Best USB-C headphone adapters (2024)

Bluetooth LDAC may be the king of wireless connectivity, but USB-C is becoming the norm for wired options. Even Apple is moving to the standard after being forced by the EU to drop the lightning port in favor of USB-C connectivity. At the same time, most current smartphones have dropped the headphone jack. What should you do if you want to plug in your analog headphones with their 3.5mm jack? Get a USB-C headphone adapter, of course! Here’s a list of our recommendations, including some 2-in-1 models that let you charge your device while jamming to your favorite tunes.

Editor’s note: this list was published on October 12, 2023, and is the first version of the article. Updates will follow as the market changes.

The Apple USB-C to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter is best for iPhone users

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The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) now with USB-C cable.

  • Price: $8.48

Why it’s great: Apple’s adapter is reliable for iPhone users. It’s simple and effective, and you know it’ll work seamlessly with your Apple devices.

Apple USB-C to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter

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Apple USB-C to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter

Seamless compatibility • Compact and portable • High-quality sound

MSRP: $9.00

Anker USB-C to 3.5mm Audio Adapter

Best USB-C headphone adapters (3)
  • Price: $14.99

Why it’s great: Anker is a trusted brand, and this adapter is no exception. This adapter is made with durable nylon and is compatible with a wide range of USB-C devices.

SheraF USB-C to 3.5mm Headphone and Charger Adapter (2-pack)

Best USB-C headphone adapters (5)

You get two additional sets of ear tips and a USB-C cable that’s of a decent length.

  • Price: $7.98

Why it’s great: This 2-in-1 adapter lets you charge your device while listening to music. It supports PD 60W fast charging and is compatible with all the latest Android devices.

Sheraf USB Type C to AUX Mic Jack Dongle Cable

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Sheraf USB Type C to AUX Mic Jack Dongle Cable

Lifesaver for non-Bluetooth devices • Short and reinforced for durability • Great sound quality

MSRP: $7.98

Subynanal USB-C to 3.5mm Headphone and Charger Adapter

Amazon
  • Price: $9.49

Why it’s great: Another 2-in-1 option that supports PD 3.0 fast charging (0V/3A). It’s compatible with Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel devices and supports music playback and calling.

Subynanal USB-C to 3.5mm Headphone and Charger 2-in-1 Adapter

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Subynanal USB-C to 3.5mm Headphone and Charger 2-in-1 Adapter

Enables simultaneous charging and headphone use • Fast 60W PD charging support • Compatible with a wide range of devices

MSRP: $9.49

ZOOAUX USB-C to 3.5mm Headphone and Charger Adapter

Best USB-C headphone adapters (9)

Amazon

  • Price: $13.99

Why it’s great: This adapter supports DAC with 16bit/192Khz or 24bit/96KHz, ADC with 16bit/48Khz, and is compatible with various devices, including smartphones, laptops, and tablets.

ZOOAUX USB C to 3.5mm Headphone and Charger Adapter

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ZOOAUX USB C to 3.5mm Headphone and Charger Adapter

Dual functionality • Sturdy build • Wide compatibility

MSRP: $13.99

What you should know about USB-C headphone adapters

Best USB-C headphone adapters (11)

The Logitech G333 includes a 3.5mm USB-C connector, making it easy to use with modern smartphones so long as you don’t forget the dongle.

Compatibility is Key

Not all USB-C ports are created equal. Some may only support charging, while others handle data transfer and audio output. Always check your device’s specs to ensure it supports audio over USB-C.

Sound Quality Matters

USB-C adapters can affect sound quality. Opt for adapters with a built-in DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) for superior audio performance.

Durability

These adapters are tiny but take a lot of wear and tear. Look for ones made of robust materials like braided nylon or aluminum.

2-in-1 Features

If you’re eyeing a 2-in-1 adapter, ensure it supports fast charging. You don’t want to compromise on charging speed for audio connectivity.

How we choose the best USB-C headphone adapters

Best USB-C headphone adapters (12)

Jasper Lastoria / SoundGuys

You’ll likely need a dongle to hook up your IE 200 to your phone.

Customer Reviews and In-House Testing

We don’t just rely on Amazon reviews; we’ve done extensive testing on various headphone products and devices. Combining honest user feedback with our hands-on experience, we offer trustworthy recommendations.

Brand Reputation

We consider trusted brands that are known for quality and customer service. No fly-by-night operations here.

Price vs. Performance

We weigh the cost against the features offered. Sometimes, spending a few extra bucks is worth it for better durability or audio quality.

Versatility

We look for adapters that are compatible with a wide range of devices. The more versatile, the better.

Why you should trustSoundGuys

Best USB-C headphone adapters (13)

At SoundGuys, our integrity is non-negotiable. We’re an independent site with no direct ties to manufacturers, and we don’t accept payment for coverage. Our recommendations are backed by rigorous testing and years of experience in the consumer audio technology industry. For total transparency, you can dive into our Ethics Policy to see how we maintain our journalistic standards.

We’re not here to sell you hype; we’re here to provide you with the facts you need to make an informed decision. Our financial success relies on your satisfaction with our recommendations, earning your trust our top priority. So go ahead and make your choice with confidence.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, USB-C headphone adapters effectively convert the USB-C port to a 3.5mm headphone jack, allowing you to use traditional headphones with devices that lack a built-in headphone jack.

The sound quality largely depends on the adapter’s built-in DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter). High-quality adapters usually offer superior audio performance.

Based on our research and testing, the Apple USB-C to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter is a top pick for its reliability, compatibility, and sound quality.

Yes, there are various adapters that convert USB-C to a 3.5mm audio jack. We’ve listed some of the best options in this article.

Absolutely. USB-C ports on most modern smartphones and laptops support audio output, allowing you to listen to music or take calls via a USB-C headset adapter.

The best

USB-C

Best USB-C headphone adapters (2024)

FAQs

Are all USB-C to headphone adapters the same? ›

Not all USB-C ports are created equal. Some may only support charging, while others handle data transfer and audio output. Always check your device's specs to ensure it supports audio over USB-C.

Are USB Type-C headphones good? ›

There are many benefits of using USB-C earphones. One of the main benefits is that they offer superior sound quality. They also have a better design than traditional earphones and are more comfortable to wear. Additionally, USB-C earphones are more durable and are less likely to break.

What is the best USB-C to headphone jack for Android? ›

Find out more about how we test.
  • Staff pick. ...
  • UGREEN USB-C Headphone Jack Adapter. ...
  • CableCreation USB-C Adapter. ...
  • UGREEN USB-C to 3.5mm Angled Adapter. ...
  • Anker USB-C to Lightning Audio Adapter. ...
  • Samsung USB-C to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter. ...
  • Bojuren USB-C to Headphone Jack. ...
  • Anker PowerExpand Direct 6-in-1 USB-C Hub.
Feb 12, 2024

Is 3.5 mm jack better than USB-C? ›

In general, USB-C headsets may offer a slightly better sound quality compared to those that use a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack, because the digital signal can be transmitted more accurately over a USB-C connection.

Do headphone adapters affect quality? ›

Will it affect quality or volume? That depends heavily on the quality of your onboard. If your motherboard is 6 years old or older the usb adapter is probably better but if you have a decent motherboard that is reasonably new it is probably better as it should have a superior audio chip.

Does any USB-C to 3.5 mm work? ›

Yes, you can use any USB-C to 3.5mm. Some have powered DACs, some don't.

Should I get USB-C headphones or an adapter? ›

Best answer: A USB-C dongle can be better than USB-C headphones. It all depends on the presence of a Digital Audio Converter (DAC) and its quality. If the DAC in the dongle is better than the DAC in the headphones, then you should go with the dongle.

Why don't USB-C earphones work? ›

Check the device's sound settings. On some devices, you'll need to turn on audio through your USB-C port. Some devices also won't let you take calls using your earbuds. If you're using a phone, make sure it's using the latest version of Android.

Do all USB-C to 3.5 mm have DAC? ›

Type-C can do anything, but not every given Type-C port does everything. Some devices with Type-C jacks still have the internal DAC (digital to analog converter) and headphone amplifier, just as if they had the 3.5mm headphone jack built-in. Except this runs, as an analog signal, over the Type-C jack using.

Can you use USB-C headphones on Samsung phone? ›

If you prefer wired headphones, you can use the USB-C port on your device to plug in a pair of USB-C wired headphones. You can buy USB-C wired headphones from most electrical retailers or online from the Samsung shop.

Can you convert headphone jack to USB-C? ›

The USB-C to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter lets you connect devices that use a standard 3.5mm audio plug — like headphones or speakers — to your USB-C devices.

Is 3.5 mm jack obsolete? ›

So yeah, most mainstream phones, particularly the expensive flagship models, don't have a headphone jack anymore. Companies just expect you to have wireless headphones or wireless earbuds by now. However, there are still some exceptions.

Why do wired headphones sound better? ›

Better Sound Quality: Wired headphones typically offer superior sound quality compared to their wireless counterparts. This is because they can transmit uncompressed audio data without any signal loss or interference caused by Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.

Can you connect a USB-C headphone to a 3.5 mm headphone jack? ›

No, you cannot directly connect a USB-C headphone to a 3.5mm headphone jack without using an adapter. USB-C headphones require a digital signal, while the 3.5mm headphone jack accepts an analog signal.

Are USB-C adapters universal? ›

Both Lightning and USB-C cables have flat, rounded connectors, and neither side is the “right side up” side. The most obvious difference between the two is that Lightning is Apple's proprietary cable, and USB-C is universal (which makes sense, considering USB stands for Universal Serial Bus).

Can I use any USB-C adapter? ›

Using USB-C Chargers Safely

To ensure safe charging, it is important to use high-quality, genuine chargers and cables. Using cheap and unreliable chargers or cables can lead to problems such as overcharging, overheating, and even explosion or fire.

Does all USB-C support audio? ›

USB-C, or USB Type-C, is a 24-pin connector (not a protocol) that supersedes previous USB connectors and can carry audio, video and other data, e.g., to drive multiple displays or to store a backup to an external drive. It can also provide and receive power, such as powering a laptop or a mobile phone.

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