How long do iPod/MP3 headphones last?

[RunninTeach]

The earbuds that came with my iPod never stayed put in my ear, so I bought Sennheiser Twist-to-Fit Sport Headphones, which were a bit pricier then ($70) than they are now ($35).

After about a year-and-a-half of use, the wires became frayed in numerous places, and I had to trash them.

This summer, I bought cheaper headphones from Target (Nike Vapor 3-Way Sport - $25) and already the music is shorting out on me after just a few months' use.

Before I order the Sennheiser's again, I was wondering two things:

1) how often should headphones have to be replaced?
2) any recommendations for headphones with decent sound & durability would be most appreciated.

TIA for any responses.

 

[maddiesmum]

Cathy:

The ear buds that come with ipods last, in my chronic, "must-be-plugged-in-at-all-times-" tennager's experience just a few precious months, 3 or 4 if we are lucky. We buy her cheap pairs as a result.

I have a pair I got at Circuit City that I have had for at least 2 years now. I got them for under $20 if I remember correctly, they give great sound clarity and huge volume, and they are collapsible so they are easy to carry around, lightweight, and shape back up into a headset that goes over your head. Thin, not clunky looking at all. I can't wear ear buds and I can't stand ear phones that don't give me clarity or much volume! You need to really hear the beat when running, etc! This pair stays put during running.

Name is Audiobahn ABN-F700. I am a repeat buyer of the same set of headphones and will stay with these as long as they make them.

Clare

 

[RunninTeach]

Thanks so much, Clare! I will take a spin over to Circuit City this weekend and look for this brand. I'm hoping they'll have the ear bud style, too. I do like being able to keep only one in my ear.

Again, thanks for the tip!

 

[christy67]

I had the Nike ones also, they only lasted me a few months. I would love to find a good pair of ear buds that not only STAY in my ears but sound really good. Suggestions anyone?????

Christy

 

[dbelden1]

I had the Nike ones also, they only lasted me a few months. I would love to find a good pair of ear buds that not only STAY in my ears but sound really good. Suggestions anyone?????

Christy

I found a $20 pair of JVC "marshmallow" style at Walmart that fit comfortably in my ears... They come in a variety of colors on line... just search JVC Marshmallows...

I have a hard time with the standard ear buds killing my ears so these were a great find in my book! I can't vouch for how long they last as I don't use them on an everyday basis, but have had them for about 6 months now... have converted one of the gals in my office over to them because she uses them on her elliptical and has not had any problems...

 

[melanalyus]

I"ve had Sony brand ones for a few years, with no problem. I got them at Wal-Mart. I remember thinking that I thought they were expensive at the time---just grabbed them & was shocked at check out ($20-$30). I guess I got a good deal after reading this post.

 

[RunninTeach]

Thanks for the additional replies and suggestions!!

Christy, I did really like the Sennheiser's for staying put (the twist-to-fit worked well) and good sound--but at $70, I expected to have them longer than a year-and-a-half. If I can't find any of the others recommended, I may go with that one again since it's going for a lot less now.

Will go search those JVC Marshmallows now.

 

[PinkMom]

Hi, Cathy,
I run outside in Texas, and I tend to sweat a lot, so I've been through many, many pairs of headphones. The pair I have now holds the record for the longest lasting pair. I bought them when I got my iPod in Nov. 2006, and they are still working well. I haven't had any problem with them coming out of my ears or with the sound quality deteriorating or anything. They are the Cerulean XLR -- http://www.iskin.com/store/i2shop_cerulean.tpl?cart=1221943649226129 They are $22.49 right now. I didn't know anything about them when I ordered them; I was on the site ordering an iSkin for my iPod and noticed that these headphones came in pink to match my iPod -- a shallow reason for the purchase, I know, but they have proven to be a great purchase.
HTH!

 

[SirenSongWoman]

Yea, mine were toast after about three month's. All headphones, earbuds, etc. I think are meant to be viewed as disposable, since they actually are.

 

[carres1973]

I have the Skull Candy headphones in this link. I really like them. I usually can't wear headphones that go into my ear but they come with three different size silicone pieces. You pick the one that fits the best in your ear. The sound is GREAT! The nice thing about the silicone pieces is that you can take them off and wipe them down if they get too yucky.

I bought mine at Target. I don't mind spending $15 every few months on headphones. I think the expensive ones are really nice. I just don't know that any headphones are built to last very long, especially if they are used during sports when sweat is involved...eeeewwww!!

They come in other colors besides pink...black, blue, purple, silver...you get the idea!

Carrie

http://www.amazon.com/Skullcandy-Bu...5?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1221964754&sr=8-5

 

[RunninTeach]

Oh boy, I think I have too many choices now. *lol* Thanks, ladies! I will see what I can find today.

I just don't know that any headphones are built to last very long, especially if they are used during sports when sweat is involved...eeeewwww!!

Carrie—Point taken! That does seem to be the case. I suppose I expected those designed specifically to be worn during sports would have more durability.

Thanks again!