How Durable Are Gaming Headphones? (With Examples)

Are gaming headphones worth the price tag? Given the sticker price that these headphones come with, can they withstand the abuse of weekend LAN parties on top of the week-night gaming you may want to do?

Gamers use their headphones for hours, so it’s important that your gaming headphones are up to the task.

How durable are gaming headphones? 

The Durability of Gaming Headphones.

Gaming headphones made by established brands are more durable and the design of gaming headphones is often sturdy and bulky compared to regular headphones. This allows for stronger construction and a longer lifespan.

How Long Do Gaming Headphones Normally Last?

The most popular gaming headphones on the market can last anywhere from 2 – 5 years under heavy usage. 

Cheaper gaming headphones are likely to break faster, so you should consider yourself fortunate if they last two years.

But with proper care and cleaning, you can expect your gaming headphones to last beyond seven years.

Note that wireless gaming headphones usually last up to two years before the battery shows signs of aging and the headphones begin to lose charge faster.

Do They Last as Long as Other Headphones?

There are many gaming headphones on the market, but not all of them will last a long time.

It really depends on the maker, but well-made gaming headphones will last as long as any other well-made headphones.

What Typically Breaks First on Gaming Headphones?

The weakest point for headphones is their cables. 

• These cables often get rolled or sat on, as gaming headphones have longer cables to reach your console.
• The wires of gaming headphones also tend to snap when tension is placed on the wire, like when you stand up without taking off your headphones.
• The cables of gaming headphones also break when you pull on the cable instead of the plug when you unplug.
• And lastly, the cables of gaming headphones tend to break when not coiled properly, which end up tangled.

How Long is the Warranty on Gaming Headphones?

For the most part, the warranty of gaming headphones is usually 24 months from the date of purchase. It must be backed by proof of purchase from an authorized dealer or reseller of the brand concerned.

What exactly does the warranty cover?

The warranty of gaming headphones covers all manufacturing defects that may arise.

It does not cover normal wear and tear from regular use. 

That’s why you need to take care of your headphones so that you don’t void the warranty! Remember that all headphones are inspected before the warranty is honored to check for any signs of misuse which could have led to the damage that is being claimed.

Do Gaming Headphones Need Maintenance from the Owner?

If you want your headphones to last, they need to be taken care of.

Considering that different gaming headphones have different levels of durability, proper maintenance can go a long way.

• It keeps them in good condition and prevents any damage or deterioration in sound.
• Well-maintained headphones also ensure that there’s no wearing or deliberate damage that may affect any warranty claims.
• Proper care also maintains the resale value of your gaming headphones.

How Do You Care for Gaming Headphones?

Gaming headphones aren’t exactly the most durable headphones on the market, as they were designed for indoor use primarily.

That’s why proper care goes a long way for your gaming headphones to last longer.

That said, let’s take a look at what you can do to care for them.

Clean your headphones regularly

Regularly clean your gaming headphones before and after use.

As you put them on your ears, dirt from your headphones may penetrate your ears and cause irritation or infections. And while you’re using your headphones, grime can also accumulate through the sweat, oil, or other dirt that may be on your ears or hair.

Especially if you are in a humid environment, moisture will cling to your headphones, which can contribute to the corrosion of metal parts on your headphones.

Here’s how you clean your gaming headphones:

• Wipe your headphones after use with a soft cloth that’s dampened with alcohol or hand sanitizer.
• Brush off any dirt on the drivers
• Clean the jack by spraying with compressed air, or use a thin paper clip with double-sided tape to collect any particles.

Store cables properly

Many gaming headphones use a wired connection to help lower latency and delay in the audio. On top of that, wired connections produce more consistent sound quality.

For those who want to preserve the resale value of their gaming headphones, it’s important to maintain them properly so that you can preserve the stock cable.

The most important thing to remember is how to coil your cables. Improper coiling can lead to tangles and cause stress on the wires inside.

The good thing about this technique is that when you unfasten the cable, it will unfurl and not be tangled.

Here’s how to coil your cables properly:

• Get your cable and create an overhand loop.
• Flip and make an underhand loop.
• Repeat these steps in the same order until you reach the end of the cable.
• Once you reach the end, secure with hook and loop cable fasteners.

Aside from that, there are other reminders to care for your headphones:

• Avoid dangling the wires, as these also put pressure on the internal wires, especially when bent at an angle.
• Pull out the plug, and not the cable.
• Don’t leave your headphones plugged in continually, as they can damage the spring inside the jack.

Get storage for your headphones

If you always take your headphones with you, then you should invest in dedicated storage for your headphones. It need not be an intense, hard case, but it should have more protection than stuffing them inside a computer bag can offer!

Remember that having a case for your headphones prevents them from getting crushed during transit.

The proper storage also means it’s the right fit. You don’t want something too tight or too loose as it can still damage your headphones.

Avoid moisture and humid environments

Headphones can corrode due to exposure to moisture and humid environments.

Staying in rather humid environments speeds up corrosion, and sweating and moisture can also speed up your headphones’ degradation.

If you live in a humid environment, consider putting silica gel desiccant in your headphone’s case to absorb any moisture, and if you notice any moisture or sweat on your headphones, wipe it away with a dry cloth.

You should also be reading our article which talks about 4 Typical Problems With Gaming Headphones

Set the Volume and EQ levels properly

The speakers of your headphones have a coil in them that wears out over time. When the volume is too high, it vibrates more, which leads to faster wearing.

If your gaming headphones feature noise-canceling, take advantage of it instead of increasing the volume.

Here are other points to consider:

• Mute the volume when plugging and unplugging your headphones to avoid any popping sound that can damage your headphone speakers.
• Don’t use the bass boost a lot, as heavy bass frequencies can damage your headphones, especially if your gaming headphones weren’t designed for bass frequencies.

What Are the Best Gaming Headphones?

Razer Blackshark V2

For the most part, you can’t go wrong with Razer Blackshark V2.

• The sound quality is quite good, as it features 50 mm TriForce Titanium drivers that separate bass, mid, and trebles for a richer sound. The Hyperclear cardioid microphone also is quite good and is certified for Discord use.
• These headphones are also comfortable to use for long game hours. There’s also active noise cancellation, which helps you concentrate on the game.
• For those on the go, the microphone detaches for easy storage.
• And if that’s not enough to convince you, the $100 price tag makes it even more tempting.
• If there’s anything that disappoints with these gaming headphones, it’s the non-detachable cable. If you want a wireless version of these headphones, be prepared to add $80 for the wireless version.

HyperX Cloud II

For those who want wireless gaming headphones, the HyperX Cloud II is one of the most popular on the market today.

• Like the BlackShark V2, the Cloud II features balanced sound frequencies, thanks to its 53mm, neodymium magnets. Sound separation is very clear, so no frequencies drown out each other.
• The Cloud II features a detachable microphone and connects via a USB dongle. The build quality is superb, so you can expect these headphones to last.
• These gaming headphones are quite comfortable to wear for long periods.
• And speaking of long periods, the Cloud II has a battery life of up to 30 hours.
• While the sound quality is good, the bass frequencies can be lacking for some people.

Epos H3

The Epos H3 is king when it comes to sound quality.

• While Epos is a fairly new brand, the Epos H3 is an offshoot from the brand’s beginnings, after its mother company, Demant A/S ended its partnership with Sennheiser.
• The Epos H3 has a premium look that makes the headphones look stylish. As pointed out, the sound quality is quite exceptional, and there’s a wide frequency response.
• Each frequency is balanced, so they won’t be overpowering each other. There’s also 7.1 Dolby Surround compatibility for a more immersive sound experience.
• The disadvantages of these headphones are their earcups, which can be small for some users, and their wires easily get tangled.

Steelseries Arctis 9X

For those who use different gaming platforms, the Steelseries Arctis 9X is a perfect choice.

• First, you get three connectivity options with the Arctis 9X: USB wireless, 3.5mm cable, and Bluetooth. You won’t have a problem connecting to different gaming setups.
• For wireless headphones, you’ll be surprised at the sound quality. You’d forget that you’re using a wireless connection as there’s very little muddiness that is often associated with wireless headphones.
• And with Bluetooth connectivity, you can use these headphones for gaming on your smartphone or tablet.
• These headphones are quite comfortable to use, thanks to the ski goggle headband, which balances the weight. You’ll enjoy using these for hours with its comfort, and the 20 hours of battery life.
• If there’s an issue with these headphones, it’s the weak bass frequency and the high price.

Creative SXFI Gamer

For those who want surround sound in headphones, the Creative SXFI Gamer wins at this feature.

• Unfortunately, the SXFI Gamer isn’t wireless, but the trade-off comes with crisp surround sound. You get the option for 3.5mm and USB-C connectivity.
• For those who want surround sound without disturbing the household, the SXFI Gamer has a “Battle Mode” that allows for an immersive experience for games like Call of Duty: Warzone.
• Powering these headphones are the 50 mm neodymium drivers that push the bass in stereo and surround sound mode. The microphone is also quite good for multiplayer or streaming purposes.
• These headphones are also comfortable and have a more low-key design. The price is quite good for the features and quality it brings.
• Aside from the lack of a wireless option, another drawback of these headphones is their software to tweak the sound.

Final Thoughts

Gaming headphones are durable for the most part.

Gaming headphones are made for gaming, but not all headphones are created equal. Some headphones won’t last as long, while others will last longer, provided they are cared for.

But, even the cheap brands will serve you well for your gaming sessions!

 

Sources:

How Long Does A Gaming Headset Last?

The best gaming headsets in 2021