How to Choose the Right Eartips Size for Your Earphones
By Campfire Audio | Hand-Built IEMs & Audiophile Earphones | Published: 2026-10-14
Category: How-to Guides
Learn a simple, step-by-step method to find the right eartips size for your earphones, improve comfort and seal, and get the best sound from your IEMs.
Quick answer
Start with the medium eartips that came with your earphones. Insert them gently, then test the seal by playing a familiar track with steady bass. If the low end feels thin or the tips slip, move up one size; if you feel pressure or itching, move down. Your left and right ears may need different sizes, so test each side separately. The goal is a secure, comfortable seal that lets you hear full bass without pushing the tips deep into your ear canal.
Why eartip size matters more than you think
Eartips do two jobs: they hold the earphone in place and they seal your ear canal so the driver can deliver bass and isolate outside noise. A poor seal leaks low frequencies, making your music sound thin and forcing you to turn up the volume. A tip that is too large can cause soreness or slip out when you move. Getting the size right is the single easiest upgrade you can make to any earphone, and it costs nothing if you already have a few sizes on hand.
Custom-fit IEMs like the Campfire Audio Cascara or Ponderosa are molded to your ears and do not use eartips, but universal-fit models rely on tips to create that seal. If you own a universal model such as the Fathom, tip selection is part of the ownership experience.
Gather what you need before you start
You will need your earphones, the eartips that came with them (usually silicone in small, medium, and large), a mirror, and a quiet room. If you have foam tips, keep them nearby for comparison. A smartphone or music player with a familiar track that has steady bass and clear vocals is your test signal. Avoid using a brand-new song you do not know well; you need to recognize how it should sound.
Step-by-step eartip sizing process
- Start with the medium tips: Most people fall between small and large, so medium is the logical starting point. Insert the tips gently and let them rest in your ear canal. Do not push them in forcefully. If medium feels loose or you hear little bass, try the next size up.
- Test the seal with a familiar track: Play a song you know well. Focus on the bass line and the overall fullness. A good seal produces solid, extended low frequencies. A leaky seal makes bass sound weak and distant. If bass is thin, the tip is too small or not inserted correctly.
- Check for comfort and stability: Wear the earphones for a few minutes. You should feel even pressure but no sharp pain or itching. Gently tug the earphone cord; the tip should not slide out easily. If you feel pressure, try a smaller size. If it slips, try a larger size.
- Test each ear independently: Your ear canals may differ in size. Try the same size in both ears first, then adjust one side if needed. Use a mirror to check that both earphones sit symmetrically. It is normal to use different sizes for left and right.
- Try foam tips if silicone does not work: Foam tips expand to fill the ear canal and can help if you have trouble getting a seal with silicone. They may need to be replaced more often. Foam can improve comfort for some, but silicone lasts longer and is easier to clean.
- Recheck after a few days: Your ears can change slightly with temperature, jaw movement, or even hydration. What felt perfect on day one might feel different later. Reassess after a few listening sessions. Keep a small assortment of sizes on hand for adjustments.
Product facts
- Cascara - Custom Fit IEM: Cascara is a custom-fit IEM with a single full-range dynamic driver, designed for a personalized fit. If you prefer a custom-molded fit that bypasses eartip sizing entirely, Cascara is an option to consider.
- Ponderosa - Custom Fit IEM: Ponderosa is a custom-fit IEM with five balanced armatures, offering a personalized fit. Custom-fit models like Ponderosa eliminate the need for eartips, but they require ear impressions and cannot be adjusted with different tip sizes.
- Fathom - Premium In Ear Monitor: Fathom is a universal-fit in-ear monitor with six custom-made balanced armatures in a machined aluminum body. Universal IEMs like Fathom depend on eartips to achieve a proper seal, so tip sizing is essential for best performance.
