Interesting.
I've really never broken one.
Maybe I'm doing something wrong???
I'm by no stretch a professional mechanic, but I also can't remember the last time ever needed a pro.
I've been doing my own work since I had a tricycle. Countless engine builds, the high school muscle car years, the trucks, tractors and equipment repairs -restorations, used to work with an oval track racer, etc, etc..
Not into it as a living, but I've certainly had my share of chances to break a socket or two.
Socket wrenches absolutely, been through them, but never a socket.
Interesting that several of you have - but that's why I asked. I'm not trying to declare I know all, and state that they never break.
I realize I could just be lucky.
But just saying - from my personal experience of what I've seen with eyes, I can't justify spending a lot of money on them.
I've got pretty much all I'll ever need, but if I had to buy more, or if they were all stolen from me - I honestly think I'd start replacing what I could from harbor freight. I've got several from them now, and never a problem.