Updated September 2026: in 2022, following advice online, I replaced my AirPods Pro silicone tips with memory foam tips to fix weak bass and a loose fit, but saw little improvement. I have rewritten it into a guide to ear tips for AirPods Pro, and what else to check when the sound seems thin.
Many people online said foam tips would cure the common AirPods Pro complaints of weak bass and poor fit. I had both problems, so I bought memory foam tips. The bass did not improve noticeably and the fit issues continued.
Why does fit matter so much for AirPods Pro?
Noise cancellation and bass both depend on a good seal in the ear canal. If air leaks, bass drops and outside noise gets in. That is why fit problems and weak bass usually appear together.
How do you check the fit?
Use the Ear Tip Fit Test in the AirPods settings on your iPhone. Try each silicone size, and remember that the best size can differ between your left and right ears. Many fit problems are solved simply by changing tip size.
Do foam tips help?
- Pros: they expand to fill the ear, which can improve the seal for some people and feel more secure during exercise.
- Cons: they wear out faster, can be harder to clean, may not fit the charging case well, and some interfere with the fit test.
They help some ears and not others, which matches my experience.
What else can cause thin sound?
Blocked mesh from earwax, a firmware issue, or settings such as Conversation Awareness lowering volume. Clean the mesh gently with a dry brush, check for updates by keeping AirPods connected to a charging iPhone, and review the audio settings.
When should you contact Apple?
If one earbud sounds different from the other, crackles, or loses noise cancellation after cleaning and resetting, it may be a hardware fault. Apple has run service programmes for some earlier AirPods Pro units with sound issues, so check eligibility.
What worked in the end?
For most people, the right silicone size and clean mesh. Try that before buying accessories.