Ear pads are the part of your Sony headphones you touch most, and they wear out. The faux leather cracks and peels, the foam flattens, and the pads stop sealing around your ears. That's not just uncomfortable: a poor seal lets sound in and makes the noise cancelling noticeably weaker.
The good news is that replacing them is one of the easiest jobs you can do on Sony headphones, and you don't need any tools.
Signs your ear pads need replacing
- The covering is cracked, flaking or peeling
- The pads feel flat and hard, and the headphones press on your ears
- The noise cancelling seems weaker than it used to be
- You can see the foam inside, or the pads have split at the seam
Choosing replacement pads
Match the model
Ear pads are model-specific. WH-1000XM3, XM4 and XM5 pads are not interchangeable in every case, and the XM5's are a different shape from the XM3 and XM4. Buy pads listed for your exact model. If you're not sure which you have, see which Sony headphones do I have.
Genuine or aftermarket
- Genuine Sony pads match the original shape, depth and seal, so the sound and noise cancelling are as Sony intended.
- Aftermarket pads are cheaper and vary a lot. Some are excellent. Others are a different depth or density, which changes the sound and how well the noise cancelling works. Check reviews from people with the same model.
Material
Faux leather seals best for noise cancelling. Fabric or velour pads can be cooler and more comfortable for long sessions, but let more sound through.
How to swap them
The exact method varies slightly by model, so check the instructions that come with your pads too. In general:
- Remove the old pad. Hold the ear cup firmly, and gently pull the pad away from one edge. The pad is held on by plastic clips around its edge, and it pops off as you work round it.
- Clean the ear cup. Wipe away dust and bits of old covering with a dry cloth.
- Line up the new pad. Note the orientation: pads are often thicker at the back than the front, and the clips only line up one way.
- Press it on. Push firmly all the way round until every clip has clicked in. Check there are no gaps.
- Run the noise cancelling optimiser in Sony's headphones app, so it adjusts to the new seal.
Take your time with the clips. Forcing a pad on at the wrong angle can break one, and a pad with a broken clip creaks and comes loose.
If a pad keeps coming loose or creaks
A pad that won't stay on, or creaks at the edge, usually has a broken clip or isn't seated properly. Reseat it firmly. If it keeps happening, the clip on the pad or the ear cup may be damaged.
When you're getting other work done
If your headphones are coming in for a hinge, battery or charging port repair, mention that the pads are worn when you book. I don't fit pads as a separate service, because there are so many options and prices, but I'll tell you honestly if they're past it while the headphones are on the bench.
Questions people ask
How often should Sony ear pads be replaced?
It depends on use. With daily use, many people replace them every year or two, when the covering cracks or the foam flattens.
Do new ear pads improve noise cancelling?
Often, yes. Worn pads don't seal properly. New pads restore the seal, and the noise cancelling sounds stronger.
Are XM4 and XM5 ear pads the same?
No. They're different shapes. Buy pads made for your exact model.
My recommendation
If your pads are cracked or flat, replace them. It's a five-minute job with no tools, and it makes the headphones more comfortable and the noise cancelling better. Buy pads made for your exact model, and press them on carefully.