Best Replacement Earpads for Bose QuietComfort 45
If you’re like me, your Bose QuietComfort 45 headphones are an essential part of your editing workflow, providing the silence needed to focus on color grading or sound design. However, after a year of heavy use, those factory pads inevitably begin to flake and leak sound. I’ve tested dozens of replacements to find which ones preserve that legendary ANC while improving long-term comfort. The Wicked Cushions Upgraded pads are my top pick for their superior density and durability.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
Best Replacement Earpads for Bose QC45: Detailed Reviews
Wicked Cushions Upgraded Earpads View on Amazon
In the world of headphone maintenance, Wicked Cushions is the gold standard, and their upgraded QC45 pads justify the reputation. When I swapped my worn-out Bose pads for these, the first thing I noticed was the added depth. By increasing the foam thickness, they prevent your ears from touching the inner driver cover—a common pain point during marathon photo editing sessions. The professional-grade protein leather feels more substantial than the original material, which suggests they won’t start peeling nearly as quickly. While the added thickness does create a slightly tighter clamp force initially, it settles in perfectly after a few days. Crucially, these pads maintain the Bose acoustic seal, ensuring your Active Noise Cancellation remains top-tier. They also come in various patterns, though the classic black is what I prefer for a professional studio look. It’s a rare “upgraded” product that actually feels like an upgrade.
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Soulwit Replacement Earpads View on Amazon
The Soulwit Replacement Earpads are the perfect middle ground for those who want the “out-of-the-box” Bose experience without the high OEM price tag. I found these to be remarkably similar to the original Bose pads in terms of softness and flexibility. They don’t have the extra bulk of the Wicked Cushions, which some users might actually prefer if they enjoy the lightweight, airy feel of the QC45s. The installation is a breeze; the plastic mounting flange is precision-cut, clicking into the headphone clips with satisfying security. In my testing, the sound isolation was nearly indistinguishable from the factory pads, effectively blocking out ambient hums in a busy workspace. While the protein leather might not be quite as thick as premium options, it’s a massive step up from flaking old pads. For the price of a few lattes, you get a fresh, hygienic set of cushions that restore your headphones’ premium feel.
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Link Dream Earpads View on Amazon
If you’re on a tight budget or simply need a functional pair of pads to get you through the next few months, Link Dream is the way to go. I’ll be honest: these don’t feel as luxurious as the Dekoni or Wicked Cushions. The foam is slightly stiffer, and the material feels a bit more “synthetic” against the skin. However, once they are on your head, they do the job. They seal well enough to keep the Bose noise cancellation effective, which is the most important factor. I noticed a very slight decrease in sub-bass response compared to the stock pads, likely due to the foam density, but for casual listening, it’s a non-issue. The kit includes the necessary “L” and “R” scrims, which is a nice touch at this price point. If your current pads are literally falling apart and you need a fix for under fifteen dollars, these are a reliable, no-frills choice.
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Dekoni Audio Choice Leather View on Amazon
For those who treat their gear like an investment, Dekoni Audio is the premier name in earpad replacements. Their Choice Leather series for the Bose QC45 is frankly impressive. They use a proprietary synthetic leather that is incredibly soft—arguably softer than the original Bose protein leather. What sets these apart is the slow-rebound memory foam. It contours to the shape of your skull, creating an airtight seal that actually seems to enhance the low-end frequencies of the headphones. I’ve found that these pads provide the best passive isolation of any on this list, which complements the active noise cancellation perfectly. They are significantly more expensive than the competition, but the build quality is night and day. You won’t see these cracking or flaking for a very long time. If you use your headphones for 8+ hours a day in a professional environment, your ears will thank you for the extra investment.
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Misodiko Cooling Gel Earpads View on Amazon
One of the few complaints about the Bose QC45 is that the protein leather can get quite warm during the summer months. Misodiko tackles this with their cooling gel variant. These pads feature a layer of heat-dissipating gel beneath a breathable hybrid fabric and leather surface. When you first put them on, you’ll notice a distinct cooling sensation that lasts for about 30 to 45 minutes—just enough time to get settled into your work. Even after the gel warms up, the hybrid material breathes much better than pure leather. I find these exceptional for location shoots where I’m working in non-air-conditioned environments. The trade-off is that they are slightly stiffer than pure memory foam, and the fabric surface can attract more dust than leather. However, for anyone who suffers from “sweaty ear syndrome,” these are a genuine lifesaver that changes the entire wearing experience.
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Buying Guide: How to Choose Replacement Earpads
Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wicked Cushions | Durability/Comfort | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Soulwit | OEM feel | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| Link Dream | Lowest Price | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| Dekoni Audio | Pro Audio/Seal | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Misodiko Gel | Heat Reduction | ★★★★☆ | Check |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will replacement pads affect the noise cancellation?
Yes, but the impact depends on the quality of the seal. High-quality replacements like Wicked Cushions or Dekoni are designed to mimic or improve the factory seal, meaning you won’t notice a drop in ANC performance. However, very cheap or poorly fitted pads can allow air to leak through, which forces the ANC microphones to work harder and often results in a noticeable “hiss” or reduced effectiveness in blocking out low-frequency engine drones.
How do I install the new earpads on my QC45?
Installation is actually quite simple and doesn’t require tools. You pull off the old pads to reveal the plastic clips. After removing the old adhesive and scrim, you lay the new scrim down and press the new earpad’s mounting flange into the clips until you hear a series of “clicks.” I recommend starting at the top and working your way around the perimeter. Most reputable brands provide a QR code to a video tutorial in the box.
How long do replacement earpads usually last?
On average, you can expect replacement pads to last between 12 and 18 months with daily use. Factors like skin oils, sweat, and humidity can accelerate the breakdown of protein leather. To extend their life, I recommend wiping them down with a dry microfiber cloth after long sessions. Premium brands like Dekoni use higher-grade synthetic leathers that are more resistant to oils and can often last two years or more before showing significant wear.
Are these pads compatible with the QC35 or QC35 II?
In most cases, yes! The Bose QC35, QC35 II, and QC45 share the same mounting flange design. While some manufacturers label their pads specifically for one model, the physical dimensions are virtually identical. However, the internal scrims (the fabric with the L/R letters) might have slightly different shapes. Always check the product description, but if you’re buying for a QC45, they will almost certainly fit your older QC35s as well.
Can I wash my earpads to make them last longer?
You should never submerge protein leather earpads in water, as this will ruin the memory foam and cause the leather to crack. Instead, use a very slightly damp cloth with a tiny drop of mild soap to wipe the surface, followed immediately by a dry cloth. For fabric or “cooling gel” pads, you can be a bit more liberal with a damp cloth, but always ensure they are completely air-dried before putting them back on your head.
Final Verdict
For most users, the Wicked Cushions Upgraded pads are a no-brainer—they improve the ergonomics of the QC45 while maintaining the noise cancellation we all love. If you’re a professional working in a studio, the Dekoni Choice Leather is worth the extra coin for its longevity. However, if you just need to stop the “black flakes” on your ears without spending much, the Soulwit or Link Dream pads will serve you perfectly well.