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Back in the day, listening to music was a bit easier. You could just plug in most earphones available on the market and drift away in the world of favorite tunes. Today, many device manufacturers give up the 3.5mm audio jacks for thinner construction or consider them old-fashioned. Many people also choose to opt for wireless options rather than wired ones. However, to this day, wired headphones deliver the best possible audio quality and are preferred by many users. You might think you might have to ditch your old earphones since they won’t work with your newer devices, but there’s a highly affordable solution. You can invest in a USB Type-C adapter, which will work seamlessly no matter what device you own.
In this guide, we’ll share the best USB-C to aux adapters available on the market. We included solutions for different needs and budgets. You’ll find simple and affordable advanced options delivering 32-bit audio and two-in-one adapters with a charging option. Read and find an adapter that will let you use your beloved headphones hassle-free.
Ugreen’s adapter isn’t the cheapest option on the market, though it offers two-in-one functionality. The headphone and USB Type-C charging ports let you enjoy music and charge your phone simultaneously. The Type-C port has a maximum power output of 60W and supports fast charging. The adapter has no compatibility limitations and can be used with any device featuring a USB-C port, whether they’re Android or Apple devices. No drivers are required. Sturdy aluminum construction ensures utmost durability. At the same time, the adapter is lightweight and compact, ideal for carrying around in your pocket, even in rainy weather, thanks to its corrosion resistance. A flexible cord prevents tearing.
Overall, the adapter’s design is sleek and stylish, featuring silver color and free from any unnecessary elements. The audio jack delivers stable lossless audio quality with 24-bit output without distortion. While this isn’t the highest quality possible, it’s still impressive for such a low price.
The CableCreation USB C to 3.5mm Headphone and Charger Adapter is unique because, unlike others on this list that have a short cable, it has a single piece that plugs into your mobile device like a mini USB hub. The adapter has two ports: a USB Type-C port for charging and a 3.5mm audio jack for plugging in your older wired earphones.
The adapter supports high-speed charging, so you can expect to get up to 60W of power. A PD charger used along with the adapter is highly suggested. Having the Type-C port and audio jack in one adapter is beneficial for those who want to use their wired earphones while they charge their device.
Users won’t be disappointed with the audio experience they get from using this adapter since it supports Hi-Res audio. It has a built-in smart chipset that allows you to access volume control capabilities and answer calls on supported devices. The audio port of the adapter is compatible with DAC, ADC, and CTIA. You can charge your device and plug in your earphones without worrying if the adapter will overheat or not since it can adequately dissipate heat thanks to its internal protection mechanism. The only downside we see with this adapter is that it might not be able to get plugged well if you use a thick case for your device.
If you’re a die-hard Apple fan, you will most likely want all your accessories to be from the company as well. The original USB-C to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter by Apple is designed to work with iPhones and iPads, though it can also be used with any other device featuring a USB Type-C port. With no driver installation, this adapter seamlessly connects to any device equipped with a four-pole aux jack. It’s slightly pricier than some third-party alternatives but is far from overpriced.
The adapter is tiny, measuring only 3.4 inches. As always with Apple, the design is clean, has zero unnecessary elements, and comes in pure white color. The plastic used is high quality and not prone to scratches, and the wire can be bent safely. This adapter features a built-in DAC sound card to deliver clear, distortion-free sound. Its in-line control and call support eliminate the need to unplug your headphones when someone tries to reach you or when changing a song.
ESR adapter is a two-in-one tool featuring Aux and USB-C charging ports. This enables you to simultaneously charge your device and listen to music; no sacrifices are needed. Like other options on the market, the Type-C port has a 60W power output and fast-charging support. Due to smart port allocation, this adapter is highly compact and comparable to most single-port adapters. It’s compatible with any device featuring a USB-C port and doesn’t require driver installation. The adapter has a clean design in black color that will go well together with any device. The braided-nylon wire casing ensures durability and prevents tearing, so you can safely carry the adapter in the same pocket with your keys.
The built-in DAC chip delivers stable, high-quality 24-bit, 96-KHz audio without distortion. Its in-line control lets you adjust the volume and pause or play audio without unlocking your device. However, this feature is not available when used with wired Apple EarPods. The USB-C port supports fast charging with wall chargers (18-Watt or above for phones, 30-Watt and up for tablets, and 60-Watt and up for laptops). Data transfer is not possible via this adapter.
The JSAUX USB-C to 3.5mm Headphone and Charger Adapter might not be the cheapest option on the market, but you can rest assured that it will last you a long time. This adapter plugs directly into your mobile device’s USB Type-C port, and then you get a 3.5mm audio jack and PD-compatible Type-C port. It will allow you to listen to music or audio from videos/games while charging your device. One thing to remember is that this adapter won’t support data transfer.
The USB Type-C port found on the adapter supports fast charging of up to 30W. It would be best to use a PD wall charger when charging so you can get the best speed possible. When it comes to the audio jack of the adapter, you can expect to get a Hi-Fi audio experience. It supports ADC with 16bit/48Khz and DAC with 24bit/96Khz or 16bit/48KHz. You get a high-quality and stable audio transmission with no unnecessary noises.
The adapter won’t easily break since it has a sturdy aluminum case and a nylon-braided cable. You don’t need to worry about the cable on the adapter getting damaged when it bends since it has a 15,000+ bend lifespan. The JSAUX USB-C to 3.5mm Headphone and Charger Adapter is available in Grey, Black, and Red.
Bojuren’s two-pack of adapters is a highly affordable option that doesn’t lack some great perks. The adapter’s design is sleek and minimalistic, made in dark grey color without any additional elements apart from an LED light. This light indicates the adapter is working correctly and helps to find the right port in dark environments. With a braided nylon jacket, the wire is tear-resistant and bend-friendly. The compact size and light weight make this adapter perfect for carrying around.
The adapter is compatible with most devices featuring a USB-C port, including the iPhone and Samsung, Huawei, and Google Pixel phones. No driver installation or settings adjustment is required. The built-in DAC chip delivers high-resolution, 24-bit, 96-kiloHertz audio without distortion. While that’s not the highest possible audio quality, it’s excellent for such a low price. The in-line control function lets you adjust the volume and play or pause music without unlocking your device. You can also take calls via headphones connected to this adapter without issue.
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