By Owen PalmerUpdated November 2026
Shopping for a bose headphones ear cushion replacement usually comes down to one question: will the new pads fit my model, feel comfortable over long sessions, and hold up to daily wear? This roundup compares seven replacement ear cushion options for Bose over-ear headphones. Our selection criteria were model compatibility as stated in each listing, material and padding descriptions, stitching and durability claims, and the general patterns owners tend to report about fit and comfort. We did not test these products ourselves, so treat the specifics below as a guide to what each listing offers rather than hands-on findings.
Our top picks at a glance
- 1
TOP CHOICEBest overallQC35 Ear Pads – Replacement Earpads for Bose QuietComfort 35 IIView on Amazon - 2
TOP CHOICEBest for softer leather feelMade by Wicked Cushions WC PadZ QC35View on Amazon - 3
TOP CHOICEBest for a genuine Bose optionBose Ear Cushion Kit for QuietComfort 35View on Amazon - 4
Best budget pickReplacement Ear Pads for Bose QC 35 (ii) 25 15 2View on Amazon - 5
Best for QuietComfort 45 ownersMade by Wicked Cushions WC PadZ QC45View on Amazon - 6
Best for protein leather and memory foamGEVO Ear Pads for Bose QC45 and QC SEView on Amazon - 7
Best for older QuietComfort modelsMade by Wicked Cushions WC PadZ QC25View on Amazon
Our Top Picks
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| QC35 Ear Pads – Replacement Earpads for Bose QuietComfort 35 II | General replacement on QC35 models | Broad QC35 II and QC35 compatibility |
| Made by Wicked Cushions WC PadZ QC35 | Softer feel on QC35 and QC35 II | Softer leather and memory foam |
| Bose Ear Cushion Kit for QuietComfort 35 | Owners who want an official-brand option | Bose-branded replacement kit |
| Replacement Ear Pads for Bose QC 35 (ii) 25 15 2 | Budget replacement across several models | Tear-proof cushion material |
| Made by Wicked Cushions WC PadZ QC45 | QuietComfort 45 owners wanting extra thickness | Extra thick cushions and durable stitching |
| GEVO Ear Pads for Bose QC45 and QC SE | Owners seeking a plush protein leather feel | Protein leather with noise isolation memory foam |
| Made by Wicked Cushions WC PadZ QC25 | Older QC15, QC25 and QC35 models | Compatibility with multiple QuietComfort generations |
QC35 Ear Pads – Replacement Earpads for Bose QuietComfort 35 II
QC35 Ear Pads – Replacement Earpads Ear Cushions for Bose QuietComfort 35 II and QC35 Headphones & More(Black)
Best for: General replacement on QC35 models
This is a practical choice for owners of the QuietComfort 35 and QuietComfort 35 II who want a straightforward swap. The listing positions it as a direct replacement for the original cushions.
Key specs
- Designed for Bose QuietComfort 35 II and QC35 headphones
- Black color
- Sold as a replacement earpad pair
Pros
- Named for the specific QC35 family, which simplifies compatibility checks
- Straightforward installation by sliding off the old pads
- Black finish matches the original headband look
Cons
- Owners often compare cushion firmness, which can differ from original pads
- Specific padding details are limited in the listing title
Bottom line: A good default pick for QC35 or QC35 II owners who want a no-frills replacement.
Made by Wicked Cushions WC PadZ QC35
Made by Wicked Cushions | Softer Leather, Luxurious Memory Foam, Added Thickness & Durability | Black WC PadZ QC35 – Wicked Cushions Ear Pads for Bose QuietComfort 35 & 35ii
Best for: Softer feel on QC35 and QC35 II
Buyers who find original cushions firm or worn often look at this option for its emphasis on softer leather and added padding for long listening sessions.
Key specs
- Designed for Bose QuietComfort 35 and 35 II
- Softer leather surface and memory foam padding per the listing
- Black finish
Pros
- Listing emphasizes added thickness for comfort
- Durability is highlighted in the product description
- Clear model naming for QC35 owners
Cons
- Extra thickness can change how the headphones clamp, which some owners notice
- Softer leather may show wear sooner than firmer materials, according to some owner feedback
Bottom line: Best for QC35 owners who want more cushioning and a softer surface.
Bose Ear Cushion Kit for QuietComfort 35
Bose Ear Cushion Kit for QuietComfort 35 Headphones, Pair
Best for: Owners who want an official-brand option
Bose sells its own ear cushion kit for the QuietComfort 35. For buyers who prefer original-manufacturer parts, this is the most conservative option in the list.
Key specs
- Designed for Bose QuietComfort 35 headphones
- Sold as a pair
- Manufacturer-branded replacement
Pros
- Made by the headphone brand itself
- Designed to match original fit and dimensions
- Simple to identify by model name
Cons
- Usually a narrower model range than third-party kits
- Options for material changes such as softer leather are limited
Bottom line: The safest pick for QC35 owners who want an original-style fit.
Replacement Ear Pads for Bose QC 35 (ii) 25 15 2
Replacement Ear Pads for Bose QuietComfort QC 35 (ii) 25 15 2 Headphones, Tear-Proof Earpads Cushion for QC35 (ii) QC25 QC15 QC2 SoundTrue/SoundLink AE2/AE2i/AE2w Around-Ear Headphones (Black)
Best for: Budget replacement across several models
This listing covers a wide range of QuietComfort and older SoundTrue and SoundLink models, which makes it useful for owners with more than one pair.
Key specs
- Compatible with QC35 II, QC25, QC15, QC2 and AE2 family models per the listing
- Tear-proof earpad material described in the title
- Black color
Pros
- Covers multiple Bose model generations
- Tear-proof claim addresses a common wear point
- Works as a budget pick for older headphones
Cons
- Broad compatibility means fit precision may vary by model
- Third-party material may feel different from Bose originals
Bottom line: Good for owners of older Bose models who want a practical, lower-commitment swap.
Made by Wicked Cushions WC PadZ QC45
Made by Wicked Cushions | Extra Thick Cushions, Premium Durable Stitching | Black WC PadZ QC45 – Earpads for Bose QuietComfort 45, QC SE & QC Wireless
Best for: QuietComfort 45 owners wanting extra thickness
QuietComfort 45 owners who want a thicker cushion with reinforced stitching may find this listing appealing.
Key specs
- Designed for Bose QuietComfort 45, QC SE and QC Wireless
- Extra thick cushion profile per the listing
- Black finish
Pros
- Named for the QC45 generation
- Stitching durability is emphasized in the description
- Extra thickness suits longer sessions
Cons
- Thicker pads can alter the clamping pressure
- Some owners prefer a firmer surface for fit
Bottom line: A strong pick for QC45 owners who value thickness and stitching.
GEVO Ear Pads for Bose QC45 and QC SE
Earpads Ear Cushions for Bose QuietComfort 45 & Quiet Comfort SE, Softer Protein Leather, Noise Isolation Memory Foam GEVO Ear Pads Replacement for Bose QC45 & QC SE Headphones, Black
Best for: Owners seeking a plush protein leather feel
This option targets QC45 and QC SE owners who want a softer protein leather surface paired with memory foam for noise isolation.
Key specs
- Designed for Bose QuietComfort 45 and QC SE
- Protein leather surface and memory foam padding per the listing
- Black color
Pros
- Softer protein leather is a common comfort preference
- Memory foam is marketed for noise isolation
- Specific to the QC45 and QC SE fit
Cons
- Protein leather may need more care to keep its finish
- Noise isolation claims vary by fit and seal, so results differ between users
Bottom line: Good for QC45 or QC SE owners who prefer a plush, soft surface.
Made by Wicked Cushions WC PadZ QC25
Made by Wicked Cushions | Also fits QC2, AE2, AE2i, AE2W & Soundlink. Softer Leather, Luxury Memory Foam | Black WC PadZ QC25 – Upgraded Ear Pads for Bose QC15, QC25, QC35 & 35ii
Best for: Older QC15, QC25 and QC35 models
Owners of older QuietComfort headphones who want a refreshed cushion with softer leather and memory foam may consider this listing.
Key specs
- Listed as compatible with QC2, AE2, AE2i, AE2W and Soundlink models
- Softer leather and luxury memory foam per the listing
- Black finish
Pros
- Covers several older Bose models
- Softer materials are emphasized
- Useful if your headphones are no longer supported by newer kits
Cons
- Broad compatibility means you should confirm your exact model before ordering
- Older-model fit may differ slightly from the original pads
Bottom line: A practical refresh for owners of older QuietComfort headphones.
Buying Guide
Confirm your exact headphone model
Bose has released several QuietComfort generations with different ear cushion shapes and attachment methods. Check the model name printed inside the headband or on the box before ordering. Listings that name a specific model, such as QC35 II or QC45, are usually the safest choice.
Good picks for this: QC35 Ear Pads – Replacement Earpads for Bose QuietComfort 35 II, Bose Ear Cushion Kit for QuietComfort 35
Cushion material: leather, protein leather and fabric
Materials affect feel, breathability and how the pads wear over time. Softer leather and protein leather tend to feel plush but can show wear sooner with heavy use. Owners often report that firmer materials hold their shape longer.
Good picks for this: Made by Wicked Cushions WC PadZ QC35, GEVO Ear Pads for Bose QC45 and QC SE
Thickness and padding depth
Extra thick cushions can improve comfort for long sessions but may change how firmly the headphones clamp. If your current pads feel flat, a thicker profile may help. If you already feel too much pressure, stay closer to original thickness.
Good picks for this: Made by Wicked Cushions WC PadZ QC45, Made by Wicked Cushions WC PadZ QC35
Stitching and durability
Reinforced stitching and tear-resistant materials help cushions last through daily removal and reattachment. Check whether the listing describes its stitching or material durability, since those details are often the first thing to fail on worn pads.
Good picks for this: Made by Wicked Cushions WC PadZ QC45, Replacement Ear Pads for Bose QC 35 (ii) 25 15 2
Compatibility with multiple models
Some listings cover several Bose families, including QuietComfort and older SoundLink or SoundTrue models. Broad compatibility is convenient, but a narrower listing often gives a more precise fit. Compare the compatibility list against your exact model before buying.
Good picks for this: Replacement Ear Pads for Bose QC 35 (ii) 25 15 2, Made by Wicked Cushions WC PadZ QC25
Budget and replacement frequency
Cushions wear out at different rates depending on how often you travel, commute or wear your headphones in warm conditions. A budget replacement can be a sensible short-term fix, while a more durable pad may suit heavy daily use better.
Good picks for this: Replacement Ear Pads for Bose QC 35 (ii) 25 15 2, QC35 Ear Pads – Replacement Earpads for Bose QuietComfort 35 II
Care and installation
Most ear cushions snap or slide onto the earcup. Installation is usually simple, but avoid forcing the pads or tugging on the wires. Wipe the cushions with a dry cloth and keep them out of direct sun and moisture to extend their life.
Good picks for this: Bose Ear Cushion Kit for QuietComfort 35, GEVO Ear Pads for Bose QC45 and QC SE
FAQ
How do I know which bose headphones ear cushion fits my model?
Check the model name inside the headband or on the original packaging. Match that name to the compatibility list in each product listing. If your model is not named, contact the seller before ordering.
Are third-party ear cushions as good as Bose originals?
Third-party options vary in material and fit. Some owners report comfortable results, while others notice differences in firmness or seal. The official Bose kit is the closest match to original specs.
How often should I replace my ear cushions?
There is no fixed schedule. Replace them when the foam flattens, the leather cracks or peels, or the seal around your ears feels looser than before. Heavy daily use tends to shorten their lifespan.
Can I clean my ear cushions?
Wipe them with a slightly damp, lint-free cloth and mild soap, then let them air dry fully. Avoid soaking the cushions or using harsh solvents, which can damage leather and foam.
Do thicker cushions improve noise isolation?
Thicker or denser padding can improve the seal around your ears, which may help with passive isolation. Results depend on fit and the seal, so noise isolation will vary from person to person.
Will new cushions affect sound quality?
Changes in seal and cushion material can subtly alter bass response and treble clarity. Many owners notice a difference mainly in comfort and isolation rather than in the audio signal itself.
Is it difficult to install replacement ear pads?
Most replacements are a simple pull-and-snap process. Work slowly around the edges and avoid bending the earcup frame. If the pads do not seat fully, check that you have the correct model.
Conclusion
For most bose headphones ear cushion buyers, the right pick depends on model, material preference and budget. The Bose Ear Cushion Kit suits owners who want an original-brand fit. The Made by Wicked Cushions QC45 option fits QuietComfort 45 owners who want extra thickness. The GEVO Ear Pads suit those who prefer a plush protein leather feel, while the budget replacement covers several older models. Always confirm compatibility with your exact headphone model before ordering.
Sources
- Consumer product safety guidance on wearing headphones and protecting hearing (cpsc.gov)
- Information on hearing health and safe listening levels (nidcd.nih.gov)
Related reading
- Replace Cushions Bose Headphones: 6 Best Ear Pads Compared (2026)
- 7 Best Replacing Ear Cushions Bose Headphones Compareds (2026)
- Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 Cushion Kit: A Practical Guide (2026)
- 7 Best Bose Sport In Ear Headphones for Workouts (2026)
- 6 Best Replace Ear Pads Bose Headphones (2026): Expert Picks
About Owen Palmer
Owen Palmer is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our brand headphones & noise cancelling guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
