The Best iPhone Adapters for Headphones
Do you miss your old phone's headphone jack? You're not the only one. Plenty of folks with new-age phones still remember the days of audio jacks. And although Bluetooth and other wireless technologies bypass the need for wires, you might not be ready to ditch your trusty wired headphones just yet. To ensure that you can still plug in and vibe out, you'll want one of the adapters on our list. Ranging from traditional USB ports to newer USB-C ones, there's something here for everybody.
Desoficon 2-in-1 Headphone and Charger Splitter (2-Pack)
Split the Difference
Remember when you didn’t have to choose between charging your phone and listening to it with wired phones? This nifty gadget offers you the ability to charge and listen at the same time, just like you could in the old days. Known as a splitter, this type of adapter plugs into your iPhone’s Lightning port like any other adapter would. Though you probably shouldn’t expect world-class sound fidelity while you’re listening to your tunes, the fact that you can juice up your battery at the same time makes it worth it.
Pros:
- Sold as a two-pack, so you’ll have a backup if one breaks or is lost
- Super affordable
- Fits into the Lightning port smoothly and precisely
Cons:
- Again, sound quality is not one of this product’s strong suits
- Not the most durable
Veetone Lightning to 3.5 mm Headphone Adapter (3-Pack)
Three's Company
What’s perhaps most annoying about not having a headphone jack is that you never seem to have your adapter when you need it most. After all, who remembers to carry around a tiny cable everywhere they go? Rather than taking that approach, you’d be wise to stock up on a few adapters. That way, you can stash them in different places to ensure there’s always one on hand. Keep one at home, another in your car, and a third in your backpack. Or, keep the extras as backups. Whatever you decide to do, you’ll quickly see that three are better than one.
Pros:
- Unbeatable price considering the quantity provided
- Compatible with a wide variety of devices
Cons:
- As the price might suggest, these are not the most durable
- Tend to generate electrical hum once they’ve worn down a bit
UGreen Lightning to 3.5 mm Headphone Adapter
Our Connection is Unbreakable
Rather than ordering a new adapter every few months, we believe the truly frugal decision is to buy a high-quality unit that’ll go the distance. This one from UGreen does exactly that. Thanks to its nylon braided cable, aluminum alloy shell, enameled copper wire, and PVC jacket, this adapter is one you can trust, even if you tend to be a bit rough with your phone and its accessories. Oh, and functionality aside, this cable has even more going for it. The braided cable and aluminum shell don’t just ensure its longevity — they make it sleek-looking, too.
Pros:
- Available in grey or black
- Apple MFi-certified
- Supports up to 48kHz sample rate
Cons:
- A bit costlier than other competitors, but it’s an upfront investment cost that’ll save you money over the long run
Apple Lightning to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter
The Apple of My Eye
We typically presume a manufacturer’s “stock” product will be inferior in quality compared to fancier aftermarket products. Fortunately, though, that’s not the case with this headphone adapter from Apple. If you’re looking to buy a replacement for your beloved adapter that came with your phone, you’ll be pleased to find out that Apple sells this one for a more-than-reasonable price. High-quality and long-lasting, this bona fide Apple Headphone Jack is as reliable as they come.
Pros:
- Can also be used on other devices like iPads or certain iPods
- The sound quality is excellent (although audiophiles might want to look for better)
- Authentic replacement for Apple’s standard adapter
Cons:
- Certain other cables are more durable than this one (but they’re more expensive)
Apple USB-C to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter
Why Not C What Happens?
With this adapter, the choice is fairly simple. Not only is it affordable, well-made, and tough, but it’s versatile, too. If you’ve got a host of devices at home that utilize the USB-C type, this adapter can do double-duty. Tech geeks and everyday Joes stand behind this one en masse — not just out of loyalty to Apple, but also because the adapter is plain good.
Pros:
- Virtually zero electrical hum or static
- Affordable enough that you could buy two so you have one for the car or as a backup
- Can be used for other USB-C devices, too
Cons:
- You may experience reduced volume with this one, but it should be loud enough for almost all purposes
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between all the different types of USB cables?
There are two distinguishing factors when it comes to USB types. First, there are different generations of cables, such as 2.0 and 3.1. Each generation can transfer data faster than its predecessor. This is thanks to improvements in the physical components (like the kind of wire used) as well as the technology that’s utilized.
The other distinguishing factor is the connector type, such as USB-A or USB-C. This refers to the actual shape of the connectors and ports that a specific USB generation utilizes.
Why do some adapters cause a static hissing or electrical hum?
There are a few reasons for this. Typically, that noise is caused by a faulty adapter. Because these adapters see so much use, their components can easily be damaged. This damage can create a misfiring of electrical signals between the phone and the adapter that results in background hissing. Other times, though, the fault may lie with the phone’s port or the headphones themselves.
About the Author
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.