Most Durable Headphones

Importance of Having Durable Headphones in a Present-day Situation:

When we think of headphones, the very first things that come to our mind are how the headphones sound, how comfortable they are, and what features they have. The appearance of the audio gears plays an important role in determining which model we should go for, but, what is often passed over is their durability. 

Many manufacturers also trade off the build quality with some of the premium features in order to make the headphone more versatile and competitive in the market. But, what’s the point if you have invested a good chunk of money in a pair of headphones for its sound capability and smart features, but it doesn’t last long? 

Why should you buy headphones based on their durability?

Well, you are probably trying to spend a little less and get the maximum benefit possible, but believe it or not, you will soon end up spending more. Some cheaper headphones often have the build quality compromised over the other elements and they also do not come with replaceable parts. This means that you need to buy a new pair again which is another new expense altogether. 

On the other hand, if you are able to shell out slightly more money and get a pair of headphones that last longer, you can use them without worrying about the quick wear and tear along with other functionalities. Now, whether you have an active lifestyle and use headphones extensively, or use them moderately while traveling occasionally, the headphones may break or stop working for several reasons. 

In this article, we will first provide you with a listicle consisting of some of the most durable headphones that you can find today. Later, you will also know what these audio gears are usually made of and some of the things you need to keep in mind while buying headphones that last long. Let’s move to the next section for more. 

Most Durable Headphones: List of the Best Sturdy Headphones, Their Features, and Price: 

The average durability of a headphone is usually 3 to 4 years but the most durable headphones that have a sturdy construction can last for about 5 to 6 years or even more depend on how you use them. 

Now, choosing a pair of durable headphones can be quite overwhelming. There are numerous headsets available in the market but when you are buying them online, you do not really get to feel how sturdy it is going to be. That is why, to make it simpler for you, we have compiled here some of the best combat-ready headphones that can withstand a lot of pressure and rough handling, and that is also feature-packed for various conveniences. 

The list includes a mix of sturdy headphones that fall under three different price categories- budget lines, mid-range, and premium, so you can get what suits your budget the most. 

V-MODA Crossfade 2: (Most durable headphones-Wireless) 

V-Moda Crossfade 2 is one of the best ones to go for if you are looking for the most durable headphones available currently. This headphone, made with superior quality plastic on the ear cups with a flexible steel headband with adjustable sliders for the best fit. This military-grade construction gives the headset extremely high resistance power to hold up against any type of wear and tear. The headbands outfitted with vegan leather which is super long-lasting yet comfortable to wear for long hours. 

The detachable cables that these super durable headphones use for analog connectivity are also tough and wear-resistant. The brand claims that these headphones are so resilient and sturdy that they can be folded about a million times before the wear and tear actually starts which speaks a lot about the product’s longevity. 

Apart from the external build, the headphone’s internal components contribute equally to its sustainability. Engineered with 50 mm large drivers not only ensures a stellar acoustic but also holds up well against the sound vibrations preventing them from any kind of damage due to extensive use. Smaller drivers often tend to get damaged when played for a long time or on higher volumes. 

In case you are wondering if the headphones lack in the comfort department because of their rugged build, then stay relaxed. This is one of those headphones that last long without compromising on comfort. The large swiveling ear cups allow you to adjust the clamping pressure around the ears and the super-soft memory foam ear pads ensure ultimate comfort when you wear them. They also seal around the ears well enough to efficiently prevent noise leakage while maintaining the audio quality. 

Price: $279.99.

Pros: 

• Steel Flex skeleton with extremely durable build.
• Incredible battery life of 14 hours.
• Amazingly rich sound signature.
• Both wired and wireless connectivity.
• Comes with a strong storage case.
• Foldable design.

Cons:

• Few users stated that there were issues with the Bluetooth connectivity.
• It might be an expensive option for some.

V-MODA Crossfade LP2 Vocal: (Most durable headsets with wired connectivity from V-Moda)

Here’s yet another one from V-Moda with a similar build like that of Crossfade 2 but at a lower price which makes it open to a lot more people who are looking for sturdy headphones below the $150 cap. So what’s the trade-off? Well, the only thing that brings it under the lower price category is that it is wired and does not offer a wireless option. 

Well, the fact that it is wired qualifies it for an amazing high-definition sound quality that comes as a perk of having an analog connection. The sound is immersive and refined with no distortions at any volume levels.

The headphones’ metal-framed build with leather headband padding makes it suitable for any type of lifestyle. While you may feel the clamping pressure to be a bit harsh initially, as you use them it will get flexible within a short period of time. You can also place your palms in between the headband and your ears to stretch it a bit. Repeating this a few times will reduce the pressure. 

The headphone specifically incorporated with a nylon braided connecting cord which makes it resistant to sudden pulls or innumerable bends while using it. The overall performance combined with an extra-strong build makes it one of the most durable headphones that you can confidently go for. 

Price: $149.98

Pros:

• Bright sound with a wide frequency response. 
• Solid passive noise isolation capability.
• Intensely strong.
• Sound accuracy is excellent.

Cons: 

• The headphone may feel a bit tight initially.

SENNHEISER Momentum 2.0 wireless: (Most durable headsets with great sound)

Sennheiser doesn’t require an introduction when it comes to high-performing headphones and Momentum 2.0 is a complete package of features, sound, and extraordinary resilience. These sturdy headphones that last long are perfect if you are looking for a premium product and do not mind a stretched budget. 

Back by 2 years warranty the headphone already indicates its superior build quality. Designed with a metallic (stainless steel) frame headband and premium leather padding, makes this headphone the best to resist any amount of pressure. The large over-ear headphones ensure comfort and the collapsible structure makes the headphones travel-friendly and easy to store. The detachable cable adds to the longevity of this audio gear. You just need to make sure that you plug the cable and twist it, so it clicks indicating that it has fit in properly.

Coming to the features and sound qualities, you will get some premium features that come loaded with these headphones. The hybrid active noise-canceling technology effectively blocks out the surrounding sound for a better listening experience. Overall, the sound performance is simply incredible, and the highly efficient drivers deliver an extended frequency response with a lot of detail. 

Price: $289.95

Pros: 

• Stylish yet durable design.
• Lightweight and super comfortable to wear.
• Excellent battery performance (22 hours on a single charge).
• Great sound with rich bass and crisp vocal note and treble.
• 4 built-in noise canceling microphone for effective ambient sound reduction.
• Supports Bluetooth, NFC and wired connectivity mode. 

Cons: 

• Expensive option. 

Audio-Technica ATH-M50X: (Most durable headsets for professional use)

If you are looking for the best ‘professional’ headphones that last long, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50X is your best bet. These headphones admired by several studio professionals, audiophiles, sound engineers whose love for over-ear headphones is immortal. This audio gear has a robust build and high-quality materials like steel and high-grade plastic have been used in its construction. 

The speaker drivers are large and are made with aluminum, and copper that is responsible for a clean sound and also help the drivers withstand the sound pressure. This makes it resistant to the ‘active handling’ and intensive use a headphone undergoes in a professional or studio environment. The ear pads made with pro-grade materials provide lasting yet comfortable performance. Moreover, the thick padded headbands make sure you do not feel any exertion if you are wearing them for hours. 

In addition, the headsets offer wired and wireless models for you to choose from. Both of them offer long-lasting durability and studio-grade performance. The overall construction, detachable cable, the incredibly well-balanced sound makes it one of the best and the most durable headphones with high wear resistance capability. 

Price:$169.00

Pros:

• Supreme comfort for extra long wear.
• Struy headphones.
• The over-ear design offers good noise isolation.
• Swivelling earcups for various monitoring techniques.
• Perfect sound (neutral presentation) needed for studio monitoring and mixing.

Cons:

• Not a great option for bass lovers. 

Symphonized Wraith 2.0 Bluetooth Genuine Wood Headphones: (Most durable headphones made of wood!) 

You might not hear this name very often when you think of the best headphones but this one from Symphonized stands out for its cutting-edge design and performance. This stunning pair of sturdy headphones made of genuine walnut wood and a high-quality metallic headband frame for supreme durability and sophistication alike. The adjustable headband with padding offers comfort and perfect fit while the softly padded ear cups sit around the ears perfectly offering solid noise reduction. 

The wireless headphone’s wooden ear cups house powerful drivers that over excellent acoustics with deep punchy bass, and equally well-sculpted mid-range and treble. This audio gear has a solid ability to withstand any kind of wear and tear making it suitable for versatile applications. 

The battery performance is pretty decent with 10 hours of playback time, and it charges fully in 2 hours. In case the battery runs out of charge at any time, the 3.5 mm audio jack helps you keep the music going by changing into wired mode. 

This headphone is ideal for all those who want to have a truly amazing experience with a natural wood-finished pair of headphones that last long and are available at a budget-friendly price. 

Price: $74.99

Pros: 

• Intensely durable built.
• Powerful sound with in-depth bass.
• Universal applications.
• Wireless with built in mic.
• Extremely affordable. 
• Comfortable design.

Cons: 

• Some users had trouble with Bluetooth pairing.

Sony MDR1000X: (Premium most durable headsets) 

Sony’s headphone offerings have their own uniqueness be it acoustics, top-class features, or durability. MDR1000X is a feature-packed headphone with noise-canceling ability, high-fidelity Sony signature sound, and a great battery life of about 20+ hours. 

One of the most durable headphones, this one has a sophisticated look with heavy-duty construction. Made with high-quality materials, this pair of headphones not only give you a feel-good factor but will not disappoint you if you are on the lookout for headphones that last long. Aluminum-coated LCP drivers ensure crystal clear sound with an extensively wide frequency response of 4 Hz to 40,000 Hz. This means that you can enjoy a booming bass and an equally clean and flawless treble even when the volume is cranked up. 

The cutting-edge noise-canceling technology filters out the outside noise to maintain the headphone’s audio quality. The over-ear ear cups are also great at reducing the noise passively when you do not want to be shut out completely from the outside world by turning on the noise-canceling mode. As for comfort, the ear cups absorb the pressure from the ears giving you a long and comfortable listening time. 

So, if you are looking for a well-rounded pair of sturdy headphones then this is sure one of the best ones coming from a well-reputed brand that is worth considering. 

Price: $145.00

Pros:

• Great battery life. 
• Wide frequency range.
• Excellent sound signature. 
• Solid endurance to wear and tear.
• Easy Bluetooth pairing and reliable signal strength. 
• “Quick attention” feature allows you to stay aware of what’s happening around while keeping the headphones on.

Cons: 

• Some users felt the touch sensitive controls to be a bit confusing. 

Sony MDR 7506: (Best durable headphones under $100)

A great pair of studio-grade headphones, MDR 7506, yet another offering from Sony that is made to withstand all the pressure and ravages of a production house. The headphones have large ear cups that not only offer supreme comfort but also give a long-lasting performance. The rugged thick plastic ear cups and metallic frame headband layered by premium leather padding give it the toughness to resist rough handling. 

The headphone comes with a lengthy coiled cable that is strong and durable and will not break easily no matter how much you use it. 

It is not just about the construction of the headphones that make them popular. The headphones have a neutral sound presentation perfect for sound editing, monitoring, and mixing. The 40 mm diaphragm and neodymium magnets together deliver dynamic sound with utmost precision. The closed-back design offers decent noise isolation making sure that you hear exactly what the headphone delivers without any sound leakage. 

With a collapsible design, you can easily fold the headphones and carry them in the pouch provided when you are traveling.  Despite the collapsible design, these headphones are still heavier for people who are looking for something simpler. If you are also looking for something similar, you might want to check out our most comfortable earbuds article from here.

Price: $92.99

Pros:

• Strong and sturdy built.
• The 9.8 long cable allows a lot of flexibility to the user to move freely instead of sitting close to the system. 
• Nice and neutral soundscape with a good balance across all the frequency levels. 
• Has a gold-plated strong 3.5 mm jack, and comes with a 1/4th inch adapter.

Cons: 

• You need to be extra careful with the cable while storing it because it is undetachable. 

Bose 700: (Premium most durable headsets with world-class noise-canceling technology)

Bose 700 is one of the best offerings from Bose’s premium shelves. The headphone known for its stellar performances as well as top-quality build that makes it one of the most durable headphones in the industry. 

The overall construction of the headphone made using premium quality plastic, and lightweight, flexible stainless steel that makes the headphone hard-wearing. There are minimum hinges and screws to make it easy and safe to use. The touch controls on the ear cups, designed in such a way that they work perfectly even during the cold winters making it cold weatherproof. 

The IPX4 rating makes the headphones sweat-resistant which means that it is perfect for listening for hours on a hot sunny day as well. 

Equipped with 11 levels of noise-canceling technology, Bose 700 renders you the perfect background that best suits your ears. This means that there is a suitable background for every situation you are in, be it indoors or outdoors. This, together with the dynamic, fuller, bass-boosted sound gives you the best listening experience that you can ever imagine. The headphones maintain high-quality audio irrespective of the volume level.

It lasts for about 20 hours on a single charge and turning the ANC modes off can give you some more run time. If you are looking for the premium best headphones that last long paired with superior ANC, then Bose clearly is your best bet.

Price: $379.00.

Pros: 

• Best-in-class  noise-cancelation.
• High -fidelity audio.
• Smart voice control allows hands free access to the phone.
• Intuitive touch controls.
• Elegant yet sturdy design.
• Comes with a hard carrying case that helps maintain the longevity of the headset.

Cons: 

• Battery performance could have been better.
• Expensive.

Philips H9505 Hybrid ANC headphones: (Best budget headphones that last long)

Here’s another pair of most durable headphones from a well-reputed player in the audio equipment market- Phillips. The company has done a great job with its H9505 model as well. This is a well-rounded pair with hybrid ANC that offers you a fully immersive experience and with cupping the hand over the right ear cup activates the ‘ambient mode’ if needed. 

These sturdy headphones have a solid build. The soft, high-quality memory foam cushions on the ear cups and headband ensure that the headband is both comfortable and made to last long. Even though the headphones feel slightly heavier than some of the lightweight ones in the competition, they are still highly resilient and will not break down easily. 

The battery life of these headphones is great with 27 hours of playback time per full charge and 15 minutes of power charge can get you 5 hours of runtime. While it doesn’t look like the headphones will ever run out of charge if you feel it fully and go out, in case it does, you can also connect it via wire during an emergency. 

Price: 129.99

Pros: 

• Amazing battery performance. 
• Great sounding sturdy headphones that last long.
• Comfortable on the ears. 
• Easy  Bluetooth pairing and solid connection.
• Customizable EQ settings through App.

Cons: 

• Feels a little heavy.

SENNHEISER HD 559: (Open back sturdy headsets under $100)

If you are looking for a good pair of sturdy headphones at a wallet-friendly price, then HD 559 from Sennheiser is well worth consideration. While these headphones cost relatively cheaper than some of the others listed here, the price factor doesn’t affect its build quality and functionality. 

The headphones constructed with superior quality materials, so they can withstand any type of pressure from long hour use. The wear-resistant rugged cable holds up well against the pulls or the folds that they go through when the headphones are in use. They are also detachable for easy portability and storage.

Although the headphones have a full-bodied build, there is no compromise when it comes to comfort. The earbuds are plush and made with soft fabric for the ultimate luxurious feel and the best part is they are replaceable. This means that if the ear pads wear out, you can get them replaced with a new one instead of changing the entire headset.

Price: $99.95

Pros: 

• Open back design gives a wider soundstage and a natural sound.
• Angled drivers for optimum listening experience.
• Robust but lightweight built. 
• Replaceable earpads.
• Equipped with 6.3mm and 3.5 mm jack.

Cons: 

• None significant. 

When it comes to the durability of the headphone, the very first thing that comes up is what these headphones are made of. Here’s an insight on this aspect so that you are all set when you go for headphones shopping.

What Are Headphones Made of, and How Can They Be Maintained for Longer Periods? 

Here’s a quick overview of the various materials that the headphones are constructed with and a few other durability factors that you need to consider when choosing headphones that last long: 

Materials used to construct a headphone: 

Different brands use different materials to make the outer body of the headphone. Since you intend to buy durable headphones, this is one of the crucial things to keep in mind. Both the headband and the headphone castings made with different materials like plastic, different kinds of metals, and wood in some cases that offer different levels of endurance to a headset. 

When it comes to plastic there are various types and qualities of them that the manufacturers used in headphones: 

PC or Polycarbonate:

These types of plastics can resist bumps or collisions, but they get scratched easily. Oftentimes the manufacturers mix this with other forms of plastic to make them tougher, but cheaper headsets are also often made with this form of plastic, so they tend to get damaged easily. 

Polyvinyl Chloride or PVC:

Most of the headphones in the market generally made with this form of plastic because of their high resistance power against any impact or wear and tear. PVC plastic features superior comfort, durability, and noise reduction properties when used in headphones.

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene:

A thermoplastic polymer made by mixing three types of plastics for rendering higher strength and rigidity. This plastic polymer is commonly used for making automotive parts, pipes, helmets, and even headphones. Headphones made with this type of plastic are super durable and are considered premium grade. 

Metals

You might have come across headphones that have a metallic frame and headband. Metals have huge tensile strength and the headphones made with metallic frames have solid endurance to wear and tear. Aluminum, steel or stainless steel, and titanium are the common types of metals used in headphone construction. Not just the external build, but metals are also used in engineering the drivers or transducers in a headphone. They make them long-lasting and help in delivering clear and precise sound output. All three metals have their own unique properties and make the headphones high functioning in their own way. In the above list of ‘most durable headphones’, you will find a lot of headphones that have metals incorporated in them to make for more longevity. 

Wood

Wood, yet another material used in specialized or handcrafted headphones that are a part of the premium shelves of some specific brands. Although not a very commonly used material, they render solid sturdiness to the headphones and not to forget their excellent sonic properties. Now, even though wood is stronger than plastic, they are susceptible to water because they are porous. This means that they can never be water-resistant. So, before you pick up a wooden pair of headphones, do a quick analysis on how you are going to use it, so you know if this is worth a shot. 

Other than this you also need to ensure that the cable is coated with resilient materials, so it can last for a long period of time.  

Aspects You Should Keep in Mind While Purchasing Durable Headphones

IPX rating or the Ingress Protection rating: 

This is an important factor to consider if you are looking for durable headphones. This is a combination of two numbers that indicate the level of protection from foreign particles and water respectively. Most of the headphones come with a single number of ratings like IPX4 or IPX7 which means that they are only protected from water and not from dust or other particles. 

If you are looking for headphones that last long, then make sure they have some levels of water resistance (IPX4 at the least). The higher the rating the better it is. If you are living in a place that experiences freezing temperatures, then some brands build headphones that are cold weather-resistant too.

Warranty: 

This is one of the critical factors used to determine the longevity of a headphone. A higher warranty indicates the manufacturer’s credence on the strength and durability of the product. Some have a warranty of 1 year which is pretty standard in the industry while some of the most durable headphones from reputed brands have a warranty of 2 years. Some top-of-the-line headphones from certain brands also offer 5 years warranty. Speaking of brand, here is our Audio Technica earphones comparison article.

Replaceable Parts and Other Accessories: 

It is good to check what accessories come with the headphones, so you do not have to keep buying a new headset every time a small part breaks or gets worn out. With additional accessories, you can keep your headphone with you for a longer period of time. Some brands offer replaceable ear paddings, headbands, cables, etc. so you can change them when needed. 

A protective storage case is yet another important accessory to keep in mind. Storing the headphones in these cases ensures longer life and better protection from dust or other foreign particles. 

How Can You Maintain Your Headphones for a Longer Period of Time? 

Even though good quality construction materials are important when it comes to the durability of the product, a lot of their longevity also depends on how you maintain them. If you treat your headphones well, they are certainly going to last longer. So here are a few easy tricks on how you can take care of your headphones: 

Cleaning Headphones

Clean the headphones from time to time to make sure there is no dust particle accumulation or residue left behind. Accumulation of dirt can affect the sound quality of the headphones and gradually damage the headset. Also, ensure that you wipe the headphones clean after every use- this is also good from a hygiene standpoint. 

Also wiping the headphones lightly and with care is essential. Too much pressure on the headphones or the use of soap and water may work adversely. So make sure to go through the cleaning instructions from the manufacturer before you use any cleaning solution on them.

Cable

Be careful with the cable while using and storing them. Oftentimes the cable gets dragged, tangled, or ripped causing damage to the entire headset. It is also a good idea to go with a detachable and replaceable cable, so you can change it if needed.

Secured Case

Store the headphones in the dedicated case after every use. 

Water Resistance

Unless your headphones are water-resistant, avoid exposing them to moisture. Even if it gets exposed to water splashes or moisture accidentally make sure to dry it off carefully and without any delay.

Sound Levels

Listening through your headphones at a moderate volume not only protects your ears but also protects the drivers from getting worn out soon. 

Cable Joints

Take special care of the weaker points in a headphone like the cable joints that have higher chances of getting damaged. 

Replacing Parts

Go with headphones that have replaceable parts. If you get headphones with washable ear pads, they are even better. 

Conclusion

When looking for sturdy headphones that last long, investing in a pair of reliable ones is very important and what is equally crucial is to maintain and use the headphones the right way. In this article, we have included some of the best durable options that you can go for. Hope you find this information helpful in understanding what is available and the most popular ones in the market today. Remember, that you do not necessarily have to spend a huge amount of money to get a good quality headphone unless you need those additional features that come with them. There are affordable options available also for those who have a fixed budget. You might also be interested in our Audio Technica Earbuds recommendation from here.

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