The 10 Most Durable Headphones You Can Currently Buy

Although the way we listen to music has changed in a lot of ways — from tapes and CDs to streaming services like Spotify and local music players on devices such as smartphones — in other ways, it has remained largely the same. Although technology has notably advanced in recent years, we still primarily listen to music from a speaker or through headphones. Of course, headphones are very different from how they once were and there are now waterproof models worth buying, wireless headphones, and earbuds designed for use when running.

Choosing the right headphones can be tricky simply because there are so many considerations to account for. Most people will want a pair that sounds good and doesn't look terrible, while others will focus on the convenience of not having any wires. What customers often don't think about is durability. That's strange considering how expensive headphones can be, as no one wants to keep shelling out for new models unnecessarily.

Fortunately, some rugged and long-lasting headphones on the market can withstand plenty of punishment and still provide excellent sound quality. All of these sturdy headphones are perfect for those who want a pair that can survive a drop or continuous use. We've compiled the very best durable headphones based on reviews from experts across the web.

Although they aren't a popular choice for enthusiasts or normal users, the Sony MDR-7506s are the headphones of choice for professionals working in sound production. Whether it is members of a film crew on set or a mixer working in a studio, there's a good chance you'll encounter a pair of Sony MDR-7506s. Relatively cheap compared to similar products, they have a good sound quality and are good for hearing sounds or music as it is without adding any effects or warping the audio.

The Sony MDR-7506s didn't become an industry standard by accident. They are well-built and have a metal frame to add extra durability to the overall build. These are the kind of headphones that can be used for hours every day and thrown into bags without users worrying about whether they will survive — even with the mostly plastic build. They are sturdy and comfortable, setting a decent standard for professional-level headphones primed for wear and tear.

The best thing about the Sony MDR-7506 is that they are designed to be easily fixed. Most of the parts on the product can be replaced with fairly cheap parts, even with little user expertise.

Jabra has become one of the most popular brands for headphones and earbuds in recent years, creating various models suited for home use, office work, and even exercise. This includes the Evolve2 85 Wireless and the Jabra Elite Active 75t Truly Wireless models. The second pair of earbuds have been designed specifically for sports and fitness, providing those who want to listen to music or podcasts while exercising the right tools for the job.

The compact design of the Jabra Elite Active 75t Truly Wireless earbuds means they are less likely to be damaged, as they can easily be safely stored in pockets. The case also protects from potential dangers while charging them for extended use. Reviews have noted the device is built from dense plastic that is strong enough to withstand daily bumps and scrapes without any issues. With an Ingress Protection (IP) rating of IP57, they are dust and water-resistant, to the extent that they should die even if dropped or submerged briefly in water.

There are some drawbacks when it comes to sound quality and noise cancellation, but that's to be expected from earbuds like this that are made to be compact and strong. Those wanting to focus on those areas would be better suited with over-ear headphones that don't have to compromise on

Sennheiser has always been an audio brand that is synonymous with quality. It doesn't matter what pair you grab, there's a good chance they'll have excellent sound capabilities and a solid build. This is the case with the Sennheiser Momentum 3.0 Wireless headphones, a $350 product that is a proper competitor to some of the high-end wireless headphones that are currently available.

The overall frame of the headphones is made from solid metal, with dense plastic used for some of the other parts. Genuine leather is used for the headband and earpads, and memory foam is used for added comfort. The Bose 700s also fold to a fairly compact size thanks to the hinges on the frame. This can really help to prevent damage during travel as the earpads aren't exposed. A selection of rubber buttons replace the plastic buttons found on most headphones and they feel far sturdier as a result.

Although there is a newer model on the market, in the form of the Sennheiser Momentum 4, users might want to stick with the earlier incarnation. There have been some complaints about the build quality, ranging from units being defective on delivery and the headphones feeling less sturdy than their predecessor. Reviews of the Momentum 3 headphones taken over an extended timeframe also suggest they can last a good amount of time as long as they aren't abused.

Beyerdynamic is an audio company best known for its microphones and headphones. The brand has also established a reputation for creating strong products that can stand the test of time. In fact, it isn't all that surprising to find people using Beyerdynamic headphones that are more than a decade old without any issues. There are many options when it comes to headphones from the German manufacturer, but the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pros stand out as some of the toughest.

At the heart of the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro headphones is the steel headband. It is flexible and thin enough to provide excellent comfort while not sacrificing anything when it comes to sturdiness. The ear cups are also dense enough that they can survive being dropped onto the floor multiple times The non-detachable cable may be a concern for some users, yet the cable is robust thanks to its rubber and plastic construction, so it won't become tangled. The upshot is that there shouldn't be any issue with it quickly breaking.

These particular headphones don't disappoint in sound quality either. While they may not have the overall capabilities of more expensive alternatives, they provide a neutral and accurate sound profile that is a good choice for personal use or in a studio setting.

German Maestro may not be a brand many are all that familiar with. Based in the town of Obrigheim in Germany, the company focuses on audio accessories and products. While they were known for mainly producing speakers, it has since expanded into headphones and one of its signature products is the GMP 8.35 Mobile. Priced at €199 (or around $215), the headphone promises to deliver excellent sound quality in mid and high-range frequencies with good support for bass responses.

It isn't the GMP 8.35's audio capabilities that make these headphones stand out, though, but rather the product's sheer durability. The Verge noted that these were some of the sturdiest headphones on the market, backed up by users online who described them as indestructible. They are built to last and come with a three-year warranty, suggesting that the manufacturer is more than willing to put its money where its mouth is. The GMP 8.35 are exactly the type of headphones suited for those using them for work or will travel with them a lot, as they can take a lot of damage.

The Mobile version of the headphones even comes with a detachable cable at the request of customers with autism, meaning that the cord can be replaced if it breaks or swapped out for a more convenient cable. It also allows the headphones to act as ear defenders against outside noise if the wire is completely removed.