The 10 Most Durable Headphones (2024)

When looking for the best durable headphones that will stand the test of time, it’s usually a good idea to choose ones that are well-built and have detachable cables. Naturally, you want sound quality as well so, in that light, here is a list of the most durable headphones on the market today.

My top recommended headphones are the Audio-Technica ATH-M50X. These are quality-made, studio-grade headphones with a detachable cable.

My second recommended headphones are the Sennheiser HD400S. These are extremely affordable, foldable headphones from a renowned manufacturer.

The Most Durable Headphones (2024) – At a Glance

And now onto the full list:

1. Audio-Technica ATH-M50X

Top Pick
Great price-quality ratio headphones with a detachable cable.
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The ATH-M50X headphones are one of the best-known headphones in this class and for a good reason. They offer studio-grade quality and durable build for a very reasonable price. The headphones are made out of thick plastic, giving you lightness while keeping everything sturdy.

The cable is detachable, so if it breaks, you can easily just replace it with another. Fixed wires on headphones generally make them the weakest link when it comes to build quality, therefore the detachable cable on this certainly increases its overall durability.

These headphones have a 45mm driver size and a frequency response range of 15–28,000 Hz. The cups have a circumaural design that contours around the ears, keeping them comfortable when wearing the headphones for prolonged periods.

The cups can be collapsed or swiveled 90 degrees to each side, giving you the option for one-ear listening and helping you pack them for the road more easily. Overall, you can’t really go wrong with these headphones!

2. Sennheiser HD400S

Budget Pick
Very affordable & foldable headphones with a detachable cable from a well-known company.
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The Sennheiser HD400S are one of the most affordable headphones on the market when durability is involved. These lightweight, foldable headphones have a circumaural fit and have a detachable cable which is a big plus, especially for the given price.

With 9.7mm dynamic drivers, these headphones offer great sound response with dynamic bass. The closed-back design is great for noise-cancelling purposes so even if you’re a casual listener, they will get the job done.

With an almost full-spectrum frequency range (18Hz-20kHz), 18 ohms of impedance, and a stylish/simplistic design, they are definitely serious competitors if budget is an issue.

The HD400S headphones feature a 1-button smart remote for controlling the music, with an additional omnidirectional built-in microphone for taking calls, if needed. All in all, if you’re on a limited budget but still want quality headphones, the HD400S are a top competitor.

3. V-Moda Crossfade 3

High-end
High-quality, extremely durable pair of headphones with a rechargeable battery.
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The V-Moda Crossfade 3 is a high-quality, highly durable set of Bluetooth headphones that feature the latest Bluetooth 5.1 technology for wireless listening. With a closed-back, circumaural design, this is a top competitor.

With three color options to choose from (Black, Silver, and Gold), each set comes with a carrying pouch for proper storage. They come with a 3.9 ft. charging cable (for the Lithium-ion battery) and an amazing battery life that can last up to 30 hours of playtime.

In terms of specs, the Crossfade 3 feature a 50mm dual-diaphragm driver, 5Hz–40kHz frequency response, and 32 ohms of impedance. All things considered, this is quite impressive! With passive noise isolation thrown in the mix, you’re looking at a high-quality pair of headphones.

The foldable set comes with the V-MODA app, a detachable cable (if you need one), and sports a solid built-in microphone. Granted, the pair is a bit high-end but the value-for-price ratio is up to par.

4. Sony MDR-7506

Popular, Affordable
Affordable and very popular set by Sony with a reputation for being quite durable.
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The Sony MDR-7506 model is a great pick for anyone looking to stay on a budget but still get good quality headphones that will last them for a long time. The Sony MDRs have a reputation for being very durable even though the cable is not detachable.

The MDR-7506 is a standard headphones model with an attached cord. You will get an adapter with the cord to transform it from 3.5mm to a 1/4” jack, so you don’t have to worry about connectivity.

The build of this model is sturdy, with a metal and plastic frame. Nonetheless, it is very comfortable for extended wear, as it is padded all the way around. The sound comes from neodymium 40mm drivers, which give a very nice and clear sound.

The cups are closed, protecting you from outside noise, all the while giving you the sound you need from the inside. The padding is nice and comfortable, even though it will flake over time. All in all, this is a great buy for people on a budget.

5. beyerdynamic DT 900 PRO X

High-quality
Quality-made, aesthetic, and comfortable headphones with good durability.
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The Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X are among the most used and popular pair of headphones, probably in the world. Highly regarded for their capabilities in the studio, they also have a strong reputation when it comes to durability and sturdiness.

Boasting incredible specs, the DT 900 Pro X has a 5Hz-40kHz frequency response, a 48-ohm impedance level, and a max SPL of 121dB. Not to mention, the design and overall looks of this pair are incredibly aesthetic and sought-after.

The open-back design delivers lifelike audio spacing and the detachable 9.8 ft., 5.9 ft. cables make storage viable and easy. Even though the DT 900 Pro X has a rather high-end price, you get so much value and comfort so they are among the top contenders.

6. SENNHEISER Momentum 3

Stylish, Easy-to-use
Aesthetic, feature-packed pair of headphones with high durability.
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The SENNHEISER Momentum 3 headphones are not only stylish but very durable. These wireless, noise-canceling headphones have a closed-back, over-ear design and come in white and black color options.

In terms of features, this pair is stacked. It features Alexa, an auto on/off feature, smart pause functionality, and a smart control app for easier control. With active noise cancellation and transparent hearing, this set adapts to your environment which is an amazing feature to have.

With a genuine leather headband and padded earpads, this set is not only durable but quite comfortable. On the side of the earpads, you’ll locate three buttons of the interface which make operating them incredibly easy. All in all, even though they are pricey, this set brings so much to the table.

7. Jabra Evolve2 85

Premium
Pro-grade, highly durable set with exceptional comfort and long battery life.
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The Jabra Evolve2 85 is a premium pick if you want exceptional sound quality paired with good comfort and durability. Naturally, the price is quite steep compared to other options on this list.

With a closed-back, over-ear design, this set is really good for noise-canceling purposes. With increased memory foam padding and improved ANC (active noise cancellation), it offers 54% more noise cancellation which is astonishing.

In terms of specs, the Evolve2 features leak-tolerant 40mm speakers, a full-spectrum frequency range (20Hz-20kHz), and 117dB sensitivity. Not only that, but it features 10 built-in microphones (you read that right – 10!) for clear calls.

Overall, if you want quality, comfort, durability, and amazing sound as well, the Evolve2 will certainly not disappoint, however, the price is high which is understandable.

8. HyperX Cloud II

Gaming
Multi-compatible gaming headset at an affordable price.
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The HyperX Cloud II is a gaming headset with a modest price tag that is known for its compatibility with PC, PS4, PS4 PRO, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox One S. It comes as a wired or wireless choice and three color options which include Black, Red, and Pink.

The design of this gaming headset is super stylish, with an aluminum frame for durability and memory foam ear cushions with a padded leatherette headband for comfort. Spec-wise, it has 53mm drivers for detailed audio, a 15Hz-25kHz frequency response, and 60 ohms of impedance.

With a 7.1 virtual surround sound, it’s a truly immersive headset with passive noise cancellation. The over-ear, closed-back design blocks background noise as well. In addition, it features a noise-canceling microphone for gaming purposes and platforms like Discord and TeamSpeak.

All in all, for the given price, this headset is a gem for gaming fanatics and those who want a quality, durable purchase that will survive daily use for a long time.

9. Skullcandy Hesh 2

Budget-friendly
Inexpensive, stylish headphones with good durability.
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The Skullcandy Hesh 2 wireless headphones are a stylish black set with the logo design on the side. These incredibly popular and affordable over-ear headphones are compatible with Android and iOS devices via Bluetooth, while also being quite durable.

The audio quality is on a satisfactory level as well, with two 50mm drivers, 33 ohms of impedance, a sound pressure level of 105dB, and a full-spectrum frequency response (20Hz – 20KHz). They come with a detachable 3.5mm AUX cable and a Micro USB to USB charging cable.

With 15 hours of battery life and a built-in microphone, these headphones are great for casual, everyday use and make for an excellent alternative to earbuds, especially considering the price.

10. Bose Headphones 700

Modern
Durable, noise-canceling set with a stylish design from a well-known manufacturer.
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The Bose Headphones 700 is an excellent competitor from a reputable manufacturer. These noise-canceling, Bluetooth, over-ear headphones sport a modern, stylish design and a sound profile that lives up to the name and price tag.

In terms of sound quality, the Bose Headphones 700 deliver a crisp and clear sound with deep bass. When it comes to build quality, they do not disappoint. They feature a lightweight stainless steel headband for durability and tilted ear cups for maximum comfort.

They can perform for up to 20 hours on a single charge and also feature hands-free use and access to Alexa and Google Assistant with intuitive touch control on the earcups. The bottom line, this set brings value to the table, even though the price is considerably higher than most competitors.

What are the main reasons why Headphones don’t last?

As with most audio equipment, several factors contribute to the downfall of products and devices. Direct sunlight and humid temperatures can cause extensive damage to components and shorten the lifespan of headphones so proper storage and optimal temperature is a must.

Frequent and careless use is also a big reason why headphones don’t last as long. We tend to not be so mindful of our equipment, especially if we use it every day. It only takes a second to put the headphones away in a secure position or put them in a case or storage bag.

Lastly, a lot of dust, lint, and dirt can accumulate in the earcups and around the headband, especially without proper storage and overuse. Make sure to keep your headphones clean and use a cotton swab damped with some rubbing alcohol to avoid these issues from coming up.

How to preserve your Headphones for longevity?

The most important thing to do is to store your headphones in a safe and dry place when not using them. To avoid the aforementioned issues from creeping up, proper storage is paramount. This will help avoid moisture damage as well as dirt and dust from accumulating over time.

Maintenance is also crucial. Regular cleaning and using proper cleaning tools will extensively increase the longevity of your headphones. For chargeable products, make sure to charge them regularly and never let the battery run out completely flat so that you don’t shorten the battery lifespan down the road.

Make sure to replace any damaged components if needed and naturally, make sure to buy quality products, that includes buying good headphones, in general.

Are Headphones more durable than Earphones?

In general, earphones and buds tend to be more durable than headphones, mainly because most earphones don’t use a wired cable for everyday use (only for charging, in some cases, as some use a charging case).

The usual earphone damage occurs due to the audio jack but since most earphones nowadays are wireless, this issue is almost non-existent. Also, most earphones today have water resistance and are made quite durable.

That being said, quality headphones from reputable brands also make for better solutions in some cases, depending on what the purpose of use is. In-ear headphones are also a popular option, especially custom-made ones that have a reputation for being quality-made (but quite expensive).

Summary

I hope that this article has helped you learn about different options for durable headphones on the market today. You don’t have to spend a whole lot of money to get decent-quality and sturdy headphones. They are great for home musicians, studios, DJs, or just people who don’t want to have to replace their set of headphones any time soon!

My top pick is the Audio-Technica ATH-M50X, a quality-made, studio-grade set with a detachable cable.

My budget pick is the Sennheiser HD400S, an extremely affordable, foldable set from a renowned manufacturer.

Brian Clark

Brian Clark

I’ve been a writer with Musician Wave for six years, turning my 17-year journey as a multi-instrumentalist and music producer into insightful news, tutorials, reviews, and features.

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