8 Most Durable Headphones in 2023 | Sturdy & Long-Lasting

We all hate damaged and faulty headphones. Broken Headphones are the worst thing to happen to an audiophile. You have to contact the manufacturers to claim the warranty or spend money on a new pair.

YOU DON'T WANT THAT, RIGHT?

Nobody wants to spend money again and again. That is why it is crucial to find long-lasting headphones.

I have emphasized Durability, Audio quality, and Comfortability of a headphone in most of my guides. These are the things that every headphone should fulfill. Even still, durability is the most under looked factor in headphones.

Few factors make a headphone durable. Things like build quality, flexibility, cables, earpads, and warranty can decide a headphone's sturdiness (more on that later).

You can have a look at my top picks here.

• V-Moda Crossfade 2 are my pick for all-rounder headphones. They can be used for many different things.
• Symphonized Wraith 2.0 are my pick for budget-friendly robust headphones.
• HyperX Cloud 2 are known for their build quality, audio quality, and comfort among many gamers. They are my pick for gaming headphones on this list.
• Jabra Elite 85h are my top pick for the most durable headphone for the gym, runners, workouts, and sports.
• Skullcandy Hesh 2 are long-lasting headphones suitable for college, university, high-schools, or generally students.
• Elepinter are the best durable headphones for kids.
• Audio-Technica ATh-M40x are heavy-duty headphones for studio workers, DJs, and RJs. They are also suitable for music.

My List of Most Durable Headphones in 2023

These are my picks for long-lasting headphones. I have provided a short summary, Pros&Cons, features, and image for you. For your convenience, You can read the Pros&Cons and Features only to get the insights of a headphone.

1. Best Durable and All-rounder Headphones: V-Moda Crossfade 2

When it comes to portable headphones, durability is everything. Often we see wireless headphones are not durable. Well, that's not the case with V-Moda Crossfade 2.

These headphones have a very flexible headband that you can bend until both earcups cross each other. You can also use a wired connection on these headphones. Since they are wireless headphones, the wires can be detached or replaced. Adding more value to their durability.

The V-Moda Crossfade 2 are made up of excellent and durable material. Not to mention, the style is quite appealing for most users as well. It may not be the best for your everything headphones, but it does the job well. Speaking of which, the design of these headphones is bulky for my taste. Moreover, the compact design of these headphones allows you to carry them anywhere you want. And, the traveling case provided with the headphones allows you to do so.

Speaking of wireless, these Bluetooth headphones provide a full battery-life of 14 hours on continuous playback. And, a full charge can be achieved in 2.5 hours. You can also take benefit from their quick recharge time. Thirty minutes of recharge can last for 4 hours of playback time.

The sound quality is also apparent and solid. The V-Mode Crossfade 2 headphones are Hi-Res certified, and they achieve a comprehensive frequency response of 5 Hz to 40,000 Hz on a wired connection. Not to mention, the audio quality is also outstanding in wireless mode.

You will enjoy your favorite music on them. The right amount of bass with solid beats and clear treble is fairly distributed in its audio. The noise-isolating fit also adds privacy to the music you are listening to.

These wireless and durable headphones come with a microphone integrated into their wire. This boom microphone ensures crystal clear audio is captured through them. Making them suitable for your standard phone calls. The mic quality could have been improved a bit, but it does the job pretty well.

The V-Moda Crossfade 2 are not waterproof headphones. Waterproofing could have added more durability points to this headphone. However, these headphones come with a 1-year warranty that you can claim directly from the company.

Features

• Type: Over-Ear; Wireless
• Frequency Response: 5 Hz to 40,000 (wired)
• Impedance: 32 ohms
• Drivers: 50mm Dual-Diaphragm
• Battery Life: 14-15 hours of playback time
• Full Charge Time: 2.5-3 hours.
• Warranty: 1-Year

Pros

• Hi-Res Audio Quality for Music Lovers.
• Compact Design, suitable for portable use.
• Highly durable headphones are made of durable material.
• A microphone is provided for your standard phone calls.
• Wireless headphones with a long-lasting battery.

Cons

• The water-proof capability could have made them even more durable.
• They use Micro-USB for charging.
• The design is a bit bulky.
• They have a high weight of 309 grams.

2. Best Budget Durable Headphone under $50: Symphonized Wraith 2.0

Symphonized has jumped on the list with their Wraith 2.0 headphones. The most notable thing about these headphones is their price. You will get headphones that are crafted with natural wood. The design of these headphones is very aesthetic.

Not only that, but also you get a wireless connectivity option with these headphones. With a battery life of 9-10 hours on continuous use, you will rarely run out of batteries in your daily use. Even if it does, a full charge can be achieved in only 35-40 minutes. With Symphonized Wraith 2.0, you can also switch to a wired connection and stop worrying about its battery. A 3.5mm gold-plated wire is provided with the headphones, and it can be detached.

The Symphonized Wraith 2.0 also does an excellent job in producing excellent sounds. The solid and deep base gives a real immersive experience. Their 40mm driver unit crafts clear and crispy treble. If you are looking for a durable headphone for listening to music and at a low price, then Symphonized Wraith 2.0 are the way to go. These headphones are also suitable for classical music.

The aluminum material is used for the structuring of these headphones. Moreover, these are handcrafted headphones, which makes them super durable. It comes with a 1-year warranty, which also adds to its durability.

The padding on the earcups makes them easy on the ears. You will not feel any ear fatigue with these headphones on. However, they have a staggering weight of 454 grams . They might feel a little heavy on the head after some use.

A built-in microphone is also integrated into Symphonized Wraith 2.0. The microphone quality is not good; however, it can be used for your standard phone calls.

Features

• Type: Over-Ear; Wireless
• Frequency Response: 18 Hz to 22,000 Hz
• Impedance: 32 ohms
• Driver: 40mm Neodymium
• Battery Life: Upto 9 Hours
• Charge Time: 35-40 minutes
• Noise Canceling: Yes
• Warranty: 1-Year

Pros

• Aesthetic Design with Real Wood earcups.
• The handcrafted Aluminium build makes them highly durable.
• The sound quality is also good.
• Built-in Mic.
• They cost around $70.

Cons

• The microphone's capture quality could have been improved.
• They have a heavyweight of 454 grams.

3. Durable Headphone for Gaming: HyperX Cloud 2

HyperX is responsible for producing many gaming accessories. In my guide on the best headsets for csgo players, I have said that the HyperX Cloud 2 is used by many professional csgo players. The HyperX Cloud 2 is made specifically for gamers, with all the things that a gamer needs in mind. And, durability is one of those needs.

These headsets have a flexible body that can withhold a lot of tension. The material used in their production is very durable. The solid aluminum headband has two fork-like hands for the earcups. The ear cups are made of durable plastic material. The only bad thing about them is the cord. The cord is not detachable , which could have added more value to its durability.

However, the cord used on these headsets is also very durable. It is not going to break anytime soon. The good thing is that the mic is detachable. You can easily replace it if necessary. Even more, the earpads can also be replaced. You can easily remove them and install a new one.

The HyperX Cloud 2 provides outstanding audio quality, suitable for FPS gamers. The 7.1 Surround sound allows you to locate the source of the sound very quickly. However, surround sound can only be used on PC.

Even the design of these headsets is made for gamers. The padding on the ear cups and headband makes them super comfortable to use. The microphone provided with the HyperX Cloud 2 is suitable for your standard in-game chats or even conference calls if needed. However, it is not as good in comparison with the microphone of Sennheiser Game Zero.

So, if you are looking for a good gaming headphone that will last longer with you, then you can consider checking HyperX Cloud 2.

You can also check our comparison between HyperX Cloud 2 and JBL Quantum 400. Both are good gaming headsets in their ways.

Features

• Type: Over-Ear; Closed-Back; Wired
• Frequency Response: 15 Hz to 25,000 Hz
• Driver: 53mm
• Impedance: 62 ohms

Pros

• Very Comfortable to Use.
• Excellent Sound Quality with 7.1 Surround Sound.
• Extremely Durable material is used for its production.
• They have a Detachable Mic and Earpads.

Cons

• The Cord is not detachable.
• The 7.1 Surround Sound is only for PCs.
• The Mid-frequencies could have been improved.

4. Durable Headphones for Workouts: Jabra Elite 85h

Jabra has been around here in the headphone industry for a long time now. They have produced many headphones of great standard in the past few years.

The Jabra Elite 85h are wireless headphones with a water-resistant design, making them a good option for your gym headphones. The audio quality is good enough to keep you motivated in your workouts. The natural bass and crystal clear treble provides a good workout session.

Even more, the active noise-canceling will keep you from distractions and keeps your privacy on music intact in the gyms. However, you can switch the ANC feature On and Off as you like. You can also use their Sound EQ application to further enhance the audio quality as per your needs.

Their lightweight and soft ear cushioning will ensure you are getting no ear fatigue during your long workout sessions. The earcups can be rotated for your ease of use.

The Jabra Elite 85h are crafted with durable plastic material. You can stretch the headband almost straight. And, since they are wireless headphones, the cables are detachable. Speaking of which, they have a 36 hours long battery life on a full charge. And, 15 minutes of quick charge will give you 5 hours of playback time.

A built-in microphone is also integrated into these headphones. Although the quality is not the best, you can use them for your phone calls or Siri and Google Assistant.

Now, to the point, should you buy these? For workouts, these headphones are more than reasonable. That's why they are my top pick on headphones for workouts.

Features

• Type: Over-ear; Closed-Back; Wireless
• Driver: 40mm
• Weight: 296grams
• Water-Resistant: Yes
• Battery Life: 36 hours on a full charge

Pros

• They have smart Ai audio technology.
• Excellent at Durability.
• Good Built-in Microphone.
• They have Active Noise-Canceling.
• The Battery life is good.

Cons

• A bit pricy.
• The Ai technology can be improved.

5. Long-Lasting Headphones for College: Skullcandy Hesh 2

As a college student for four years, and a university student (currently), I know what students require from a headphone. A portable, comfortable headphone with good sound quality at a lower cost, right? If yes, then the SkullCandy Hesh 2 almost fits in perfectly.

The wireless Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity gives more ease of use to the students. However, I would have liked to see them provide a broader range for their connection, which is not a significant problem for the students because they primarily use their headphones in a library or a stationary position.

The headphone's battery life is about 15 hours on constant playback, which is more than enough for the students. However, in the worst-case scenario, if you run out of battery, you can switch to the aux cable to listen to your favorite music. However, the only problem here is the latest smartphones are removing the audio plugs.

The Skullcandy Hesh 2 are sturdy headphones, and they will stay on your head without giving any discomfort. The soft padding and fairly good weight distribution give a comfortable session. These headphones have a plastic body with an ultra-durable and flexible headband. In general, they have a decent build quality.

The noise-canceling feature also gives privacy to what you are listening to in the library. And they also keep you away from distraction. Increasing your efficiency and focus on your assignments in return. The sound quality is impeccable, with excellent mids, bass, and treble.

However, it is not loud enough. Most students want their headphones to sound loud, which is not always recommended because it can distract you from your work easily. But, you can make them sound louder.

The built-in microphone is helpful for students to answer their phone calls. The quality of the captured quality is neat and easy to understand.

Should you buy these? Yes, if you are tight on budget. These headphones cost around $50 and have good value to the product. It can easily be said the best option for you in that price range.

Features

• Type: Over-ear; Closed-back; Wireless
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz
• Impedance: 32 ohms
• Battery Life: 15 hours approx.
• Weight: 249 grams

Pros

• The sound quality is good.
• You can use their mic for your phone calls.
• The noise-canceling gives privacy to what you are listening to.
• They are comfortable and sturdy.
• These headphones are budget-friendly.

Cons

• The sound volume is not very loud.
• The battery-life could have improved a little.

6. Durable Headphones for Kids: Elepinter

Do your kids break the headphones every time? Then the Elepinter headphones are for you. They are made with kids-friendly food-grade material, which can withstand daily impacts from your active kids.

The bendable, twistable, and tangle-free cord ensures your children are safe with the headphones. And that is why they are listed in my durable headphones list.

When it comes to children, safety is everything. The study shows that the 85dB limit on volume should be standard for kid's headphones. The Elepinter headphones have limited audio of 85dB (standard for kids) to avoid any danger to your kids. You will not have to worry about your kid's safety with these headphones.

The sound quality is relatively good. It is not the best. But, they are good enough, considering the fact that they have limited volume.

Your kids will surely enjoy their time with these headphones. These headphones use a standard 3.5mm connection. And they are compatible with most devices.

As for comfort, the Elepinter headphones have a soft ear cushion with the right amount of clamping force. So that the kids do not feel any ear fatigue, these headphones are made for small heads. Moreover, an effective microphone is also integrated into these headphones.

You can find these headphones for around 20 dollars on Amazon.

Features

• Type: On-Ear
• Volume Limit: 85dB
• Connection: 3.5mm Jack
• Warranty: 45 days Money back guarantee

Pros

• Comfortable for kids.
• Volume Limited to 85dB, making them suitable for kids.
• The headphones are durable.
• A mic is also integrated into these headphones.
• Fairly low price.

Cons

• The cord is not detachable.

7. Heavy-Duty Studio Headphones under $100: Audio-Technica ATH-M40x

The Audio-Technica are known for their quality in headphones. They have manufactured many durable headphones in the past decade. The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x are one of their most successful headphones.

These headphones produce detail-rich audio quality, suitable for studio workers. The 40mm driver unit is capable of producing punchy and precise bass. The sound profiles are natural. The best thing about them is their passive noise-isolating fit, which makes them suitable for studio headphones.

Since they are studio-quality headphones, you might need an amp or a sound card for them. But the fact is that you can get these headphones to enjoy your favorite music as well. You will feel the vibe of the song with them.

The headphones are not best at comfort, but you can use them for pretty long periods without any fatigue. The best thing about them is, you can replace the earpads quickly. If you are not comfortable with the default earpads, hook in your favorite ones. Which also speaks for their durability.

Speaking of which, these headphones have a detachable cable design. The cable is durable as well. As for headphones, they are made of durable plastic material. However, you will have to be careful with the hinges.

The earcups can be rotated 90°, which allows you to monitor the music from one earcup, making them suitable for studio workers and DJs.

Sadly, they do not have any microphones. If you plan to get them for gaming, or anything else, you will need to buy a separate microphone.

Features

• Type: Over-Ear; Closed-Back
• Frequency Response: 15 Hz to 24,000 Hz
• Impedance: 35ohms
• Driver unit: 40mm
• Connection: Wired; 3.5mm; 6.3mm Jack

Pros

• Excellent Sound Quality.
• Natural and Balanced Sound Profiles.
• Noise-Isolating fit.
• The cables are detachable.
• The Earpads are replaceable.

Cons

• Not the most comfortable headphones.

8. Alternative for HyperX Cloud 2: Sennheiser Game Zero

Sennheiser is a well-known brand in the headphones industry. Their presence is significant in every type of headphones, whether you want them for gaming, studio, mixing, or just listening to your classical music. Even more, I listed these headphones as my top pick for streaming headphones.

Their super comfortable design allows you to game for longer gaming sessions. The earcups and headband have memory foam paddings.

Even more, the sound quality is also impressive with these headsets. The stereo sound produced from their XXL transducers is suitable for excellent sound positioning, which is a vital need of FPS gamers. However, their sound quality also excellent for diving into the open-world game.

The foldable design of the Sennheiser Game Zero also makes them portable. You can also carry them along on your flights and enjoy your favorite music.

This wired headset is made up of durable plastic material that will work with you for a long time. The removable cord also gives more durability points to these headsets. However, I would have liked them even more with a removable microphone.

You can check our detailed review on Sennheiser Gamer Zero.

Features

• Type: Over-Ear; Closed-Back
• Frequency Response: 15 Hz to 28,000 Hz
• Impedance: 500 ohms
• Weight: 300 grams
• Noice-Cancel: Passive

Pros

• They offer Passive Noise-Canceling.
• These have a removable cord and durable build quality.
• They have Stereo sound with XXL Transducer for good audio quality.
• The collapsible design makes them portable.

Cons

• The Mic is not detachable.
• They do not have Surround Sound.

What Makes a Headphone Durable?

Many things decide the durability of a headphone. These factors contribute to making the ultimate long-lasting headphones. I have chosen all the above headphones according to these criteria.

A headphone does not necessarily have to have all these features.

• Build Quality (Material, Flexibility, Design)
• Removable Cables
• Replaceable Earpads
• Warranty

Build Quality (Material, Flexibility, Design)

The most crucial factor in headphones is their build quality. Now, there are many things you can check to determine the build quality. First of all, find out what material is used for the manufacturing. Most headphones are made of plastic bodies with metal bodies inside. However, it does not means the plastic material is not durable. Many headphones with plastic bodies can last longer than other headphones.

Aluminum build headphones are said to be the most durable. But, the flexibility of the headband also jumps into the game. If the headphone has a flexible headband, it means the headphone's body has flexibility, and it does not break easily. You will often find yourself with a broken headband because it had little to no flexibility.

The flexibility also tells us that the headphone can stay intact under some tension. However, the design of the headphones can also play a role in their durability.

Removable Cables

The cables are one of the most critical parts of the wired headphones. The bendable , twistable , or braided cables are some examples of durable cables.

How are they important? Well, if your headphones are fine, but the cables are damaged. Then it is a lot of trouble. The long-lasting cables do not break easily.

You do not have to worry about broken cables if the cables can be detached from the headphones. You can easily replace them with a new pair.

While wireless headphones do not need cables, most wireless headphones support an aux cable for a wired connection.

Replaceable Earpads

Similarly, the replaceable earpads can also impact the durability of a headphone. Over time, the earpads of headphones get worn out, which makes them uncomfortable to use.

Technically, you can change the earpads on any headphones. But, the ones that have replaceable earpads are relatively easy.

Warranty

And finally, the warranty. I do not think it needs any explanations. You can claim the warranty (if void) if your headphones get damage. The company will either replace them with new or repair the same headphones.

The warranty does not directly give durability to the headphone. However, it gives you the option to replace, if needs be.

Things to Check in a Durable Headphone - Buyer's Guide

Even for the toughest headphones, there are some other things that you need to check before buying. These factors differ depending on your need.

No headphone is good for everything. You have to let go of somethings that are not necessary for you. Anyways, these are the things that you need to check before buying headphones.

• Wired vs. Wireless?
• Headset or Headphone?
• Sound Quality
• Comfort

Wired vs. Wireless

The choice between wired and wireless has always been tough. There are so many things wireless headphones offer, while the wired headphones have the upper hand on other things.

However, you can easily choose if you know your intent. For example, if you are looking for headphones to accompany you in your jogging, wireless headphones are more practical. Similarly, wireless headphones are also good for the gym because the tangling wires can ruin your workouts.

On the other side, the wired headphones are an excellent choice for gamers. If you need a headphone for the studio, then wired headphone will provide more realistic audio quality at a lesser price.

If you are struggling with choosing between wired and wireless. Then, clear your intent first. Ask yourself which headphones will be more practical for your use.

Headset or Headphone?

There is a difference between a headphone and a headset. The most notable difference is the microphone. A headset has a microphone integrated on it, while the headphone does not have any microphone.

You can choose a headset if you want a microphone. Or you can choose a simple headphone if you want more sound quality.

I have a detailed guide on the difference between gaming headsets and headphones. You can check it here.

Sound Quality

'The sound quality is by far an essential factor. It is a basic need from a headphone. However, there are many types of sound profiles suitable for different applications.

For example, a studio worker needs outstanding and detailed audio quality. In contrast, music lovers want deep bass and clear treble. You just need to distinguish your need before choosing.

Comfort

Like durability and sound quality, comfort is also an essential factor to look at. You want to wear your headphones for long sessions, in most cases. You can only do so if your headphones are comfortable enough. Otherwise, you will feel ear fatigue, headache, or discomfort and cannot continue your work.

The headphone's comfort depends on the weight, earpads, headband, clamping force, and headphone weight distribution.

FAQs

What is the lifespan of an average headphone?

The lifespan of an average headphone is anywhere around 2-4 years. However, if you handle them with care, they can last for more than 5 years. The low-end headphones generally have less life expectancy. They can last for almost 2 years if you handle them with care. However, some headphones can last for more than 7 years. But, it depends on the usage of the owner.

Do expensive headphones last longer?

Generally speaking, Yes! The expensive headphones are made to last longer. They are crafted with durable material. If a person invests more money in buying expensive headphones, they tend to take good care of them, resulting in them lasting longer. However, the manner of usage can also have an impact on the headphone's lifespan. Even the most durable headphone can get broken if not handled with care.

Do cheap headphones last longer?

In most cases, cheap headphones are made up of less durable material. And do not last longer than 1-2 years. However, some cheap headphones in the market are incredibly durable and last for more extended periods without getting damaged. Moreover, the lifespan of headphones also depends on the user as well.

Can you pair the V-Moda Crossfade 2 with two devices at the same time?

No, the V-Moda Crossfade 2 cannot be paired with two devices at the same time. Some variants of these headphones have APT-X Bluetooth profiles. They do not feature the pairing of two devices at the same time.

Can I Use V-Moda Crossfade 2 with iPhone?

Yes, the V-Moda Crossfade 2 uses Bluetooth technology for its connectivity. You can pair them with any device with Bluetooth. You can also use the wired connection with iPhone 6+ and lower models.

Does HyperX Cloud 2 have Mic Monitoring?

You can use the "listen to mic" feature on Windows to monitor the mic quality. However, the HyperX Cloud 2 does not have any built-in mic monitoring feature. You cannot monitor your mic on gaming consoles or mobile phones.

Conclusion

As I said before, broken headphones are the most frustrating thing to happen. Well, that is why checking the durability of a headphone is crucial.

I have listed some tough headphones for everyone up there. For college students, studio-workers, audiophiles, gamers, workouts, and joggers. Some of them are expensive, while others are budget-friendly.

However, if you cannot choose any headphones, you are safe to go with my Top pick, V-Moda Crossfade 2. They are all-rounder headphones with good sound quality, comfort, with highly durable design. Moreover, their portable and wireless build makes them easy to carry around.

I am open to critics. If you have any queries or suggestions, you can leave a comment down below. I will try to give a reply ASAP.

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