These are our top ten picks for headphone jack adapters that feature excellent compatibility, good design, and more.
| Name | Compatibility | Durability | Sound Quality | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JSAUX USB Type C to 3.5mm Female Headphone Jack AdapterBest Overall | USB-C Male to 3.5mm Female |
|
| BUY |
| JXMOX USB Type C to 3.5mm Female Headphone Jack AdapterStrong Runner-up | USB-C Male to 3.5mm Female |
|
| BUY |
| Phoie USB C to 3.5mm Headphone Jack AdapterBudget Pick | USB-C Male to 3.5mm Female |
|
| BUY |
| NANYI 1/4'' Male to 1/8'' Female Stereo Headphone AdapterBest for Musicians | 1/4'' (6.35mm) Male to 1/8'' (3.5mm) Female |
| N/A | BUY |
| UWECAN 3-in-1 Lightning to Dual 3.5 mm Headphone Jack AdapterBest for Sharing Audio | Lightning Male to dual 3.5mm Female |
|
| BUY |
| Posdou Dual 3.5mm Male to 3.5mm Female Airplane Headphone AdapterBest for Frequent Flyers | Dual-prong airline jack to 3.5mm Female |
| N/A | BUY |
| ZOOAUX USB-C to 3.5mm Headphone AdapterBest for USB-C Headphones | USB-C Male to 3.5mm Male |
|
| BUY |
| Anker USB-C 6-in-1 Hub for iPadBest for iPad Users | USB-C Male to 3.5mm Female |
| N/A | BUY |
| Apple Lightning to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack AdapterBest for Apple Devices | Lightning Male to 3.5mm Female |
|
| BUY |
| CableCreation USB C to 3.5mm Headphone and Charger AdapterBest Compact Design | USB-C Male to 3.5mm Female and USB-C Female |
|
| BUY |
How to Choose the Best Headphone Jack Adapter
More and more gadgets have eliminated headphone jack ports. This makes headphone jack adapters a convenient solution if you want to keep using wired headphones over wireless options.
However, the wide variety of adapters on the market can make the selection process overwhelming. It’s even more confusing if you’re unsure what to look for when browsing product descriptions.
Still, you can make an informed decision by taking into account factors like compatibility and build quality. We listed everything you need to consider below. We also include recommendations for the best headphone jack adapters available. Let’s dive in!
What are its connectivity and compatibility options?
The headphone jack adapter acts as an intermediary between your device and the headphones, translating the audio signal. On that note, it’s essential to make sure that the adapter will work with the specific device you have in mind before reaching for your credit card.
While most inexpensive adapters work with smartphones, tablets, or laptops without a headphone jack, you might need a specialized one to connect your wired headphones to an airplane entertainment system, musical instrument, or studio equipment.
There are several factors to consider when it comes to compatibility:
Connector type
Headphone jack adapters typically have a male and a female connector.
The male connector plugs into your device’s port and has pins or plugs that transmit the audio signal from the device to the adapter. Meanwhile, the female connector usually supports the standard 3.5mm headphone plug commonly used for wired headphones.
You can connect your headphones to a smartphone or laptop with a typical adapter. However, depending on your device, you might need a male-to-male version for audio equipment or one with a dual male connector for airplane entertainment systems.
Connectivity options
While there are different connectivity combinations available in headphone jack adapters, most typically connect a female 3.5mm connector to a male USB-C (used by many Android devices) or Lightning (used by Apple devices) connector.
That said, some adapters support multiple connections (2-in-1, 6-in-1, and so on). These can be handy for connecting two or more headphones to the same device for a shared audio experience.
Additional ports
Similarly, some adapters have additional ports, like a fast charge port, HDMI, or an SD card slot. You can think of them more as connectivity hubs rather than basic headphone adapters since they offer additional functions.
Is the headphone jack adapter durable?
Another factor to look out for when picking a headphone jack adapter is durability.
The adapter will likely be subjected to wear and tear. Consequently, we recommend that you pick one made from quality materials and rigorously tested. That way, it will stand the test of time.
To assess durability, pay attention to these terms when browsing headphone jack adapters:
- Cord bending tests: When an adapter is advertised as having undergone a significant number of cord bending tests, the manufacturer subjected the cord to repeated flexing to determine durability. Generally speaking, the higher the number, the better the cord can withstand bending and twisting without damage.
- Connector materials: Connectors made from low-quality materials will deteriorate faster than those made from sturdy metals. Aluminum, copper, or gold are more corrosion-resistant. The connectors should also be good conductors to prevent audio interference. Gold-plated and copper conductors work well, for example, while iron conductors aren’t as effective.
- Wire/cable materials: Ideally, the cable should be made from robust materials like copper, well-insulated, and tangle-resistant. For reference, braided nylon is a durable choice as it’s less prone to breakage. Braided cables have additional insulation, both for the inside wires and the outside layer.
- Warranty: An extended warranty can indicate the manufacturer’s confidence in the adapter’s durability and offer you an extra layer of protection. A 12 to 24-month warranty is preferable.
What sound quality specs does it have?
Audio quality is another thing to pay attention to when purchasing a headphone jack adapter.
If you want to use the adapter mainly for music listening, consider getting one with a built-in DAC (digital-to-analog converter) chip. A DAC transforms digital audio signals into analog signals compatible with headphones or speakers.
In short, it ensures accurate and high-quality audio conversion, so everything sounds just as it would if you plugged your headphones directly into your device.
Moreover, you should also pay attention to the listed sample rates. The term refers to the number of samples taken per second to capture audio data. Higher sample rates generally result in a more accurate representation of the original sound, hence better audio quality. For optimal audio reproduction, look for adapters that support higher sample rates (48 kHz-96 kHz).
10 Best Headphone Jack Adapters in 2023
JSAUX USB Type C to 3.5mm Female Headphone Jack Adapter
Key features
- Type: USB-C Male to 3.5mm Female
- Compatibility: Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, HUAWEI, Sony, Nokia, One Plus, iPad Pro, iPad mini 6, Macbook, Macbook Air + more
- Durability: 15000+ bending tests, Shielded enamel wire, Aluminum casing, Braided nylon cable jacket
- Sound Quality: Conexant smart DAC chip,16-bit/48 kHz audio output
- Warranty: 18 months
- Additional features: N/A
The JSAUX USB Type C to 3.5mm Female Headphone Jack Adapter is our best overall pick due to its solid construction, sleek look, and great audio quality.
The adapter is compatible with a wide range of USB-C devices, including popular Samsung, Pixel, and Huawei smartphones, as well as some Macbooks and iPads.
Additionally, the adapter offers top-notch audio quality thanks to its built-in DAC chip, which supports up to a 16-bit/48 kHz sample rate, ensuring an accurate reproduction of the original sound. Moreover, it supports calls for most of the compatible models.
As for the build, the adapter boasts metal-coated connectors and a shielded enamel wire. So, it should last a long time, even if you connect it to your headphones and use it while walking or working out, or any activity that tends to put more pressure on the cable.
Speaking of the cable, it’s fairly short, and the adapter is not bulky, meaning that it won’t add too much length to your headphones. It also comes in a selection of bright colors, making it both practical and eye-catching.
As a possible downside, some users report an occasional noise sound when the audio is off. That said, the sound is generally crystal clear, even for calls.
JXMOX USB Type C to 3.5mm Female Headphone Jack Adapter
Key features
- Type: USB-C Male to 3.5mm Female
- Compatibility: Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, HUAWEI, Sony, Nokia, One Plus, iPad Pro, Macbook, Macbook Air + more
- Durability: 12000+ bending tests, 24K Gold Plated Connector, Enameled copper wire, Braided nylon cable jacket
- Sound Quality: Smart DAC Chip
- Warranty: 18 months
- Additional features: N/A
This JXMOX USB Type C to 3.5mm Female Headphone Jack Adapter is a close runner-up in this list of the best headphone jack adapters, with features almost identical to our best pick.
One of the differences is that this one is advertised to withstand 12000+ bending tests, which can make it appear less durable in comparison to our best overall pick. However, the adapter features a braided nylon cable jacket and 24K gold-plated connectors, so it’s made of reliable materials that guarantee longevity.
The audio quality is also excellent thanks to the integrated DAC Smart Chip, which reduces noise and accurately reproduces audio. Additionally, the copper wire cable is a great conductor. The result? No funky beats will get lost along the way.
On the compatibility front, you can use it for music and calls with various gadgets, including Pixel and Samsung Galaxy phones. The adapter is also compatible with iPad Pro, MacBook, and MacBook Air. However, please note that the calling function won’t work for phones with a 3.5mm jack.
Phoie USB C to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter
Key features
- Type: USB-C Male to 3.5mm Female
- Compatibility: Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, Huawei, iPad, MacBook + more
- Durability: 25000+ bending tests, Braided nylon cable jacket, Metal-coated connectors
- Sound Quality: DAC Noise Reduction Chip, 32-bit/384 kHz audio output
- Warranty: N/A
- Additional features: N/A
If you’re looking for a good deal, the Phoie USB C to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter is the cheapest option on this list. Don’t let the price fool you, though – the manufacturer doesn’t skimp on durability or sound quality.
The adapter can withstand 25000+ bending tests and features a braided nylon cable jacket and metal-coated connectors.
Consequently, you don’t have to worry about it breaking in a couple of weeks, regardless of how careless you are when you throw it in your bag. It’s fairly short, too, so you don’t risk the extra cable getting in your way or becoming a hassle to manage.
You can also expect accurate sound quality thanks to the integrated DAC Noise Reduction Chip, which supports a maximum audio sampling rate of 32-bit/384 kHz. That translates to powerful noise reduction and high-fidelity sound.
On that note, you can use the adapter for both music and calls. It’s compatible with Samsung, Huawei, Xiaomi, and Google phones, among other USB-C gadgets. Additionally, it works with a variety of iPad and MacBook models.
While the build isn’t cheap, the design feels basic, and you can only purchase the adapter in black. Still, if you’re solely interested in functionality, it does the job.
NANYI 1/4” Male to 1/8” Female Stereo Headphone Adapter
Key features
- Type: 1/4” (6.35mm) Male to 1/8” (3.5mm) Female
- Compatibility: Headphones, musical instruments, amplifiers
- Durability: Made of solid brass copper
- Sound Quality: Pure copper connectors
- Warranty: 18 months
- Additional features: N/A
The NANYI 1/4” Male to 1/8” Female Stereo Headphone Adapter is a fantastic choice for musicians looking to connect their headphones to musical instruments or equipment, like electric pianos, mixing consoles, guitar amps, and even karaoke systems.
It’s especially helpful if you want to practice a musical instrument at home without disturbing your neighbors. Simply plug it into your instrument, connect it to your wired headphones, and you no longer have to worry about noise complaints.
The small, portable adapter has a sleek design and is made of solid brass copper to stand the test of time. Users can also expect good sound quality. The adapter features pure copper connectors that resist corrosion and prevent signal loss.
That said, using a straight headphone plug might be cumbersome due to the added length, so you might prefer an L-shaped one instead.
UWECAN 3-in-1 Lightning to Dual 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter
Key features
- Type: Lightning Male to dual 3.5mm Female
- Compatibility: iOS devices
- Durability: 20000+ bending tests, 100% copper core
- Sound Quality: Built-in DAC; 24-bit/96 kHz audio output
- Warranty: 12 months
- Additional features: 2 headphone jacks and a fast-charging port
If you’re looking for a versatile dongle that lets you charge your iOS device as you listen to your tunes, you’re in the right place. Not only that, but the UWECAN 3-in-1 Lightning to Dual 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter features two headphone jacks, making it perfect for audio sharing.
Able to withhold 20000+ bending tests, the adapter is made of silicone and plastic but features a copper core. That translates to better connectivity and longer life.
The audio quality is high thanks to the integrated DAC chip that supports up to 24-bit/96 kHz sampling rate, so you can expect it to deliver lossless sound even if you’re using two headphones at once.
Additionally, the fast-charging port is practical without making the adapter too bulky. In fact, it’s small, portable, and elegant. You can use it with a wide variety of iPhones and iPads running iOS 9.2 or above.
Posdou Dual 3.5mm Male to 3.5mm Female Airplane Headphone Adapter
Key features
- Type: Dual-prong airline jack to 3.5mm Female
- Compatibility: Older aircraft sound systems
- Durability: Gold-plated connectors
- Sound Quality: N/A
- Warranty: N/A
- Additional features: N/A
The Posdou Dual 3.5mm Male to 3.5mm Female Airplane Headphone Adapter is an excellent choice for frequent flyers looking to connect their wired headphones to the airplane’s sound system. As a bonus, you get two adapters in one pack, making the product great value.
The airplane adapter converts a dual-prong airline jack to a standard headphone plug. In other words, you can use your headphones on flights to boost comfort.
Gold-plated connectors offer great signal transfer, maintaining audio quality. Moreover, the adapter has a sturdy, compact build and doesn’t take up too much space in your carry-on.
ZOOAUX USB-C to 3.5mm Headphone Adapter
Key features
- Type: USB-C Male to 3.5mm Male
- Compatibility: Most USB-C devices
- Durability: 40000+ bending tests, Nylon braided cable, Aluminum casing
- Sound Quality: Built-in DAC, 24-bit/96 kHz audio output
- Warranty: 18 months
- Additional features: 4-feet cable
The ZOOAUX USB-C to 3.5mm Headphone Adapter connects your USB-C gadgets to headphones, stereo systems, speakers, or any device with a standard 3.5mm audio jack or aux-in port.
The adapter can withstand 40000+ bending tests and boasts aluminum alloy shell connectors and a nylon-braided cable. The cable is 4 feet long for greater flexibility and freedom of movement.
As for audio quality, the adapter includes a built-in DAC, which supports a sampling rate of 24-bit/96 kHz, ensuring a stable and accurate sound transmission. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work for calls, so you will have to use your device’s microphone.
The adapter is compatible with virtually any Android phone or tablet. The length of the cable is especially useful if you want to connect your phone to car stereo systems without Bluetooth.
Anker USB-C 6-in-1 Hub for iPad
Key features
- Type: USB-C Male to 3.5mm Female
- Compatibility: USB-C iPad models running iPadOS 14 or later
- Durability: Plastic with metal connectors
- Sound Quality: N/A
- Warranty: 18 months
- Additional features: HDMI, USB-C, USB-A, SD, and microSD slots
Made for USB-C iPads, the Anker USB-C 6-in-1 Hub for iPad is a godsend for users who want to take maximum advantage of the device’s USB-C port.
You can use the dongle to charge your iPad, transfer files at up to 5 Gbps, or connect the iPad to a bigger screen. Besides the 3.5 mm audio jack, the dongle incorporates HDMI (up to 4K@60Hz), USB-C (60W Input, 5 Gbps ), USB-A 3.0 (5 Gbps), and SD/ microSD slots (UHS-I, 104 MB/s).
The adapter has a high-quality, sleek design that matches the aesthetic of the iPad. However, you might encounter difficulties using it with a thick glass screen protector or a case covering the iPad’s edges.
Additionally, you must be careful when handling it, as it does protrude quite a bit. Accidentally hitting the adapter while it’s plugged into your iPad might damage the device’s USB-C port.
Apple Lightning to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter
Key features
- Type: Lightning Male to 3.5mm Female
- Compatibility: iOS 10 or later
- Durability: Metal connectors
- Sound Quality: Built-in DAC
- Warranty: 12 months
- Additional features: N/A
Owners of iOS devices are probably already familiar with the Apple Lightning to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter. The adapter is compatible with devices that have a Lightning connector and run iOS 10 or later – like iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
On the design front, it’s minimalistic, staying true to the brand. In other words, it will match all the other Apple cables you own. It also has a built-in DAC for accurate sound reproduction and excellent audio quality.
The adapter is made from plastic and silicone, so it’s not the best option for durability. Apple’s limited warranty for accessories only provides coverage for a year, so you will need to be careful when handling the cable. Luckily, it’s short, so the risk of it getting caught on objects or tangled is minimal.
Even so, using official Lightning accessories is key to preventing your iOS devices from becoming damaged. A counterfeit or uncertified product could also get hot, not fit properly into your device, or prove incompatible.
CableCreation USB C to 3.5mm Headphone and Charger Adapter
Key features
- Type: USB-C Male to 3.5mm Female and USB-C Female
- Compatibility: Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, HUAWEI, One Plus, iPad Pro, iPad mini + more
- Durability: Metal connectors
- Sound Quality: Built-in DAC
- Warranty: 24 months
- Additional features: Charging port
The CableCreation USB C to 3.5mm Headphone and Charger Adapter made our list due to its compact design. Besides, it comes with an extended 24-month warranty, proving the manufacturer’s confidence in its ability to perform well for longer.
The adapter has a slim, unintrusive build with no wires to worry about. It features a charging port as well, so you can listen to music and charge your device simultaneously.
The charging and audio ports are also positioned on each side of the adapter, which helps keep your cables out of the way and safe from unnecessary bending. It’s especially helpful when you have your device mounted on a stand.
Audio quality is great thanks to the built-in DAC, with the adapter also boasting a smart chipset to support volume control and answer calls on compatible devices.
Speaking of compatibility, you can use the adapter with basically any USB-C device, including iPad mini and iPad Pro. However, it doesn’t support calling for these two devices.
What is the best 1/8” (3.5mm) Male to 1/4” (6.35mm) Female jack?