Buying a pair of new headphones has gotten increasingly confusing. Many companies have been releasing excellent headphones year after year to grab a chunk of the market share.
However, apart from the sound quality, the performance, and the connectivity, there's another thing you need to consider: durability. Good headphones are expensive, so the last thing you'd want is for them to snap or break because you took them out awkwardly or they fell off an elevated surface.
Thankfully, you can still find a few headphones that are generally well-built and not as likely to break quickly. So, without further ado, let's look at the most durable and robust headphones of 2022.
1. Sennheiser Momentum 2.0 On-Ear Wireless
The Sennheiser Momentum 2.0 sits at the pinnacle of Sennheiser's Momentum line, and rightly so. It's one of the most expensive pairs of headphones in the market right now, but you get your money's worth.
The stainless steel construction and the high-quality leather padding mean you don't have to worry about breakage or issues. It sports a folding headband, and the high-grade stainless steel offers a certain level of flex that you don't get with other headphones made of plastic.
Perhaps the cherry on top is that the MOMENTUM 2 sounds phenomenal, making it a complete package.
2. Sennheiser HD 450BT
The Sennheiser HD 450BT offers the perfect mix of form and functionality without costing too much. If you need an everyday pair of headphones that you can put through the paces, this is a great choice all around.
The plastic headband is solid and sturdy, and the headphones themselves have a generally premium feel to them, despite the affordable price tag. The padding on the ear cups is also quite thick and made from faux leather.
The faux leather will wear out after a couple of years, but Sennheiser offers cheap replacements. It's well-built, and despite supporting Bluetooth 5.0, there's also an audio cable input, making it one of the best headphones that don't cost a fortune.
3. Sony WH-1000XM4
The Sony WH-1000XM4 looks very similar to the previous iteration, the WH-1000XM3, but with a few subtle design changes that really makes it the undisputed king of wireless noise-canceling headphones in 2022.
There's ample padding around the ear cups (10% more than the previous model) and the headband, meaning wearer comfort won't be a problem. The dense plastic frame has a fine strip of stainless steel running underneath, which you can see when you pull on the yoke to extend the cups.
The fork is also incredibly stable, so it's not likely to sustain any damage during everyday wear and tear. Simply put, if you're looking for the best wireless headphones in the market with industry-leading noise cancellation and top-notch durability, you can't go wrong with Sony's flagship offering.
4. Sony MDR 7506
If you need professional headphones with higher impedance, the Sony MDR 7506 is a fantastic choice. Used by sound engineers and recording artists alike, the MDR 7506 is one of the most durable pairs of cans on the market.
It features a foldable design and rugged construction, making it easy to carry around while traveling. The coiled cable included in the box is also longer and more resilient, so you don't have to worry about it accidentally snagging and coming off if it gets stuck on the side of a table or another protruding surface.
5. Jabra Evolve2 85
Jabra has upped its game over the past several years, and the Evolve2 85 is an incredibly durable headphone that you can use for music playback or work purposes. It has a retractable boom microphone that gives it an upper hand over the competition during voice calls.
The Jabra Evolve2 85 is made from premium materials, including a stainless steel underframe and dense plastic. The ear cups feature strong memory foam padding that contours around the shape of your ears, making these headphones an ideal choice for all-day listening.
If you're a digital nomad looking for a versatile pair of cans, this is one of the best tech gadgets for more adventurous travelers.
6. Beoplay H95
Bang & Olufsen's Beoplay H95 is one of the most expensive pairs of headphones on the market. The Danish brand is renowned for infusing luxury aesthetics and materials without compromising sound quality, and the H95 delivers on both fronts.
Not only does it sound great, but it's also stunningly well-made. The H95 comes in a hard case, protecting it against those random bumps or scratches during everyday commutes. The headband is made from premium cowhide leather, so it will only get better as it ages.
The internal framework is made from brushed aluminum, which adds a bit of flex and improves durability without making them too heavy to wear. Overall, the Beoplay H95 is a stunning piece of headgear, provided you're willing to pay the steep price.
7. Bose QuietComfort 35 II
Bose is one of the biggest names in the headphone industry, and the QuietComfort 35 II are arguably some of the most popular headphones you can buy. Featuring excellent noise cancellation and an array of advanced functions, not only do they sound great, but they're very durable too!
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II is ideal for all-day wear with a padded headband and soft earcup materials. The dense plastic is robust, so you won't have to worry about any cracks appearing anytime soon. It's one of the best choices out there for people who want durability and excellent sound quality in one package.
8. Apple AirPods Max
The AirPods Max are Apple's most expensive headphones, and while some may argue about the price, they are definitely durable. The noise cancellation is fantastic, and like most of Apple's products, they feel incredibly premium.
There's no padding on the headband, but it features a mesh design and memory foam ear cups that allow breathability and provides greater comfort. And you can also use them to listen to spatial audio on your Mac and other Apple devices.
The all-metal construction means that these cans are more than capable of taking a beating since the entire frame is made from a single piece of carved aviation-grade aluminum.
How Much Are You Willing to Pay for Good Headphones?
There's little doubt in the fact that when you buy premium headphones, not only do you get better sound, but you also get more longevity. Choices like the Sony WH-1000XM4 and the Apple AirPods Max definitely prove that point.
Remember that durability shouldn't be your only concern when buying new headphones. Consider other features such as active noise cancellation, multi-device support, companion app, and playback buttons. However, if you already have a pair of durable headphones, you can slightly improve the sound quality by tinkering with the settings.