Don't buy new headphones until you do these 5 steps with your old pair

• Simple habits can help your headphones last much longer.
• Regular care keeps headphones performing like new.
• Small changes can extend your headphones' lifespan.

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I've spent plenty of time testing headphones and earbuds, and I've found a handful of small, seemingly obvious but mighty tips to keep them in tip-top shape and performance. If your headphones or earbuds aren't working like they were in their heyday, these small fixes might help.

Also: 4 headphones I swear by (and how I use each pair differently)

These tips can also help you develop healthy maintenance habits if you recently purchased a new pair of headphones or earbuds to replace your daily drivers.

1. Replace your earpads (and tips)

Your headphones' earpads and earbuds' eartips are more important than ...