Foam Ear Tips Can Improve Earbud Sound Quality and Fit, Says Engadget

The report explains that Apple's 2016 decision to remove the headphone jack helped popularize truly wireless earbuds, and competition has since improved sound quality and features. Most earbuds ship with silicone ear tips in multiple sizes, but the human ear is as unique as a fingerprint. A multi-ethnic study of over 1,400 people showed ears are reliable biometric identifiers.

A proper seal is critical for earbud performance. Unlike over-ear headphones that seal around the ears, earbuds rely almost entirely on the tips to form a seal. An improper fit allows sound to leak out and outside noise in, resulting in weaker bass and noticeably poorer noise cancellation. Foam tips solve this by expanding to match the ear canal shape, creating a tighter seal.

The writer replaced the stock silicone tips on his AirPods Pro 2 with memory foam tips. He no longer needed to adjust the earbuds frequently, and the bass felt punchier. Foam tips won't magically upgrade audio, but by minimizing leakage, they make music sound fuller without turning up the volume. They also improve passive noise isolation, helping active noise cancellation work better and reducing reliance on it.

Buying advice: Comply and Sonicfoam are reputable brands. Check compatibility with your earbuds, as AirPods use a proprietary snap-fit mechanism. The writer vouches for Sonicfoam's memory foam tips, which he has used for over two years. Prices range from $10 to $40, and refill packs are available for preferred sizes.

Downsides: Foam tips wear out quickly, lasting only two to three months with daily use. They lose their ability to expand fully even before that. They also attract dust and get dirty more easily than silicone. When they no longer expand well after pinching, it's time to replace them. Regular cleaning is advisable; the writer wipes his tips before each use to avoid odors from earwax and skin oils.