where you use your headphones, and what you value most: sound, comfort, or isolation. If the goal is to keep a favorite pair alive and pleasant to wear, fresh pads are usually the most cost effective upgrade available.
With the options above and the checks on size, material, and fit, it becomes much easier to pick ear pads that revive your old headphones instead of changing them into something unrecognizable.
