Headphones With Easy To Replace Ear Cushions
January 1, 2022 5:02 AM Subscribe
I love my Bose headphones, however I’m pretty rough on ear cushions and it is literally impossible for me to replace the ear cushions. I’m looking for another brand in the $150-$300 range where the ear cushions are easy to replace.
I have slightly reduced dexterity/fine motor skills but it’s rarely had any impact on my life but the Bose ear cushions are of a particularly stupid design. I’ve tried both the official and after market cushions but the design of the ear cushions is the problem.
Since these headphones have decent wear on the band, I’m looking to just replace them with a similar sound quality headphone in the $150-300 range (either on ear or over ear is fine) where replacement ear cushions are both easily available and easy to install.
*I’ve asked others in my life to assist with getting them on but no one’s been successful, either because they can’t install them period, or because they rip in the process. I also hate ear buds because I hate the feeling of stuff in my ear canals.
I have slightly reduced dexterity/fine motor skills but it’s rarely had any impact on my life but the Bose ear cushions are of a particularly stupid design. I’ve tried both the official and after market cushions but the design of the ear cushions is the problem.
Since these headphones have decent wear on the band, I’m looking to just replace them with a similar sound quality headphone in the $150-300 range (either on ear or over ear is fine) where replacement ear cushions are both easily available and easy to install.
*I’ve asked others in my life to assist with getting them on but no one’s been successful, either because they can’t install them period, or because they rip in the process. I also hate ear buds because I hate the feeling of stuff in my ear canals.
Seconding Sennheisers. I recently bought new ear cushions for a set of Sennheisers I bought in the 1990s.
posted by pipeski at 6:17 AM on January 1, 2022
posted by pipeski at 6:17 AM on January 1, 2022
I just replaced the ear cushions on my Beats Solo 3's. The replacements are cheap and if you don't buy the cheapest they come with a tool and directions. I found it easy. The main thing is, they're sticky taped on and you have to pry them off. If you can follow directions it shouldn't be that hard.
posted by evilDoug at 7:17 AM on January 1, 2022
posted by evilDoug at 7:17 AM on January 1, 2022
The audio-technica M50x have been my longstanding favorite for the office, I've replaced the pads twice on the same pair since...2014? They more or less slip on and off, with the ear cup getting pulled into a slight channel running around the ear piece.
Also recommending Sennheiser in general, though I've not personally replaced earpads on any pair.
posted by spbb at 7:27 AM on January 1, 2022
Also recommending Sennheiser in general, though I've not personally replaced earpads on any pair.
posted by spbb at 7:27 AM on January 1, 2022
If you're going to be replacing ear cushions anyway, check out Dekoni Audio--they make some very good replacements.
posted by box at 7:33 AM on January 1, 2022
posted by box at 7:33 AM on January 1, 2022
I've replaced audio Technica m50x and Sennheiser hd 280 pro earpads before, they are both a bit fiddly and require some dexterity and pulling to get on. Both "slip" on in similar ways, but you have to stretch them a bit.
I didn't tear either, and didn't think I was in danger of doing so, but you may still need assistance to replace the pads.
I think I did tear the old Sennheiser pads when removing them, but that's not an issue.
The m50x may have been slightly easier to do than Sennheiser, but that could have been because I had practice on the Sennheiser.
posted by TheAdamist at 7:57 AM on January 1, 2022
I didn't tear either, and didn't think I was in danger of doing so, but you may still need assistance to replace the pads.
I think I did tear the old Sennheiser pads when removing them, but that's not an issue.
The m50x may have been slightly easier to do than Sennheiser, but that could have been because I had practice on the Sennheiser.
posted by TheAdamist at 7:57 AM on January 1, 2022
I bought a pair of Sennheisers around 1990 and replaced the pads a couple of times, the last time a few years ago. It seems impossible to replace them again now - I can’t find any - but they had a great run.
I recently bought a pair of Sennheiser HD650s because (a) they’re well thought of and (b) they’re very popular and there are replacement pads available from many sources. I assume they’ll be more repairable over the long term than a bunch of other less popular but still good headphones.
posted by fabius at 8:09 AM on January 1, 2022
I recently bought a pair of Sennheiser HD650s because (a) they’re well thought of and (b) they’re very popular and there are replacement pads available from many sources. I assume they’ll be more repairable over the long term than a bunch of other less popular but still good headphones.
posted by fabius at 8:09 AM on January 1, 2022
Beyerdynamic DT 770 pro have a lot of user replaceable parts and sound great.
posted by bug138 at 8:54 AM on January 1, 2022
posted by bug138 at 8:54 AM on January 1, 2022
Grado Lab's are phenomenal headphones in their own right, and have a couple options in your price point. I have a pair of SR 60's (there's an updated version now), but any option in your budget will sound great. It isn't clear from your question if this is important, but they're not noise cancelling like many Bose headphones are, but if your main criteria is replacing the cups easily, this is a great option. Despite not being noise cancelling, they produce phenomenal sound.
The ear cushions are extremely easy to replace. Replacements are cheap and numerous, and there are lots of aftermarket designs out there. I accidentally purchased the 'wrong type' of replacement cups that turns them into a quasi 'over ear' design while they're typically 'on ear' (sorta; the cup is pretty large even on most base models). I actually like them much more than the stock pads or the SR80 pads. It was a fortuitous mistake. Cup size and shape does change the sound a little bit.
I have not needed to, but the bands can be replaced as well; though it would require some dexterity to accomplish.
They've also lasted me like 15 years of regular use with the caveat that I use them primarily at home, and don't really travel with them. I use a pair of IEMs for out of the house listening.
posted by furnace.heart at 10:18 AM on January 1, 2022
The ear cushions are extremely easy to replace. Replacements are cheap and numerous, and there are lots of aftermarket designs out there. I accidentally purchased the 'wrong type' of replacement cups that turns them into a quasi 'over ear' design while they're typically 'on ear' (sorta; the cup is pretty large even on most base models). I actually like them much more than the stock pads or the SR80 pads. It was a fortuitous mistake. Cup size and shape does change the sound a little bit.
I have not needed to, but the bands can be replaced as well; though it would require some dexterity to accomplish.
They've also lasted me like 15 years of regular use with the caveat that I use them primarily at home, and don't really travel with them. I use a pair of IEMs for out of the house listening.
posted by furnace.heart at 10:18 AM on January 1, 2022
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posted by DarlingBri at 5:19 AM on January 1, 2022 [2 favorites]