Skip to main content

Normal 3D prints these headphones for the perfect fit

There are few things in life more pleasurable than a perfect fit. But when it comes to in-ear headphones, such a luxury can be extremely elusive. The twists and turns of each of our ears are as unique as a fingerprint, and no matter how many tip sizes or designs we try, it’s nearly impossible to get it just right. To tackle the problem, Normal harnesses the burgeoning new technology of 3D printing along with the smartphone in your pocket to create tailor-made headphones you can design from anywhere.

Until Normal came along, the path to custom headphones was both extremely expensive and time consuming. The process – usually costing over $1,000 – requires going to an auditory professional for custom molds, which then have to be sent away for manufacturing and construction, normally taking weeks. But, luckily for us, we live in the future. Normal CEO Nikki Kauffman knew there had to be a better way, and thanks to her background in 3D printing, she set out to create it.

Recommended Videos

Her solution involves a simplified process for mapping the human ear that combines a highly developed smartphone app, a state-of-the-art design facility in New York, and what the company calls “nerdalicious software and 3D printing to create each one-of-a-kind pair.” Using the app, users take ear selfies, which the company then uses to sculpt each unique sonic solution in as little as 48 hours. And the best part? The price is only $200 per pair.

Each pair of Normals employ a brilliant combination of standardized premium earpieces affixed with custom-printed upper fins, which are designed to slide into those extraordinary coils of cartilage on the sides of your head like a glove. To ensure great performance to go with their great fit, each custom shell packs premium components, including a 14mm dynamic driver, a CNC anodized aluminum housing and outer cabinet, and a “bass tube” for a rich lower register.

Normals haven’t made their way onto the market yet, so we can’t tell you just how good they sound. But if you’re looking for an earphone that fits better than your bespoke suit, Normals just might be the headphones you’ve been waiting for. Orders are slated to start shipping August 9th, and you can pre-order your Normals in a variety of colors at the company’s website today.

Ryan Waniata
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Ryan Waniata is an audio engineer, musician, composer, and all-around lover of all things tech, audio, and cinema. Hailing…
The best shows on AMC Plus you can stream now
From Mad Men to The Terror, these are the best shows on AMC Plus.
Mad Men in an office

The proliferation of streaming services has made the task of deciding which ones to actually subscribe to harder than ever. There's Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Max, and a dozen others, and each one comes with its own price tag and its own library of content.

Although it's definitely more niche than many of the heavy hitters, AMC Plus is well worth your subscription. In addition to a great movie library, the streaming service also has a library of TV shows that includes several of the best ever made. Mad Men was an awards player for almost a decade, and it's just one of the shows on this list.

Read more
The best of David Harbour: 8 unforgettable performances
The Stranger Things actor has always been a great actor
David Harbour poses

David Harbour doesn't have the traditional good looks of big movie stars like Tom Cruise or Denzel Washington. He doesn't usually take the headlining role in any of his projects, preferring to steal scenes as a supporting actor. Harbour has an everyman approach and appeal that makes him easily injectable into any genre or category of story. Much like Pedro Pascal, Harbour is having a later-in-life launch into his prime.

Most people will know David Harbour for his excellent performance as Jim Hopper in the Netflix megahit Stranger Things, but there are plenty of other great films that he's appeared in before and after the science fiction show we've all come to love (and get impatient with for season 5). These are the David Harbour movies and TV shows you need to binge-watch immediately.

Read more
Highly limited 2026 Mercedes-AMG GT 63 APXGP Edition based on new F1 movie
The limited edition model has design elements used by APXGP team in the movie F1
Actor Damson Idris in new movie F1 standing between F1 car and 2026 Mercedes-AMG GT 63 APXGP Edition.

Mercedes-AMG introduced a very special limited edition model during the 2025 Miami Grand Prix. The 2026 Mercedes-AMG GT 63 APXGP Edition incorporates components and design features of the fictional APXGP F1 team in the new F1 movie that will be released in June.
F1 the movie

Directed by Joseph Kosinski and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, the Apple Original Film's movie was filmed at Formula 1 races worldwide during the previous two seasons, with appearances by real F1 drivers. The film stars Brad Pitt and Damson Idris. characters.

Read more