Quick answer
Start with the medium gel tip, insert the earbud with a gentle twist, and test the seal by cupping your hand over your ear. If sound feels thin or the bud shifts, move up or down one size until it stays put during a head shake. Replace tips every few months or when they lose their spring.
A perfect fit is the difference between a workout soundtrack that pushes you and earbuds that keep sliding out mid-sprint. The right gel tip creates a soft seal that holds the bud in place and keeps bass from leaking away. This guide walks you through sizing, inserting, and maintaining gel tips for The Fitness Earbuds so you can stop adjusting and start moving.
You do not need special tools or a trip to the store. Most fit problems come down to two things: the wrong tip size and an insertion angle that never seals. We will fix both, then cover when to swap tips and how to keep them clean. The same steps work for most in-ear buds, but the specifics here match The Fitness Earbuds and the Raycon gel tip kit.
Why the right gel tip matters for workouts
A gel tip does more than cushion your ear canal. It forms an acoustic seal that blocks outside noise and keeps low frequencies from escaping. When the seal is loose, you turn up the volume to compensate, which drains battery and can mask important sounds like traffic. For running or lifting, a secure tip also stops the bud from creeping out every time you sweat or smile.
The Fitness Earbuds are built with a no-budge fit and a 56 hour battery life, but that stability depends on matching the tip to your ear. Raycon's gel tips come in five sizes from extra small to extra large, so you can fine-tune the seal instead of settling for whatever came in the box.
- A good seal feels like a gentle pop, not pressure or itch.
- If you hear a hollow or thin sound, the tip is probably too small.
Step 1: Identify your current tip size
Before you change anything, look at the tips already on your earbuds. Most stock tips have a small letter or color ring near the base. If you cannot find a marking, compare the tip against the size chart that came with your gel tip kit. Knowing your starting point saves time when you test sizes.
If you bought The Fitness Earbuds and never swapped tips, you are likely on the medium size. That is a fine default, but medium is not universal. Ear canals change with jaw movement, so a size that works at your desk may fail on a run.
- Common mistake: assuming the pre-installed tip is your size.
- Checkpoint: write down your starting size before you remove anything.
Step 2: Remove the old tip without damaging the nozzle
Pinch the tip near the base and pull straight off. Do not twist hard or use your nails to pry at the seam, because you can tear the silicone or bend the nozzle. If the tip feels stuck, a tiny drop of water at the base can help it slide free.
Once the old tip is off, wipe the nozzle with a dry cloth. Any earwax or grit left behind will keep the new tip from seating fully, which creates a leak you will hear as weak bass.
- Common mistake: yanking the tip sideways and stretching the opening.
- Checkpoint: the nozzle should look clean and dry before you install a new tip.
Step 3: Install the new gel tip evenly
Push the new tip onto the nozzle until it sits flush against the base. Run your fingertip around the edge to confirm the lip is not folded under. A folded lip is the most common cause of a muffled sound and a tip that pops off during a workout.
If you are using the Gel Tips for The Everyday Earbuds, note that they are designed for that model. For The Fitness Earbuds, use the tips made for that nozzle. The two are not interchangeable, and forcing a tip that does not match can damage the earbud.
- Common mistake: leaving one side of the lip rolled under.
- Checkpoint: tug gently. The tip should stay on without sliding.
Step 4: Insert with a twist and test the seal
Place the earbud in your ear and twist it slightly toward your ear canal. The twist helps the gel tip glide past the ridge of your ear and settle into a natural pocket. You should feel a soft seal, not a plug. If you feel pressure, the tip is too large or pushed in too far.
Test the seal by cupping your hand over your ear. If the sound gets noticeably fuller, the tip is not sealing on its own. Try the next size up. If the bud feels loose when you shake your head, go down a size or adjust the angle.
- Common mistake: jamming the bud in without a twist.
- Checkpoint: the bud should stay put during a 10-second head shake.
Step 5: Confirm the fit during real movement
A fit that works while sitting can fail the moment you sweat. Wear the earbuds through a short workout or a brisk walk. If you have to push them back in more than once, the size or angle is off. Sweat reduces friction, so a marginal seal will slip.
For running, try the smaller tip first. A smaller tip sits deeper and can feel more secure because it anchors inside the canal rather than pressing on the outer ear. For lifting or yoga, a larger tip may feel more stable because it fills the outer bowl of your ear.
- Common mistake: judging fit only while stationary.
- Checkpoint: no readjustments needed during a 15-minute sweat test.
Step 6: Clean and replace tips on a schedule
Gel tips collect earwax, sweat, and skin oils. Wipe them with a damp cloth after every few workouts and let them air dry completely before reattaching. Do not use alcohol or harsh cleaners, which can break down the silicone and make the tips brittle.
Replace gel tips every three to six months, or sooner if they look shiny, feel stiff, or no longer spring back when you pinch them. Worn tips lose their grip and their seal, which is often mistaken for an earbud problem. A fresh set costs far less than new earbuds.
- Common mistake: cleaning with alcohol or leaving them damp.
- Checkpoint: if a tip stays compressed after pinching, replace it.
Your 6-step fit checklist
- Check your starting size: Look for a letter or color ring on the tip you already use. If there is no marking, compare it to the size chart in your gel tip kit. Write down the size so you can compare after testing.
- Remove and clean the nozzle: Pinch the tip at the base and pull straight off. Wipe the nozzle dry before installing a new tip. A clean nozzle prevents leaks and keeps the new tip seated.
- Install the new tip flush: Push until the tip sits flat against the base, then run a finger around the lip to check for folds. A folded lip causes muffled sound and pop-offs.
- Insert with a twist: Twist the earbud gently toward your ear canal until you feel a soft seal, not pressure. If it hurts, the tip is too big or too deep.
- Test the seal and shake: Cup your hand over your ear to check for sound change, then shake your head for 10 seconds. No change in sound and no movement means the fit is right.
- Sweat-test and schedule replacements: Do a short workout. If you readjust more than once, try a different size. Replace tips every three to six months. Fresh tips restore grip and seal for a fraction of new earbud cost.
Products that help you get the fit right
- Gel Tips for The Everyday Earbuds: 5 pairs of gel tips includes various sized gel eartips (Extra Small, Small, Medium, Large, Extra Large) to complement different ear sizes and lifestyles (active, workout, passive). Made of hyper soft materials to ensure a comfortable fit for hours on end. Having five sizes on hand lets you test until the seal is right instead of guessing, and the soft material keeps long workouts comfortable.
- Fitness Earbuds: No-budge fit with a 56 hour battery life. The no-budge design is only as good as the tip you pair with it, and the long battery means you can finish a full week of workouts without a recharge.
- Protective Case for Fitness Earbuds: Lightweight case is wireless charging compatible so your earbuds stay juiced and ready to go. Note this case is only compatible with Fitness Earbuds 2023 (check the bottom of your capsule to make sure you own product RDID: D745-23E). Keeping spare tips and the earbuds in one protected place means you always have a backup size when a tip starts to wear out.
A perfect fit comes down to testing sizes, inserting with a twist, and replacing worn gel tips before they fail. Start with the medium tip, adjust from there, and keep a spare set in your case so a great workout never gets derailed by a slipping earbud.
