Nobody wants to buy a pair of headphones that have parts that fall off or break easily. First, you want your headphones to last a long time, especially considering the cost of quality headphones.
Second, you want the most durable headphones that won’t break, which can be tough to find unless you look specifically for headphones built for durability purposes.
We’ve done the research on the most durable headphones available today, so you don’t have to. The following items have been selected for their reputation as highly durable headphones.
Before getting into the headphones, you may want to read the buyer’s guide to see how the best durable headphones are picked, but below is a summary list of the top 12 models.
In This Article:
- Top 12 Most Durable Headphones
- Most Durable Headphones Buyer’s Guide
- The Best Durable Headphones Review
- 1. Sennheiser Momentum 2.0
- 2. V-MODA Crossfade 2
- 3. Symphonized Wraith 2.0
- 4. V-MODA Crossfade M-100 Master
- 5. Sony WHXB900N Noise Cancelling Headphones
- 6. Beats Solo3
- 7. Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT
- 8. Philips SHP9600 Hi-Fi
- 9. Sennnheiser HD 599 Open Back
- 10. One Odio Pro-30
- 11. Beyerdynamic 459038 DT 990 Pro
- 12. Cowin (Silensys) E7
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Over-the-Ear Headphones vs In-Ear Headphones (Durable Wireless Earbuds)
- Wired Headphones vs Wireless Headphones
- What are the Most Durable Wireless headphones?
- What Material Should be Used for Headphones that don’t break?
- What makes a pair of headphones more durable than others?
- Can headphones be waterproof?
- The Bottom Line
Top 12 Most Durable Headphones
Headphones come in all shapes, sizes, and styles. Different models provide Bluetooth, touch control, AUX input, replaceable ear pads, optional headphones jack, and many more. These additional aspects are supplementary features, not the main selling point.
One thing that is guaranteed to be a key factor in buyers’ decision-making is the quality of the build and materials. You want a pair of the most durable headphones that won’t break easily.
Most Durable Headphones Buyer’s Guide
As you narrow your search for the most durable headphones, you must have your criteria in mind the whole time. With the criteria determined beforehand, your search will be much more efficient. The following aspects are the most important to consider during your search.
Looking for earbuds? Check our most durable earbuds review.
The Design
First and foremost, the design of headphones should always be crucial in determining what you buy. While looks aren’t everything, they do count for something. You want to like the look of the headphones so you feel confident and proud wearing them. The better a pair of headphones look, the happier you’ll be with them.
What’s more, the design of headphones also lends to the quality itself. A poor design could lead to discomfort or poor sound quality. On the other hand, a solid design means you’ll have a pair of headphones that feel and sound great.
Please consider how they look, the feel of the design and even the colors used.
The Materials Used
When it comes to the quality of the build, the materials used in the fabrication of the headphones play a fundamental role. If the headphones are made of cheap plastic, you know they won’t last long. They will also likely not feel good in your hands or your head.
Please pay attention to the materials used in the earpads, the outsides of the headphones, and the strap itself. If the headphones are made of metal, you know they’ll likely be strong and durable.
The material’s used also play into how comfortable your headphones are. If the earpads and top straps are not made of quality goods, they won’t feel good while you use them. At that point, no matter how well-constructed the frame is, the headphones are essentially no good.
Sound Quality
With any durable earphones or headphones, the sound quality is a major factor. You don’t want to buy a pair of headphones that feel great in your hands only to find out the sound is poor.
Depending on the headphones you find, you can see what kind of technology and drivers they use. Next, consider if you want headphones that offer noise-canceling technology as well. You should find a pair that offers active noise cancellation if you’re frequently in environments with loud, excessive external noises.
Active noise cancellation blocks outside sounds so you can enjoy your music or audiobook without interruption Then, you won’t be forced to turn the volume up loud to drown out the background sounds.
Key Features
There are definitely features to consider when choosing headphones, such as; the battery life, wired vs wireless or other additional features. Active noise canceling is pretty standard in most headphones today, unless they are highly specialized for a specific purpose, or are just plain cheap.
The Cost
Lastly, the cost of the headphones should play a major part in determining which headphones are right for you. Many brands produce headphones that range widely in cost. You can find durable headphones from $30 up to $1,000.
Look at the features of each pair you’re considering to see if the price is justified. Then, compare headphones with each other to see which is the best bang for the buck. With due diligence, you’ll find the right unbreakable headphones that fit your budget.
The Best Durable Headphones Review
The Sennheiser Momentum 2.0 are wireless headphones which are virtually indestructible. Stainless steel headband, which is padded. Incredible audio quality in these over-the-ear headphones. We have chosen these as the most durable headphones with a balance of audio quality and a great price for the package.
Sennheiser Momentum headphones are designed for people who want to hear more than just music. They’re ideal for listening to podcasts, watching movies, playing games, and enjoying your favorite apps. The Momentum headphones feature a closed-back design with premium materials and superior acoustic engineering to deliver powerful bass and crystal-clear highs. And they have two integrated microphones to ensure excellent call clarity and noise reduction. With up to 22 hours of battery life, these headphones will be ready whenever you are.
This durable pair of headphones have active noise cancellation and incredible audio quality. Connect to any other Bluetooth devices instantly and enjoy the adjustable headband and comfortable over-the-ear pads.
Product Features:
Premium materials and acoustic engineering provide powerful bass and crystal-clean highs.
Integrated microphones reduce background noise while improving call clarity.
Up to 22 hours of battery life
Closed-back for maximum privacy
A wireless upgrade to the V-MODA M-100, these are wireless and feature the same durable quality. V-MODA Crossfade 2s are some of the most durable headphones available on the market.
They have incredible sound quality, featuring clean bass and bright mids. They also have 3D sound technology to feel like you are right at the concert. The dual-diaphragm drivers produce sound quality that any sound engineer would be proud of.
They have up to 14 hours of wireless playtime on a single charge, plus it only takes four hours to fast charge. With unlimited wireless streaming in wired mode, you will never be tethered to your device again.
In addition, V-MODA Crossfade 2 has strong yet flexible metal core headbands, and large memory foam cushioned cups. The Crossfade 2 wireless headphones give you the best, most comfortable fit for long listening sessions. They’re tested for the toughest endurance tests, so they’re durable enough to withstand abuse. And because they’re easy to use, you don’t need to touch your phone. Just press play and start enjoying the music.
These can double as wired headphones for unlimited playback and Hi-Res audio quality with the headphone jack plugged in.
The Symphonized Wraith 2.0 is a unique pair of headphones that offers something no other pair of headphones can, thanks to the original design. These tough headphones utilize all-natural wood on the outside of the headphone pieces. This may seem obscure initially, but it offers two key benefits.
First, the headphones are made for durability. The wood ear cups provide strength and resistance that many other materials can’t match. Furthermore, wood has natural acoustic properties—think guitars, cellos, etc. As it’s used in these headphones, the Wraith 2.0 reaps those same benefits.
Beyond the functional purpose of the wood cups, it also offers a natural aesthetic appeal to the products. The headphones also utilize a metal strap covered in a soft cushion for comfortable wear, apart from the wood.
The Symphonized Wraith 2.0 is a bargain; thus, it’s our first pick for inexpensive, durable headphones. We would consider these budget headphones as they are under $100.
The V-MODA Crossfade M-100 Master is a new pair of heavy-duty headphones brought to customers by a well-known company. The Japanese company has built a reputation for designing and producing some of the most durable headphones. However, durability is not their only claim to fame.
These headphones have a gorgeous, sleek design. They’re made from metal and feature a SteelFlex headband covered in 100% vegan leather. Thus, the whole design and feel of the headphones are perfect for long-lasting capability. With memory foam cushions & durable earpads, users’ can wear these headphones for hours on end without any discomfort or deterioration.
Moreover, the Crossfade M-100 Master features 50mm dual-diaphragm drivers that provide producer-level sound quality. The bass is deep and clear, while the highs remain honed.
For $249.98, these headphones are a steal for what they provide. The quality of materials, design, all-around feel, and sound quality is incomparable.
Sony is a leading name in all things audio-related. So it’s no surprise that Sony has created one of the most durable Bluetooth headphones on the market. Not only are they long-lasting, but they look clean.
The WHXB900N Noise-Cancelling Headphones offer a sleek matte-like finish that feels great in the hands and even better on the ears. Plus, these headphones provide an unparalleled listening experience. With deep, powerful bass and noise-canceling technology, you will find yourself wearing these headphones all day long.
You can wear them all day, as the headphones feature a whopping 30-hour battery life. This pair of Bluetooth headphones has the longest battery life and is one of the best on the market for durability and sound quality.
6. Beats Solo3
Beats, another leading name in the music industry, has created stylish and seemingly indestructible headphones in the Solo3. The Beats Solo3 active noise canceling headphones have a sleek design that looks like they were crafted for elegance and not durability. However, these headphones have the best of both worlds!
The Beats Solo3 uses Apple W1 technology to make the Beat’s technology convenient. As a result, these headphones are powerful, with a clear, balanced sound for high-quality audio that will sound crystal clear. What’s more, they’re built for comfort. The ear cups are made of a comfortable cushion that is fully adjustable. Thus, users can take advantage of the 40-hour battery life and use these headphones nonstop.
The Beats Solo3 has incredible value for the money.
Audio-Technica has followed up on its original ATH-M50x headphones with a new, upgraded model. The ATH-M50xBT is a Bluetooth version of its predecessor. However, it comes with more benefits than just Bluetooth capability, they also have an optional headphone jack to use.
This pair of over-the-ear headphones utilize a 45mm driver to provide studio-level quality. In addition to their sound, the headphones feature noise-cancellation technology to improve the listening experience further.
Furthermore, the headphones are built from high-quality materials to provide the necessary durability for long, heavy usage. Plus, they provide professional-grade comfort features for long periods of wear.
The headphones also have a 40-hour battery life, intuitive touch control, and an omnidirectional microphone. These headphones are exceptional, durable headphones.
Another popular name in the electronic industry, Philips, has designed sleek, sturdy and durable headphones. The SHP9600 hi-Fi was designed specifically for comfort and durability. The headphones utilize a steel headband covered with a soft cushion. Plus, the ear cups are made from a breathable cushion that allows users to keep these on for hours, free of discomfort.
With two 50mm drivers, the SHP9600 Hi-Fi delivers strong and crisp tones for excellent sound quality. It’s characterized by deep bass and refined high notes. The sound quality is perfect for anyone who wants a clear sound that you would find in any other studio-grade headphones. The noise-canceling features will block external noise, making these premium headphones one of our favorite picks.
The Philips SHP9600 Hi-Fi is an incredible option for any music lover.
As a set of headphones that look as though they were built solely for comfort, you’d be surprised to feel the durability. You’d be even more surprised to hear the sound quality.
The Sennheiser HD 599 Open Back headphones are beautifully crafted headphones built with a matte metallic finish. Thus, when users first handle these headphones, they feel the quality and long-lasting properties.
These wired, durable noise-canceling headphones will block out ambient noise in noisy environments.
These Sennheiser headphones also offer an impressive listening experience that can meet the standards of any other studio headphones. With a great price point, these headphones are a great option.
10. One Odio Pro-30
One Odio has created high-quality headphones with the padded headband at an extremely affordable price. The Pro-30 is built from a metal frame and headband covered in memory foam. The earpads are memory foam padding, meaning these headphones provide a comfortable fit, perfect for anyone who wants a pair of headphones they can wear for long periods of time.
The Pro-30 has also created ear cups to swivel at 90 degrees. In addition, the headphones utilize two 50mm drivers to deliver a crisp, clear sound with strong bass. Thus, users get a long-lasting, durable product with exceptional sound quality.
The Beyerdynamic 459038 DT 990 Pro is a pair of long-lasting headphones perfect for professional purposes. However, anybody who wants a pair of high-quality headphones will also love these. While the headphones use a self-proclaimed mild bass, the sound is not lacking in any feature. They provide a 3D sound that gives an incredible listening experience.
What’s more, these headphones are built for durability. As they were constructed with producers in mind, the materials have to match the professional-grade sound, and they do. The headphones feature a hard casing with soft, replaceable earpads and a comfortable top strap.
These headphones are a steal for all people—music professionals or music lovers.
Cowin has created the perfect solution for an everyday-use pair of durable headphones. The E7 is a noise-canceling pair of wireless headphones. These headphones are built with a hard exterior and a luxurious feel on the ears. They are lightweight and easy on the ears and head making them perfect for long-term use whether you’re working, traveling, or even exercising.
The Cowin E7 provides a 30-hour battery life in addition to its high-quality sound output. The headphones deliver a strong bass combined with a clear and precise treble. No matter your background, you’ll find these to provide the sound you’re looking for.
These headphones are a great option for anyone who wants quality-built over-the-ear headphones.
You can read more Cowin Headphones Reviews here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Over-the-Ear Headphones vs In-Ear Headphones (Durable Wireless Earbuds)
If you prefer earbuds instead of an over-the-ear design, you can read our article about the most durable earbuds. We have covered many models of in-ear buds that have all the same features as the over-the-ear models, but in-ear headphones are much more discreet and take up less space. In-ear headphones are inherently more durable than over-ear ones since they are much lighter and less likely to break when dropped.
You can also get Earbuds that look like earplugs for work and other places over-ear headphones might not work well.
We think the best headphones for in-ear are the Jabra Elite Active 75t. These in-ear wireless earbuds will stand the test of time and rigorous activity. They have active noise cancellation and excellent sound quality with incredible battery life.
You can check out the Jabra Elite Active 75T earphones here.
Wired Headphones vs Wireless Headphones
When you choose durable headphones, you may wonder if being wired or wireless makes a difference. To this, we say, not these days. Wireless headphones tend to cost a bit more than wired headphones. Still, most wireless models can be used with an AUX or USB cable to enjoy amazing sound quality and durability without killing the battery life.
Wired headphones don’t require powering as they draw power from your device.
What are the Most Durable Wireless headphones?
Sennheiser Momentum 2.0 or the new V-Moda Crossfade 2 are our picks for the most durable headphones. They both have industry-leading noise cancelation, making them some of the best headphones on the market regardless of headphone durability or not.
These are both amazing headphones with premium sound quality
What Material Should be Used for Headphones that don’t break?
When choosing durable headphones, you want to look for models with metal or solid material casings. Many types of plastic are quite wear-resistant, but typically metal will dent and not break, whereas plastic will shatter if dropped.
Some key areas of the headphones need to be reinforced, and budget headphones may feature strong materials but are not constructed in a way that will resist your active lifestyle. Manufacturers try to account for extreme wear, but you must wear your headphones properly as well to give them long-lasting life.
These are a couple of things to remember when you pick headphones you expect not to break.
What makes a pair of headphones more durable than others?
The materials used determine how durable a pair of headphones are. For example, headphones made with a metallic structure are more likely to last longer than one’s made of plastic.
Can headphones be waterproof?
Headphones may say they’re waterproof when they are only water-resistant. Headphones may have materials that wick water away but cannot be fully waterproof.
The Bottom Line
When choosing a pair of headphones, you must take your time, be thorough in your search, and pay attention to how each model fits your criteria. Many durable headphones exist, but finding the right one for you takes diligence. While everyone may have additional criteria that headphones should meet, the design, materials, sound quality, and cost typically remain at center stage.
Each person might consider the same features but find different headphones they like best. The final decision comes down to each individual, as everyone has slightly different tastes and requirements. But if you ask us, the Sennheiser Momentum 2.0 or the new V-Moda Crossfade 2 are our picks for headphones that won’t break (unless you run them over!).
Audio-Technica ATHM50XBT, and the One Odio Pro-30, look to be the exact same hinge design around the ear piece. I currently started looking for this list because my One Odio Headphone broke at the Ear Piece. The thin plastic on the hinge gave way when I tried to remove the head phones…now they wont stay on my ear. Very disappointed in this cheap plastic design for the price. After reviewing the list, I want to try the Symphonized Wraith 2.0.. Thanks for sharing, Happy listening everyone.