Do your wireless earbuds sound bad? 4 ways to fix them

Are your wireless earbuds not performing as expected? Do they sound off or fail to deliver the audio quality you were hoping for? Before you rush to replace them, consider these four common issues that might be affecting your listening experience—and the simple fixes that could save you money and frustration.

1. You’re not getting the right fit

One of the most common reasons for poor earbud performance is improper fit. Despite manufacturers’ claims about “one-size-fits-all” designs, the reality is that everyone’s ears are different. What works perfectly for one person might sit loosely in another’s ears.

How to fix it:

• Try different ear tip sizes: Most earbuds come with multiple sizes of ear tips in the box. Take 5-10 minutes to experiment with these different sizes—they can make a world of difference. Think of ear tips like clothing sizes; you wouldn’t expect the same size to fit everyone.
• Use the fit test feature: Many modern earbuds, including Apple AirPods Pro and Sony models, offer an in-app fit test that can guide you toward the optimal ear tip size. This feature analyzes whether you’re getting a proper seal, which is crucial for sound quality and noise cancelation.
• Consider third-party options: If the included ear tips don’t work for you, look into third-party alternatives. Memory foam tips from companies like Comply can provide a better seal than silicone options. You might also benefit from accessories like ear hooks or fins for a more secure fit during activities. These affordable additions (often under $15) can dramatically improve your experience.

2. Your earbuds are dirty

Daily use of earbuds inevitably leads to earwax and debris buildup. When this accumulates on the speaker drivers or microphones, it can significantly impact sound quality and features like Adaptive EQ that rely on internal microphones.

That’s why it’s so important to clean your earbuds and headphones.

How to fix it:

• If your white earbuds are starting to look yellowish, it’s definitely time for cleaning.
• Consult your user manual or manufacturer’s website for specific cleaning instructions.
• Generally, gentle cleaning with isopropyl alcohol and cotton swabs can remove most buildup without damaging your earbuds.
• Regular maintenance can help prevent sound degradation over time.

3. You haven’t customized the sound

Many users don’t realize that their earbuds’ default sound profile might not be ideal for their personal preferences. Equalizing (EQ) your earbuds is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to improve sound quality.

How to fix it:

• Use manufacturer apps: If your earbuds have a companion app, it likely includes EQ settings. Some apps, like Sony Headphones Connect and Anker Soundcore, even offer “sound quizzes” that create personalized sound profiles based on your preferences.
• Try third-party options: If your earbuds don’t come with an app, consider alternatives:
  • Android users can try Wavelet for system-wide EQ adjustments
  • Spotify’s iOS app has a built-in equalizer
  • iPhone users with Apple earbuds can use Accessibility settings for basic sound customization

Taking time to adjust these settings once can lead to a significantly improved listening experience going forward.

4. You have connection issues

Wireless earbuds sometimes suffer from connectivity problems, including dropouts, single-earbud connections, audio stuttering, and lag. These issues can ruin your listening experience but are often fixable.

How to fix it:

• Check for connection priority modes: Many earbud apps offer settings to prioritize connection stability over other features. Look for “low latency mode” or “stable connection” options in your app settings.
• Factory reset your earbuds: If you’re experiencing persistent connection issues, a factory reset often resolves them. Check your manual for the specific reset procedure for your model.
• Contact the manufacturer: If connection problems persist after trying these solutions, your earbuds might be defective. Contact the manufacturer about warranty service or replacement options.

The bottom line

Before giving up on your wireless earbuds, try these simple fixes to potentially transform your listening experience. A few minutes spent addressing fit issues, cleaning properly, adjusting sound settings, or resolving connection problems could save you the cost of replacement and help you rediscover why you purchased those earbuds in the first place.

If you’ve tried all these solutions without success, it might indeed be time to explore new options—but at least you’ll know you’ve exhausted all possibilities with your current pair.