We’ll be the first to say that earbuds can be a real pain in the butt. Rarely described as ‘hardy’, earbuds usually jump from fraying and breaking to become a tangled mass in your pocket. Unfortunately, we really rely on them. From listening to the news on the train in, to catching up on some podcasts at work, to jogging on the treadmill at the end of the day, your earbuds are regularly put through their paces.
But we will happily deal with these issues since there is nothing that matches the convenience and subtlety of earbuds for going about your day-to-day tasks. If you work your earbuds hard, don’t take the utmost care with your stuff, or are just tired of replacing an endless parade of broken earbuds, then you’ll want to find a pair of durable earbuds that sound great.
This may seem like a pipe dream, but it definitely exists! Earbuds that are constructed to sound great, look great, and stand up to rough use do exist; it’s just a matter of finding them.
How to find durable earbuds
When hunting down a pair of durable (and we do mean durable, not indestructible) earbuds, you’ll first want to start with customer reviews. Customers who have already purchased an item are usually your best source of unbiased and honest reviews.
We’d also recommend checking out audiophile reviews, who will help you better understand how the earbuds sound and also how they stand up to day to day tasks like running, walking and just sitting around at home.
You’ll also want to consider the company you’re buying from. Sometimes the most expensive option isn’t always the best for your needs. Don’t let price be the one thing that dictates which earbuds you buy, whether it’s expensive or affordable.
What to look for
While earbuds used to all be nearly identical, changing times and vastly improved technology means that you can now find earbuds that provide a rich sound while still staying in place.
When shopping for your earbuds, know what it is you plan on using them for the most. If you’re a runner whose constantly struggling with your buds slipping out of your ears, you’ll want to pay special attention to the in-ear portion of your earbuds to see how forming they are and how well they will fit the inner cavity of your ear.
If you use your earbuds on dirty, dusty or wet job sites, you should also consider how much you’re willing to invest, since earbuds will still fail eventually under strenuous conditions. You will also want to look at the affordability of replacing pieces of your earbuds.
Finally, check out the actual construct of the earbuds, including the way they connect, how tangle-resistant and tough the cables are and what materials the earbuds themselves are made from.
Final Thoughts
Your earbuds will be something you spend a lot of time with, so it’s important to know what you want before you start blindly buying. Research features, price points, and reviews before laying down your hard earned cash to make sure you’re getting the best earbuds for your needs.
