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HowTo: Make Your Own Custom Fit Earbud Headphones

People playing pinball machines in a retro arcade.

Earbuds have always been a problem for me. Maybe I have abnormally shaped ears, but when I go running, my iPod Shuffle earbuds are a chronic distraction, always popping out. With the iPod Shuffle, you're bound by the Apple brand earbuds, as the controls are on the headphones rather than the device itself. Damn you, Apple.

Headphones and earphones on a wooden surface.

As shown above, there is a solution, for even the Apple-bound, such as myself. Collin of MAKE Magazine demonstrates:

First, order Collin's recommended DIY custom-mold earplug kit available for around 15 bucks. Then, select your earbuds of choice. Next, watch the HowTo video below, or click through for step-by-step instructions.

Image credit 1, 2.

Apple's iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 updates are packed with new features, and you can try them before almost everyone else. First, check Gadget Hacks' list of supported iPhone and iPad models, then follow the step-by-step guide to install the iOS/iPadOS 26 beta — no paid developer account required.