Buy it for Life

BIFL and Bluetooth are typically an impossible combo because Bluetooth means more batteries and electronics to break/be unreplaceable. Maybe modular systems will come in the future but they'd need to use a completely generic set of batteries.

My best suggestion, based on what you describe as your problem with wired headphones, is to get headphones with a removable cable, as those cables are generally pretty standard. I know sennheiser had a lock in mechanism but you can get third party cables. Also, I was able to take that out of my HD599s and use the headphones with a Bose cable.

Lots of suggestions here already but if you want something truly BIFL then unfortunately Bluetooth is out of the question - look at things that have replaceable cables instead (such as the Philips Fidelio 2XHRs). Alternatively, for something actually rugged, maybe look into used genuine 3M Peltor Comtacs - the audio quality is surprisingly good for what they are.

Fairphone make headphones, slightly over your budget but worth a look. I've had mine for two months and they've been solid performers so far. More importantly, Fairphone places an emphasis on ethically-sourced and easily-repairable products with a long lifespan. Their new phone comes with at least eight years of support, for example.

Edit: alternatively, find a decent pair of dumb headphones with a detachable cables, either USB-C or 3.5mm, so you're less likely to damage the cable and, if you do, you don't need to replace the 'phones.

I'm unsure about whether prices fit in your range anymore, but if you want to have a wired headphone with Bluetooth, maybe the beyerdynamics DT 770/880/990 headphones and a fiio BTR5 Bluetooth module. I've daily driven the BTR5 for about 2 years for about 7 hours a day and they've been great, and the beyerdynamics seem really sturdy.

I like the AKG brand, I got 3 AKG headphones over the last 2 decades. One of them was stolen, one was gifted to my father after changing the pads and I still have the 3rd one.

They are lasting well and sound amazing.

The K371 might be close to what you are looking for, it's wired but comes with multiple detachable cables and it's a standard mini XLR so even if it break you can easily replace it.

I don't know about BIFL, but Audio Technica ATH-M50x are pretty good quality in my experience. I have the wired version (~$150) but they have a Bluetooth/wired version for $200. I did end up replacing the ear cups with something more comfortable for extended use though.

they aren't truly BIFL, i don't think they're particularly solid, but AIAIAI make modular over ears - so at least not the full unit needs to be replaced as they age. i use a pair and my only complaint is the bleeding - eg on a train, anyone in the adjacent seats is definitely hearing what you're listening to. could be an issue with just the cups i chose though

Audio-Technica ATH-M50X for all around use including mixing. They are Bluetooth but will also support analog cable in case Bluetooth goes away as a supported format.

For gaming you just can't go wrong with the granddaddy of them all. The Astro A40 with MixAmp Pro. Try the A50 if it has to be wireless but note that it won't be BIFL.

As mentioned before, bluetooth and 'for life' usually does not work together because of dyong batteries.

However, Beyerdynamic builds very repairable headphones. Therefore, even if your cable breaks with them, it is not so hard to replace. They kept their building stype for ~30 years and are still being bought, that tells you something.

That’s difficult to recommend. If wired were okay, I would say go with a pair of Sennheisers. They make replacement parts for purchase and some models have removable cables. I’ve had a set of Sony 1000m3’s that i gave to my kid and they have help up well for several years. We had to replace the pads once, and the batt doesn’t last as long as it used to, but they aren’t bad. They aren’t $200 though.

I got some Sony studio monitor style headphones with active noise cancellation for about that price. Sturdy, comes with a case, BT but also has a 3.5 jack and cable for direct wired connections. Although I believe when I got them, they were on sale. I'm not sure their regular price, but it's probably a bit more than $200.

The META these days is primarily chifi IEMs. Modular cable is bogstandard and there are a selection of bluetooth modules.

200 bucks is considered borderline top of the line. I dont think they will ever really need fixing if you dont screw around. I would even say they sound better than any alternatives as well.

I'm 2 months late and you probably already bought something. But in case anyone else with a similar request to OP is looking through these comments, I recommend Souncore life q30s.

They have good audio quality for the price (approx $60-80), and can connect with both Bluetooth and replaceable headphone jack wire. So if the Bluetooth components or batteries break, you can still use them as wired headphones.

The only con I found is that they skimped out on the mic quality to make the audio quality higher and maintain that price point.

My Bose QC35s have lasted 7 years so far, and don't show any sign of problems. I use them heavily, wearing them 5+ hours a day typically.

I replace the earcups once every year for about $15, that's it.

Shokz aren’t quite over the ear in the sense that you are thinking as they are bone conduction. But they are definitely put on and forget. I don’t know about buy it for life but they apparently have great customer service. I’ve had mine for about 4 years now I think and I love them. My friend had his for quite a few years and then something went wrong with the audio quality so he called up the company and they just sent him a new pair with zero hassle. He’s now definitely a customer for life. I think you would probably need to buy new for that kind of customer service though.

I would go with something like I own, Bluetooth headphones where I can plug in a wire and use them without needing the battery.

Sony XB910N in my case, but there are other options.

My Bose QC35 is starting to give me intermittent issues connecting Bluetooth. I've also changed the foams 3 times. I've had it since 2016, using frequently. I don't think it gets much better than this.

You could try the new Fairbuds, they are user serviceable! They sell replacement parts and batteries from there own store. https://shop.fairphone.com/nl/fairbuds-xl