Why is One Earbud Quieter Than the Other? (And How to Fix It!)

April 2, 2025

What's Inside

Cause #1: Earwax & Debris Buildup
Cause #2: Audio Balance Settings
Cause #3: Bluetooth Hiccups & Connection Issues
Cause #4: Low Battery Problems
Cause #5: Potential Earbud Damage

It's incredibly frustrating, isn't it? You pop in your earbuds, ready to dive into your favorite playlist or podcast, only to find the sound is weirdly lopsided. One earbud sounds perfectly fine, while the other is frustratingly quiet, muffled, or maybe even silent. Ugh!

Before you panic and assume your expensive earbuds are broken, take a deep breath. This is a surprisingly common issue, and often, the fix is simpler than you might think. I've dealt with this myself more times than I can count, and usually, it comes down to one of a few culprits.

Let's troubleshoot together and figure out why one of your earbuds is slacking off.

Quick Fix Summary

1Clean earbuds (especially speaker mesh)
2Check device audio balance settings
3Re-pair your Bluetooth connection
4Make sure both earbuds are fully charged
5Test with another device to isolate the issue

Cause #1: The Usual Suspect - Earwax & Debris

Let's start with the most common culprit, and honestly, the one we often overlook. Our ears naturally produce wax, and combined with dust and skin cells, it can easily build up on the tiny speaker mesh of your earbuds.

Think of it like a tiny screen getting clogged. Even a small amount of blockage on one side can significantly reduce the volume, making that earbud sound much quieter or muffled compared to the other. It's often a gradual process, so you might not notice it until the difference is really obvious.

The Fix: Give them a good (but gentle!) clean. Focus on the speaker mesh. We have a detailed guide on how to do this safely!

Read: How to Clean Your Earbuds Safely →

Close-up showing earwax buildup on an earbud speaker mesh — Even tiny blockages on the speaker mesh can cause big volume differences.

Cause #2: Check Your Device's Audio Balance

This one sounds simple, but it catches people out surprisingly often! Most phones, tablets, and computers have an accessibility setting that allows you to adjust the audio balance between the left and right channels.

If this slider has accidentally been moved off-center, it will make one side sound louder than the other, even if your earbuds are perfectly fine. It's easy to knock this setting without realizing it, especially on phones.

Where to Look (General Guide):

iOS (iPhone/iPad): Settings > Accessibility > Audio/Visual > Balance
Android (Samsung, Pixel, etc.): Settings > Accessibility > Hearing enhancements (or similar) > Left/right sound balance
Windows: Settings > System > Sound > Device properties (for your headphones) > Additional device properties > Levels > Balance
macOS: System Settings > Sound > Output > Select your headphones > Balance

(*Exact paths may vary slightly by device model and OS version.)

Screenshot showing audio balance slider in device settings to fix one earbud quieter issue — Make sure the audio balance slider is centered in your device settings.

Cause #3: Bluetooth Hiccups & Connection Quirks

Ah, Bluetooth. Wonderful when it works, maddening when it doesn't. Sometimes, the wireless connection itself can be the source of uneven sound. This can happen for a few reasons:

Pairing Glitches: Occasionally, the earbuds might not pair correctly, or one earbud might establish a weaker connection than the other.
Interference: Other wireless devices, thick walls, or even just having your phone in the "wrong" pocket can sometimes interfere with the Bluetooth signal reaching one earbud consistently.
Firmware Issues: Less common, but sometimes a bug in the earbud's firmware can cause connection problems. Check if there's an update available via the manufacturer's app.

Quick Fixes to Try:

Turn Bluetooth off and on again on your device.
Put both earbuds back in their charging case for a minute, then take them out again to force a reconnect.
"Forget" the earbuds in your device's Bluetooth settings and re-pair them from scratch.
Try moving your source device (phone, laptop) closer or reducing potential sources of interference.

Often, simply resetting the connection by putting the earbuds back in the case or re-pairing them is enough to solve these temporary glitches.

Stylized graphic showing Bluetooth interference affecting earbud connection, potentially causing one earbud to be quieter — Wireless interference can sometimes affect Bluetooth connections

Did You Know?

Sometimes only one earbud will properly connect to your device, especially with true wireless earbuds. This is why the "put them back in the case" trick often works – it forces both earbuds to restart their connection sequence properly.

Pro Tip:

If you regularly experience Bluetooth issues, try keeping your phone or other source device on the same side of your body as the primary earbud (usually the right one, but check your manual). This can improve signal strength and reduce interference.

Cause #4: Low Battery on One Side?

While less common for causing quieter sound (usually one just dies completely), it's worth checking if one earbud simply has a much lower battery level than the other. Some earbuds will reduce volume as a warning when battery levels get critically low.

Check charge levels: Most earbuds show individual battery levels in their companion app or in your device's Bluetooth menu.

Clean charging contacts: Dirty contacts on the earbuds or in the case can prevent proper charging. Use a dry cotton swab to gently clean both.

Full charge cycle: Let both earbuds completely drain, then fully charge them (and the case) for at least 2 hours.

Cause #5: Potential Earbud Damage

Unfortunately, if you've tried all the steps above and one earbud is still significantly quieter, there might be physical damage. Dropping them, water damage (even if they're resistant, accidents happen), or an internal component failure could be the issue.

Test on Another Device

Pair your earbuds with a different phone or computer. If the problem persists, it's likely the earbuds themselves. If the problem goes away, the issue might be with your original device's settings or hardware.

Contact Manufacturer Support

If your earbuds are still under warranty, reach out to the manufacturer. They may be able to repair or replace the faulty unit. Be ready to provide your proof of purchase and explain the troubleshooting steps you've already taken.

Consider an Upgrade?

If your earbuds are out of warranty or repairs aren't feasible, it might be time to look at replacements. Consider this opportunity to upgrade to a newer model with better features or improved reliability. Check out our latest review of top wireless earbuds for some ideas.

Considering new earbuds? Here are a couple of options:

Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds

A popular choice known for seamless iPhone integration and improved sound. Consider these if your old pair is damaged.

Buy on Amazon

Soundcore by Anker P20i True Wireless Earbuds

A highly-rated budget-friendly option with great battery life. A solid replacement if your current earbuds are failing.