5 Top True Wireless Earbuds That Don’t Break Easily

Before 2015, the idea of having true wireless earbuds seems like a dream. Even though headphones and earbuds were advertised as wireless before 2015, they weren’t totally wireless since there were cables that attached the earbuds. 

Throwback to the year 2014, we remember googling for wireless earbuds, and all we got are those attached by cables, which could be really annoying. Who wanted the dangling cable messing with their workout or listening session? No one. 

We wanted true wireless earbuds without cables wrapping around the back of our heads. We wanted the wires to be completely gone. 

Thanks to technology, our dream became true. Now we can truly enjoy true wireless earbuds that our ears truly deserve. 

Along with this technology came the many companies that wanted to cash in on the true wireless earbud craze. Due to this, there are now many options in the market for true wireless earbud enthusiasts. However, the huge pool of options means that there are brands worth and not worth buying. Some are durable and some aren’t. 

Sifting through the many options can be tiresome so we put up this list to help you. This article features the 5 top true wireless earbuds that don’t break easily. 

But before we go to the wireless earbuds, what makes true wireless earbuds durable?

• Water Resistance

The first characteristic that makes true wireless earbuds truly durable is being water-resistant (take note: being water-resistant is different from being waterproof). When earbuds are water-resistant, it means that they can survive being exposed to water up to a certain degree. The water depth in which the earbuds can fall is also limited. 

• Dust Resistance

As its name suggests, a pair of true wireless earbuds that are dust-resistant can tolerate being exposed to dust. However, since being dust-resistant is different from being dustproof, the tolerance is only up to a certain degree. 

An accurate way to measure a device’s water and dust resistance is the IP rating. IP stands for ingress protection. It’s used to measure the capability of true wireless earbuds to protect themselves from external contaminants such as water, sweat, and dust. It is usually followed by 2 digits. The first one indicates the earbuds’ protection capability from solids, while the second one indicates the earbuds’ protection capability from liquids. The higher the IP rating, the better. 

• Withstanding Drops

Aside from being dust-resistant and water-resistant, a durable pair of true wireless earbuds should withstand being dropped as well. It should not break easily when you accidentally drop it on the floor. Accidentally dropping things is inevitable, so this characteristic is highly important. 

To further help you decide which one to get, here’s a table comparing the 5 true wireless earbuds on this article:

	IP Rating	Withstanding Drop	Battery Life	Sound Quality	Fit	Noise Cancellation	Price
Apple Airpods Pro	IPX4	Ear Height	Short	Excellent	Secure	Existent (Active)	Latest Price on Amazon
Jabra Active Elite 75t	IP57	Ear Height	Long	Excellent	Secure	Existent (Passive)	Latest Price on Amazon
Plantronics BackBeat Fit 3100	IP57	Ear Height	Long	Sub-optimal	Secure	Non-existent	Latest Price on Amazon
Jaybird Vista	IPX7	Ear Height	Long	Sub-optimal	Secure	Non-existent	Latest Price on Amazon
JLab JBuds Air Icon	IP55	Ear Height	Long	Excellent	Secure	Non-existent	Latest Price on Amazon

#1 Apple Airpods Pro 

As expected, a spot was snatched by the Apple Airpods Pro. This set of wireless earbuds is an upgrade of Apple’s Airpods, which impressed even the most critical consumers. Given that the Apple Airpods Pro are an upgrade, the set highly deserves to be in the top 5. 

The Apple Airpods Pro are the first set of headphones from the said company to offer active noise cancellation. If you’re not familiar with active noise cancellation, it’s a feature that electronically cancels external noise like the sound of a train engine or a chirping bird. 

The Airpods Pro are also the company’s first model to offer noise isolation, which is a feature that employs the use of materials and ergonomic design to block out as much external noise as possible.  Thanks to the three types of silicone tips that come with it, the Apple Airpods Pro easily fit into any ear size. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cG8PXdTlDag

Another great feature of the Apple Airpods Pro is the transparency mode. This mode lets you hear surrounding sounds, in case you want to wake up during emergencies or be more sensitive to your environment. 

In terms of durability, the Airpods Pro has an IPX4 rating. This means that the AirPods Pro can survive after being slightly splashed with water or sweat. While it does not have an official IP rating for dust resistance, various sources claim that the Airpods Pro are resistant to a certain amount of dust after being tested. It is not resistant to finer particles though.

In addition, the Apple Airpods Pro doesn’t get damaged after being dropped from ear height. Some users said that they have dropped theirs many times, and the Airpods remained intact. This is due to the high-quality plastic that Apple used as outer shells. The case that comes with it is also highly durable, which makes it almost impossible for the Airpods Pro to break after being dropped while inside their case. 

Overall, the Apple Airpods Pro are a safe choice for users wanting a durable, lightweight, and compact pair of true wireless earbuds that perform well for listening to music and taking calls. 

#2 Jabra Active Elite 75t  

Another pair of true wireless earbuds that grabbed a spot on our list is the Jabra Active Elite 75t. An upgrade of the Jabra standard elite 75t, this set of earbuds are specifically made and marketed to athletes. However, it has come a long way that even non-athletes are loving it. 

Like its predecessor, the Jabra Active Elite 75t offers passive noise cancellation. Though not as powerful as active noise cancellation, users still think that the passive one works well on this certain model. However, it would have been better if Jabra opted for active noise cancellation. We can only hope the company will do so soon. 

One of the Jabra Active Elite 75t’s greatest features is its audio quality. Audio is warm and clear, giving just the right amount of boom to start your music listening sessions without sacrificing the mids and highs. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwpxwyxVmqw

You can take calls very clearly, too, as you can hear every syllable the other person on the line says. The other side of the call also benefits from the Jabra Active Elite 75t, as he or she cannot hear as much background noise from your side. 

In terms of durability, the Jabra Active Elite 75t has an IP57 rating. This means that it is dust- and water-resistant. Specifically, the Jabra Active Elite 75t’s hazardous parts are protected from dust particles. It can also withstand being submerged in water for 30 minutes, up to a depth of 1 meter. We don’t know about you, but this sounds like a pretty good deal to us.

Additionally, the Jabra Active Elite 75t can be dropped from ear’s height without being damaged.  Users claimed that they dropped theirs a couple of times, and the Jabra Active Elite 75t remained undamaged. However, the case that comes with it isn’t as durable as the wireless earbuds. 

Overall, the Jabra Active Elite 75t lives up to the expectations of its target market. Many athletes and gym-goers love it. It’s definitely a steal, especially for those who sweat a lot when working out. 

#3 Plantronics BackBeat Fit 3100  

True wireless earbuds usually come in two types― those with stems extending from your ears, and those with round buds. None of these were followed by the Plantronics BackBeat Fit 3100. Instead, it offers two wireless earbuds with hooks around your ears for supreme security. 

Like the previous true wireless earbuds on this list, the Plantronics BackBeat Fit 3100 is also designed and marketed to athletes. This worked well for Plantronics, as many consumers are buying it for outdoor workouts (e.g running and walking). 

What’s most unique about this pair of true wireless earbuds is its design. Users testified that the Plantronics BackBeat Fit 3100 is among the most secure wireless earbuds they’ve ever used. Unlike other true wireless earbuds, the BackBeat Fit 3100 buds don’t tightly sit on your ear. Instead, each bud loops around each ear, with a tip that sits just inside your ear canal. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6nNdacFSxU

However, the Plantronics BackBeat Fit 3100 design allows you to hear ambient noise. Due to this, bass-heavy songs sound weaker than when played using typical earbuds. Plantronics purposely made it this way so runners can hear approaching vehicles. 

In terms of durability, the Plantronics BackBeat Fit 3100 has an IP57 rating. This means that it is dust- and water-resistant. Specifically, the Plantronics BackBeat Fit 3100’s hazardous parts are protected from dust particles. It can also withstand being submerged in water for 30 minutes, up to a depth of 1 meter. No wonder why many athletes and active people love it. 

Like the other true wireless earbuds in this article, the Plantronics BackBeat Fit 3100 can be dropped from ear’s height without being damaged.  Users claimed that they dropped theirs a couple of times, and the Plantronics BackBeat Fit 3100 was just fine. Plus, the case that comes with it is zipped so you don’t have to worry about the earbuds flying out of the case when dropped. 

Overall, the Plantronics BackBeat Fit 3100 is a great choice for those who value security above all. While the ambient noise can be a bother for some, many think that Plantronics’ decision is justified. 

#4 Jaybird Vista  

The next true wireless earbuds on our list is the Jaybird Vista. Getting great reviews for its sleek design and improved fit, this model is among the best products the company has offered. A modern concave button is found on each earbud, giving the user basic call and playback controls. Its rectangular shape also prevents that typical antennae look that other wireless earbuds usually have. 

Like the two previous true wireless earbuds on this list, the Jaybird Vista is also designed and marketed to athletes. Most of its sales are attributed to its sleek design and mono listening mode. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ol5dltWgO4

The Jaybird Vista’s mono listening mode allows you to listen using only one earbud. This works well if you want to listen to music or take a call while lying down on your left or right side. To engage this mode, all you have to do is remove the desired earbud from the case. That’s it. You can then listen with one ear. Many athletes and active people actually prefer mono listening over any other type of safeguarding feature for running outdoors. 

In terms of durability, Jaybird Vista has an IPX7 rating. This means that it can withstand being submerged in water for 30 minutes, up to a depth of 1 meter. While it does not have an official IP rating for dust resistance, various cyclists claim that the Jaybird Vista are resistant to a certain amount of dust after many hours of cycling. 

In addition, the Jaybird Vista doesn’t get damaged after being dropped from ear height. Some users stated that they have dropped theirs many times, but the Jaybird Vista worked fine thereafter. The case that comes with it is also highly durable. 

Overall, the Jaybird Vista is a safe choice for those who don’t want a durable, compact pair of true wireless earbuds. 

#5 JLab JBuds Air Icon  

The last but not the least true wireless earbuds that don’t break easily is the JLab JBuds Air Icon. This product is best known for its affordability (hint: it’s almost half the price of the other true wireless earbuds on our list) and elegant design. 

The JLab JBuds Air Icon comes with 4 pairs of eartips―one foam pair and three silicone pairs in small, medium, and large―for a secure fit. There also come with two pairs of optional sleeves called fins—silicone rings that fit around the earpiece. They don’t look flashy, which work well for those who like a minimalist look. 

Given its affordable price, the JLab JBuds Air Icon has great sound quality. The bass doesn’t get ruined, and the sound from the other side (when calling) isn’t distorted. However, the sound quality can change depending on how deep you push the earbuds. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhJ3GfBrPnU

The sound recording quality of the JLab JBuds Air Icon is also clear. Every syllable can be heard without any distortion. 

In terms of durability, the JLab JBuds Air Icon has an IP55 rating. This means that it is dust- and water-resistant. Specifically, the JLab JBuds Air Icon’s hazardous parts are protected from dust particles. It can also withstand being hit by water jets at any angle, which means it’s okay for you to use it while being under low to moderate rain.  

The JLab JBuds Air Icon doesn’t get damaged after being dropped from ear height. Some buyers mentioned that they JLab JBuds Air Icon worked after being dropped a few times. However, the case lacks a clasp, which can send the true wireless earbuds flying out of it after being dropped.

Overall, the JLab JBuds Air Icon is a smart choice for those who want durable, high-quality true wireless earbuds without breaking the bank. 

Conclusion

There are so many models of true wireless earbuds available now, it would be tough to cover all of them. However, we made sure to pick the most durable ones for you. After all, it is the durability that ensures you get a bang for your buck.