Here are the unbreakable, rugged, most durable earbuds for the hardest jobs. Discover tough earbuds with full water protection and resistance to drops. And some are even protected against dust and small particles (check below). The best part? They come with the latest features and high sound quality. Let’s dig in: HeadphonesAddict is user supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more. Previous Next Rating Price Material Water protection Warranty Battery (Connection) Mic & Controls More info Jaybird Vista 2 Toughest overall 4.0 Under $200 Rubberized plastic IP68 2 years limited 8 hours (Bluetooth 5.0) checkmark Review Jabra Elite 7 Pro Runner-up 3.9 Under $170 Brushed plastic IP57 2 years extended 8 hours (Bluetooth 5.2) checkmark Review Beats PowerBeats Pro Most stable 4.6 Under $250 Hard Plastic IPX4 1 year limited 11 hours (Bluetooth 5.0) checkmark Review MEE audio Pinnacle P1 Best wired 4.2 Under $150 Zinc alloy n/a 2 years Wired – 3.5mm Optional Review Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro Best noise cancelling 4.6 Under $190 Plastic IPX7 2 years 8 hours (without ANC)(Bluetooth 5.0) checkmark Review JBL Reflect Mini NC 4.0 Under $100 Plastic IPX7 2 years limited 9 hours (Bluetooth 5.0) checkmark Review Anker Soundcore Life A1 Best under $50 4.4 Under $50 Plastic IPX7 2 years limited 8 hours (Bluetooth 5.0) checkmark Review TOZO T10 Best under $30 4.3 Under $30 Plastic IPX8 n/a 6 hours (Bluetooth 5.0) checkmark Review TaoTronics Soundliberty 80 Best earphones 4.1 Under $60 Plastic IPX8 2 year limited 4 hours (Bluetooth 5.0) checkmark Review CONTENTS (show more) Tired of earbuds constantly breaking and becoming useless? Are you wasting your hard-earned money on buying new earbuds just to see them break easily in a couple of months? Here is a solution. The 9 best durable earbuds you can get today that are tough enough to survive “hell” (in our opinion). All of the earphones here are made of better materials, like tough plastics and aluminum, don’t have major weak points, and are simply resistant to “human abuse.” The best thing? No matter how much money you want to spend on your new in-ears, if you get these, you’ll get the most durable earbuds that last longer than average. The Most Durable Earbuds 1. Jaybird Vista 2 TOUGHEST OVERALL One of the most durable wireless earbuds out there, with an IP68 water-resistant rating and MIL-STD-810G military standard of endurance. Jaybird Vista 2 True Wireless Noise Cancelling In-Ear Headphones – Midnight Blue Jaybird Vista 2 True Wireless Noise Cancelling In-Ear Headphones – Midnight Blue $69.99 in stock Buy now eBay Jaybird Vista 2 True Wireless Sport Bluetooth Headphones with Charging Case – Premium Sound, ANC,… Jaybird Vista 2 True Wireless Sport Bluetooth Headphones with Charging Case – Premium Sound, ANC,… $114.99 $149.99 in stock 3 new from $114.99 2 used from $77.99 as of March 29, 2023 2:24 am Buy now Amazon.com Jaybird Vista 2 – True wireless earphones with mic – in-ear – Bluetooth – active noise canceling… Jaybird Vista 2 – True wireless earphones with mic – in-ear – Bluetooth – active noise canceling… out of stock Buy now Walmart.com Jaybird Vista 2 review Connection: Bluetooth 5.0 Driver size: 6mm Frequency range: 20-20.000Hz Type: True wireless | Battery life: 8h + 16h in case | Wireless range: 33ft (10m) | Noise cancelling: Yes | Charging: 2h + quick charge – USB-C & Qi wireless charging | Mic & Controls: Yes | Bluetooth codecs: SBC, AAC | Water resistance: IP68 (IP54 on case) | Features: Ambient mode, mono mode, EQ Great out-of-the-box sound Excellent comfort and stability Extremely durable with water-resistant charging case Good battery life Feature-rich companion app Decent active noise cancellation Occasional connection stutters Error messages during firmware updates Expect the best sound quality among the most durable earbuds right out of the box. It gets even better when you tweak some EQ settings inside the Jaybird app. It’s punchy and energetic, with a good-sized soundstage. Noise-canceling earbuds have a soft rubberized finish with a silicone ear fin that locks them securely into place no matter the ear size. Three sizes of fins and silicone tips are part of the same ear gel, so you don’t have to worry about losing them. These tough true wireless earbuds come with an IP68 rating of water protection, while the Qi wireless charging case sports an IP54 rating. For the added shockproof protection against drops, Jaybird made sure to meet the MIL-STD-810G durability standards. The toughest earbuds come in a sleek case that is small enough to fit easily in the pocket, with a short string attached to it. Jaybird Vista 2 review Check price Related: Also, find yourself some good pair in the most comfortable earbuds guide. 2. Jabra Elite 7 Pro SECOND MOST DURABLE EARBUDS The Jabra Elite 7 Pro are fully waterproof and dustproof wireless earbuds and are built to last. OEM Jabra Elite 7 Pro Active Noise Cancellation True Wireless Buds – Multicolors OEM Jabra Elite 7 Pro Active Noise Cancellation True Wireless Buds – Multicolors $79.95 in stock Buy now eBay Jabra Elite 7 Pro in Ear Bluetooth Earbuds – Adjustable Active Noise Cancellation True Wireless… Jabra Elite 7 Pro in Ear Bluetooth Earbuds – Adjustable Active Noise Cancellation True Wireless… $149.99 $199.99 in stock 4 new from $144.99 24 used from $59.24 as of March 29, 2023 7:52 am Buy now Amazon.com Jabra Elite 7 Pro in-Ear Bluetooth Earbuds, Noise Cancelling, Titanium Black Jabra Elite 7 Pro in-Ear Bluetooth Earbuds, Noise Cancelling, Titanium Black $149.99 in stock Buy now Walmart.com Jabra Elite 7 Pro review Connection: Bluetooth 5.2 Driver size: 6mm dynamic Frequency range: 20-20.000Hz Type: True wireless | Battery life: 8h + 22h in case | Wireless range: 60 feet (18.3m) | Noise cancelling: Yes | Charging: 2.5h + quick charge – USB-C & Qi wireless | Mic & Controls: Yes | Bluetooth codecs: SBC, AAC | Water resistance: IP57 | Features: Multipoint, ANC, HearThrough, EQ, app Balanced sound out-of-the-box that gets better with EQ Comfortable fit for long listening sessions High IP57 rating and premium-feeling build Good battery life of 8 hours per charge & wireless charging support Jabra+ app has overwhelming amount of features Impressive passive noise isolation Mediocre active noise cancellation with almost no effect Custom EQ doesn't let you tweak frequencies above 7kHz Out of the box, you’re greeted with fairly balanced-sounding earbuds that play well with all music genres. If you want extra oomph, you can boost the bass inside the Jabra app. In terms of durability, Elite 7 Pro are pretty much identical to the Elite 7 Active model, which are the successor to the Jabra Elite Active 75t. Jabra’s most durable earbuds have a smooth uniform body without any visible weak spots and an IP57 rating to keep out the water and dust. Both have a similar ergonomic design that doesn’t need ear fins to glue itself into your ear canal. The Elite 7 Pro come with ANC and ambient sound mode, both working reasonably well. Another interesting feature is the SAATI Acoustic mesh which ensures cleaner conversation when you receive calls in windy situations. Jabra Elite 7 Pro review Check price 3. Beats PowerBeats Pro DURABLE EARBUDS WITH THE BEST STABILITY With its durable construction, rich sound, and great stability, PowerBeats Pro are an amazing workout companion for any basshead. Beats by Dr. Dre Powerbeats Pro In Ear Wireless Headphones -Red – New/ Sealed Beats by Dr. Dre Powerbeats Pro In Ear Wireless Headphones -Red – New/ Sealed $65.99 in stock Buy now eBay Powerbeats Pro Wireless Earbuds – Apple H1 Headphone Chip, Class 1 Bluetooth Headphones, 9 Hours… Powerbeats Pro Wireless Earbuds – Apple H1 Headphone Chip, Class 1 Bluetooth Headphones, 9 Hours… $179.95 $249.95 in stock 2 new from $179.95 16 used from $127.46 as of March 29, 2023 2:24 am Buy now Amazon.com Beats by Dr. Dre Powerbeats Pro Bluetooth True Wireless Earbuds with Charging Case, Navy, MY592LL/A Beats by Dr. Dre Powerbeats Pro Bluetooth True Wireless Earbuds with Charging Case, Navy, MY592LL/A $179.95 $199.95 in stock Buy now Walmart.com Beats PowerBeats Pro review Connection: Bluetooth 5.0 Driver size: 12mm Frequency range: n/a Type:: In-ear | Battery Life: 11h + 24h in case | Range: 33ft – 10m | Noise cancelling: No | Charging: Under 1h + quick charge – Lightning | Mic & controls: Yes | Bluetooth codecs: SBC, AAC | Water resistance: IPX4 | Features: Ear hooks, H1 chip, volume controls on both sides Deep, punchy bass that energizes music (V-shaped signature) Great battery life with quick charging (we got over 11 hours out of them) Perfect stability for working out High build-quality and nice materials Sweatproof, but can’t be submerged They get slightly uncomfortable after 30 minutes Pricey Large charging case No way to turn them off without the charging case Mids sound a bit subdued Beats is finally going for more clear sound quality, although PowerBeats Pro are still primarily basshead wireless earbuds. They have a very distinct V-shaped frequency response, which is very enjoyable for a bass lover. When it comes to build quality, the PowerBeats Pro are amazing. Construction is excellent, with hard plastic housing and a flexible ear-hook design for extra stability. Not only are the PowerBeats Pro dependable, but they’re also very long-lasting earbuds. In our tests, we got over 11 hours per charge with an additional 24 hours from the fast-charging case. With the IPX4 water protection, they are sweatproof, although we don’t recommend submerging them into water. All in all, these are durable earphones with an integrated mic, volume control, and the option to summon a voice assistant that are perfect for active use. Beats PowerBeats Pro review Check price See related: Best bass earbuds Best workout headphones 4. MEE audio Pinnacle P1 MOST DURABLE WIRED EARBUDS While these durable earbuds don’t offer water protection, their metal housing makes them extremely durable against accidental drops. MEE audio Pinnacle P1 High Fidelity Audiophile In-Ear Headphones with Detachable Cables -… MEE audio Pinnacle P1 High Fidelity Audiophile In-Ear Headphones with Detachable Cables -… $199.99 in stock 2 new from $199.99 as of March 29, 2023 5:42 am Buy now Amazon.com MEE audio Pinnacle P1 High Fidelity Audiophile In-Ear Headphones MEE audio Pinnacle P1 High Fidelity Audiophile In-Ear Headphones $199.99 in stock Buy now eBay MEE audio Pinnacle P1 High Fidelity Audiophile In-Ear Headphones with Detachable Cables MEE audio Pinnacle P1 High Fidelity Audiophile In-Ear Headphones with Detachable Cables $295.97 in stock Buy now Walmart.com Connection: Wired – 3.5mm Driver size: 10mm copper-clad aluminum coil Frequency range: 20-20.000Hz Type: In-ear monitor | Back design: Closed-back | Noise cancelling: No | Mic & Controls: Optional | Impedance: 50 Ohm | Weight: 1 oz (29 g) | Cable lenght: 51 inches (130 cm) | Features: Detachable cable Smooth, detailed sound (with foam tips) Heavy but very comfortable Can be worn straight down or over the ears Sturdy zinc alloy housing You need an amp to get the most out of them Cable noise is pretty noticeable Great IEM below $200 with amazing sound quality, natural mid-range, pinpoint accurate imaging, and great 3D soundstage. For the best audio experience, use Comply foam ear tips. That also adds some low frequencies, speaking from personal experience. Pinnacle P1 housing is made of zinc alloy. It will survive any accidental drops, as long as they don’t land in water (no IP rating, unfortunately). These durable wired earbuds come with detachable silver-coated wires (MMCX connector type). By twisting two wires together, you get a durable reinforced cable that’s harder to break. For tangle-free storage, you get a compact carrying case inside the box. You can find all replacements on the official website, and you can even buy an individual earbud. For maximum comfort and good fit, you should wear them in an over-the-ear configuration, which also helps with microphonics. You can get the Pinnacle PX model from the Drop website, but it comes with a worse quality cable with an inline mic and overall fewer accessories. Check price 5. Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro BEST NOISE CANCELLING DURABLE EARBUDS Dual drivers create a balanced audio quality, while the noise cancellation mutes the ambient noise. Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro True Wireless Bluetooth Earbud Headphones – Bora Purple Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro True Wireless Bluetooth Earbud Headphones – Bora Purple $139.99 in stock Buy now eBay Buds2 Pro – Gray (SM-R510NZAWXAR) Buds2 Pro – Gray (SM-R510NZAWXAR) $199.00 $229.99 in stock Buy now Walmart.com SAMSUNG Galaxy Buds 2 Pro True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds w/ Noise Cancelling, Hi-Fi Sound, 360… SAMSUNG Galaxy Buds 2 Pro True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds w/ Noise Cancelling, Hi-Fi Sound, 360… $219.99 $229.99 in stock 2 new from $219.99 35 used from $111.74 as of March 29, 2023 7:52 am Buy now Amazon.com Connection: Bluetooth 5.3 Driver size: Dual dynamic drivers (subwoofer & tweeter) Frequency range: n/a Type: True wireless | Battery life: 8h + 21h (without ANC) | Wireless range: 33ft (10 meters) | Noise cancelling: Yes | Charging: Quick charge – USB-C & Qi wireless | Mic & Controls: Yes | Bluetooth codecs: SBC, AAC, Scalable Codec | Water resistance: IPX7 | Features: 360 Audio, SmartThings Find Balanced sound that works with all music genres Comfortable and stable fit Improved active noise cancellation over their predecessor Waterproof design with an IPX7 rating Lots of features to play around … … but most are reserved for Samsung users only Battery life of 5 hours per charge (with ANC) is only O.K. Like Galaxy Buds+, the Buds2 Pro model also uses dual drivers to separately output lower and higher frequencies. They have a good sound profile with a very balanced frequency response. There’s a little bit of high-end and sub-bass boost. These are one of the most durable wireless earbuds to offer outside noise cancellation and an IPX7 water-resistant rating. Most other earbuds with ANC can’t offer the same water protection. The battery life is more than great, playing your favorite music for 8 hours on a single charge before needing to recharge (with ANC enabled). The carry case holds extra 21 hours and supports Qi charging. Buds2 Pro are can also help with phone calls, offering great call quality no matter how noisy the environment gets. One thing worth mentioning is that Buds2 Pro come in different colors so that you can match the color to your personality. Check price 6. JBL Reflect Mini NC True wireless earbuds around $100 with many other features from the premium models that still retain high durability. JBL Reflect Mini NC True Wireless Noise Cancelling Sport Earbuds Waterproof JBL Reflect Mini NC True Wireless Noise Cancelling Sport Earbuds Waterproof $29.99 $112.95 in stock Buy now eBay Restored JBL Reflect Mini NC Waterproof True Wireless Noise Cancelling Sport Earbuds (Refurbished) Restored JBL Reflect Mini NC Waterproof True Wireless Noise Cancelling Sport Earbuds (Refurbished) $29.99 $149.95 in stock Buy now Walmart.com JBL Reflect Mini NC: True Wireless Noise Cancelling Sport Headphones – Black JBL Reflect Mini NC: True Wireless Noise Cancelling Sport Headphones – Black $99.95 $149.95 in stock 4 new from $99.95 6 used from $75.00 as of March 29, 2023 5:42 am Buy now Amazon.com JBL Reflect Mini NC review Connection: Bluetooth 5.1 Driver size: 6mm Frequency range: 20-20.000Hz Type: True wireless | Battery life: 7h + 14h in case | Wireless range: 33ft (10m) | Noise cancelling: Yes | Charging: 2h – USB-C | Mic & Controls: Yes | Bluetooth codecs: SBC, AAC | Water resistance: IPX7 | Features: Ambient Aware, TalkThru, mono mode, EQ Excellent sound quality (after EQ) Great stability during workouts Comfortable fit Stable Bluetooth 5.1 connection Companion app with custom EQ Durable build with an IPX7 rating Poor active noise cancellation performance Control customization could be better You can tame the default enhanced bass within the app’s EQ. After some corrections, the listening experience gets a more natural sound signature yet is still very energetic and punchy. These are the best option for working out from JBL. Each durable earbud is rather big and bulky. But as long as you don’t have really small ears, it should provide a perfect fit. Different sizes of mushroom-shaped silicone ear tips ensure good noise isolation. The latter is crucial since the active noise-canceling is rather poor. To ensure great durability, the Reflect Mini NC are made of plastic and tested for an IPX7 rating. And to prevent accidental drops, earbuds use long ear fins to latch into your pinna. JBL Reflect Mini NC review Check price Check similar: Best true wireless earbuds under $50 Best earbuds under $100 Best cheap headphones 7. Anker Soundcore Life A1 The Anker Soundcore Life A1 are one of the most durable cheap wireless earbuds under $50. Soundcore by Anker Life A1 True Wireless Earbuds, Powerful Customized Sound, 35H Playtime,… Soundcore by Anker Life A1 True Wireless Earbuds, Powerful Customized Sound, 35H Playtime,… $49.99 in stock 3 new from $49.99 as of March 29, 2023 12:42 am Buy now Amazon.com Soundcore by Anker Life A3i Bluetooth Earbuds Hybrid ANC Headphone Bass 4 Mics Soundcore by Anker Life A3i Bluetooth Earbuds Hybrid ANC Headphone Bass 4 Mics $49.99 in stock Buy now eBay Soundcore by Anker Life A1 True Wireless Earbuds, Powerful Customized Sound, 35H Playtime,… Soundcore by Anker Life A1 True Wireless Earbuds, Powerful Customized Sound, 35H Playtime,… $70.32 in stock Buy now Walmart.com Anker Soundcore Life A1 review Connection: Bluetooth 5.0 Driver size: 8mm dynamic Frequency range: 20-20.000Hz Type: True wireless | Battery life: 9h + 26h in case | Wireless range: 60ft (18.2m) | Noise cancelling: No | Charging: Quick charging – USB-C & Qi charging | Mic & Controls: Yes | Bluetooth codecs: SBC, AAC | Water resistance: IPX7 | Features: EQ presets, ear fins Good sound quality Fantastic comfort & stability Reliable Bluetooth connection Great battery life (more than 8h per charge) Usable physical controls with 3 EQ profiles Okay passive noise isolation Some audio delay when watching videos With great sound quality, for the most part, Anker Soundcore Life A1 have pretty elevated sub-bass and shimmery highs due to a boost around 8kHz. You can further boost the bass if you’re into extremes by changing the EQ profile. There’s also a Podcast mode with a clearer vocal range. As for ruggedness, earbuds sport an IPX7 rating and have a simple yet durable design that sits flush with your ears (preventing wind noise). Ear fins help them stabilize during exercise. The battery is great at more than 8 hours per charge, also giving you the option for Qi wireless charging. Thanks to physical controls (which aren’t annoying to use), you can use them even in a cold environment or when your fingers are wet. Anker Soundcore Life A1 review Check price 8. TOZO T10 A perfect choice for the most rugged pick under $30 with waterproof earbuds and the case. BRAND NEW Black Tozo T10 Upgraded True Wireless Bluetooth IPX8 Stereo Headphones BRAND NEW Black Tozo T10 Upgraded True Wireless Bluetooth IPX8 Stereo Headphones $14.77 in stock Buy now eBay TOZO T10 Bluetooth 5.0 Wireless Earbuds with Wireless Charging Case IPX8 Waterproof Stereo… TOZO T10 Bluetooth 5.0 Wireless Earbuds with Wireless Charging Case IPX8 Waterproof Stereo… $23.99 $39.99 in stock 10 new from $23.99 43 used from $14.99 as of March 28, 2023 9:22 pm Buy now Amazon.com TOZO T10 True Wireless Earbuds In-Ear Bluetooth Headphones Stereo Calls Touch Control IPX8… TOZO T10 True Wireless Earbuds In-Ear Bluetooth Headphones Stereo Calls Touch Control IPX8… $25.89 $49.99 in stock Buy now Walmart.com TOZO T10 review Connection: Bluetooth 5.0 Driver size: 8mm dynamic Frequency range: 18-20.000Hz Type: True wireless | Battery life: 6h + 24h in case | Wireless range: 40ft (12,2m) | Noise cancelling: No | Charging: 1.5h – quick charge – USB-C & Qi charging | Mic & Controls: Yes | Bluetooth codecs: SBC, AAC | Water resistance: IP68 | Features: Mono mode Fun sound quality with natural midrange IP68 rating for both earbuds & charging case Comfortable fit Reliable touch controls USB-C & Qi wireless charging Extreme audio delay during videos Mediocre microphone quality TOZO T10 are more than great for the price. Despite the bass-heavy boost, they sound relatively natural. Therefore, they’re suitable for a wide range of music genres. The most impressive feature about T10s is that the sturdy earbuds and the charging case share the same IPX8 rating. Meaning they can both survive getting drenched in water. That’s even better than other devices in this guide, like Jaybird Vista 2. However, earbuds themselves aren’t as rugged and shockproof in comparison. Still, they’re small, so they fit perfectly into any ear. They’re comfortable to wear for long periods, as well. The battery life is good at 6 hours per charge, having another 24 hours inside the Qi charging case. TOZO T10 review Check price 9. TaoTronics Soundliberty 80 MOST DURABLE CLASSIC EARPHONES These AirPods lookalikes are one of the most durable earbuds on the market, with IPX8 to ensure the ultimate protection. TaoTronics SoundLiberty 80 True Wireless Bluetooth 5.0 Stereo Earbuds TT-BH080 TaoTronics SoundLiberty 80 True Wireless Bluetooth 5.0 Stereo Earbuds TT-BH080 $22.99 in stock Buy now eBay TWS SoundLiberty 80, Bluetooth 5.0 Earbuds with AI Noise Canceling Mic TWS SoundLiberty 80, Bluetooth 5.0 Earbuds with AI Noise Canceling Mic $54.99 in stock Buy now Ravpower.com Wireless Earbuds TaoTronics SoundLiberty 80, Bluetooth 5.0 Earbuds with AI Noise Canceling Mic,… Wireless Earbuds TaoTronics SoundLiberty 80, Bluetooth 5.0 Earbuds with AI Noise Canceling Mic,… out of stock Buy now Walmart.com TaoTronics Soundliberty 80 review Connection: Bluetooth 5.0 Driver size: 12mm Frequency range: n/a Type: True wireless | Battery life: 4h + 16h in case | Wireless range: 50ft (15m) | Noise cancelling: No | Charging: Quick charge – USB-C | Mic & Controls: Yes | Bluetooth codecs: SBC, AAC, aptX | Water resistance: IPX8 | Features: Mono mode, touch controls Good overall sound IPX8 water-resistant rating Excellent microphone quality Support for both AAC and aptX No audio lag with videos and games No passive isolation whatsoever Subpar battery life Poor stability Classic earphones don’t usually sound that full, but the Soundliberty 80 do. Even though the deep bass response is a bit lacking, the rest sounds pretty good. Smooth and without any sibilance. These Apple AirPods lookalikes have an interesting design with a shiny, blueish exterior and a pointy stem. The latter serves as a microphone extender. Speaking of an integrated microphone, these are probably the best earbuds for making phone calls. The call quality is clean, and buds can even completely block background noise. Another great thing is that these are surprisingly durable in-ear headphones. They offer a fully waterproof design with an IPX8 rating. Furthermore, earbuds support aptX Bluetooth codec for a more stable connection with Android devices. TaoTronics Soundliberty 80 review Check price More related guides: Best earbuds under $50 Best Bluetooth earbuds under $50 Best wireless earbuds under $30 Best cheap earbuds Honorable Mentions RHA MA750 Wireless A durable pair of earbuds offer impressive stainless steel housing with IPX4 protection against water splashes, oxygen-free cable, multiple ear tips, a shirt clip, and a handmade 560.1 driver made in Japan. And on top of that, you get a three-year warranty. Check MA750 price RHA MA650 Wireless Another durable earphones from RHA with uncompromising build material quality and sweat proof rating. These are some of the most durable earbuds under $100. They have an impressive battery life of 12 hours and a crisp and clear sound. Check MA650 price Shure SE215 One of the most durable earbuds with a cable (best value for most people and even professional musicians). Shure SE215 do a great job, thanks to the thick plastic design, weather-resistant housing, easy replacement cables with gold-plated connectors, and plenty of passive sound isolation from external noises. Check SE215 price What Makes Earbuds Durable? Quality materials: Strong, durable plastic is lightweight and offers great protection from physical damage. The metal housing is even better, offering better structural integrity, and looks nice. Water resistance: For athletes and fitness freaks, sweatproof earbuds are a must. Look for minimum IPX4 or waterproof IPX6 earbuds. You can find many of the best waterproof Bluetooth headphones. What’s IPX? Or check the best workout headphones for the gym. No weak points: Most earbuds have potential breaking points, whether it’s a badly made connector, inadequate strain relief, or weird, crack-prone earphone shape. These points are always revealed after the first few weeks of use so it’s impossible to know them beforehand. Hinge design: If hinges are present, it’s important they’re made for long-term use and don’t crumble after a few weeks. Cable coating: Some cables are reinforced with Kevlar, and some have extra layers of rubber coating, but since cables are one of the usual weakest points, cable strength plays an important role. A good warranty helps: Customer support plays a big role in deciding whether to buy certain earbuds. If you know that you have access to good customer support that can quickly replace your broken pair of earbuds, then it’s much easier to make the purchase. Especially if the product has a lifetime warranty like Koss’s. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) How long do most durable earbuds last? Average quality earbuds last from 3-4 years. Some quality ones have higher build quality, with the longest-lasting earbuds enduring up to 5 years+ with medium use. See how to clean your earbuds. Of course, with wireless earbuds, the biggest problem is the battery and not the build quality itself. Bluetooth gadgets usually last around 3 years before the battery capacity drops significantly. Are headphones more durable than earbuds? Generally speaking, yes. Most over-ear and on-ear headphones have a metal headband, and at least some other metal parts. Plus, they’re heavier and bigger so we tend to take better care of them. Earbuds are often thrown into backpacks, carried in pockets, and exposed to clumsy situations that end their “life”. Normal wear and tear are harder on earphones on the long run. Are true wireless earbuds durable? Yes, and a solid pair can be even more durable than normal wired earbuds since the cable is usually the weakest part. Durable true wireless earbuds can be fully waterproof and drop resistant, which is something not many wired buds possess. However, no matter how durable set you pick, the batteries eventually deteriorate, so truly wireless headphones can’t last for many years. If you aren’t able to replace the battery, they become e-waste. Why do earphones break? There are many reasons: You can drop them on the floor You can sit on them You can crush them in a pocket/backpack Water damage due to contact with electronics You can pull on the wires too strongly You can snap their cable Your cat or dog can chew the wires And there are probably more reasons that belong to “other” category (tell us in the comments)
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