AKG K480 / K480NC Ear Pads – Foam Replacement, Leatherette/Velour
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🎧 Replacement Ear Pads for AKG K480 and AKG K480NC
The foam in your ear pads is flat and the cover looks worn out? Give your AKG K480 or AKG K480NC a fresh pair of ear pads and bring back the comfort, secure fit and tidy look it had when new.
Choose leatherette or velour. Sold as a pair (left + right).
🎧 Fits AKG K480 / AKG K480NC | 🧽 New Foam | 🛡️ Leatherette | 🧸 Velour | 📦 1 Pair (L + R)
📑 On This Page
⭐ New Ear Pads for Your AKG K480 / K480NC
The AKG K480 and AKG K480NC get worn a lot: on the commute, on the road and at home. All that time, the ear pads are squeezed, warmed up and exposed to sweat and skin oils. They're a classic wear part and wear out long before the electronics do.
The foam is usually the first to go: it loses volume and spring or stiffens in spots. Then the cover cracks, thins out or peels. The headphones feel less secure, press on your ears and look worn, even though they often still work perfectly.
These replacement ear pads for the AKG K480 and K480NC renew just the worn part. It's quick, simple and costs far less than a new pair of headphones.
🎧 K480 and K480NC
Designed to replace the original pads on both AKG versions.
🧽 New Foam
Fresh padding with volume and spring.
🛡️ Leatherette
Smooth and easy to wipe clean.
🧸 Velour
Soft, textile and especially breathable.
🔧 Easy Install
A few minutes, no need to open the headphones.
📦 Complete Pair
Left and right for a matching feel.
🧽 Why the Foam Matters So Much
An ear pad has three parts: the foam, the cover (leatherette or velour) and the mounting area on the ear cup. The foam does four key jobs.
🛋️ Cushioning
It spreads pressure over your ear and temple for relaxed listening.
🔒 Sealing
It follows your ear's shape and closes the gap between the headphones and your head.
🎚️ Sound
It sets the distance and air space between the driver and your ear.
📐 Shape
It keeps the pad correctly positioned over time.
When the foam gives out, comfort, fit and sound consistency suffer. New pads are the quickest way to feel the difference.
🩺 How to Tell Your Ear Pads Are Worn Out
📉 Flattened Foam
The pad no longer springs back.
🪨 Hard Spots
Some areas are firmer and press on your ears.
🧩 Crumbling Foam
Specks or powder show up under the cover.
🩹 Damaged Cover
Leatherette peels, velour wears thin or fuzzes.
😣 Sore Ears
The headphones get uncomfortable quickly.
🔊 More Outside Noise
A looser fit lets more ambient sound in.
👃 Lingering Odor
Sweat has soaked into the foam.
✅ Headphones Work
Only the ear pads need replacing.
🧪 The 3-Step Foam Test
- Press: push into the center of the pad and let go. If the dent stays, the foam is worn out.
- Feel: run your fingers around the pad. Hard, uneven or lumpy foam is breaking down.
- Look: check the edges and seams. Cracks, tears or crumbs mean it's time for a new pair.
🔎 Compatibility: AKG K480 and AKG K480NC
These ear pads are made for the AKG K480 and the AKG K480NC. The NC suffix marks the noise-reduction version. AKG makes many similar-looking headphones, so please confirm your exact model before ordering.
Confirm Your Model in 4 Steps
- Check the headband: the model name is usually printed on or under it.
- Look at the ear cups: left/right markings or the model name are often there.
- Find the original box or manual if you kept them.
- Review your order history or receipt.
Own the AKG K452? See our replacement ear pads for AKG K452. For other models, browse our AKG headphone ear pads.
🔇 Seal and Noise Reduction: Why Fresh Ear Pads Help
On headphones built to cut outside noise, like the AKG K480NC, the seal around your ear is an important factor. The foam in the ear pads molds to your ear and closes the gap between the headphones and your head.
When it has collapsed or lost its shape, gaps appear: outside sound gets in more easily and the headphones feel less effective, even if the electronics are fine. New ear pads are often the first thing to try when your headphones "don't block noise like they used to."
Good to Know
- Intact pads improve passive isolation.
- A secure fit supports fuller bass.
- Results also depend on your head shape, glasses and how you wear the headphones.
- Ear pads are a wear part and don't change the headphones' electronics.
🎨 Leatherette or Velour: Choosing Your Cover
Both fit the same headphones and install the same way. They differ in feel, warmth and upkeep.
🛡️ Leatherette
A closed, smooth surface that wipes clean in seconds. It shields the foam from dust and some moisture and generally isolates slightly better.
Great for commuting, travel and simple upkeep.
🧸 Velour
A plush, fabric-like surface that feels gentle on the skin. It's more breathable and traps less heat, a plus for long sessions and summer.
Great for soft comfort and an airy feel.
📊 Quick Comparison
| Feature | 🛡️ Leatherette | 🧸 Velour |
|---|---|---|
| Feel | Smooth | Soft, fabric-like |
| Heat | Can feel warmer over long wear | More breathable |
| Isolation | Generally a bit better | Solid |
| Cleaning | Slightly damp cloth | Soft brush, keep dry |
| Great for | Commuting, easy care | Long sessions, summer |
🔧 How to Install
Allow a few minutes and take it slowly.
- Set up on a clean, bright surface with a soft cloth.
- Note left and right before taking the old pads off.
- Release the first pad gradually all the way around. No sharp tugs.
- Clean the mounting area of dust, foam residue and adhesive with a dry cloth.
- Place the new pad flat, lining its edge up with the ear cup.
- Press it down gently and evenly all the way around.
- Repeat on the other side.
- Check the result: no wrinkles, no lifted edges, and both pads should match.
Wrinkle or loose edge? Lift that section slightly, smooth it out and press it down again.
📋 Product Details
- Compatible headphones: AKG K480 and AKG K480NC
- Product type: Replacement ear pads (wear part)
- Cover material (your choice): Leatherette or velour
- Padding: Foam
- Package includes: 1 pair (1 left + 1 right)
- Best for: Music, podcasts, calls, commuting, everyday use
- Installation: Simple, no tools needed in most cases
- Care: Leatherette with a slightly damp cloth, velour with a soft brush
- Not included: The headphones
📦 What You Get
Your order includes one pair of ear pads in the cover you choose: one for the left ear cup and one for the right. The headphones are not included.
✔️ Before You Order
- My headphones are the AKG K480 or AKG K480NC.
- I've chosen leatherette or velour.
- The order is a full pair (L + R).
- The headphones work. Only the pads are worn.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
- Skipping the model check.
- Replacing only one side.
- Yanking the old pad off.
- Cleaning with solvents or strong alcohol.
🧼 Care and Lifespan
- Wipe leatherette with a slightly damp cloth and brush velour with a soft brush.
- Avoid solvents and strong alcohol, and don't soak velour.
- Let the surface dry completely before storing the headphones.
- Clean regularly so sweat and skin oils can't build up.
- Let the headphones air out after long sessions.
- Store them in a case so the foam isn't crushed in a bag.
- Keep them away from hot cars, strong sunlight and heaters.
- Replace the pair as soon as wear or discomfort appears.
❓ AKG K480 / K480NC Ear Pads: Frequently Asked Questions
Do these ear pads fit both the AKG K480 and the K480NC?
Yes, they are made for both versions. Please still verify the name on your headphones before ordering.
What does NC mean on the AKG K480NC?
NC marks the noise-reduction version. The ear pads offered here are made for both models.
Leatherette or velour: which is better?
Velour is softer and more breathable. Leatherette is easier to clean and generally isolates a bit better. It depends on how and where you listen.
Will new ear pads improve noise reduction?
Fresh pads generally improve passive isolation thanks to a better seal around the ear. They don't change the headphones' electronics.
Why does ear pad foam wear out?
It's compressed whenever you wear the headphones and exposed to heat, sweat and skin oils. Over time it flattens, hardens or crumbles.
What's in the package?
One pair of ear pads (left and right) in the cover you choose. The headphones are not included.
Are they hard to install?
No. Take off the old pads and fit the new ones, usually without tools. The step-by-step guide above covers it.
Should I replace both ear pads together?
Yes. They wear at the same rate, and a matching pair keeps comfort balanced.
Will the sound change?
There may be slight differences depending on thickness and material. In general, new foam gives a more consistent fit than flattened pads.
How do I know the pads are worn?
Flat or hard foam, crumbs under the cover, a damaged surface, sore ears and more outside noise are the usual signs.
My headphones still work. Is replacing just the pads worth it?
Absolutely. You keep working headphones and replace only the wear part, for far less than a new pair.
Do you carry ear pads for other AKG models?
Yes, for example the AKG K452, the AKG K422, the AKG K26P and the AKG K24i and K24P. The full range is in our AKG ear pad collection.
🎧 More Ear Pads for AKG Headphones
Matching your model: AKG K452 replacement ear pads, AKG K422 ear pads, AKG K26P ear pads and AKG K24i / K24P ear pads.
Everything else is in our complete selection of AKG replacement ear pads.
Shop All AKG Ear Pads →🎧 Fresh Foam for Your AKG K480 / K480NC
Replace your worn pads with replacement ear pads for the AKG K480 and K480NC, in leatherette or velour, add them to your cart and enjoy a comfortable, secure fit again.
If you are not fully satisfied with an item purchased from our store, we will offer a quick and easy exchange or a full refund of the purchase price.
You have up to 30 days from the date you receive your order to make a return.
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Estimated delivery times:
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- 🇨🇦 Canada: 5–7 business days
- 🇦🇺 Australia: 6–8 business days
- 🌍 Other countries: 6–10 business days
All orders are processed within 1–2 business days.
Tracking information is provided once your order has been shipped.
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You have 30 days after receiving your order to return your parcel at no extra cost.
We provide a free return label to make the process quick and easy.
With us, it’s simple and hassle-free: if you’re not satisfied, you get a full refund.
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Better comfort. Better sound. Longer headphone life.