By Owen PalmerUpdated November 2026
If your Bose headphones have flattened, cracked or peeling ear cushions, you are probably looking for a way to bose headphones replace pads without buying a new pair. Most of the replacement options on the market are built for the QuietComfort 35 family, so the picks below focus on fit with those models, the material each brand specifies, and the patterns owners tend to mention about comfort and wear. Each product is a third-party replacement, not an official Bose part.
Our top picks at a glance
- 1
TOP CHOICEBest overallEarpads for Bose Quiet Comfort QC 35 / QC35 ii / QC25 / QC15 HeadphoneView on Amazon - 2
TOP CHOICEBest for a broad model rangeQC35 Ear Pads – Replacement Earpads Ear Cushions for Bose QuietComfort 35 II and QC35View on Amazon - 3
TOP CHOICEBest budget pickfor (QuietComfort35 & Quiet Comfort35 ii) Headphones Earpads for BoseView on Amazon - 4
Best for memory foam comfortPremium Replacement Ear Pads for Bose QC35 & QC35ii Headphones Made byView on Amazon - 5
Best for tear resistanceReplacement Ear Pads for Bose QuietComfort QC 35 (ii) 25 15 2 HeadphonView on Amazon - 6
Best for a softer leather feelMade by Wicked Cushions | Softer Leather, Luxurious Memory Foam, AddedView on Amazon
Our Top Picks
The selection below is based on the criteria most buyers care about when they replace cushions: compatibility with the headband and driver housing, the material and foam density each maker describes, durability claims, and the general patterns owners report after installation. We did not run any of these pads through our own wear or comfort tests, so treat the specifications as what manufacturers state and the feedback as what owners commonly describe.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Earpads for Bose Quiet Comfort QC 35 / QC35 ii / QC25 / QC15 | Owners wanting a broad fit across several Bose models | Compatibility listed across QC15, QC25 and QC35 generations |
| QC35 Ear Pads – Replacement Earpads for Bose QuietComfort 35 II and QC35 | Owners of QC35 and QC35 II who want a direct swap | Listed for QuietComfort 35 II and QC35 models |
| Earpads for Bose QC35 and QC35 ii – Black | Buyers who want a simple, lower-effort replacement | Straightforward black replacement pair |
| Premium Replacement Ear Pads by GEVO | Owners prioritizing long sessions and cushioning | Adaptive memory foam construction |
| Replacement Ear Pads, Tear-Proof Earpads Cushion | Owners concerned about cracking or peeling | Tear-proof cover described by the maker |
| Wicked Cushions WC PadZ QC35 | Owners who prefer a softer, leather-style surface | Softer leather and added thickness described by the maker |
Earpads for Bose Quiet Comfort QC 35 / QC35 ii / QC25 / QC15 Headphone
Earpads for Bose Quiet Comfort QC 35 / QC35 ii / QC25 / QC15 Headphone
Best for: Owners who want one replacement pad that covers several older Bose over-ear models.
This listing is aimed at people who own more than one Bose model in the same family, or who are unsure of their exact generation. Because the listing names several compatible models, it is a practical first choice for a quick cushion swap.
Key specs:
- Listed compatibility: QC15, QC25, QC35 and QC35 ii
- Over-ear replacement cushion format
- Sold as a replacement pair
Pros:
- Wide compatibility statement in the listing title
- Simple swap for common cushion damage
- Useful if you are not sure which QC model you own
Cons:
- Fit can vary between models, so check your headband and driver housing first
- Third-party pads will not match the original Bose material exactly
Bottom line: A sensible pick for owners of older QC models who want broad compatibility over model-specific tuning.
QC35 Ear Pads – Replacement Earpads Ear Cushions for Bose QuietComfort 35 II and QC35
QC35 Ear Pads – Replacement Earpads Ear Cushions for Bose QuietComfort 35 II and QC35 Headphones & More(Black)
Best for: Owners of QuietComfort 35 II and QC35 who want a direct replacement.
This option targets the most common Bose over-ear generation that people replace pads on. It is a good fit for buyers whose main concern is matching the existing model rather than covering several generations.
Key specs:
- Named compatibility: QuietComfort 35 II and QC35
- Replacement ear cushion design for over-ear use
Pros:
- Model-specific naming reduces guesswork
- Suitable for a straightforward swap
- Clear focus on the most common QC35 generation
Cons:
- Narrower compatibility than multi-model listings
- Material feel may differ from original Bose pads
Bottom line: The right choice for QC35 II owners who want a specific-fit replacement.
for (QuietComfort35 & Quiet Comfort35 ii) Headphones Earpads for Bose QC35 & QC35 ii – Black
for (QuietComfort35 & Quiet Comfort35 ii) Headphones Earpads for Bose QC35 & QC35 ii – Black
Best for: Buyers who want a simple black replacement without extra features.
This listing suits people who mainly want to restore the look and seal of worn cushions at a budget-friendly level. Owners who do not need memory foam or a special cover often find this type of pad sufficient.
Key specs:
- Named compatibility: QuietComfort 35 and QC35 ii
- Black finish
Pros:
- Straightforward, no-frills replacement
- Matches the black finish of most QC35 headphones
- Good starting point for a basic refresh
Cons:
- Fewer material details are stated in the listing
- Comfort may not match premium memory foam options
Bottom line: A practical budget pick for owners who want a plain, direct pad swap.
Premium Replacement Ear Pads for Bose QC35 & QC35ii Headphones Made by GEVO- Comfortable Adaptive Memory Foam and Extra Durable – Fits QuietComfort 35 & 35ii / SoundLink 1&2 AE（Over-Ear） (Silver)
Premium Replacement Ear Pads for Bose QC35 & QC35ii Headphones Made by GEVO- Comfortable Adaptive Memory Foam and Extra Durable – Fits QuietComfort 35 & 35ii / SoundLink 1&2 AE（Over-Ear） (Silver)
Best for: Listeners who wear their headphones for long sessions and care most about cushioning.
The main selling point here is the foam. Owners who find original cushions firm or who notice pressure after an hour of use often look for memory foam options, and this listing is built around that.
Key specs:
- Named compatibility: QuietComfort 35, QC35ii and SoundLink 1 and 2 AE (over-ear)
- Adaptive memory foam described by the maker
- Silver finish listed
Pros:
- Memory foam construction aimed at comfort
- Durability is emphasized in the listing
- Covers several related models
Cons:
- Memory foam can feel warmer during long use in hot rooms
- Silver finish may not match every headphone color
Bottom line: A strong comfort-focused choice for daily, all-day listening.
Replacement Ear Pads for Bose QuietComfort QC 35 (ii) 25 15 2 Headphones, Tear-Proof Earpads Cushion
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: Owners whose cushions have started to crack, split or peel.
This listing emphasizes a tear-resistant cover. It is aimed at people whose pads have worn at the seams or along the edges, where the surface is most likely to fail first.
Key specs:
- Named compatibility: QC35 (ii), QC25, QC15, QC2, SoundTrue, SoundLink AE2 series
- Tear-proof cushion design described by the maker
- Black finish
Pros:
- Durability is the stated focus
- Broad compatibility across older Bose models
- Helpful for pads with peeling leatherette
Cons:
- Long compatibility lists can mean less model-specific fit
- Tear resistance claims should be checked against owner feedback
Bottom line: A good pick for owners who have had cushions split and want a sturdier replacement.
Made by Wicked Cushions | Softer Leather, Luxurious Memory Foam – Wicked Cushions Ear Pads for Bose QuietComfort 35 & 35ii
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: Buyers who want a softer surface feel and added thickness.
Wicked Cushions is a dedicated maker of replacement pads, and this listing targets QC35 owners who want a plusher, leather-style surface with more padding than stock cushions.
Key specs:
- Named compatibility: QuietComfort 35 and 35ii
- Softer leather and memory foam described by the maker
- Black finish (WC PadZ QC35)
Pros:
- Added thickness for a more cushioned fit
- Leather-style surface is described as softer
- Designed specifically for QC35 models
Cons:
- Added thickness can change how the headphones seal around the ear
- Premium feel may come with a slightly different look from stock pads
Bottom line: The best fit for owners who want a softer, more padded feel and are comfortable with a slight change in seal.
Buying Guide
Model compatibility and generation
Bose has used similar cushion shapes across several over-ear generations, but the headband, driver housing and clip points are not identical everywhere. Check the model name printed inside the headband or on the box before ordering. Listings that name several models are convenient, but a pad designed for one generation may fit a neighboring model less snugly.
Good picks for this: Earpads for Bose Quiet Comfort QC 35 / QC35 ii / QC25 / QC15 Headphone; QC35 Ear Pads – Replacement Earpads for Bose QuietComfort 35 II
Material and surface feel
Original Bose cushions use a leatherette-style cover over foam. Replacement options differ in the surface they describe, from standard synthetic leather to softer or thicker versions. Softer materials can feel more comfortable at first, but they may also affect how well the cushion seals against your head.
Good picks for this: Wicked Cushions WC PadZ QC35; Premium Replacement Ear Pads by GEVO
Foam density and cushioning
Memory foam is commonly described as conforming to the head over time, while firmer foams keep their shape but may feel less plush. If you wear your headphones for several hours at a stretch, look for listings that specify foam type rather than only saying “soft.”
Good picks for this: Premium Replacement Ear Pads by GEVO; Wicked Cushions WC PadZ QC35
Durability and tear resistance
The most common failure on worn cushions is the surface cover splitting or peeling, especially along the inner edge and at the hinge area. A tear-resistant cover is a useful feature if you tend to carry headphones in a bag or wear them daily.
Good picks for this: Replacement Ear Pads Tear-Proof Earpads Cushion; Premium Replacement Ear Pads by GEVO
Fit and seal
A replacement pad that is too thick or sized slightly differently can break the passive seal that supports noise isolation and bass response. Measure the existing cushion diameter if you are unsure, and compare that with the listing before buying. Pads that look identical can still differ in thickness by a few millimeters.
Good picks for this: QC35 Ear Pads – Replacement Earpads for Bose QuietComfort 35 II; Earpads for Bose QC35 and QC35 ii – Black
Color and finish
Most listings in this group are black, but some offer silver or other finishes. If appearance matters to you, check the finish stated in the listing title and compare it with the color of your headband and earcup housings.
Good picks for this: for (QuietComfort35 and Quiet Comfort35 ii) Headphones Earpads – Black; Premium Replacement Ear Pads by GEVO (Silver)
Care and replacement routine
Ear pads collect skin oils and sweat, and the surface breaks down faster when exposed to heat and sunscreen. Wiping the cushions with a slightly damp cloth every few weeks extends their life. Replacing pads every couple of years is a common guideline for regular daily users, though heavy use may call for sooner replacement.
Good picks for this: Earpads for Bose Quiet Comfort QC 35 / QC35 ii / QC25 / QC15 Headphone; Replacement Ear Pads Tear-Proof Earpads Cushion
FAQ
Can I replace the pads on Bose headphones myself?
Yes. Most QC35-family pads are designed to pull off and snap back onto the earcup without tools. Turn the headphones off, gently peel the old pad from the outer edge, disconnect any clips if your model has them, and press the new pad into place until it seats evenly all the way around.
Are third-party replacement pads as good as official Bose pads?
Third-party pads are not made by Bose, so materials and fit can differ. Many owners report acceptable results, but the feel and seal may not be identical to the original. Compare the specifications and owner comments carefully before choosing.
How do I know which Bose model I own?
Look for the model name printed inside the headband, on the packaging or in the account app you used during setup. If the name includes QC35 or QC35 ii, the pads listed for those models are the most likely match.
Will new pads change the sound?
They can. The ear cushion helps form a seal around the ear, and a change in thickness or material can alter bass response and noise isolation slightly. Thicker or softer pads may improve comfort while changing the seal, so you may notice a difference.
How often should ear pads be replaced?
There is no fixed schedule. Replace them when the cover cracks, peels, or no longer holds its shape, or when the cushion feels flat and no longer seals well. Heavy daily use and warm climates tend to shorten the lifespan of the surface material.
Can I clean ear pads instead of replacing them?
Often yes, for light soiling. Wipe the surface with a slightly damp, soft cloth and let it dry fully before wearing. Avoid soaking the pads or using harsh solvents, since these can weaken the cover and foam.
Conclusion
For most QC35-family owners, the simplest path is a model-specific pad that clearly names the headphones you own. If you want broad compatibility across several Bose models, the multi-model listing is the most flexible choice. Buyers focused on comfort during long sessions may prefer the memory foam option, while those whose cushions have split or peeled may benefit most from a tear-resistant cover. Softer, thicker leather-style pads suit owners who want extra plushness and accept a slight change in seal. Check your model name first, measure if you are unsure, and choose the pad whose material and fit match how you use your headphones.
Sources
- Consumer product safety guidance on wearing headphones and recognizing wear or damage in consumer electronics (cpsc.gov)
- Information on hearing protection and safe listening volume levels for headphone use (nidcd.nih.gov)
- Guidance on safe listening habits and noise exposure over time (cdc.gov)
Related reading
- Replace Cushions Bose Headphones: 6 Best Ear Pads Compared (2026)
- 6 Best Replace Ear Pads Bose Headphones for Comfort (2026)
- 5 Best Pads for Bose Headphones Compared (2026)
- How to Replace Your Headphone Ear Pads
- Sony Versus Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones: Which Fits You Best (2026)
- How to Pair Bose Headphones to iPhone: A Step-by-Step Guide (2026)
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.
