Are Wireless Headphones More Durable? (Explained)

As wireless headphones take a big chunk of the audio market, the debate on whether wired beats wireless continues to heat up—especially when it comes to durability. Consumers want to get the most value for their money, and no one wants to buy a fragile device.

Will wireless headphones last you years, or will they be another form of disposable electronics?

Are wireless headphones durable? 

Are Wireless Headphones More Durable?

Wireless headphones have a slight edge over the typically wired headphones when it comes to durability. Since there are no dangling cables that connect with your phone or computer, that’s one less thing that could break.

How Long do Wireless Headphones Normally Last?

When it comes to battery life, wireless headphones can have a lifespan that ranges anywhere from 4 hours, up to 20 hours.

This, of course, depends on the capacity of the battery loaded into it.

But when it comes to the total lifespan, wireless headphones can have a lifespan of up to five years before the sound starts degrading.

Do They Last as Long as Wired Headphones?

One advantage of wireless headphones is that there are no dangling wires to worry about. The wires are a weak point for wired headphones and are one of the first components to break.

Wireless headphones have a slight edge because their lack of wires makes them a little more durable. 

But, when it comes to the drivers, headbands, and parts, wireless headphones are likely to last as long as their wired counterparts.

We also have an article on how long cheap headphones normally last.

What Typically Breaks First on Wireless Headphones?

The weak points of wireless headphones depend on the model or build.

But the most common component that will break is the internal connection that links the speaker horn to the amplifier unit inside.

They usually break with use, and in some cases accidental mishandling.

Another weak point, although more applicable to cheap over-the-ear headphones, is the headbands.

Cheap over-the-ear headphones use plastic for the headbands to cut costs. They become brittle over time, which is why they break after a while.

How Long is the Battery Life of Wireless Headphones?

The battery life of wireless headphones varies for each model.

For instance, Apple AirPods Pro gives you up to 4.5 hours in a single charge, and around 24 hours of battery life when charged in its case.

Meanwhile, the Marshall Major 4 claims to have over 80 hours of battery life on a single charge (check the most common problems with Marshall headphones here).

Note that the lifespan of a single charge depends a lot on the usage; higher volumes mean more power is used.

How Long is the Warranty on Wireless Headphones?

The warranty depends on the manufacturer. 

For example, Sennheiser offers a 24-month warranty coverage that is internationally accepted, for the most part.

On the other hand, Sony offers a 5-year warranty for its headphones.

What exactly does the warranty cover?

For the most part, warranty coverage of these headphones includes defects in parts or craftsmanship over a period prescribed by the manufacturer.

Do Wireless Headphones Need Maintenance from the Owner?

Wireless headphones need a level of care from owners to prolong their lifespan.

Taking care of your headphones will help you make the most of your headphones.

• For one, you get a better return on investment when you properly care for them. In the long run, you don’t have to deal with expensive repairs, and it will make them last longer, in general.
• A well-maintained pair of wireless headphones means they have a higher value if you plan to sell them. Nothing beats being able to say mint condition and have evidence to prove it!

Proper maintenance also ensures the best sound quality. 

• While some may dispute that sound quality relies only on the drivers, a minor misalignment in some components of your headphone can affect the quality.
• But by keeping an eye on these parts, you prevent misalignments and other minor damages that can affect your wireless headphones.

Lastly, you also avoid invalidating the warranty of your headphones. 

• Remember that warranty coverage is limited and usually covers manufacturing defects. Rarely you will find a warranty that will cover neglect.
• Many service personnel can check if the damage was done by accident or just sheer neglect on the part of the owner. They will gladly fix issues they see were caused by accident or a result of a flaw in manufacturing, but won’t lift a finger for damages that result from neglect.
• By taking care of your headphones, you are also more likely to spot damage. Take the time to look for any damages and have the service center check and repair them. It will save you money in the long run.

How Do You Prolong the Durability of Wireless Headphones?

Now that the importance of caring for your wireless headphones has been discussed, here are some ways to prolong the durability, and possibly prevent your warranty from being invalidated.

Clean your headphones regularly

Your wireless headphones get exposed to outer and inner dirt, such as dust and ear wax or oil. If you don’t clean them, all this gunk can eventually damage your headphones.

• That’s why you should wipe them off, especially if you use them outside. The silicone ear tips or earpads get exposed, so it’s best to pay attention to them too.
• For those using in-ears, try soaking your detachable earbud tips and in warm soapy water for around five minutes then let them dry before using.
• Pay special attention to the driver units, or the parts where the sound comes out. Earwax and other debris may harden and cause your wireless headphone to not function properly. Make it a point to brush them at least once a week.

Avoid letting other people use your wireless headphones!

• Over-the-ear headphones may be an exemption to the rule, but those in-ear or on-ear headphones are not ideal for sharing.
• Since these are put inside the ears, earwax may cling to the tips and, aside from being kind of gross to share earwax, it may cause infections later on.

Consider proper storage

This won’t be much of a problem for those using true-wireless in-ear headphones, as they all have a carrying case to go with them.

The same doesn’t hold for many ordinary Bluetooth headphones on the market.

Proper storage for your wireless headphones means being able to provide sufficient protection from getting crushed or bent out of place inside your bag or pocket.

Your carrying case must be a snug fit, and should not deform when your headphones are inside.

Replace silicon tips or headphone pads when wear starts showing

The silicon tips or earpads pads of your wireless headphones are what provide you with a comfortable fit that allows you to use them comfortably for hours.

But over time, they are prone to cracking due to sweat and humidity absorption. It’s highly recommended that you replace them when wearing starts to show.

Avoid accumulating moisture

Moisture is the enemy of tech.

Be especially aware of this if you are using your wireless headphones for exercise, since sweat can ruin your headphones, too.

• If you use your headphones a lot while working out, you may want to look into wireless headphones designed for exercise.
• If your headphones get soaked from sweat or condensation, it would be good to let them dry out. Give them a good wipe and disassemble to let them to dry properly.
• You can also put silica gel in the same case where you store your wireless headphones.

Keep volume levels at a moderate level

Your headphone speakers vibrate whenever you play something.

And the higher the volume is the more it vibrates, which eventually causes damage to your headphones and even your hearing. The sound may warp because of this.

You should also avoid using the bass boost feature, as excessive low frequencies can wear down your wireless headphones.

Have a charging schedule

Wireless headphones rely on battery life.

Since you need to charge regularly, make sure you don’t wait for your battery to reach zero before charging. But be sure not to overcharge it, as this can also cause damage.

A charging schedule helps you keep track so you don’t drain or overcharge your wireless headphones.

What Are the Sturdiest Wireless Headphone Brands?

There are a lot of durable wireless headphone brands on the market today with specific specializations.

• One of the top brands to look for is Sennheiser. Aside from being durable, Sennheiser has a good sound spectrum coverage and offers variants that focus on particular frequencies.
• Another brand to consider is Sony, which also produces top-notch headphones that many have sworn to its reliability.
• Other brands to consider are Audio-Technica, Jaybird, Bose, and Jabra.

What Are the Most Durable Wireless Headphone Models Available?

If you’re looking at investing in wireless headphones, here are some models to consider:

Sennheiser Momentum 2.0

The Sennheiser Momentum 2.0 is the most versatile and durable wireless headphone on the market today.

• For starters, they offer large ear cups and use premium quality leather and memory foam that allow them to adapt to your ears.
• The headband is made of stainless steel, and it can be folded for storage.
• The sound quality of the Momentum 2.0 is top-notch. It uses the NoiseGard Hybrid Noise Cancelation technology, along with four noise-canceling microphones that remove external disturbances when listening.
• Thanks to its noise-canceling system, you can enjoy clear and crisp sounds. You can easily hear nuances in songs, which make you appreciate them even more. When using the wired mode, you get even better sound quality.
• The Momentum 2.0 allows for two wireless connections. You can use Bluetooth and NFC for wireless pairing. And if you want a wired connection, the detachable cable is quite durable and locks into place.

Sony MDR1000X

Sony’s MDR series has always been known for its top-notch quality, and the MDR1000X is no exception.

• Among all the wireless noise-canceling headphones on the market today, the MDR1000X is the most durable model you can get.
• Users are in for a treat with the impressive high fidelity sound quality. It features a personal noise-canceling optimizer that adapts to the noise in the environment.
• Speaking of noise-canceling, the MDR1000X features a Quick Attention feature that lets you check the surroundings without removing the headphones. The right earcup features controls that “open” the headphones so you can hear the environment around you.

Jaybird Vista

For those into sports or exercise, the Jaybird Vista is the perfect pair of wireless headphones. 

• Unlike the MDR and the Momentum 2.0, the Vista is a pair of in-ear wireless headphones designed for when you want tunes for the gym or a jog around the neighborhood.
• This pair of headphones is not too heavy or bulky, which makes it the perfect choice for people with an active lifestyle.
• Since they’re designed for people who move a lot, the Vista earned the “Earth-proof” tag. That means it’s dust-proof, sweat-proof, water-proof, and crush-proof.
• It even earned an IPX rating of IPX7, which is the second-highest rating possible.
• The Vistas are quite small, but if you misplace them while working out, there’s no need to sweat because the Jaybird Vista app lets you locate them from your phone.

 

Sources:

7 Most Durable Headphones in 2021

10 Simple Hacks to Make Your Headphones Last Longer