Ever get on to a plane, get comfy, pull out your wired earbuds, and then remember that your phone doesn't have a headphone jack? Or maybe you forgot to charge those wireless 'phones but thankfully, they work with a cable, too. Except you need...an adapter.
That's where a USB Type-C adapter comes in, and they are becoming more and more important now that fewer phones and tablets have headphone jacks. With a USB-C adapter, you can still use those old favorite or back-up wired headphones in a pinch without rummaging through your bag for the USB-C pair you swear you had in there.
The best USB-C headphone adapter on our extensively researched list goes to the JSAUX USB-C headphone charger, which allows for fast charging while you're listening to your favorite tunes. We've also included picks that fit not only a variety of specific tech needs, but also varying styles and budgets. So let's get started!
Adapt and overcome with these USB-C headphone adapters
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Best overall
The JSAUX USB-C audio adapter is our best overall pick thanks to its sleek design, and support for 60W PD fast charging. The aluminum housing and braided cable makes it durable, and the audio jack supports mic and in-line controls for your heaphones. It's compatible with a wide range of devices, and is priced well.
Most stylish adapter
This sleek-looking adapter allows you to listen to music and rapidly charge your device thanks to 60W PD charging. It works with several Type-C devices, including phones and tablets from Google, Samsung, Motorola, Xiaomi, OnePlus, and other smartphones that lack a 3.5mm headphone jack.
Most compact adapter
If you want a more compact way to charge your phone and listen to your music, this is the best option for you. Simply plug it into the bottom of your phone, and then you can use the included headphone jack as well as the USB-C port as you see fit.
Best angled adapter
This tiny adapter lets you plug in your wired headphones, without getting in the way of your hands. The right-angled design sits flush against your phone, which is useful if you're holding it horizontally for watching movies or gaming. It also supports high bitrate audio output of 24-bit/ 96kHz.
Best adapter for old Lightning headphones
If you're looking for a way to use your old Lightning headphones and accessories with USB-C devices now that even Apple has made the switch, this is the adapter you'll need. There is no software installation required. Simply plug the USB-C into your phone or computer and then plug your Lightning cable into the other end. Everything will automatically be good to go.
Best adapter for Samsung Galaxy phones
Samsung phone owners should get this headphone adapter to connect their wired audio devices, as it's guaranteed work on any device made by the company. As a bonus, it comes with a six-month warranty, and it supports 24-bit/ 192kHz High-Res audio playback.
Best two-pack adapters
Bojuren's USB Type-C to 3.5mm audio jack is an excellent value buy. You get two for the price of one, so you'll always have a backup pair. Keep one at home and one at the office, or one where you work and the other in your travel bag to enjoy high-quality music on the go.
Best multifunctional budget buy
You get to kill two birds with one stone with this adapter. Not only is it a USB-C adapter that can also function as an AUX mic jack, it comes with a built-in DAC for providing stable transmission with high-res music tracks. You don't get the highest audio support possible, but for the price, it's a good addition to your bag.
Best adapter for sharing
Want to share audio with a friend or family member? This USB-C adapter also functions as a splitter so you can connect two pairs of wired headphones to a single source and both listen at the same time. One person uses the master port for controlling playback and volume and the other joins in on the fun. If it's just use, just use the main port. Easy, peasy!
The best USB-C headphone adapters for wired simplicity
Many of the best Android phones are doing away with the headphone jack, like the OnePlus 13 for instance. Even Android tablets like the Google Pixel 9a have ditched the port. However, you can use an adapter with the USB-C port if you still want to use wired headphones. Fortunately, there are several different USB-C headphone adapters on the market from which to choose.
Consider if you want the adapter to have any other functions beyond providing just a headphone jack. If you decide you want one that features a charging port, for example, you'll need to consider whether support for standard charging is fine or you'd rather pay a bigt extra for PD fast charging.
We highly recommend the JSAUX USB-C Headphone Adapter since it provides a 3.5mm headphone jack and a charging port supporting PD fast charging. However, if you'd rather have something simpler, you'll be interested in a Samsung USB-C to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter, which only features a headphone jack. Both options are super compact and won't take up a lot of space in your pocket, purse, or bag.
Last, if you're looking for an adapter that supports Lightning cables that come with wired headphones for older iPhone devices (the latest iPhones and iPads come with USB-C), you'll want to get the Anker USB-C adapter.
