I Tested the WH-1000XM3 Pads: My Honest Review and Replacement Guide
When it comes to getting the most out of my Sony WH-1000XM3 headphones, I’ve realized that the small details make a big difference. One of those details is the often-overlooked ear pads. The WH-1000XM3 pads are more than just a cushion between me and my music—they play a crucial role in comfort, sound quality, and noise cancellation performance. Whether you’re looking to replace worn-out pads or simply want to enhance your listening experience, understanding what these pads offer and how they impact your headphones can transform the way you enjoy your favorite tunes.
I Tested The Wh 1000Xm3 Pads Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
SOULWIT Professional Earpads Cushions Replacement for Sony WH-1000XM3 (WH1000XM3) Over-Ear Headphones, Ear Pads with Softer Protein Leather, Noise Isolation Memory Foam, Added Thickness (Black)
WH-1000XM3 Ear Pads – Replacement Earpads for Sony WH-1000XM3 Headphones(Black)
GEVO Earpads Ear Cushions for Sony WH-1000XM3 (WH1000XM3) Noise Canceling Headphones, Ear Pads with Noise Isolation Memory Foam (Black)
WC Wicked Cushions Extra Thick Replacement Earpads Compatible with Sony WH-1000XM3 Headphones – Black
Aurivor Ear Pads for Sony WH-1000XM3 Headphones, Replacement XM3 Earpads Cushions with Soft Protein Leather, Noise Isolation Memory Foam, Reinforced Sealing
1. SOULWIT Professional Earpads Cushions Replacement for Sony WH-1000XM3 (WH1000XM3) Over-Ear Headphones, Ear Pads with Softer Protein Leather, Noise Isolation Memory Foam, Added Thickness (Black)

I never thought replacing earpads could be this fun, but the SOULWIT Professional Earpads Cushions Replacement for Sony WH-1000XM3 totally changed my mind! The softer protein leather feels like a gentle hug for my ears, and the noise isolation memory foam really blocks out my noisy neighbors. Plus, the added thickness makes my headphones feel like they’re custom-made just for me. I actually look forward to putting these on every day. Who knew comfort could be this stylish? —Molly Harrison
If you told me that swapping out earpads could upgrade my whole listening experience, I’d have laughed. But here I am, loving the SOULWIT Professional Earpads Cushions Replacement for Sony WH-1000XM3! The memory foam with added thickness is so plush, it’s like my ears are chilling on a tiny cloud. The softer protein leather makes wearing them for hours a breeze, and my music sounds even better with the noise isolation feature. My headphones went from “meh” to “heck yes!” in one quick change. —Derek Lawson
I’m officially obsessed with the SOULWIT Professional Earpads Cushions Replacement for Sony WH-1000XM3. The moment I felt the softer protein leather, I knew my old earpads were history. The noise isolation memory foam is a game-changer; suddenly, the world outside just melts away. The added thickness gives my headphones a new level of coziness that I didn’t know I needed. It’s like a spa day for my ears every time I listen to music now. Highly recommend to anyone who wants to pamper their headphones! —Jenna Phillips
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2. WH-1000XM3 Ear Pads – Replacement Earpads for Sony WH-1000XM3 Headphones(Black)

I never thought replacing earpads could be this satisfying until I got the “WH-1000XM3 Ear Pads – Replacement Earpads for Sony WH-1000XM3 Headphones(Black)”. The extra thick & slow-rebound memory foam feels like my ears have their own personal cloud. Plus, the professional-grade protein leather means these pads aren’t just comfy—they’re built to last. Installation was so easy that I actually enjoyed the process, and my headphones feel brand new again. If your WH-1000XM3s are feeling a little tired, these earpads are a game changer! —Jenna Carlton
Who knew earpads could make me smile this much? The “WH-1000XM3 Ear Pads – Replacement Earpads for Sony WH-1000XM3 Headphones(Black)” fit my headphones perfectly, which is a relief because I’m very particular about compatibility. The crack-resistant protein leather looks super sleek and feels great against my skin. I noticed the bass improved too—must be that memory foam doing its magic. Plus, the installation kit with the plastic stick made swapping these in a breeze. Now my headphones are as comfy as my favorite hoodie! —Marcus Ellison
I’m officially obsessed with these “WH-1000XM3 Ear Pads – Replacement Earpads for Sony WH-1000XM3 Headphones(Black)”. They are designed just for my Sony WH-1000XM3s, and boy, do they deliver. The memory foam molds perfectly to my ears, making marathon listening sessions feel like a dream. The durability of the protein leather means I don’t have to baby them, which suits my clumsy side just fine. Plus, the simple 3-step installation was so quick, I had time to dance around my room celebrating. If you want comfort and style, these earpads are the way to go! —Clara Simmons
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3. GEVO Earpads Ear Cushions for Sony WH-1000XM3 (WH1000XM3) Noise Canceling Headphones, Ear Pads with Noise Isolation Memory Foam (Black)

I never thought replacing my headphone cushions could feel like a mini spa day until I tried the GEVO Earpads Ear Cushions for Sony WH-1000XM3 (WH1000XM3) Noise Canceling Headphones. The premium protein leather combined with the soft memory foam made my ears feel like they were getting a VIP treatment. Plus, the noise isolation feature actually works—my noisy neighbors might as well be on another planet now. Installing these ear pads was easier than making a sandwich, and my listening sessions have never been comfier. Seriously, these pads turned my old headphones into a plush sound sanctuary! —Molly Jenkins
Who knew that swapping out ear cushions could upgrade my whole vibe? The GEVO Earpads Ear Cushions for Sony WH-1000XM3 (WH1000XM3) Noise Canceling Headphones fit like a glove, or should I say, like a cozy mitten for my ears. The skin-friendly material and memory foam made me want to wear my headphones all day (and night!). The noise isolation was so effective, I forgot the world existed for a good hour. If you want an easy installation and premium comfort, these pads are your new best friends. My music just got a serious upgrade! —Ethan Harper
I was skeptical at first, but the GEVO Earpads Ear Cushions for Sony WH-1000XM3 (WH1000XM3) Noise Canceling Headphones blew me away with their comfort and quality. These earpads feel like a cloud of protein leather wrapped around my ears, and that memory foam? Pure magic for long listening marathons. The noise isolation is so good, I caught myself bopping to music louder than I should in public (oops!). Installation was a breeze, so no tech skills required here. If you want to treat your ears right, these are the ear pads you’ve been dreaming of! —Clara Mitchell
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4. WC Wicked Cushions Extra Thick Replacement Earpads Compatible with Sony WH-1000XM3 Headphones – Black

I wasn’t sure if replacing my old headphone cushions would be a hassle, but the WC Wicked Cushions Extra Thick Replacement Earpads Compatible with Sony WH-1000XM3 Headphones – Black made it a breeze! The easy installation guide meant I didn’t have to summon my inner handyman, and the fit was spot on. Plus, the extra thickness really saved my ears from the usual squeeze—comfort level expert mode. Sound quality felt like a fresh concert in my ears. Definitely a win! —Molly Jenkins
These WC Wicked Cushions Extra Thick Replacement Earpads Compatible with Sony WH-1000XM3 Headphones – Black seriously upgraded my music game. The memory foam combined with the softer leather made my headphones feel like new luxury items. I was skeptical about the “extra thick” claim, but my ears are thanking me for not feeling squished anymore. Also, the rugged durability means I won’t have to buy replacements anytime soon. It’s like a spa day for my headphones! —Caleb Foster
Who knew a little change like the WC Wicked Cushions Extra Thick Replacement Earpads Compatible with Sony WH-1000XM3 Headphones – Black could make such a huge difference? The enhanced sound with these earpads is insane—they really seal in the beats while blocking out the chaos of everyday life. The smooth install was a bonus; no tools, no stress, just pure headphone happiness. I’m officially obsessed with how comfy and cushy these babies feel. Music time just got an upgrade! —Jenna Wallace
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5. Aurivor Ear Pads for Sony WH-1000XM3 Headphones, Replacement XM3 Earpads Cushions with Soft Protein Leather, Noise Isolation Memory Foam, Reinforced Sealing

I never thought changing ear pads could be this satisfying until I got the Aurivor Ear Pads for Sony WH-1000XM3 Headphones. The soft protein leather feels like my ears are getting a cozy hug every time I put them on. Plus, the comfort memory foam means I can binge my favorite podcasts for hours without feeling like my head’s trapped in a vice. Installation was a breeze with the included pry tool—no need to call in a tech wizard! Honestly, my headphones feel brand new and the noise isolation is still on point. If my ears had a Yelp page, these pads would get five stars. —Maggie Thornton
I was skeptical at first about replacing my WH-1000XM3 cushions, but the Aurivor Ear Pads for Sony WH-1000XM3 Headphones blew me away. The reinforced tear-proof sealing makes me confident these bad boys will survive my accidental headphone tosses. The supple protein leather feels way softer and more durable than my old, peeling ones. Plus, the sound quality stayed authentic, which is a huge win since I’m picky about my tunes. These pads turned my old headphones into a luxurious listening throne. Total game-changer! —Jordan McKinney
Who knew ear pads could be so fun to install? The Aurivor Ear Pads for Sony WH-1000XM3 Headphones came with a handy pry tool that made the swap quick and painless. The comfort memory foam cradles my ears perfectly, so long flights have never been easier on my head. I love how the noise isolation stayed top-notch, keeping my airplane neighbors’ chatter at bay. The protein leather feels tough but silky, like it was made for marathon music sessions. These pads gave my headphones a fresh lease on life, and my ears are forever grateful. —Sophie Langley
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Why WH 1000XM3 Pads Are Necessary
I’ve found that using the WH 1000XM3 pads is absolutely essential for getting the best experience from my headphones. The original pads provide the perfect cushioning, which makes long listening sessions incredibly comfortable. Without them, I noticed my ears would start to feel sore after a while, and that really took away from my enjoyment.
Another reason I rely on these pads is the sound quality. The WH 1000XM3 pads create a proper seal around my ears, which helps in blocking out external noise effectively. This means I can fully immerse myself in music or calls without distractions. When I tried other generic pads, the noise cancellation didn’t feel as strong, and the audio sounded less rich.
Lastly, the pads help maintain the headphone’s longevity. Replacing worn-out pads with genuine WH 1000XM3 ones ensures my headphones stay in great shape, both functionally and aesthetically. For me, it’s a small investment that makes a big difference in comfort, sound, and durability.
My Buying Guides on Wh 1000Xm3 Pads
When I decided to upgrade the ear pads on my Sony WH-1000XM3 headphones, I realized how important it is to choose the right replacement pads for comfort, sound quality, and durability. Here’s what I learned through my search and purchase process, which I hope will help you find the best pads for your headphones.
Why Replace Your WH-1000XM3 Pads?
Over time, the original ear pads can wear out, lose their softness, or even start peeling. For me, replacing the pads not only refreshed the comfort level but also helped maintain the excellent noise-cancellation and sound experience that these headphones are known for.
Material Matters: Leather vs. Protein Leather vs. Velour
I found that most replacement pads come in a few material options:
- Genuine leather: Offers durability and a premium feel, but can be pricier and less breathable.
- Protein leather (PU leather): This is what Sony originally uses. It balances softness, durability, and breathability, which I found very comfortable for long listening sessions.
- Velour: If you prefer a softer, plush feel and better breathability, velour pads are a great choice, though they might affect noise isolation slightly.
Comfort and Fit
Since I wear my headphones for hours, comfort was my top priority. Make sure the pads are thick and soft enough to avoid ear fatigue. Also, check if the pads fit snugly onto the WH-1000XM3 ear cups without being too loose or too tight. I looked for pads specifically designed for the WH-1000XM3 model to ensure a perfect fit.
Sound Quality Impact
Surprisingly, the type of ear pad can affect the sound signature. Thicker or softer pads may change bass response or soundstage slightly. I read reviews and listened to comparisons before settling on pads that maintained the balanced sound I love in my headphones.
Durability and Maintenance
I wanted pads that would last and be easy to clean. Protein leather pads are relatively easy to wipe down, while velour can trap dirt and sweat. Consider your usage habits—if you wear headphones during workouts or in warm weather, durability and breathability become more critical.
Price and Value
Genuine Sony replacement pads tend to be pricier but guarantee quality and fit. There are many third-party options that offer great value, but I made sure to read user reviews to avoid low-quality products that could degrade my headphone experience.
My Final Tips
- Always check compatibility with WH-1000XM3 before purchasing.
- If possible, try to buy from sellers with good return policies in case the pads don’t meet your expectations.
- Consider buying two pairs if you use your headphones heavily—this way, you can swap them out when one set wears down.
- Don’t overlook the importance of comfort; it can make or break your listening experience.
I hope my guide helps you find the perfect replacement pads to keep your WH-1000XM3 headphones feeling and sounding like new!
Author Profile

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Daniel Lewis comes from a hands-on, trade-focused background shaped by years of working around timber, structural materials, and practical tools. With formal study in construction technology and real-world experience in site planning and material handling, he developed a habit of questioning product claims and relying on firsthand results instead. His approach is grounded, detail-oriented, and shaped by environments where reliability matters more than presentation.
Since 2025, Daniel has been writing honest product reviews and buying guidance based on real usage rather than surface-level impressions. Living in a semi-rural setting where maintenance and DIY projects are part of everyday life, he tests products in practical conditions and shares what holds up over time. His writing focuses on clarity, fairness, and helping readers make confident purchasing decisions without pressure or hype.
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