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By Emma Williams
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The best Lightning to 3.5 mm headphone jack adapter on the market can help you a great deal in connecting your iPhone (7 and above), iPad or iPod Touch to headphones, headsets and earphones comprising a 3.5 mm jack. However, it is really a daunting task to find a good-quality Lightning to 3.5 mm headphone jack adapter on the market these days; especially, a product that fits your budget and requirements.
We explored the 3.5mm to lightning adapter market thoroughly and found 30 suitable adapters. We further tested each of them to narrow down our choice to these 5 best Lightning to 3.5 mm headphone jack adapters for you.
Roundup of the Best Lightning to 3.5 mm Jack Adapter
| Best Overall Lightning to 3.5 mm Jack Adapter | Apple Lightning to 3.5 mm Jack Adapter |
| Best Budget Lightning to 3.5 mm Headphone Adapter | Amazon Basics Lightning to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter |
| Best-Quality Lightning to 3.5 mm Headphone Adapter | UGREEN Headphones Adapter for Apple |
| Most Durable Lightning to 3.5 mm Headphone Adapter | MOOU Lightning to 3.5mm Adapter |
| Best-Performance Lightning to 3.5 mm Headphone Adapter | JSAUX iPhone Headphone Adapter |
In this guide, we will discuss all the shortlisted adapters in detail, and list their pros and cons. Read further to know more.
Why Did Apple Remove the 3.5 mm Headphone Jack?
There are many theories that surround the removal of the 3.5 mm headphone jack from Apple iPhones (for your information; the original Apple iPhone never had a 3.5 mm jack).
While some people thought that Apple wanted to make their iPhones thinner by cutting down the space occupied by the 3.5 mm jack (this never happened as both iPhone 6S and 7 measured approximately 7.1 mm), others discussed Apple’s intention to add a second speaker in place of the 3.5 mm jack (proved to be true). However, Apple’s plan was something completely different. Even iPhone 8 3.5mm jack is missing!
The brand saw no value in the existence of the 3.5 mm jack and felt that it was unnecessarily occupying space. Not only this it was also their way to ensure their users move toward the Lightning or wireless space.
5 Best Lightning to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapters on the Market
All Lightning to 3.5 mm headphone jack adapters listed in the beginning of the guide are compatible with all the current iPhone models, such as iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone Xs, iPhone X and iPhone Xr. You can also use them with iPods and iPads.
1. Apple Lightning to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter
Best Overall Lightning to 3.5 mm Headphone Adapter
- Durable; built to last
- Easy to set up and use
- Works well and does not affect the sound quality of the headphones or speakers
- Easily affordable
- Apple MFi (made for iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch) certified product
- Original Apple product
- Not universally compatible with all headphones on the market
The Apple Lightning to 3.5mm adapter is our top choice for a very simple and straightforward reason; it is an authentic Apple product. As you probably already know, Apple products work best with each other. The Lightning adapter is compatible with all iOS devices that come with a Lightning connection and support most lightning headphones to 3.5mm.
We tested the adapter with our Bose headphones and iPhone 7, and we did not face any issues while setting up the headphones. Also, there was no change in the sound quality of our headphones upon using them via the Lightning to 3.5 mm headphone jack adapter.
The product was delivered in the original Apple packaging. However, as soon as you receive the product, ensure you test it and see if it’s working with your device.
View on Amazon: Apple Lightning to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter
2. AmazonBasics Lightning to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter
Best Budget Lightning to 3.5 mm Headphone Adapter
- Compact, sturdy design
- Very affordable
- Certified officially for compatibility
- Allows passthrough of mic and music controls
- Plug-and-play operation
- Very portable due to compact design
- We did not experience any issues
In conclusion, AmazonBasics Lightning To 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter is a viable alternative; if you want an affordable MFi certification adapter that does what it’s supposed to, this is the one you should go far with.
Unlike many cheaper headphone adapters, the AmazonBasics Lightning To 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter is built to endure. The cable is somewhat beefier and includes a strain relief design that shields it from wear and tear caused by regular bending, pulling, and handling.
Apple has approved the adapter as MFi for use with Lightning-equipped iPhones and iPads. Along with remote music controls, it permits clear and high-quality audio passthrough. Additionally, the shorter cord makes it simple to tuck the adapter away in a pocket or bag for usage on the road.
View on Amazon: Amazon Basics Lightning to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter
3. UGREEN Headphones Adapter for Apple
Best-Quality Lightning to 3.5 mm Headphone Adapter
- Reliable and durable
- Allows you to listen to music and control it (volume, next, previous), and take calls
- Compatible with all Apple devices that have iOS 10.3.1 or later
- Provides clear and crisp sound; sound quality and volume output are excellent
- Easy to connect and use
- Stylish design
- Lightweight and portable
- Works perfectly with headphones and earbuds
- Apple MFi certified adapter
- Bulkier than the previous 2 adapters on our list
- Expensive
- Bass tones sound scratchy at times
So, you’ve seen the best overall and best budget Lightning to 3.5 mm headphone jack adapters on our list. Now, let’s talk a little about the best-quality Lightning to 3.5 mm headphone jack adapter on the market.
UGREEN Headphones Adapter for Apple or Apple converter for headphones is an excellent quality product. It is MFi certified by Apple and ensures secure connectivity with Apple devices. It is equipped with advanced noise reduction technology and provides stellar sound quality.
We tested the adapter with our Samsung Earbuds and Sony MDR V55 Headphones, and honestly, we wanted to rate this adapter as the best overall and best-quality adapter; however, we voted for the Apple adapter as the best overall adapter since it is an authentic Apple product (the only reason).
Even though the design doesn’t really matter in the case of adapters (functionality comes first), we simply loved the black and silver combination; especially the nylon-braided cord. We highly recommend the UGREEN Headphones Adapter for Apple devices with the Lightning connector.
View on Amazon: UGREEN Headphones Adapter for Apple
4. MOOU Lightning to 3.5mm Adapter
Most Durable Lightning to 3.5 mm Headphone Adapter
- Compact and portable
- Premium aluminium housing
- MFi-certified cable
- Compatible with most of the Apple devices
- Good quality sound reproduction
- We did not experience any issues
The MOOU Lightning to 3.5 MM Adapter is the most durable headphone adapter on our list owing to its solid construction quality. It offers clear and decent sound quality. Plus, the stylish design is enough to woo your heart.
This headphone adapter comes housed in an aluminum alloy shell and Type C cable with a premium nylon braid offers more resilience and keeps things untangled. It comes with MFi certification from Apple and has undergone strict testing.
Also, it can go everywhere your phone goes, including your pocket, backpack, or suitcase. Once you insert the adapter into the iPhone and the headphones into the adaptor, your ears will be in audio bliss. It is compatible with most of the Apple devices and is designed for iPhone lover. Also, it provides a clear sound with no breakage or distortion.
View on Amazon: MOOU Lightning to 3.5mm Adapter
5. JSAUX iPhone Headphone Adapter
Best-Performance Lightning to 3.5 mm Headphone Adapter
- Lightweight and portable
- Sturdy and high quality
- Attractive red color
- Braided cable
- Snug fit on both ends
- Delivers superior sound quality in phone calls, also
- We found no issue
JSAUX iPhone Headphone Adapter is ideal for the newest Apple products if you cannot accept life without a headphone port. It has passed all tests necessary to get the APPLE MFi certification. In addition, JSAUX’s rigorous quality testing and Apple’s MFi certification guarantee a safe and reliable connection with your Apple devices.
The adapter does what it’s supposed to, turning the iPhone’s lightning connection into a 3.5mm female socket so you can put in headphones or speakers. The construction is solid, the quality is excellent, and it gives a secure fit on both ends. We were surprised to hear such a dramatic improvement in sound quality as soon as we put this into my phone. You will find the quality of even phone calls enhanced.
To conclude, JSAUX iPhone Headphone Adapter is durable, gives out excellent sound quality, and is affordable.
View on Amazon: JSAUX iPhone Headphone Adapter
Frequently Asked Questions About DJ Headphones
What does Lightning to 3.5 mm headphone jack adapter do?
The Lightning to 3.5 mm headphone jack adapter allows you to connect devices (headphones, earbuds, speakers, etc.) that use a 3.5 mm jack to your iPhone/iPad/iPod.
How do you use Lightning to 3.5 mm headphone jack adapter?
Almost all Lightning to 3.5 mm headphone jack adapters are plug-and-play. All you need to do is insert the adapter in the Lightning connector of your iOS device and plug the other (3.5 mm) end to the headphones.
Is there a 3.5 mm to Lightning adapter?
No. There is no 3.5 mm to Lightning adapter on the market. Lightning earphones/headphones need the power to convert the digital audio output into analog signals (unlike the headphones that have a 3.5 mm jack).
Final Thoughts
To sum up, all the Lightning to 3.5 mm headphone jack adapters listed in this guide are best in their own ways. Your choice would completely depend on your budget and preferences. While most Apple users prefer the authentic Apple Lightning to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter, we recommend trying the other products on our list as well.
As already mentioned in the beginning, we have tested each adapter hands on. Moreover, if you ask us to pick the best Lightning to 3.5 mm headphone jack adapter from the list, we’ll go with the UGREEN Headphones Adapter for Apple. It is perfectly priced, durable and portable, and provides excellent performance/sound quality. We loved every bit of this adapter.
We hope you found our guide on Lightning to 3.5 mm headphone jack adapters insightful. Don’t forget to share your comments in the comment section below. Also, if you are using an adapter that you want us to add to our list, please reach out to us.
FAQs
What is the Lightning to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter used for? ›
This adapter lets you connect devices that use a 3.5 mm audio plug to your Lightning devices.
Does lightning to 3.5 affect sound quality? ›Audio quality of Apple Lightning to 3.5mm adapter (A1749) is almost as good as in-built mobile audio solutions by Apple, though it has slightly worse df-measurements. Mostly due to the higher jitter. But if you listen music you will not hear the difference; it is too subtle to be perceived.
Why did Apple remove the 3.5 mm jack? ›More Internal Space for Components
While an integrated 3.5mm headphone jack might not seem to take up much internal space on the iPhone, it still significantly impacts how components fit inside. Removing the jack makes accommodating a larger battery, storage drive, and other components easier.
The audio quality through the adapter is excellent, with no noticeable loss of quality or distortion. The adapter also supports microphone input, which makes it a great choice for anyone who needs to make phone calls or record audio using an external microphone.
How do I connect my iPhone headphones to a 3.5 mm jack? ›Plug your Lightning to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter into the Lightning connector on your iOS device and plug the other end into your headphones.
How do I connect my iPhone headphones to my Android phone? ›- On your non-Apple device, make sure that Bluetooth is on (on an Android device, go to Settings > Connections > Bluetooth).
- Do one of the following: ...
- When your AirPods appear in the list of Bluetooth devices, select them.
And since the Lightning to 3.5 mm adapter simply taps into Lightning's analog audio connection, there is no additional battery drain to your device.
Is 3.5 mm or USB better for sound? ›The 3.5mm uses the device's sound processing system, such as a computer's sound card, for analog sound. USB headsets bypass your computer's sound card and use their own sound processing system, for better sound quality than 3.5mm headsets.
Why does lightning make noise late? ›This is because light travels much faster than sound. Q. We see lightning first and then hear thunder because light travels faster than sound.
What happens if 3.5 mm jack is not available? ›- Make sure your headphones aren't broken.
- Ensure the smartphone isn't connected to a different device via Bluetooth.
- Clean the headphone jack.
- Check audio settings.
- Restart the device. ...
- Perform a factory data reset. ...
- Time to call the repairman.
Will iPhones ever have a headphone jack again? ›
Apple removed the headphone jack from the iPhone's design five years ago, and it won't be coming back. This design decision coincided with the rise of Bluetooth headphones and earbuds, which make listening to music easier when you're traveling, commuting, or moving around the house.
Are headphone jacks becoming obsolete? ›Check out the best phones with a headphone jack in 2022
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.
...
The best iPhone charger: wired chargers
- Apple 20W USB-C Power Adapter. ...
- Anker Nano 20W iPhone charger. ...
- UGreen 65W USB C Charger. ...
- Anker 30W 2-port Fast Charger.
Go to Settings > Accessibility > Audio/Visual > Headphone Accommodations. Tap Custom Audio Setup. Follow the instructions on your screen. When finished, tap Use Custom Settings to apply the custom settings suggested based on your choices.
Is Lightning to 3.5 mm adapter good? ›Apple Lightning to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter
Despite being cheap, it's easily one of the best adapters in terms of sound output, thanks to a dedicated DAC. If sound quality is of utmost importance to you, you can blindly pick up this adapter and you will not be disappointed.
Simply plug in a USB-C to 3.5mm Adapter to your device, then your headphones into the adapter. The Samsung USB-C Adapter lets you connect devices that use a standard 3.5mm audio plug to your USB-C devices.
How do I connect my wired headphones to my iPhone without a headphone jack? ›The USB-C to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter lets you connect 3.5 mm headphones and other audio devices to a USB-C port. Plug your USB-C to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter into the USB-C port on your device and plug the other end into your headphones.
How do I manually connect headphones to my iPhone? ›- On your device, go to Settings > Bluetooth and turn on Bluetooth. ...
- Place your accessory in discovery mode and wait for it to appear on your device. ...
- To pair, tap your accessory name when it appears onscreen.
Adapter. If your headphones have a 3.5mm headphone jack, you can use an adaptor to enjoy amazing audio quality. Simply plug in a USB-C to 3.5mm Adapter to your device, then your headphones into the adapter. The Samsung USB-C Adapter lets you connect devices that use a standard 3.5mm audio plug to your USB-C devices.
Why won't my headphones work on my Android phone? ›Check the headphone jack and volume buttons on the phone or tablet. Use the volume up and down keys to make sure they're working. You should also inspect the headphone jack on the phone or tablet with a flashlight and make sure there are no debris or bent pins. If the pins are bent, service is required.
How can I listen to my phone through my headphones? ›
Turn on Android bluetooth, connect to your bluetooth headphone. Start this app, try music 1 or 2 first, to make sure the sound audio goes to the bluetooth headset and not through internal speaker. Then start the Listen function. Voice from built-in mic of the Android phone will transmit to the bluetooth headphone.
Is it okay to leave headphones charging overnight? ›Battery University After a certain point, charging your battery too long will actively harm it. However, you should know that the battery in your headphones is much, much smaller than the battery in your phone. You will notice degradation of your headphones' battery a lot quicker than with your mobile device.
Is it OK to keep headphones plugged in all the time? ›Plugging and unplugging headphones increases the wear and tear on the audio jack, but leaving them plugged in all the time even when not using them places wear and tear on the circuitry since they're constantly being powered.
What happens if you charge your headphones overnight? ›Plugging in overnight will not overcharge the battery
Lithium batteries have a built-in auto-off feature when a full charge is reached to prevent the battery from being overcharged. Even while still plugged in, the battery level will have to drop below a certain point to trigger the charging again.
The best audio formats for sound quality are uncompressed or lossless compression files—think WAV, FLAC, and M4A. That's because these formats retain the original sound quality, though you'll have to put up with the fact these files will be large.
How long can you run a 3.5 mm audio cable? ›2.5mm/3.5mm/¼” - 150 feet (regular); 250 feet (with extender, 3.5mm only) 2.5mm, 3.5mm (also called headphone cables), and ¼” audio cables have a maximum distance of 150' on average.
What is the best volume to listen to music with headphones? ›Headphones and earbuds can reach as loud as 100 dB or more, so a safe level is 50 to 60 percent of the maximum volume. This helps protect our hearing and allows us to listen to our favorite music for longer.
Where does lightning strike the most? ›3. The most lightning-struck location in the world. Lake Maracaibo in Venezuela is the place on Earth that receives the most lightning strikes. Massive thunderstorms occur on 140-160 nights per year with an average of 28 lightning strikes per minute lasting up to 10 hours at a time.
What kind of lightning is it that makes no sound? ›Thunder starts as a shockwave from the explosively expanding lightning channel when a large current causes rapid heating. However, it is possible that you might see lightning and not hear the thunder because it was too far away. Sometimes this is called “heat lightning” because it occurs most often in the summer.
Why can't I hear thunder after lightning? ›Sometimes lightning may be seen but there is no thunder heard. This is either because thunder is rarely heard more than 20 km away or because the atmospheric conditions lead to sound bending upwards and away from the surface.
What does a lightning to headphone jack do? ›
This adapter lets you connect devices that use a 3.5 mm audio plug to your Lightning devices.
What is a 3.5 mm adapter used for? ›Consumer electronics devices such as digital cameras, camcorders, and portable DVD players use 3.5 mm connectors for composite video and audio output. Typically, a TRS connection is used for mono unbalanced audio plus video, and a TRRS connection for stereo unbalanced audio plus video.
What is the Lightning AV adapter used for? ›The Lightning Digital AV Adapter supports mirroring of what is displayed on your device screen — including apps, presentations, websites, slideshows and more — to your HDMI-equipped TV, display, projector or other compatible display in up to 1080p HD.
What sound quality is Lightning to Jack? ›The Lightning to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter is designed to transmit audio from the iPhone's Lightning connector. It contains a digital-to-analog converter that supports up to 24-bit/48 kHz lossless audio.
How do you connect headphones to iPhone without Jack? ›The USB-C to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter lets you connect 3.5 mm headphones and other audio devices to a USB-C port. Plug your USB-C to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter into the USB-C port on your device and plug the other end into your headphones.
Why won't my wired headphones connect to my phone? ›Check for debris, damage, or loose connections
Check your headphone cable, connector, remote, and earbuds for damage, like wear or breakage. Look for debris on the meshes in each earbud. To remove debris, gently brush all openings with a small, soft-bristled brush that's clean and dry.
Your iOS device might have a dirty or damaged charging port. Your charging accessory is defective, damaged, or isn't Apple-certified. Your USB charger isn't designed to charge devices.
How do I connect my wired headphones to my Samsung phone? ›Simply plug in a USB-C to 3.5mm Adapter to your device, then your headphones into the adapter. The Samsung USB-C Adapter lets you connect devices that use a standard 3.5mm audio plug to your USB-C devices. USB-C adapters can be bought from most electrical retailers as well as from the Samsung shop online.
Do iPhone headphones come with lightning adapter? ›iPhones No Longer Come With a Charger or Headphones. Here's What to Get If You Need Them. Wirecutter.
Are there different types of 3.5 mm jacks? ›Before getting started, it is important to note there are different types of 3.5mm connections. These three types are TS, TRS, and TRRS. TS connections are used for mono audio or independent microphones and have one ring around the metal end of the connector.
Which cable is best for audio? ›
HDMI Cables:
The sound quality is better than other two cable types. These cables transmit multi-channel audio formats such as DTS:X and Dolby Atmos. The HDMI audio connection cables can also support current and new video formats such as Ultra HD 4K resolution, as well as HDR formats.
3.5mm Audio Jacks. One of the popular and most common types of motherboard audio ports is the 3.5mm jack. We use them to connect headphones as speakers.
Can you connect Lightning to HDMI? ›If you have a new Apple device and want to connect it to an older television, the easiest way is to use a Lightning to HDMI converter. These simple devices plug into your device's lightning port and then convert the digital video output from your iOS device into analog video that can be sent to your display.
Is Apple adapter necessary? ›iPhone continues to work with existing power adapters and USB-A to Lightning cables, such as those included in prior models. iPhone models now include in the box a newer USB‑C to Lightning cable that supports fast charging and is compatible with USB‑C power adapters and computer ports that you might already have.
What is a Lightning to 30 pin adapter used for? ›This adapter lets you connect devices with a Lightning connector to many of your 30-pin accessories. * Supports analog audio output and USB audio, as well as syncing and charging.