Realistically speaking, earbuds are not the most durable ear gear on the market. They are not really designed to be used for long term but they are still one of the most popular audio gear on the market today because they are technically the next best thing to wireless listening. If you don’t want to deal with earbuds that easily break or get damaged, you need to scout for the most durable earbuds in the market.
This article will run a fast roundup of the most durable earbuds in the market today. The items or product included here are from different sound tech companies and are made of quality materials, like metal, aluminum and durable plastic. If you’re looking for the best earbuds for small ears, we’ve rounded up a list for you in another article!
What Makes a Durable Earbud?
The most durable earbuds sport quality materials that are far from low-grade, cheap plastic. Most companies who are marketing most durable earbuds use strong, durable plastic because this material offers great protection from physical damage and is very lightweight.
There are also earbud brands who use metal housing (aluminum, magnesium, etc) that offer more advantages for the consumer. Most durable earbuds also differ in the thickness of the rubber around the wires or cable. Not all rubber is made equal, and it can really affect the durability of even the most durable earbuds.
How to Test Earphone Durability?
Many of you might be wondering how we test earphone durability? Well, there are many factors that test the durability of an earphone. The product can be tested for long or heavy periods of usage, while performing a sport, while on an outdoor adventure, while out on a run, while hiking or going swimming.
Different buds have different sets of features and the durability of the most durable earbuds out there in the market greatly depend on the usage and lifestyle of a consumer. Putting the most durable earbuds through the different hustle and bustle or rigors of daily life and intentionally not taking them out right away will test the durability and flexibility of the gear.
What Earphones Did You Test for Durability?
In this article, we decided to pick the candidates for most durable earbuds from different price points, brand, manufacturer – specifically those who have been getting top reviews in the we. Products from Shure, Bose, Westone, Sennheiser are just some of the earphones we reviewed for the most durable earbuds.
Most Durable Earbuds: Shure SE215
What We Like
- affordable version of high-end Shure models
- superb noise isolation
This tool is the cheapest model in the Shure line but it is surprisingly similar to the ultra high-end Shure SE535s. Shure SE 215 have been making waves even a couple of years back, being included as one of the five toughest earphones way back in 2018. Up until now, this pair of most durable earbuds from Shure is still continuing to mark its name in the consumer audio market.
Most durable earbuds have a similar design of moulded closure; meaning, it snugs fitly in your ear white the cable fits around it. This engineering makes sure that the most durable earbuds have a secure fit. This is one of the reasons why pro musicians like using most durable earbuds when performing a live activity. Additionally, this pair of most durable earbuds from Shure is also used as a stage monitor by musicians.
Speaking of musicians, we all know how live performances just seem to put musicians on an adrenaline rush. That being said, the Shure SE215 manages to stay strong and resilient despite being sweated on, thrown in luggages or accidentally dropped backstage.
To combat weak wire issues, the cable is reinforced with Kevlar. For the best, precision fit, the black foam ones (the ones that are compressed before putting in the ear) are recommended. This pair of most durable earbuds have the ability to isolate almost all background noise from the outside.
In terms of sound quality, the manufacturing company has marketed this most durable earbuds as warm and detailed. The in-ear volume is great and there’s a certain richness and weight to the bass that is unexpectedly pleasant. There is a distinct tight, punchy sound that Shure’s most durable earbuds produce, perfect for specific scenarios where some earbuds can’t cope with. Consider this most durable earbuds as a set that perfectly combines warmth and detail.
Most Durable Earbuds: Bose SoundSport In-ear Headphones
What We Like
- natural and clear audio
- sweat and weather resistant
- comes with a carrying case
This pair of most durable earbuds from Bose offer a natural and clear audio thanks to its high quality materials and construction. If you have an active life or you’re always on the go, this pair of most durable earbuds from Bose can definitely keep up.
The materials of this pair of most durable earbuds are sweat and weather-resistant. We all know that the most durable earbuds are tested when it’s exposed to anything moist – like rain or water. That being said, the most durable earbuds from Bose are designed to have waterproofing features to ensure that it stays in tip top shape during unforeseen circumstances.
The overall construction of the Bose SoundSport in-ear is ergonomic, precise and clean, giving consumers a consistent high-quality sound with housings that are compact and light while still enjoying a fair amount of volume.
Bose SoundSport In-ear headphones are considered to be a really good value for your money, providing a listener with an incredibly comfortable and durable pair of most durable earbuds without compromising the sound quality. The product also comes with a carrying case, perfect for a listener who doesn’t just want to stuff earphones directly into the purse or bag.
Most Durable Earbuds: Sennheiser IE 80 S
What We Like
- rich, high-detailed sound
What We Don’t Like
- pricey
- no microphone for taking calls
- no control button
The Sennheiser IE 80 S represents the full-bodied and weighty ear gears for our lineup of the most durable earbuds. In terms of sound quality, the Sennheiser IE 80 has a tuneable bass response, rich, highly-detailed sound and is extremely comfortable to wear.
This pair of most durable earbuds belong to the expensive price range, which means that a listener may have to shell out a few extra bucks to hear music or podcasts using the Sennheiser IE 80 S. However, this pair of most durable earbuds are well worth your dollar, with its clear tangible value all sprawled out in its sleek design (for starters).
The most durable earbuds offered by Sennheiser are made of tough and flexible materials (Comply, lamella, silicone) – a sign that the manufacturer is not playing around. This pair of most durable earbuds from Sennheiser also comes in a set with ear hooks and a cleaning tool that can amusingly be used to adjust the bass response meter. It also comes with a carry case with several compartments.
A word of warning though, this pair of most durable earbuds from Sennheiser doesn’t come with a microphone for taking calls and it also doesn’t have a button for a listener to be able to control the music. Consumers can get a microphone or remote cable though, but they need to shell out another set of dollars on top of the selling price of Sennheiser’s most durable earbuds.
At first glance, the housing of the Sennheiser IE 80 looks quite average, but once worn, the device actually feels solid and comfortable. Plus, it offers crisp, clean and warm sound which makes for an overall great performance.
Most Durable Earbuds: Westone 78400 Adventure Series Alpha
What We Like
- weather resistant
- comes with a 3 button remote
Realistically speaking , Westone isn’t really the brand that first comes to mind when the topic of consumer audio is brought up. Whether in the web, in magazines or in retail stores, Westone is considered to be underrated, but it’s actually a pretty strong contender for the most durable earbuds.
The first link of entry of Westone in the world of consumer audio goes back to 1959, when they were popular for making custom earpieces for performers and music professionals. From the name “Adventure Series Alpha”, Westone’s most durable earbuds proudly live up to its name with an IPX3 certification. For short, this pair of most durable earbuds from Westone are weather-resistant so it doesn’t really matter if you get drenched in the rain or accidentally fall in the pool while wearing these bad boys. You don’t need to frantically keep this pair of most durable earbuds dry because they are prepared for weather-related or wetness issues. If you’re looking for a pair of the most durable earbuds that are truly low maintenance, the Westone Adventure Series Alpha is an ideal choice.
Unlike the Sennheiser IE 80, the Westone Adventure Series Alpha has a three button remote that lets listeners play or pause music and adjust the volume of whatever they may be listening to. Skipping tracks or repeating a song is also possible with just a few clocks of the multifunction button in the middle of the remote.
Even if Westone Adventure Series Alpha is considered to be one of the most durable earbuds in the market, it doesn’t really mean that it’s bionic. It may still reach its breaking point and one of the most prone to break or be damaged is the cable. The good thing about this most durable earbuds is that the cable is also replaceable and can be easily swapped out.
It is worth noting that the cable of Westone’s most durable earbuds is made of AWACS reflective coating, enabling them to be seen in low light or dark conditions thanks to its ability to reflect light or any kind of illumination.
The earbuds of Westone’s most durable earbuds comes with different ear tips to help listeners get a good and snug fit. In total, there are five comfort foam ear tips and another five silicone ear tips. They are color coded for the convenience of the user, saving time and effort in matching the earbuds with their designated partner.
Most Durable Earbuds: Aukey Key Series T10
What We Like
- true wireless earbuds
- wireless charging case
What We Don’t Like
- a bit heavier than its counterparts at 8 ounces
If you’re looking for the most durable earbuds that offer wireless Bluetooth (12 hours), the Aukey Key Series T10 might just be the perfect match for you. Also known as true wireless earbuds, Aukey’s most durable earbuds come with a wireless charging case, 3-foot USB cable, 3 extra sets of wing tips and 3 extra sets of ear tips.
This pair of most durable earbuds from Aukey are 100% wireless, sleek, small and are designed to be fit in the ears effortlessly. There are no bulky, over-ear straps or annoying battery pods. The housing of Aukey’s most durable earbuds is coated with a black, matte shell paired with a flat profile that’s almost invisible to the ear
The rubber ear tips of the most durable earbuds from Aukey is replaceable, same with their wing tips. The Aukey Key Series T10 is also ideal for practically any ear size, so this is a perfect device to be given as a gift, especially if you don’t really want to deal with measurements and sizing.
Along with the charging case, this pair of most durable earbuds from Aukey weigh around 8 ounces. This may seem to be heavy for some, but don’t forget that the charging case includes a power pack. So overall, this pair of most durable Earbuds is still amazingly lightweight.
This pair of most durable earbuds from Aukey is sweat proof and waterproof – perfect for intense workouts or getting caught in the rain without any protective gear or an umbrella. Another perk of this most durable earbuds is that they are capable of wireless charging. Instead of carrying around an independent battery pack during commute or travel, only to get a few, measly hours of playback time.
This most durable earbuds from Aukey can also be used independently, meaning, you can charge one earbud while using the other for important phone calls on your mobile phone (Android, iOs, etc.).
