I tried foam ear tips with my AirPods Pro 2 and they made a big difference

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Foam ear tips are better than silicone if you want improved sound and comfort

AirPods with orange foam ear tips held in hand
(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

Even though I’ve spent years testing the best wireless earbuds, I never thought that swapping out the silicone ear tips for another type would have such a big impact on how I consume wireless audio. Everything you need comes bundled with your earbuds when you make your purchase, including multiple pairs of silicone ear tips. Sometimes you get a selection of foam ear tips to choose from, too, but I wouldn't mind betting that the majority of us default to the silicone variety as this is usualy the type that's fitted.

AirPods Pro 2 don't come supplied with foam ear tips, but I recently got a pair to try out and was impressed by the audio and comfort benefits I discovered.

Foam ear tips fitted to AirPods

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

Noticeably better sound

Foam tips are designed to funnel sound directly into your ears, giving the soundscape an immersive presence, while keeping ambient noise from entering it. Those with detailed hearing may notice stronger bass presence. Others may find sound to be neutral. Every listener’s ear will be different.

Some forum users on audio enthusiast sites like Head-Fi claim that foam tips bring out more bass. My testing saw a minor boost in bass when listening to EDM, hip-hop, and rock tracks.

Movies made a greater impression. Aerial effects and explosions did sound more authentic. I would have loved for the tips to enhance the acoustics, but the fact that they maintained vocal quality was impressive.

Foam ear tip color options for AirPods Pro

(Image credit: ADV Sound)

Snug pillows for your ears

The spongy, expandable material used to make foam tips molds to the shape of your ear canal, essentially creating your own personalized tips. Silicone tips don’t do this, nor do they have a solid barrier that keeps the sound port and cavity from pressing up against your ears.

Foam tips have superior cushioning that relieve the concha of soreness and absorb moisture much better to achieve optimal fit.

I’ve been using foam tips with some of the best running headphones, including the AirPods Pro 2, which has delivered a surprisingly positive running experience. Apple’s new ear tip kit reduces slippage by forming a tighter seal around the ear. However, ADV’s foam tips demonstrate stronger grip control and sweat absorption.

Additionally, JLab’s Cloud Foam tips, which are packaged with the Epic Air Sport ANC (2nd Gen), kept the buds in place during outdoor runs.

Foam tips have also increased my casual listening time. My pain threshold for wearing earbuds is usually around 2 to 3 hours before fatigue sets in. Using foam tips has upped it to 5 hours. 

Better noise isolation

Some people find noise-cancelling earbuds uncomfortable from the pressure caused by active noise cancellation (ANC) technology. 

Foam tips are an excellent alternative that reduces noise passively at a higher level than silicone tips. The material fills any gaps where ambient sound might sneak onto the soundscape. I’ve recently started using the Sony WF-1000XM4 (completely forgetting they come bundled with foam tips) and found the buds useful for diminishing external sounds with ANC turned off. Landscaping noises were silent from my balcony. Even indoor disruptions like loud TVs and my son’s cries were brought down a few notches.

ANC is still the better option for eliminating ambient sounds. But if ANC isn’t for you, foam tips do a formidable job of keeping disruptive surrounding noises from reaching your ears, as well as preventing sound from leaking out of the buds and disturbing others.

AirPods Pro 2 with orange foam ear tips

(Image credit: ADV Sound)

Improve your ear health

Worried about earwax buildup? Foam tips will help mitigate the problem. According to Dr. Jason Abramowitz, earbuds “affect the airflow in the ear canal, which can lead to wax buildup.” Furthermore, earbuds push wax deeper into the canal, which blocks the ear canal and affects hearing. Brands like Comply have developed something called WaxGuard, said to prevent earwax and debris from entering the sound port to keep the sound path clear.

AirPods fitted with foam ear tips placed on top of iPhone

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

Foam vs. silicone tips: Which one is right for you?

Pros and cons exist for each type of ear tip. Silicone tips are easier to clean and last longer, but easily slip out and create an uncomfortable suction sensation when plugged into your ears. The performance and wearable enhancements offered from foam tips make them the better true wireless add-on.

If you’re looking for a new way to get more out of your wireless earbuds, then I strongly recommend buying foam tips. You can purchase a set for as low as $18, depending on which buds you own.

Next: How to clean AirPods Pro safely

Where to buy foam ear tips

Foam ear tips can be found for several different earbud models. Check out these links below to find foam ear tips designed to fit some of our favorite earbuds.

Next: I bought the Beats Fit Pro — and I actually like them better than AirPods Pro 2.

Alex Bracetti
Alex Bracetti

A lifestyle journalist with an affinity for consumer products, Alex has over a decade of experience and has worked with popular publications such as Complex, Thrillist, Men’s Health, Gear Patrol, AskMen, and Hoop Magazine. He currently focuses on audio, reviewing the most coveted headphones in the market for both Tom’s Guide and Laptop Magazine.

2 Comments Comment from the forums
  • ScottSpam
    I'm using foam ear tips with my Airpods Pro and I would warn you that one problem I consistently have is that they tend to make the Airpod sit just odd enough in the case to sometimes lose their charge. I find myself constantly reseating my airpods in the case to make sure they have a clean connection so that I don't have to worry they won't be charged next time I use them.
    Reply
  • khenry100
    I'm over the silicone tips. I'm a heavy pixel buds pro user, probably an extreme user, but these things just won't stay in. I admit I need to clean them more often than I do as the oil from your skin does reduce the grip they can produce but, I'm diving in the foam deep end. I will gladly trade off almost everything for these things to just STAY in my ears. Thankfully my ninja like reflexes have saved many an instance of my buds falling in a toilet or bathtub. If nothing else Pixel Buds have helped be more cognitive of if my reflex's are still sharp. They are.
    Reply