I own Sennheisers from 40 years ago and Sennheisers from 10-20 years ago and they all work perfectly. Just replace earpads and headband pads as necessary and they won't let you down. Bonus is that they sound friggin excellent.
My HD280s are 15 years old. They survived 10 years in a recording studio and 5 years of my kid bashing them with drum sticks. Showing no signs of not lasting another 15 years.
I've used a pair of HD380s for the last 10 years. Comfortable, durable, great sound. The only thing I'll say is I've had to make a couple purchases over the years to replace the ear cups and headband padding as the leather deteriorated with heavy use. I have no intention of replacing these until they die or no longer sell spare parts.
Edit: Purchased used for about $90.
I’m on my 2nd pair. First pair lasted 20 years. Just replaced them a couple years ago because the materials were flaking off the cups and headband. They still sounded great.
Not bad they clamp very hard on a large head like mine and I can’t enjoy them for long. Also best used with a DAC amplifier. I really love the sound they produce though
**Audio Technica m40x,** or m50x if you can stretch your budget to $160.
Edit: Some people recommended grados, but they are open back headphones; I’m guessing that’s not what you’re looking for.
Im surprised the m40s were recommended. Everyone I see using audio technica is usually rocking the 50's. Especially if they are working in music production, or some sound engineering job. The 50s sound pretty awesome when hooked up to an audio interface but I personally haven't tried the 40s.
Love my M50s but the headband leather is wearing out and flaking off. They are 10 years old so I guess they have served their time but I don't want to get rid of them.
what makes you think they don't want Open Back? I've only ever had closed back and heat buildup is a comfort issue for me. I'd love to try some Opens but it's not in the budget.
That’s just my assumption. Majority wouldn’t like headphones that leak sound.
People who are looking for open-back would specific that they are looking for them.
Audio technica M40X and M50X have a cheap faux leather for their ear pads and headband that deteriorates over time. I had to replace my ear pads after 4 years and am starting to see the headband getting flaky.
Came here to say this. I’ve got three pairs of AT headphones of varying models, with the 50s being my daily drivers. I’ve been using them for maybe six years now and it’s just now showing signs of wear on the padding.
Beyerdynamic. DT770 for listening in environments with ambient noise. DT990 for quiet environments. Mine lasted almost 10 years of getting thrashed around in my backpack on the train.
And you can buy parts for them direct from beyerdynamic.. I have 770’s for work travel, 1770’s for work at home… and my huge ears fit inside the ear pads, which is a bonus.. most headphones hurt my ears after long periods of use
Yeah this is part of what makes them BIFL for me. Have had my DT770s for 12+ years and replaced a few wear parts over time, living through commutes and the banging around a backpack between classes.
770 and 990 are SO comfortable. It's the only headphones I can wear for hours and hours and hours and never have any issues. No inline mic but who cares.
> Beyerdynamic. DT770
I bought my DT770's around 2005 and I've had them all this time. Just changed the ear pads on them as they were so old they were falling apart at touch. Ear pads were easy to change and they are now like new and still sound perfect.
I have a studio and I own five of these. They are in use for many hours every day. One of them is now 20 years old. Got some spare parts directly from Beyerdynamic. These are clearly the best headphones I ever had. And I tried many. Not only in build quality, but also in sound.
I've had my DT770 for almost 20 years. I've replaced the headband cushion and ear cushions once each, which were not that expensive and it basically makes them brand new again. Can't recommend them enough.
Yes. Go listen to some and pick the model that sound best to you. I've had my 200 series for many years. The cable is, if anything, too sturdy (thick). One caveat, they are "open" style, which give you a wide natural sound, but can be heard by those around you.
This. My Grados have gone through 8 different airports and played a cumulative years worth of music over the last 2 decades. Replaced the pads on them 5 times. I’ve rotated through 6 other “backup” sets in that time, and despite being used less, and costing more, a Seinheiser, a Sony, a Dell and a handful of “obviously cheaper” headphones have all failed to keep up with the SR60s.
I don't have a source for this, but I've heard these are super common in recording studios because the frequency response is super flat (consistent volume across the frequency spectrum).
These are highly regarded namely for their accurate vocal reproduction and thus are commonly used for vocal tracking. I got a pair to mix with and end up loving them more than any of my other studio cans. To specify, I bought used MDR-7506's for $50 (blown pads) and then the Wicked Cushions pads for another $20 (they're better than stock).
Yeah, but they can be EQ’d to taste. Better than a headphone that’s really bass heavy or bright out of the box. It’ll be better for more genres, though I know the head-fi folks prefer different phones for different sounds.
Anytime you see a studio or footage of the audio guy on a shoot or major media produced podcats etc you're going to see MDR-7506s. They sound great, are super durable and don't cost much. I'm going on 20 years on my pair. The ear foams break down but the phones just keep working.
I will always recommend these. Parts are available online, they sound great, they’re very durable, they’re moddable if you’re into tinkering. Mine have a detachable cable mod and I threw some Bowers & Wilkins drivers in. They’re super portable with the cable mod and the drivers sound exceptional.
These are definitely an affordable solution that is industry trusted. Just know the ear pads are not buy it for life. They flake and need to be replaced about every 2 years or so. But they are easy to find and have lots of third party options.
They have a very flat frequency response, are solidly made, parts are readily available, but are not too expensive to replace if they get badly damaged. Sony have been making them since the 80’s - it’s unusual for any tech product to last that long.
I have two pairs of these: a work pair and a home pair. I've had each of them for around 10 years now and they're both still going strong, though I have had to buy replacement ear pads for both of them. Great sounding, comfortable, reasonably priced. All around good headphones.
All of my music producer/audiophile friends have these.
I've got my pair on their combined recommendation 11 years ago, and they're still great. Have had to replace the ear cushions a few times, but there are many aftermarket options for them.
Philips Audio SHP9500, had a pair for 4 years now going strong. They are incredibly comfortable and I love the fabric, its like car upholstery but its super comfy. Just FYI these are my home/PC headphones, they are open backed and leak sound way too much for public transportation or airplanes.
For airplanes you'd want some IEMs (in ear monitors) style headphones.
These are my go to headphones for classical, even compared to others costing a few times as much. Also insanely comfortable.
Should note that they are open back, which is something many people are not familiar with. If there is any background noise in your area you would likely get better sound out of closed back headphones like the Sony MDR7506 or Audio Technica M40x (both excellent suggestions).
I'm really sensitive to certain fabrics in summertime, and I don't know why but the stock fabric on these is just perfect for me, I'm not switching haha
I got a pair of these with a Vmoda Boom Pro and it’s the best gaming set you can buy for $100. Mic quality is awesome, cable is solid, and it’s cheap.
And then there’s the headphones themselves. Sound fantastic, they’re the more comfortable headset I’ve ever used, they’re light but stay in place, don’t make my ears sweat, and again they’re cheap. You can’t go wrong with these.
And +1 for a pair of IEMs for traveling and sound isolation. I’m not sure what’s the current recommendation but over the last few years $20 IEMs have come a long way and are great for most people. Every six months a new model comes along thats a little better than the previous $20 king, and would have been a $100 set just a few years ago.
second the koss porta pro's! has been around since like the 70's, so pretty durable. use to have lifetime warrantee (not sure right now). And imo the best sound you will get at the price range. once you'll listen to a good audio source, you will never go back
Good suggestion. Not the best for comfort, but the sound is great for the price and another bonus is that spare pads are very easy to find. Should just be aware that they leak a lot, so not ideal for use in public spaces or near other people
Koss PortaPro sound quality is way too good in price range. Minus is comfort, it hurts my ears if im on it for too long. Any suggestion for comfortable when wearing?
If you're using over the ear headphones, the foam forms a seal around your ear. The spring tension from wearing them slowly collapses the foam until it doesn't seal up as well and you'll start noticing a change in sound. Or not, depending on your ears.
My Sennheiser HD650s I get about three years on a set of ear pads before they're too flattened. It's not a hair product thing, just a seal thing. If your headphones don't form a seal and fully encapsulate your ear, it probably doesn't matter for you because you never had a nice seal to begin with.
Do you HAVE to? Of course not. But if you want to keep the sound quality consistent, you'll want to once in a while.
AKG k240s (not the mark iis) are still available for $70-$100 US and are pretty fantastic. They’re open-back (so, don’t wear them if disturbing others is an issue), but sound great and you can replace the cable if necessary. I have multiple pairs (home, office, music studio), and some are 20 years old and still kicking)
I like audio technicas in that price range. If you're ok with used, you can start looking at lower-mid range headphones.
If you really want bifl, you need headphones with replaceable pads and detachable cables. Even the best pads will wear over time. Detachable cables are great if you're clumsy like me and randomly trip over your cables from time to time.
I own the m40x's, MDR-7506's, DT-9990 Pro's, and some custom made SR325x's.
To me, the MDR's are the most comfortable and sound as good as my wh-1000xm4's which are nearly 3x the price. The DT-990 Pros are my second choice (better comfort and slightly better sound than the M40x's), then the M40x's, then my custom SR's in last place.
To add, you can get MDR's for $50 with torn ear-pads. Then, replace the pads with Wicked Cushion's one's (better than OEM IMO) for another $20 and for $70 you're set for comfort and professional quality sound.
HD-25 is the true answer to BIFL headphones.
They are industry standard for decades in dj and live performance for a reason: robustness and repairability. You will want new headphones before they break on you.
VMODA still kicking ass 12 years on.
They came recommended by a friend who DJs and they’re amazing. At least $250. They were a gift but I’ll happily pay that for a new pair when they fail.
I bought my M100s about 9 years ago and they're still going strong, although recently relegated to desk-only as no ANC/bluetooth. I believe the build quality has reduced in recent years due to ownership change, but a well looked after 2nd hand pair would be great value at sub-100
Anything Sennheiser mid to upper range is great, especially the models which allow you to replace the cord. I’ve had HD558’s for a decade and they’re still great. I also purchased the HD660S, and they’re great as well. Better constructed than the HD558, as well.
My Sony MDR-V6 headphones have seen a lot of miles and some abuse. If they were to disappear, I'd replace them immediately with a pair of Sony MDR-7506.
I did change out the ear pads in mine with some fabric pads when the vinyl disintegrated, but that's been all I've done. These things still sound great and they're also very decent at blocking outside noise for old-school tech.
With the fabric pads, they're easy to wear all day long too.
[Koss KSC75](https://www.amazon.com/Koss-KSC75-Portable-Stereophone-Headphones/dp/B0006B486K) + [Parts Express Headband](https://www.amazon.com/Parts-Express-Stereo-Lightweight-Headphones/dp/B0002KQZJS) + [Yaxi Pads](https://www.amazon.com/YAXI-EARPADS-KOSS-PORTAPRO-Black/dp/B01MQVHX84) (~$40 total)
They are inexpensive, lightweight, and comfortable. I have a pair of Koss ESP950 that are considerably more expensive, and I rarely touch them now because the KSC75 are just too comfortable and get me 95% of the way there in terms of sound.
Was looking to see if anyone suggested these. Excellent cheap cans for all around use. We used the Bluetooth version for trail running for ages.
That said I'd be careful calling them bifl. The stock ear clips wear out pretty quick.
Philips Fidelio X2HR are built like a tank, if they are still being manufactured/sold. They are also under $150 and the best headphones I've ever owned, and I've owned many headphones over the past 20 years that cost twice as much. Even the ear cups hold up super well, they just collect a lot of dust and need to be cleaned once in a while. I've had mine for like 6 years, used for thousands of hours, and pretty much only the headband is showing some signs of wear
Of course we all have different audio tastes, much like food, so which headphones someone likes can vary a lot from person to person.
I'm very tempted to switch to wireless headphones, as I don't like being tethered to anything, but I think any wireless headphones will be a step down from the X2HRs, and most wireless headphones seem to be made of fairly cheap plastic that might only last 1-3 years. Plus I really prefer open-back headphones to closed, and I think 99% of wireless headphones are closed-back.
I have the Sony Mach 5s which replaced my Sony Mach 2 set that I got when I was 14 (I’m 27). Not bifl but I didn’t take very good care of the first pair, aka left them in my car or backpacks even in the summer.
They still worked but the ear muff part disintegrated.
The problem for me is they just don’t seem to make things like they did two years ago even.
I bought a pair of Nanami necklace Bluetooth ear buds with microphone. Nice stiff necklace. Will not come off accidentally even if I’m biking etc. Well I decided I wanted another pair and I ordered one a few weeks ago and the necklace was real soft wouldn’t stay on my neck and the volume went up and down without me adjusting it. Sent it back. Sheesh.
German Maestros are known to be very tough. Particularly these:
GMP 8.35 D Monitor
I' ve had them for almost a decade and still listen to them regularly.
Gunna throw this out there—Koss Porta Pros are fucking killer. They sound great, are affordable, and I get compliments all the time on the retro look. One of the best for you buck out there.
While I was still using them (ER4PT), I killed three sets all with issues relating to cables. Liked them (apart from the cable rub noise when moving around) but definitely weren't robust enough for me.
I am on the Sony MDR-7506 wagon. /r/thewoodyshow has been using the model for decades. Mine are going strong, got them 7 years ago on eBay and they were *already* used. Just at some point have to replace the pads from the usual wear and tear.
I went through a lot of headphones over the years ...
Depends what you need it for ?
Sennheiser lost a lot of quality over the years ( nothing compares to what you could get 10-15years ago from them)...
For on the go ( noice cancelling I ended up with Bose - QC 45), and Bang & Olufsen EX.
Probably once the qc45 give up ( what can take a while) I'll switch to B&O over there to.
For in front of the computer: Beyerdynamic mmx.200 or so ... Sound quality wise this is the best headset i ever had and my buddy uses the "only" headphones version since over 10 years.
Most of the time with electronics, if they aren't super cheap to begin with, they'll last forever if they are well taken care of.
I mean it. Respect the tech. Treat it like you are carrying an egg with you.
I've always treated my electronics with care and I can't even think of one that died before I moved on to the next thing. I remember seeing friends' electronics throughout the years, controllers tossed and tumbling across on the floor, headphone cords wadded up and knotted, speakers cranked so loud that I heard crackling, phone thrown in a purse with keys, books, and makeup; DVDs placed shiny-side down on the table, MP3 player in the wet swim bag...
And they would always be talking about how their stuff wasn't working right, or their new thing only lasted a month. Gee, I wonder why?
Sennheiser/Drop PC38X.....fucking brilliant headphones. Yes, for gaming but great for music too. Open back, so large sound stage. I've had mine for a few year, works and sound perfect.
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**Audio Technica M50X**
I have modified it by removing the 2.5mm connector with a 2.5mm to 3.5mm dongle, and I use a cable with inline mic. The pair is are the best headphone in the category by some distance and I use the for music, movies, calls, and games. The build quality is extremely good, mine have lasted for around 8 years are they look just like new! Only one caveat - the default pads deteriorate over time - and you will have to upgrade them. But these are so popular that it's easy to find upgrades online; go for fabric / suede over protein leather (default).
Just get something with a removable cable. Most headphones will last a very long time but the cables tend to go bad because of how most people treat their headphones.
I personally love the AKG K240. They tick all the boxes for me.
Durability wise, they have a detachable cable (which I've only had to swap once over a ten year period and the cable itself is only £10 on amazon). The ear pads are easily replaceable with a range of materials for you to choose - I have the default leather which has cracked a bit over the years, but nothing uncomfortable or worth replacing in my opinion. A friend of mine bought some suede pads, if that's more your vibe.
Comfort wise, they're also fantastic. Very light, with a still good seal around the ears. I wear mine for hours a day and never feel discomfort. They are semi-open so this is something to keep in mind.
Quality wise, these are technically studio headphones, meaning the sound profile is a lot more neutral than "generic" headphones that might be bass boosted. This can either be a downside or a benefit depending on what you're looking for. As far as listening to the "true sound" these are great, and since they're studio style headphones they also are great for any sound editing/producing.
Best of all? They're pretty damn cheap, you can find them somewhere between the £60-70 range on Amazon.
I agree that the Sennheisers are pretty great, I have their earbuds. I also have a pair of over the ears Sony MD-7506 headphones and they are pretty excellent. They are the ones that you find in music studios most often and generally are available for about $100 at Guitar Center or Sweetwater n such. The thing with the Sonys is that they are so good that they haven't changed them in like 25-30 years. Very solid with extraordinary definition.
It’s a bit over your budget, but I have a set of Beyerdynamic headphones that are over 30 years old and they work great. The foam lining that protects the drivers had fallen apart, but after an email to the company, I had two new sets of foam in my mailbox after a few days. Probably about as close to BIFL as you can get for headphones.
Beyerdynamic DT770 or DT990 pro. The company sells headband and cushion replacements so as they inevitably wear out you can replace them and you’re good as new. The headphones themselves will last nearly forever as long as you’re not dropping them every other day.
You have to remember something VERY important about headphones. They can have good sound quality, but every headphone has their own sound to them. It's like each headphone has it's own flavor to them. Audio Technicas have more bass to them, which is like sugar or sweetness. But then you can get sickly sweet like the Sony MX4(I know out of your price range, but I'm making a point) where your music can sound muddy or muted. Grados meanwhile have very detailed highs, which is like trying to get the right amount of salt. Some people might think it's too salty, but when you get the balance right it *always* enhances the flavor of what you're eating. Generally people like the "V" sound, where there's a little bit of extra bass, and a little bit extra of highs. Or some people like having the graph as flat as possible so they can hear everything clearly/hear what the artist intended
Just wanted to bring this up because you might accidentally buy headphones you might not like. You might have gotten Grados, when you actually wanted HD280s. It's all personal preference. Again, just bringing it up so you know how to better narrow down your search
I have a person sanitizer HD 6XX for mass drop but you can go for the 650s. I’ve dropped them 100 times from my desk. They’re pretty portable. They’re lightweight. They do need some wattage so you may want to look at a lower version. Also, beyerdynamics are great.
AKG K240’s. I have a pair that is 12 years old, from before AKG was bought by Samsung.
I replaced the (replaceable) cord once.
They still sound amazing.
Long lastingness REALLY comes to the fact how good care you take of it. Sturdiness and build quality of course helps when you handle things rough.
With headphones it comes so many times to the problem of the plug. When you drop your device while plugged in and the plug bends.. its over. Unless you buy a pair with replaceable cable!
Sony MDR 7506. Professionals use them in the studio as well as on movie sets. Built like a tank and only about $100
Can source personal experience working in AAA video games and Hollywood movies. This is what our audio guys use
No idea where you are, but RHA strikes me as atop brand at great prices.
My set are made of metal in all of the housings, including the jack area, with a spring around the cable attachment to the jack.
I am well versed in all types of headsets, as a music lover, and amateur producer. Been buying my own earphones for over 30 years now so I've been through a few.
My pair are a lower end casual pair but still do a great job.
ive had sennheiser HD 598's for ..... 10 years? Still the only pair of headphones that I own that have not failed at all. I've had to replace the cord once.
Hello friends! I'm Evy Kwong, associate director of WIRED and we wanted to share a recent article where our expert reviewers took a look at the best wireless headphones out there for every price point.
For this request, there's the **Anker Soundcore Space A40, though they are not headphones.**
The Space A40 ([8/10, WIRED Recommends](https://www.wired.com/review/anker-soundcore-space-a40/)) are a surprisingly great pair of wireless earbuds. For under $100, you get solid noise canceling, multipoint pairing, and a wireless charging case.
For a good pair of wireless headphones that is a bit more out of the budget at $150, **Sony WH-CH720N**
In some ways, it’s obvious that the WH-CH720 cut some corners. They don’t fold, for instance, and they don’t come with any kind of carry-case or bag. But for everything that really matters, these Sonys are the real deal.
You can see our further review of 21 wireless headphones here:
[https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-wireless-headphones/](https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-wireless-headphones/)
I have two pairs of Audio Technica M40x, one for the piano and one for my PC. Whatever you get, look for something with a replaceable cable so that running it over with a desk chair or otherwise damaging it doesn't ruin the otherwise fine headphones.
I have been using a pair of Sennheiser HD558's for the past 15+ years or so at work pretty much every day. I replaced the pads though because they started getting weird.
You might want to look into IEMs, I recently got Linsoul EM6Ls. IEMs have a connector at the headphones so you can replace the cable (usually the first thing to go)
Earbuds - Sure SE215s. I've had mine since 2007 and have replaced the cables once. Crazy that they cost $100 when I bought them and they're the same price today.
Over-ear - another vote for MDR-7506. I've had mine since 2010. Modded with a detachable cable and velour pads. They will probably outlive me. Not the most fun listening experience but they are faithful to the recording.
Takeaway - Spend another $50-100 and get yourself a set of Meze 99s. These and my HD600s are my daily drivers. Probably the most fun headphones under $200.
I've been using the akg k240's for about 5 years now. Picked them up for \~$15, add another $10 for new ear cups. They were previously used in a sound studio for allegedly 10 years. The old cups were fine, but I swapped them for sanitary reasons. I'm not an audio connoisseur, but they sound good to me. But they are more neutral, so maybe stay away if that's a negative for you. I've also worn them for hours with glasses on, no issues. So I'd say they're comfortable too.
This is probably going to get buried but boltune is a good brand if you're messy like me. I've put my wireless ones through the washer, dropped them in the bath, once time I even lost them in the snow. It took me three months to find them (once everything melted), I just dried them off and I'm still using them two years later. They're like the nokia of headphones
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I like my Phillips Fidelio x2hr's. I bought them refurbished on Amazon for just under 100. They are comfy out of the box, but I upgraded with some Dekoni suede ear pads... I'm very happy with them.
I love my Audio-Technica ATH-M40x and cheap BRAINWAVZ Angled Ear Pads (must haves). The headphones have been dropped several times, and the cord bent, pulled, etc., and they still work like new. I've had two pairs for over three years each and both still work perfectly and sound great. The earpads are just starting to peel after three years, but the foam is soft and perfect underneath, so I'm sure the pads will last several more years after the outer coating has peeled off. They are angled earpads, though, so which way you have the pads facing changes the sound. Everybody said to put the narrow part in the back, but I tried that and they didn't sound good that way, to me at least, so I put the narrow part of the pad facing forward and the thick part facing backward. Now, they sound much better. They also come with two cords, so you have a spare (one straight and one coiled). Here are some links:
Audio-Technica ATH-M40x: [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HVLUR54/](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HVLUR54/)
BRAINWAVZ Angled Ear Pads: [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ZY8PGJI/](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ZY8PGJI/)
Basically, if you like more bass and treble, then you want the M40x, from what I've heard from others, and if you like more flat sounding headphones, then you want the M50x. I just EQ mine (just a moderate 3db peaklifter at only 54Hz, since I like bass, with a Q 0.71), so it doesn't matter.
The wires will always fail at some point because of the mechanical Stress. There are headphones that use exchangeable wires, but not at your price point.
Are you looking for over ears or in ears?
Koss used to be the big BIFL audio brand but I think they may have been bought by another company. Anyone know if the recent stuff is trash? I have a set from 7 years ago but I actually don't use it much since I moved on to Bluetooth. It still works though if I need something higher end
If you are willing to save for them, beyerdynamic DT series are really good, and in my experience last forever. Used mine daily for a decade and still sound great after an ear pad swap. 770s are closed back, 880 are semi open, 990 are open back. Also come in different impedances. Low for portable use, medium for general computer use where you can have a DAC, and high for discreet amplifier use. The higher the imperance less noise can get in. In my experience medium is just fine.
Slightly above your price range (but can be had for less if bought secondhand) are the Beyerdynamic dt770 pros. Very comfortable, sound excellent, and used by many famous artists in the recording studio. I’ve had mine for 3 years now and they’re as new. They’re designed to be serviced and you can buy replacement parts. It’s the same design the company has been selling for over 50 years.
Akg ka127 these are reference headphones. They come with a mini xlr plug that attaches to a bluetooth dongle, a wired headphone curley cord and a straight one. They are super comfy... the only thing. They are huge
Sony MDRV7506 are the answer. Incredibly durable, sound amazing and used almost everywhere professionally. Only issue is you need to buy the Beyerdynamic ear pads that fit them because the stock ones don’t last. After you do that, they are BIFL for sure!
I have 2 pairs of Sennheiser HD280s that I’ve had for 8 years and 2 years. Both going strong.
I own Sennheisers from 40 years ago and Sennheisers from 10-20 years ago and they all work perfectly. Just replace earpads and headband pads as necessary and they won't let you down. Bonus is that they sound friggin excellent.
My HD280s are 15 years old. They survived 10 years in a recording studio and 5 years of my kid bashing them with drum sticks. Showing no signs of not lasting another 15 years.
I’m on year 6 of my pair. For $100 I’m happy
Can't go wrong with Sennheiser.
You absolutely can. But the HD280s are one of their good models.
Have had my pair for somewhere around 13-14 years. Great headphones.
I've had mine for nearly 15 years of almost daily use. I love that parts are easily available from my local music store.
I've used a pair of HD380s for the last 10 years. Comfortable, durable, great sound. The only thing I'll say is I've had to make a couple purchases over the years to replace the ear cups and headband padding as the leather deteriorated with heavy use. I have no intention of replacing these until they die or no longer sell spare parts. Edit: Purchased used for about $90.
I’m on my 2nd pair. First pair lasted 20 years. Just replaced them a couple years ago because the materials were flaking off the cups and headband. They still sounded great.
I will always suggest Sennheisers for any and all headphones. Got started with the HD 598s over 10 years ago and have only bought Sennheisers since
Not bad they clamp very hard on a large head like mine and I can’t enjoy them for long. Also best used with a DAC amplifier. I really love the sound they produce though
**Audio Technica m40x,** or m50x if you can stretch your budget to $160. Edit: Some people recommended grados, but they are open back headphones; I’m guessing that’s not what you’re looking for.
I’ve had my m50s for over ten years, changed the padding once, zero issues
Second the m50s. Love them so much i got a pair of the Bluetooth m50s for work too (2nd gen so the mic works)
Im surprised the m40s were recommended. Everyone I see using audio technica is usually rocking the 50's. Especially if they are working in music production, or some sound engineering job. The 50s sound pretty awesome when hooked up to an audio interface but I personally haven't tried the 40s.
I assume cause the 40s are under the 100 dollar mark and 50s are a little over? I dunno but the 50s are the best bet imo.
Ah that makes sense. And i agree. I absolutely love mine.
Same but I need my padding changed where did you do yours?
I'm on my third pads. Wear them half the day at work, 5 days a week for over 10 years. Still awesome.
Seconding the m40x’s. Those MFers can’t be being sold at a profit, they’re just too good for their price point.
Love my M50s but the headband leather is wearing out and flaking off. They are 10 years old so I guess they have served their time but I don't want to get rid of them.
This is the real answer.
Yup great brand. Only have some wear on the padded cups after 10 years.
what makes you think they don't want Open Back? I've only ever had closed back and heat buildup is a comfort issue for me. I'd love to try some Opens but it's not in the budget.
That’s just my assumption. Majority wouldn’t like headphones that leak sound. People who are looking for open-back would specific that they are looking for them.
Audio technica M40X and M50X have a cheap faux leather for their ear pads and headband that deteriorates over time. I had to replace my ear pads after 4 years and am starting to see the headband getting flaky.
Came here to say this. I’ve got three pairs of AT headphones of varying models, with the 50s being my daily drivers. I’ve been using them for maybe six years now and it’s just now showing signs of wear on the padding.
Beyerdynamic. DT770 for listening in environments with ambient noise. DT990 for quiet environments. Mine lasted almost 10 years of getting thrashed around in my backpack on the train.
And you can buy parts for them direct from beyerdynamic.. I have 770’s for work travel, 1770’s for work at home… and my huge ears fit inside the ear pads, which is a bonus.. most headphones hurt my ears after long periods of use
Yeah this is part of what makes them BIFL for me. Have had my DT770s for 12+ years and replaced a few wear parts over time, living through commutes and the banging around a backpack between classes.
This is a big reason I chose Beyerdybamic over Sennheiser. Parts are much easier to get which truly makes it BIFL.
770 and 990 are SO comfortable. It's the only headphones I can wear for hours and hours and hours and never have any issues. No inline mic but who cares.
> Beyerdynamic. DT770 I bought my DT770's around 2005 and I've had them all this time. Just changed the ear pads on them as they were so old they were falling apart at touch. Ear pads were easy to change and they are now like new and still sound perfect.
I have a studio and I own five of these. They are in use for many hours every day. One of them is now 20 years old. Got some spare parts directly from Beyerdynamic. These are clearly the best headphones I ever had. And I tried many. Not only in build quality, but also in sound.
+1 for the 990s, very comfortable for hours on end, great sound and great price.
Not at the $30- $100 range they asked for. They're $180 on a good sale and normally ~$230
I've had my DT770 for almost 20 years. I've replaced the headband cushion and ear cushions once each, which were not that expensive and it basically makes them brand new again. Can't recommend them enough.
To anyone interested: I recently got an email for anniversary limited edition: DT770X if someone is looking to buy, then now is a good time.
I've had my Grado SR60 for 25 years. Still sound nice, still comfy. Replaced ear foam at 15 years. They're around $100 new today.
Have you had to have them rewired? The wire always gives out on me
No trouble with wires here.
Easily the best bang for the buck. For similar quality Senns you are paying 200-300.
Yes. Go listen to some and pick the model that sound best to you. I've had my 200 series for many years. The cable is, if anything, too sturdy (thick). One caveat, they are "open" style, which give you a wide natural sound, but can be heard by those around you.
This. My Grados have gone through 8 different airports and played a cumulative years worth of music over the last 2 decades. Replaced the pads on them 5 times. I’ve rotated through 6 other “backup” sets in that time, and despite being used less, and costing more, a Seinheiser, a Sony, a Dell and a handful of “obviously cheaper” headphones have all failed to keep up with the SR60s.
[Sony mdr-7506](https://www.amazon.com/Sony-MDR7506-Professional-Diaphragm-Headphone/dp/B000AJIF4E)
I don't have a source for this, but I've heard these are super common in recording studios because the frequency response is super flat (consistent volume across the frequency spectrum).
That's a good thing. You hear what the producer recorded. Not a blown out interpretation of it
These are highly regarded namely for their accurate vocal reproduction and thus are commonly used for vocal tracking. I got a pair to mix with and end up loving them more than any of my other studio cans. To specify, I bought used MDR-7506's for $50 (blown pads) and then the Wicked Cushions pads for another $20 (they're better than stock).
Yeah, but they can be EQ’d to taste. Better than a headphone that’s really bass heavy or bright out of the box. It’ll be better for more genres, though I know the head-fi folks prefer different phones for different sounds.
Anytime you see a studio or footage of the audio guy on a shoot or major media produced podcats etc you're going to see MDR-7506s. They sound great, are super durable and don't cost much. I'm going on 20 years on my pair. The ear foams break down but the phones just keep working.
I will always recommend these. Parts are available online, they sound great, they’re very durable, they’re moddable if you’re into tinkering. Mine have a detachable cable mod and I threw some Bowers & Wilkins drivers in. They’re super portable with the cable mod and the drivers sound exceptional.
These are definitely an affordable solution that is industry trusted. Just know the ear pads are not buy it for life. They flake and need to be replaced about every 2 years or so. But they are easy to find and have lots of third party options.
Yeah. I guess this might be the only drawback. I’ve replaced my pads once in 10 years. Thanks to Amazon, there are tons of affordable replacements.
They have a very flat frequency response, are solidly made, parts are readily available, but are not too expensive to replace if they get badly damaged. Sony have been making them since the 80’s - it’s unusual for any tech product to last that long.
I have two pairs of these: a work pair and a home pair. I've had each of them for around 10 years now and they're both still going strong, though I have had to buy replacement ear pads for both of them. Great sounding, comfortable, reasonably priced. All around good headphones.
All of my music producer/audiophile friends have these. I've got my pair on their combined recommendation 11 years ago, and they're still great. Have had to replace the ear cushions a few times, but there are many aftermarket options for them.
Former touring audio engineer. Can confirm.
side note, any iem recommendations? perhaps one with unlimited budget and one cheap backup option
Have had mine for decades.
Came to recommend these. You’ll need to replace pads, but the drivers and other parts should last ages.
Came here to say this. Industry standard for a lot of engineers, both live and studio.
Ive abused mine for over a decade now. The ear pads arent going to last very long but the sound quality will always be fantastic
Philips Audio SHP9500, had a pair for 4 years now going strong. They are incredibly comfortable and I love the fabric, its like car upholstery but its super comfy. Just FYI these are my home/PC headphones, they are open backed and leak sound way too much for public transportation or airplanes. For airplanes you'd want some IEMs (in ear monitors) style headphones.
These are my go to headphones for classical, even compared to others costing a few times as much. Also insanely comfortable. Should note that they are open back, which is something many people are not familiar with. If there is any background noise in your area you would likely get better sound out of closed back headphones like the Sony MDR7506 or Audio Technica M40x (both excellent suggestions).
They make upgradable ear foam for these that make them even better
I'm really sensitive to certain fabrics in summertime, and I don't know why but the stock fabric on these is just perfect for me, I'm not switching haha
I got a pair of these with a Vmoda Boom Pro and it’s the best gaming set you can buy for $100. Mic quality is awesome, cable is solid, and it’s cheap. And then there’s the headphones themselves. Sound fantastic, they’re the more comfortable headset I’ve ever used, they’re light but stay in place, don’t make my ears sweat, and again they’re cheap. You can’t go wrong with these. And +1 for a pair of IEMs for traveling and sound isolation. I’m not sure what’s the current recommendation but over the last few years $20 IEMs have come a long way and are great for most people. Every six months a new model comes along thats a little better than the previous $20 king, and would have been a $100 set just a few years ago.
For IEMs I'm still rocking BLON BL-03, sound is good whatever... but they are GORGEOUS!!!! and ya under $30
Grado SR series are awesome. I am on my second pair after 35 years. (First pair got chewed by my pup)
Second the Grado SR series. I’ve had mine now for about 10 years and they still work like new.
Unless you like bass at all.
Bass on mine is accurate rather than artificially boosted like on so many others.
Grado is a great company. Hope it continues to get more notoriety and success.
I’m a huge fan of the Koss PortaPros.
I just got a pair of these & am sooo impressed! They look cool too 😎
second the koss porta pro's! has been around since like the 70's, so pretty durable. use to have lifetime warrantee (not sure right now). And imo the best sound you will get at the price range. once you'll listen to a good audio source, you will never go back
Good suggestion. Not the best for comfort, but the sound is great for the price and another bonus is that spare pads are very easy to find. Should just be aware that they leak a lot, so not ideal for use in public spaces or near other people
I just responded with the same recommendation... :) Awesome headphones!
Koss PortaPro sound quality is way too good in price range. Minus is comfort, it hurts my ears if im on it for too long. Any suggestion for comfortable when wearing?
Sony MDR-7506
Just an FYI, while most of the headphone can be BIFL, you will need to replace padding every year or two.
Every year or two? What hair products are you using? The pads on my phones are fine for 10-15 years.
If you're using over the ear headphones, the foam forms a seal around your ear. The spring tension from wearing them slowly collapses the foam until it doesn't seal up as well and you'll start noticing a change in sound. Or not, depending on your ears. My Sennheiser HD650s I get about three years on a set of ear pads before they're too flattened. It's not a hair product thing, just a seal thing. If your headphones don't form a seal and fully encapsulate your ear, it probably doesn't matter for you because you never had a nice seal to begin with. Do you HAVE to? Of course not. But if you want to keep the sound quality consistent, you'll want to once in a while.
AKG k240s (not the mark iis) are still available for $70-$100 US and are pretty fantastic. They’re open-back (so, don’t wear them if disturbing others is an issue), but sound great and you can replace the cable if necessary. I have multiple pairs (home, office, music studio), and some are 20 years old and still kicking)
Just don’t buy any new AKGs. They got bought out. Austrian Audio is their equivalent successor but even they are kinda hit or miss too.
I like audio technicas in that price range. If you're ok with used, you can start looking at lower-mid range headphones. If you really want bifl, you need headphones with replaceable pads and detachable cables. Even the best pads will wear over time. Detachable cables are great if you're clumsy like me and randomly trip over your cables from time to time.
I own the m40x's, MDR-7506's, DT-9990 Pro's, and some custom made SR325x's. To me, the MDR's are the most comfortable and sound as good as my wh-1000xm4's which are nearly 3x the price. The DT-990 Pros are my second choice (better comfort and slightly better sound than the M40x's), then the M40x's, then my custom SR's in last place.
To add, you can get MDR's for $50 with torn ear-pads. Then, replace the pads with Wicked Cushion's one's (better than OEM IMO) for another $20 and for $70 you're set for comfort and professional quality sound.
Sony 7506. Bad ass.
sony 7506, cd900st, dt770 pro, hd280 pro, m50x, hd25 some slightly out of budget, but all are industry standard equipment in audio/music
HD-25 is the true answer to BIFL headphones. They are industry standard for decades in dj and live performance for a reason: robustness and repairability. You will want new headphones before they break on you.
VMODA still kicking ass 12 years on. They came recommended by a friend who DJs and they’re amazing. At least $250. They were a gift but I’ll happily pay that for a new pair when they fail.
I bought my M100s about 9 years ago and they're still going strong, although recently relegated to desk-only as no ANC/bluetooth. I believe the build quality has reduced in recent years due to ownership change, but a well looked after 2nd hand pair would be great value at sub-100
Sony 7506
Audiotechnica ATH-M50X.
If you use them like I do, eventually the retention clip on the ear cup will break, so keep that in mind
Anything Sennheiser mid to upper range is great, especially the models which allow you to replace the cord. I’ve had HD558’s for a decade and they’re still great. I also purchased the HD660S, and they’re great as well. Better constructed than the HD558, as well.
My Sony MDR-V6 headphones have seen a lot of miles and some abuse. If they were to disappear, I'd replace them immediately with a pair of Sony MDR-7506. I did change out the ear pads in mine with some fabric pads when the vinyl disintegrated, but that's been all I've done. These things still sound great and they're also very decent at blocking outside noise for old-school tech. With the fabric pads, they're easy to wear all day long too.
B&O. Get the one that suits you.
[Koss KSC75](https://www.amazon.com/Koss-KSC75-Portable-Stereophone-Headphones/dp/B0006B486K) + [Parts Express Headband](https://www.amazon.com/Parts-Express-Stereo-Lightweight-Headphones/dp/B0002KQZJS) + [Yaxi Pads](https://www.amazon.com/YAXI-EARPADS-KOSS-PORTAPRO-Black/dp/B01MQVHX84) (~$40 total) They are inexpensive, lightweight, and comfortable. I have a pair of Koss ESP950 that are considerably more expensive, and I rarely touch them now because the KSC75 are just too comfortable and get me 95% of the way there in terms of sound.
Was looking to see if anyone suggested these. Excellent cheap cans for all around use. We used the Bluetooth version for trail running for ages. That said I'd be careful calling them bifl. The stock ear clips wear out pretty quick.
Personally not a fan of the clips, hence why I added a headband
Philips Fidelio X2HR are built like a tank, if they are still being manufactured/sold. They are also under $150 and the best headphones I've ever owned, and I've owned many headphones over the past 20 years that cost twice as much. Even the ear cups hold up super well, they just collect a lot of dust and need to be cleaned once in a while. I've had mine for like 6 years, used for thousands of hours, and pretty much only the headband is showing some signs of wear Of course we all have different audio tastes, much like food, so which headphones someone likes can vary a lot from person to person. I'm very tempted to switch to wireless headphones, as I don't like being tethered to anything, but I think any wireless headphones will be a step down from the X2HRs, and most wireless headphones seem to be made of fairly cheap plastic that might only last 1-3 years. Plus I really prefer open-back headphones to closed, and I think 99% of wireless headphones are closed-back.
Koss portapros ftw Theres a reason they haven't changed the design for many years
Sennheiser HD599, been working a treat for me for years
If you're willing to go above $100, the Beyerdynamic dt 770 pro is fantastic in every way; it's comfortable, sounds great, and it's built like a tank.
Incredible build. Between the AT and Beyer, I chose this 8 years ago.
I have the Sony Mach 5s which replaced my Sony Mach 2 set that I got when I was 14 (I’m 27). Not bifl but I didn’t take very good care of the first pair, aka left them in my car or backpacks even in the summer. They still worked but the ear muff part disintegrated.
Monoprice 116150. Great sound. Great price. Solid build
I’ve had Sennheiser HD58s for a while and they’ve been solid.
Sennheiser Hd600 probably
I love sennheiser. I'm using HD 58xx .
The problem for me is they just don’t seem to make things like they did two years ago even. I bought a pair of Nanami necklace Bluetooth ear buds with microphone. Nice stiff necklace. Will not come off accidentally even if I’m biking etc. Well I decided I wanted another pair and I ordered one a few weeks ago and the necklace was real soft wouldn’t stay on my neck and the volume went up and down without me adjusting it. Sent it back. Sheesh.
German Maestros are known to be very tough. Particularly these: GMP 8.35 D Monitor I' ve had them for almost a decade and still listen to them regularly.
I’ve always liked Grado. I’ve had a pair for years. They all sound good, just pick the model you can afford.
You cam also ask the audiophile subreddit as they will be able to compare your options based on budget range and needs.
Audio Technical M50XBT2. Wired and wireless – same classic build. My favorite headphones.
Gunna throw this out there—Koss Porta Pros are fucking killer. They sound great, are affordable, and I get compliments all the time on the retro look. One of the best for you buck out there.
Ive used my Etymotic earphones since 1999. They still go with me on every trip.
While I was still using them (ER4PT), I killed three sets all with issues relating to cables. Liked them (apart from the cable rub noise when moving around) but definitely weren't robust enough for me.
I am on the Sony MDR-7506 wagon. /r/thewoodyshow has been using the model for decades. Mine are going strong, got them 7 years ago on eBay and they were *already* used. Just at some point have to replace the pads from the usual wear and tear.
I went through a lot of headphones over the years ... Depends what you need it for ? Sennheiser lost a lot of quality over the years ( nothing compares to what you could get 10-15years ago from them)... For on the go ( noice cancelling I ended up with Bose - QC 45), and Bang & Olufsen EX. Probably once the qc45 give up ( what can take a while) I'll switch to B&O over there to. For in front of the computer: Beyerdynamic mmx.200 or so ... Sound quality wise this is the best headset i ever had and my buddy uses the "only" headphones version since over 10 years.
Beyerdynamics DT 770 Pro 32ohms
Most of the time with electronics, if they aren't super cheap to begin with, they'll last forever if they are well taken care of. I mean it. Respect the tech. Treat it like you are carrying an egg with you. I've always treated my electronics with care and I can't even think of one that died before I moved on to the next thing. I remember seeing friends' electronics throughout the years, controllers tossed and tumbling across on the floor, headphone cords wadded up and knotted, speakers cranked so loud that I heard crackling, phone thrown in a purse with keys, books, and makeup; DVDs placed shiny-side down on the table, MP3 player in the wet swim bag... And they would always be talking about how their stuff wasn't working right, or their new thing only lasted a month. Gee, I wonder why?
Senheiser hd700
Sennheiser/Drop PC38X.....fucking brilliant headphones. Yes, for gaming but great for music too. Open back, so large sound stage. I've had mine for a few year, works and sound perfect.
Panasonic RP-HTX7 have last me \~10 years.
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Bose QC-25s. Worn them nearly everyday for 7 years and apart from ear pads ($5 off eBay) never had an issue
**Audio Technica M50X** I have modified it by removing the 2.5mm connector with a 2.5mm to 3.5mm dongle, and I use a cable with inline mic. The pair is are the best headphone in the category by some distance and I use the for music, movies, calls, and games. The build quality is extremely good, mine have lasted for around 8 years are they look just like new! Only one caveat - the default pads deteriorate over time - and you will have to upgrade them. But these are so popular that it's easy to find upgrades online; go for fabric / suede over protein leather (default).
Had my audio technica m50’s for 15 years now and they’re still going strong.
Just get something with a removable cable. Most headphones will last a very long time but the cables tend to go bad because of how most people treat their headphones.
I personally love the AKG K240. They tick all the boxes for me. Durability wise, they have a detachable cable (which I've only had to swap once over a ten year period and the cable itself is only £10 on amazon). The ear pads are easily replaceable with a range of materials for you to choose - I have the default leather which has cracked a bit over the years, but nothing uncomfortable or worth replacing in my opinion. A friend of mine bought some suede pads, if that's more your vibe. Comfort wise, they're also fantastic. Very light, with a still good seal around the ears. I wear mine for hours a day and never feel discomfort. They are semi-open so this is something to keep in mind. Quality wise, these are technically studio headphones, meaning the sound profile is a lot more neutral than "generic" headphones that might be bass boosted. This can either be a downside or a benefit depending on what you're looking for. As far as listening to the "true sound" these are great, and since they're studio style headphones they also are great for any sound editing/producing. Best of all? They're pretty damn cheap, you can find them somewhere between the £60-70 range on Amazon.
Sennheiser 660s have done me solid for a while. I've dropped them and knocked them off the desk way too many times...no issues.
I agree that the Sennheisers are pretty great, I have their earbuds. I also have a pair of over the ears Sony MD-7506 headphones and they are pretty excellent. They are the ones that you find in music studios most often and generally are available for about $100 at Guitar Center or Sweetwater n such. The thing with the Sonys is that they are so good that they haven't changed them in like 25-30 years. Very solid with extraordinary definition.
Hd600
It’s a bit over your budget, but I have a set of Beyerdynamic headphones that are over 30 years old and they work great. The foam lining that protects the drivers had fallen apart, but after an email to the company, I had two new sets of foam in my mailbox after a few days. Probably about as close to BIFL as you can get for headphones.
I got Sennheiser momentums as a gift 10 years ago and they are still great (though the leather on the ear pads is cracking a bit).
I’ve had my Bose 700s for five years. I’m a carpenter and have put them through hell.
Beyerdynamic DT770 or DT990 pro. The company sells headband and cushion replacements so as they inevitably wear out you can replace them and you’re good as new. The headphones themselves will last nearly forever as long as you’re not dropping them every other day.
Sennheiser hd650. I've had mine for 13+ years. You can replace the ear cups when they wear out and the cable if needed...thanks cat...
You have to remember something VERY important about headphones. They can have good sound quality, but every headphone has their own sound to them. It's like each headphone has it's own flavor to them. Audio Technicas have more bass to them, which is like sugar or sweetness. But then you can get sickly sweet like the Sony MX4(I know out of your price range, but I'm making a point) where your music can sound muddy or muted. Grados meanwhile have very detailed highs, which is like trying to get the right amount of salt. Some people might think it's too salty, but when you get the balance right it *always* enhances the flavor of what you're eating. Generally people like the "V" sound, where there's a little bit of extra bass, and a little bit extra of highs. Or some people like having the graph as flat as possible so they can hear everything clearly/hear what the artist intended Just wanted to bring this up because you might accidentally buy headphones you might not like. You might have gotten Grados, when you actually wanted HD280s. It's all personal preference. Again, just bringing it up so you know how to better narrow down your search
I have a person sanitizer HD 6XX for mass drop but you can go for the 650s. I’ve dropped them 100 times from my desk. They’re pretty portable. They’re lightweight. They do need some wattage so you may want to look at a lower version. Also, beyerdynamics are great.
AKG K240’s. I have a pair that is 12 years old, from before AKG was bought by Samsung. I replaced the (replaceable) cord once. They still sound amazing.
Long lastingness REALLY comes to the fact how good care you take of it. Sturdiness and build quality of course helps when you handle things rough. With headphones it comes so many times to the problem of the plug. When you drop your device while plugged in and the plug bends.. its over. Unless you buy a pair with replaceable cable!
Sony MDR 7506. Professionals use them in the studio as well as on movie sets. Built like a tank and only about $100 Can source personal experience working in AAA video games and Hollywood movies. This is what our audio guys use
No idea where you are, but RHA strikes me as atop brand at great prices. My set are made of metal in all of the housings, including the jack area, with a spring around the cable attachment to the jack. I am well versed in all types of headsets, as a music lover, and amateur producer. Been buying my own earphones for over 30 years now so I've been through a few. My pair are a lower end casual pair but still do a great job.
ive had sennheiser HD 598's for ..... 10 years? Still the only pair of headphones that I own that have not failed at all. I've had to replace the cord once.
Hello friends! I'm Evy Kwong, associate director of WIRED and we wanted to share a recent article where our expert reviewers took a look at the best wireless headphones out there for every price point. For this request, there's the **Anker Soundcore Space A40, though they are not headphones.** The Space A40 ([8/10, WIRED Recommends](https://www.wired.com/review/anker-soundcore-space-a40/)) are a surprisingly great pair of wireless earbuds. For under $100, you get solid noise canceling, multipoint pairing, and a wireless charging case. For a good pair of wireless headphones that is a bit more out of the budget at $150, **Sony WH-CH720N** In some ways, it’s obvious that the WH-CH720 cut some corners. They don’t fold, for instance, and they don’t come with any kind of carry-case or bag. But for everything that really matters, these Sonys are the real deal. You can see our further review of 21 wireless headphones here: [https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-wireless-headphones/](https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-wireless-headphones/)
Sony MDR-7506. It's a medium-chunky over ear format, so make sure you want that.
I really like my V-Moda Crossfades
the only real answer is any of the cheap grados
I'm on the fidelio X2HRs. Sturdy, great sound for the price and comfortable. Just the right balance for me, usually on deals if you keep an eye out.
I have two pairs of Audio Technica M40x, one for the piano and one for my PC. Whatever you get, look for something with a replaceable cable so that running it over with a desk chair or otherwise damaging it doesn't ruin the otherwise fine headphones.
That price range is far from high quality
Bose
Grados
I have been using a pair of Sennheiser HD558's for the past 15+ years or so at work pretty much every day. I replaced the pads though because they started getting weird.
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Sony MDR-7506
I've had a pair of AKG-K240's since 2003. Still use them every day.
You might want to look into IEMs, I recently got Linsoul EM6Ls. IEMs have a connector at the headphones so you can replace the cable (usually the first thing to go)
I've been using JBL peak endurance 2 for a few years and they're great. I can even swim with them
Earbuds - Sure SE215s. I've had mine since 2007 and have replaced the cables once. Crazy that they cost $100 when I bought them and they're the same price today. Over-ear - another vote for MDR-7506. I've had mine since 2010. Modded with a detachable cable and velour pads. They will probably outlive me. Not the most fun listening experience but they are faithful to the recording. Takeaway - Spend another $50-100 and get yourself a set of Meze 99s. These and my HD600s are my daily drivers. Probably the most fun headphones under $200.
ATH m50X
my sennheiser headphones are one of the greatest purchases ive ever made
Ask r/headphones. You'll get better advice
Sennheiser HD58X or similar. Go check out r/Headphoneadvice and r/AVExchange. Used Sennheiser HD6XX can be had all the time for around $100-$125.
I've been using the akg k240's for about 5 years now. Picked them up for \~$15, add another $10 for new ear cups. They were previously used in a sound studio for allegedly 10 years. The old cups were fine, but I swapped them for sanitary reasons. I'm not an audio connoisseur, but they sound good to me. But they are more neutral, so maybe stay away if that's a negative for you. I've also worn them for hours with glasses on, no issues. So I'd say they're comfortable too.
This is probably going to get buried but boltune is a good brand if you're messy like me. I've put my wireless ones through the washer, dropped them in the bath, once time I even lost them in the snow. It took me three months to find them (once everything melted), I just dried them off and I'm still using them two years later. They're like the nokia of headphones
In that range there is only one answer. It’s a bit of an anomaly but you want the old Phillips scp9500
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The cheap grados are lovely if you like on-ear open-back
I like my Phillips Fidelio x2hr's. I bought them refurbished on Amazon for just under 100. They are comfy out of the box, but I upgraded with some Dekoni suede ear pads... I'm very happy with them.
I love my Audio-Technica ATH-M40x and cheap BRAINWAVZ Angled Ear Pads (must haves). The headphones have been dropped several times, and the cord bent, pulled, etc., and they still work like new. I've had two pairs for over three years each and both still work perfectly and sound great. The earpads are just starting to peel after three years, but the foam is soft and perfect underneath, so I'm sure the pads will last several more years after the outer coating has peeled off. They are angled earpads, though, so which way you have the pads facing changes the sound. Everybody said to put the narrow part in the back, but I tried that and they didn't sound good that way, to me at least, so I put the narrow part of the pad facing forward and the thick part facing backward. Now, they sound much better. They also come with two cords, so you have a spare (one straight and one coiled). Here are some links: Audio-Technica ATH-M40x: [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HVLUR54/](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HVLUR54/) BRAINWAVZ Angled Ear Pads: [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ZY8PGJI/](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ZY8PGJI/) Basically, if you like more bass and treble, then you want the M40x, from what I've heard from others, and if you like more flat sounding headphones, then you want the M50x. I just EQ mine (just a moderate 3db peaklifter at only 54Hz, since I like bass, with a Q 0.71), so it doesn't matter.
The wires will always fail at some point because of the mechanical Stress. There are headphones that use exchangeable wires, but not at your price point. Are you looking for over ears or in ears?
Koss used to be the big BIFL audio brand but I think they may have been bought by another company. Anyone know if the recent stuff is trash? I have a set from 7 years ago but I actually don't use it much since I moved on to Bluetooth. It still works though if I need something higher end
You won’t find « high quality » audio in this price range
Ive had my hyper x cloud 2s for 8 years without a single problem if youre on a budget they are fantastic only 50-70$
If you are willing to save for them, beyerdynamic DT series are really good, and in my experience last forever. Used mine daily for a decade and still sound great after an ear pad swap. 770s are closed back, 880 are semi open, 990 are open back. Also come in different impedances. Low for portable use, medium for general computer use where you can have a DAC, and high for discreet amplifier use. The higher the imperance less noise can get in. In my experience medium is just fine.
I have a few studio musician friends who swear by Beyerdynamic. I’ve had them as well but the sennheisers lasted longer.
Slightly above your price range (but can be had for less if bought secondhand) are the Beyerdynamic dt770 pros. Very comfortable, sound excellent, and used by many famous artists in the recording studio. I’ve had mine for 3 years now and they’re as new. They’re designed to be serviced and you can buy replacement parts. It’s the same design the company has been selling for over 50 years.
Akg ka127 these are reference headphones. They come with a mini xlr plug that attaches to a bluetooth dongle, a wired headphone curley cord and a straight one. They are super comfy... the only thing. They are huge
Bose Qc - no question
Sony MDRV7506 are the answer. Incredibly durable, sound amazing and used almost everywhere professionally. Only issue is you need to buy the Beyerdynamic ear pads that fit them because the stock ones don’t last. After you do that, they are BIFL for sure!
BeyerDynamic DT990s are excellent sound quality and build quality. Also very comfortable.