Your smartphone or relatively new PC almost certainly has a 3.5 mm headphone jack. Older devices likely have a different sized jack. This measurement is the jack’s diameter. This is the standard headphone jack size for audio devices and headphones. Your headphones will dependably fit for all your devices.
Headphone jacks can have some differentiation depending on how many connectors they have. Connectors are the rings that go around the jack. Two rings will only listen to audio. Three rings allow microphone functionality, as well. However, these still have the same 3.5 mm size.
Phones made before smartphones will have a 2.5 mm headphone jack. These 2.5 mm headphone jacks are rare on current devices. Other headphone jack sizes are 4.4 mm and 6.35 mm. These were more common before portable devices become common and the 3.5 mm a standard headphone jack size became the norm.
In this article, we’ll go over how the standard headphone jack size works with atypical devices. We’ll also cover how the trends are changing as smartphones switch to not having a headphone jack altogether.
Using Headphones with Incompatible Jacks
There are adapters for headphones with incompatible jack sizes for your device. Smartphones increasingly lack headphone jacks altogether as companies try to push Bluetooth headphones and earbuds. Instead, they use their charging jacks for audio, forcing you to buy adapters for your existing devices. If you have invested in expensive headphones, you probably want to make sure you can use them as long as possible.
An audio adapter for your headphone’s connector allows you to use them with all the changing formats. That way, you can connect your headphones with a lightning cable on iPhone or a USB-C for Samsung or Pixel phones. You’ll also be able to adapt to older audio devices that use larger jacks.
Audio jack adapters come made in different materials, including gold, silver, copper, steel, and plastic.
Should I Just Switch to Bluetooth?
Maybe you’re wondering whether you should just buy Bluetooth headphones and avoid the need to deal with jacks and adapters. The truth, though, is that many Bluetooth headphones and earbuds still don’t have all the sound and quality advantages of wired listening equipment.
Wireless connections are spotty. Bluetooth headphones frequently have to re-connect and sync whenever you listen to something new. That’s a big hassle that you should keep in mind before making your decision.
Excellent Audio Adapters to Consider
There are several fantastic adapters you can use to make your wired headphones or earbuds work with a device that has a different input format.
Let’s take a look at some of them below:
Youmotu 2-in-1 Lighting Charger Adapter
This is a great adapter if you use an iPhone. It’s a splitter that lets you use both old and new audio. You can charge your phone with this lightning adapter even while enjoying your music by way of the 3.5 mm jack. The Youmotu 2-in-1 Lighting Charger Adapter can be used with every type of iOS Lightning device. It is known for providing crystal clear sound with 48kHz output.
Moborest 3.5 mm to 6.35 mm
This audio adapter is made of solid brass copper. You’ll get continuous signal and won’t have to worry about corrosion. Brass copper also lasts longer than gold plating or plastic, which is another advantage of this adapter. Moborest 3.5 mm to 6.35 mm provides excellent sound quality along with its durability.
Elebase USB C to 3.5mm Adapter
This adapter uses a USB-C port connection that lets you plug in your AUX cord or 3.5mm connector. Elebase USB C to 3.5mm Adapter boasts a high-quality signal with excellent quality. This is attributable to its copper construction and the DAC-chip that is included. This adapter is even good for using with thick phone cases.
The Elebase USB-C to 3.5mm Adapter has a double-braided exterior and casing made from aluminum alloy with ribbing at the ends. It’s an incredibly durable adaptor that can withstand getting bent a little.
Apple Lightning to 3.5mm Headphones Jack Adapter
Lots of Apple iPhone devotees were disappointed when Apple got rid of the headphone jacks a while ago. More frustrating was that many people wanted to continue using their wired earbuds with a standard 3.5mm connector. You can use this Apple Lightning to 3.5mm Headphones Jack Adapter to be able to use your headphones or earbuds with your new iPhone.
Your iPhone will have to run at least iOS 10. You can also use it with iPads and iPod Touch. The microphone on your earbuds also works with this adaptor to take and receive calls. It can handle both input and output.
Syihlon USB-C to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter
If you have a type C device, like current Samsung and Pixel phones, this might be the adapter for you. It provides excellent signal transmission and high speed, as well as outstanding digital sound quality. You get the benefits of their anti-interference design so sound distortion will never be an issue. It also has a sturdy design that means you won’t have to be anxious about damaging it under most circumstances.
Cdyle USB-C to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter
This is another adapter for USB-C devices. Cdyle USB C to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter provides high-resolution sound quality. Many users compare the sound to Hi-Fi. You can even answer calls using this adapter. It’s easy to access your headphone controls, too.
JSAUX USB-C to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter
This adapter can be used with most USB-C devices on the market, like those from Huawei, Pixel, and Samsung. It is also compatible with as high as 24-bit/96-kHz. This feature ensures excellent sound fidelity. This adapter has a sturdy design that is able to resist a great deal of strain. You won’t have to worry much about damaging it.
Headphone Jack Adapters Can Help You Use the Headphones You Want with Your Device
Just because 3.5mm is the current standard headphone jack, it likely won’t always be. As smartphones make the push towards Bluetooth technology, they’re causing a rift in headphone technology. Adapters allow you to get the most of your devices over the longest period of time. You’ll be able to extend your device’s compatibility with your headphones long after the standard jack size changes again.
As we’ve seen here, there are lots of options out there for adapters if you have headphones that don’t fit your device.
