
Bose headphones can be quite pricey.
But do their high cost guarantee they’ll last?
Or will these headphones fail after just several months?
Well, you’re in luck. You found the right person to ask…
Continue reading to find out:
- How long Bose headphones typically last.
- 5 surprising facts about this audio device’s lifespan.
- 3 simple ways to make Bose headphones last longer.
- And much, much more…
How long do Bose headphones last?
Bose headphones typically last for 2-3 years. However, how long your audio device stays with you relies on how you manage it. That said, if you take proper precautions in handling your Bose headphones, they can last up to 5 years.
Do Bose headphones wear out?
Bose headphones wear out. And here are the most common factors that make them deteriorate:
- Physical damage.
- Dirt and debris build-up.
- High frequency of usage.
- Exposure to sweat and moisture.
However, know that all of these also affect headphones from other brands.
So Bose audio devices aren’t low-quality just because they deteriorate with time.
Now, if you’re wondering:
“Can I prevent my headphones from wearing out?”
Well, you can’t really stop this from happening.
But there are easy ways to make your headphones last longer. And if you’re interested in what they are, keep reading because I’ll share them at the end of this article.
Bose headphones lifespan – 5 surprising facts
#1: Bose headphones have a 1-year warranty
Many people worry that:
They might spend hundreds of dollars on headphones that won’t last for a year.
However, you don’t need to have this concern with Bose products.
That’s because the brand provides 1 full year of warranty for all their headphone models.
So, if you’re unsatisfied with your Bose product’s sound or build quality…
And you bought it less than a year ago, the company will gladly:
- Fix your headphones.
- Give you a partial or full refund.
- Replace your headphones with a new/refurbished pair.
But bear in mind that there are limitations to this warranty.
Thus, Bose won’t replace or fix your headphones if you’ve damaged them by:
- Improper use.
- Unauthorized repair.
- Modifying or customizing your product.
“How can I contact Bose to avail my headphones’ warranty?”
Just prepare your product’s serial number. Then, head to the brand’s official repair/replacement page for further instructions.
#2: Impressive build quality
If you’re looking for a durable pair of headphones, Bose got you covered.
That’s because the brand emphasizes the build quality of their products.
So, their headphones can easily survive several accidental drops and a few bumps.
“What type of materials does Bose use for their products?”
Good question.
The company uses sturdy materials for their headphones’ bands, and that includes:
- Stainless steel.
- Reinforced metal.
So, compared to headphones from other companies that use cheap-feeling plastic…
Bose products are much more reliable and aren’t prone to snapping or breaking.
Let me compare Sony’s WH-CH700N to Bose’s 700 headphones to give you an example.
As you know, both are highly reputable brands.
But these 2 products show that Bose headphones have better build quality than Sony’s.
See, Bose made their 700 headphones with these materials:
- Solid ear cups.
- Stainless steel.
- Few moving parts.
On the other hand, Sony used these for their WH-CH700N headphones:
- Thin metal frame.
- Weak swivel joints.
- Plastic for most of the body.
Clearly, Bose makes their headphones with higher quality materials.
And this helps their devices to stay with you for a long time.
You might also want to know: 3 Easy Steps To Turn Off Bose 700 Headphones
#3: Their ear cushions only last for 6 months
Bose headphones can stay with you for several years.
But their ear cushions or pads degrade faster, at 6 months.
Luckily though, this headphone component is replaceable.
So, your ears won’t have to indefinitely suffer from torn ear pads.
“Is it hard to replace headphone ear pads?”
Luckily, not at all.
See, for the most part, this is all you need to do to…
Replace your Bose headphones’ ear cushions:
- Grasp the part of the cushion that folds into the headphones’ ear cup or body.
- Pull your ear pad away from its ear cup.
- Grab your replacement ear pads.
- Align the new cushion to the earcup.
- Tuck the edges of the ear pad into the slot behind the earcup.
- Gently stretch your new cushion.
- Adjust the pad’s position to remove any folds or creases on it.
Note: Exact steps will vary depending on your Bose headphones model.
#4: Not sweat-resistant
Working out is more exciting when you’re vibing to your favorite playlist.
However, most Bose headphones aren’t suited for exercising.
See, these audio devices have an IPX4 rating which means that:
They’re safe against splashing water.
However, Bose stated that their wireless over-ear headphones aren’t sweat-resistant.
So, their products will degrade faster if you use them while working out.
As an alternative…
The brand suggests that you use their SoundSport in-ear headphones for exercising.
Because, unlike the over-ear models, they’re resistant to sweat or moisture.
All that said, if you want your Bose headphones to last longer…
You shouldn’t use them in the rain or while working out.
Editor’s pick: Can You Wear Headphones Over Your Hat? 5 Surprising Facts
#5: Their batteries degrade
After using your Bose headphones for more than a year…
You’ll notice that your device’s battery will start draining faster.
And while this can be annoying…
Batteries degrading is a perfectly normal occurrence for all types of devices.
So, this doesn’t mean your audio device has low-quality battery life.
See, Bose headphones use lithium-ion batteries like other everyday gadgets, such as:
- Phones.
- Smartwatches.
- Digital cameras.
- Remote controls.
And you can measure the durability of this battery through its charge cycles.
Simply speaking, it’s the complete discharge of a full battery.
So, if you charge your headphones to 100%, then use them until their battery is empty…
You’ll complete 1 charging cycle.
Now, Bose headphones only last for 500 cycles.
And the more you use its battery, the less energy it can store.
That said, over time…
You’ll need to charge your headphones more often. Because they won’t be able to store as much power as they did before.
Fortunately, though…
You can replace the built-in batteries in Bose headphones on your own.
Plus, the brand also offers services for battery replacements.
So, you don’t need to go through the trouble of charging your device more often if you don’t want to.
Bonus: Excellent customer service

If you ever have any issues or concerns about your Bose headphones…
You can always reach out to the company for help.
See, out of all headphone brands I’ve tried…
Bose offers some of the best customer support.
That’s because you can reach them in 3 different ways:
- Through chat.
- By calling them at 1-800-379-2073.
- By texting them at 1-508-469-5278.
Plus, they also offer detailed tutorials on their website about how you can:
- Connect your device.
- Set up your Bose headphones.
- Change your headphones’ sound settings.
- Troubleshoot common power or audio problems.
So honestly, with the company’s top-quality service and detailed tips…
Bose headphones can last with you for more than 3 years with proper care.
How to make your Bose headphones to last longer
To make your Bose headphones last longer, store them properly so they’ll be safe from physical damage. Then, ensure that you don’t expose them to sweat, rain, or moisture. On top of that, you should clean them regularly to avoid debris from going inside your device.
Now, if you want to go into the specifics, here’s how you can…
#1: Store your headphones properly
The easiest way to ensure that your Bose headphones will last longer is to…
Store them properly inside their cases when you’re not using them.
See, most Bose headphones, including these models, come with traveling bags:
- Bose 700.
- Bose QuietComfort 45.
- Bose SoundLink 2 Wireless.
So if you’re not using your audio device…
Simply store them inside their designated cases.
This way, you can easily protect your headphones from dust and debris.
Plus, your device will also be safer.
That’s because hard cases can withstand more force than your headphones can.
Now, if your audio device doesn’t have an official case…
Or if you simply lost your headphones’ bag, don’t worry.
You can still buy replacement cases online or in your local stores.
Warning: Ensure that your case is large enough to fit your headphones. You may damage or snap your device’s headband if you put it in too tight bags.
#2: Wipe sweat OFF of your headphones
Sometimes, headphones will make your ears hot.
And inevitably, you’ll start to sweat.
Now, a little moisture won’t destroy your Bose headphones or anything.
But as mentioned, these audio devices can’t tolerate liquid.
So, you should wipe your sweat off of your headphones whenever possible.
This way, you’ll protect your audio device’s components that aren’t sweat-resistant.
Pro tip: To avoid exposing your headphones to moisture, remove them when your ears start to feel hot. Then, wait at least 3 minutes before you wear your device again.
#3: Clean them regularly
Your headphones are always exposed to dust and debris while you’re using them.
And while small quantities of dirt aren’t exactly harmful to your device…
When they accumulate over time, they can affect your headphones.
To be specific…
Dirt can find its way inside your audio device’s moving parts or speakers.
And when this happens, your headphones won’t sound as good as before. Or your device’s swivel won’t move smoothly.
Fortunately, though, if you regularly clean your headphones…
You won’t need to worry about your audio device’s quality degrading this way.
So, just follow along with these…
6 easy steps to clean your Bose headphones:
Step 1: Prepare your materials
This is a pretty simple process. So, these are the only items you need:
- Bowl.
- Dish soap.
- Warm water.
- Cotton swabs.
- 2 soft, clean cloths.
Step 2: Create your cleaning solution
- Grab your bowl.
- Pour around 4 cups of warm water into it.
- Add a teaspoon of dish soap.
- Mix the solution gently.
When you start seeing bubbles on the surface of the water…
Step 3: Remove your headphones’ ear cushions
I’ve already mentioned how to do this earlier, but as a reminder…
Simply grip your device’s ear pads from any point where they tuck into the ear cap.
Then, gently pull the cushions away from your headphones.
Step 4: Clean the small areas on your headphones
Dip a cotton swab into the cleaning mixture you made earlier.
Then, use it to clean the hard-to-reach areas in your headphones, including the:
- Hinges of your device.
- Inside edges of your earpads and earcups.
Pro tip: Use as many cotton swabs as necessary. This way, you’ll thoroughly clean your headphones. And you won’t just be moving the dirt around your device.
Step 5: Wipe your headphones
Get 1 of your soft cloth and dip it into your cleaning mixture.
Then, squeeze excess water from the fabric, so it’s not dripping wet.
After that, use the damp cloth to clean the larger outer areas of your headphones, including the:
- Headband.
- Outside part of the earcups.
Warning: Ensure that the fabric you’re using isn’t too wet. Bose headphones aren’t water or sweat-resistant. So, you’ll risk damaging your device if your cloth still has too much liquid.
Step 6: Let your device dry
Use the other cloth you prepared to wipe your headphones.
Then, let your device air dry for 30 minutes before returning its earpads and using it again.
Now, if you want a visual guide to cleaning your audio device, watch this video:
“How often should I clean my headphones?”
It depends on how much you use your audio device.
But if you’re like me, who uses my headphones for 2 hours daily…
Cleaning your device twice a month is enough.
Bonus: Turn them OFF when not in use
As I mentioned, Bose headphones will only last for around 500 charging cycles.
So if you want their batteries to last longer…
Turn OFF your audio device when you’re not using it.
This way, you’ll save your headphones’ power, so you won’t need to charge them as often.
And as a result, you’ll be using fewer charging cycles, preserving your device’s battery life.