Wired earbuds are a great alternative to wireless earbuds, delivering just as good audio with a connectivity option that makes them compatible with a wide range of devices, not just those that support Bluetooth. If you’re worried about them not lasting as long, don’t be. If you take good care of your wired earbuds, they can last for years.

The lifespan of earbuds depends on their quality, how often you use them, and how you treat them. If they cost you $10 and you use them every day or so, you may find that the cord breaks or an earbud breaks after six months. However, if you spend more than $50 on wired earbuds and take good care of them, they can last up to five years.

There’s nothing about a pair of earbuds that should break over time. However, they will wear out with repeated use, especially if you bend the cord a lot, expose them to harsh conditions, or don’t store them in a protective case while traveling.

If your earbuds break soon after purchase, chances are you bought a defective pair and should return them right away. That said, you can make any pair of wired earbuds last longer by taking good care of them.