How to Choose a Great Pair of USB-C Headphones
Nowadays, more smartphone brands are getting rid of the classic 3.5mm audio jack. And that means we’re stuck with the choice of either buying extra dongles or going wireless. The issues with those choices are that many aren’t keen on carrying around extra accessories that could take up space or get lost. While others are hesitant to switch to wireless headphones because of their, at times, less-than-stellar performance. That leaves us with the next best solution: USB-C headphones. As expected, there are lots of USB-C headphones on the market. But naturally, no two pairs are alike. So the challenge lies in striking a good balance between compatibility, sound quality, functionality, and comfort. Not only to make the most of your investment but to complement your lifestyle and listening habits. To help with this, we’ve compiled a list of buying factors to check when choosing a new pair of USB-C headphones. But before we get to those, let’s take a closer look at USB-C and the 3.5mm jack, and discuss why more brands are moving away from the latter.
Shure AONIC 50
Key features
Form Factor: Closed-back, over-ear Connectivity: Wireless and wired (3.5mm jack or USB-C) Frequency Response: 20-22kHz Impedance/Sensitivity: 39 ohms/98dB Companion App: Shure PlusPlay App Driver: Dynamic ANC: Yes Mic: Yes
The Shure AONIC 50 headphones feature a premium design, high-resolution audio support, optional wired and wireless mode, and active noise cancellation, making them our top overall pick for best USB-C headphones. The 3.5mm jack transmits audio as analog signals. This means that the digital-to-analog conversion occurs in the audio source, such as a computer or smartphone. The analog signal then travels through the wires and to your headphones. USB-C, on the other hand, transmits digital signals. The digital-to-analog conversion typically occurs in the headphones, lessening the distance analog signals have to travel to reach your headphones. So why are more manufacturers removing the 3.5mm jack from their devices? There are several reasons for that, the main ones being:
Better design
By removing the 3.5mm jack, smartphone manufacturers have more space to work with. This allows them to create thinner, more streamlined devices. It also offers room for additional components like an extra speaker or a larger battery.
Better components
In addition to more space, a USB-C connection also allows you to bypass your phone’s mediocre DAC chip or your computer’s sound card. This allows headphone manufacturers to install better quality DACs and headphone amplifiers to further boost the sound quality of their devices.
Better audio quality
Analog signals tend to deteriorate over long distances, and that can introduce static and noise into your audio, or make the signal sound weaker. This is particularly true for the 3.5mm jack because the analog signal has to travel from your phone to your headphones, making it prone to degradation along the way. On the other hand, digital signals are more robust and reliable. They don’t degrade over distance because the binary code that makes up the signal can be easily restored. And as mentioned before, the conversion from digital to analog happens via the DAC in your headphones. Since it’s much closer to the headphone drivers, it’s less susceptible to unwanted audio interferences.
Better software features
A USB-C connection isn’t limited to transferring just audio data, but also accommodates other types of advanced communications. This allows headphone manufacturers to integrate better hardware and software features into their devices, such as active noise cancellation, EQ customization options, playback functions, and other companion app functions. But to ensure you’re choosing a pair of great-sounding USB-C headphones, it’s best to check the following factors:
Driver type and size
Drivers are small speakers located in the ear cups or earbuds. They come in different types and measure anywhere from 20mm-50mm (headphones) and 8mm-15mm (IEMs). Generally, bigger drivers deliver louder sound and a cleaner bass response due to larger diaphragms that produce more sound waves. But ultimately, the overall sound quality of headphone drivers depends on a balance between driver size, type, and tuning.
Frequency response
The frequency response refers to the range of frequencies that your headphones or IEMs accurately reproduce. The standard range is usually 20-20kHz, which is also the range that human ears can hear. Some headphones, however, go beyond that (10-45kHz) to ensure that no audio clipping occurs in the frequencies you can actually hear, giving you better sound quality.
Impedance
Impedance is the headphone’s electrical resistance, a.k.a. how much power they need to function properly. Low impedance headphones (32-80 ohms) don’t require much power; thus, they can work with your phone or PC. In contrast, high impedance headphones (100-600 ohms) require more amplification. By matching your device’s impedance with the audio source, you ensure the sound output isn’t too weak or too strong to the point of blowing out your amplifier.
Sensitivity
Sensitivity tells you how loud a pair of headphones will sound at a given power level. High sensitivity headphones (110 dB and up) require more voltage to sound louder, whereas low sensitivity headphones need less juice and work best with portable devices Here’s a closer look at more of those handy features:
Wireless option
Any music lover knows that wired headphones are important for great sound quality. But sometimes, being tethered to a cable isn’t ideal, especially if you’re always traveling or active outdoors. As such, headphones with an optional wireless function are good for added flexibility. Although wireless headphones can be more expensive, difficult to repair, and constantly need charging, they also give you more freedom of movement, better portability, and better compatibility with many modern devices.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
ANC is a type of noise cancellation technology that uses tiny microphones situated in the ear cups or earbuds to detect and cancel out ambient noise. There are several types of ANC, most of which differ in terms of how many mics they use and where those mics are located. ANC-capable headphones are great for minimizing distracting noises, allowing us to focus or hear our audio better. It also provides excellent hearing protection because it lessens the need to hike up the volume to hear more clearly. This makes them ideal for students who live in noisy dorms, frequent flyers, office workers, or those who work in loud, busy environments.
Mic
If you intend to use your headphones for voice calls or gaming, it’s important to pick one with a good mic. Headphones typically come with either a boom mic or a built-in mic. Both types can be used for voice calls, but boom mics give you clearer voice pick-up because it’s situated closer to the mouth. This makes it ideal for games or call center agents.
Companion app
Another good feature to look for is a companion app. This is software that you can install on your smartphone that helps you customize and maximize the capabilities of your headphones. Typical functions offered by companion apps include:
EQ customization: Lets you customize or improve your sound using audio presets. Firmware updates: Keeps all software used for EQ, ANC, and other controls updated. Controls personalization: Lets you assign actions to specific buttons on the headphones. ANC customization: Lets you increase or reduce the level of noise cancellation. 3rd-party app access: Lets you access your favorite music apps.
To avoid this, consider the following elements:
Weight: Heavy headphones (0.75 lbs and up) can weigh down on your neck and feel uncomfortable after prolonged wearing. To avoid this, stick to lighter models that weigh 0.55 lbs or less. Adjustability: Headphones with good adjustability can adapt to your unique proportions. To ensure this, go for headphones with flexible, extendable headbands and ear cups you can tilt and rotate. Padding materials: Cheap, thin padding offers no support, while overly thick cushions can squeeze your ears to the point of discomfort. As such, it’s best to opt for memory foam cushions that conform to your ears and breathable materials like velour for less stuffy listening sessions.
Bluetooth 5 connectivity powers these headphones in wireless mode, but you can also opt for the 3.5mm jack or USB-C cable that comes in the box. Both modes handle high-resolution audio, but the USB-C option supports higher rates of up to 32-bit/384 kHz. To support high-res listening sessions, these headphones also have 50mm dynamic drivers and a frequency response of 20-22kHz that delivers great-sounding audio for music and games. A total of 6 built-in mics improve call clarity and noise cancellation. Using the Shure PlusPlay app, listeners can choose between 2 levels of ANC (Max and Normal) for optimum noise reduction. You can also turn on Environment Mode to let ambient noise in and customize it across 10 levels. This makes the AONIC 50 headphones great for flying or activities that require full focus while letting you tune in to the world as needed. Aside from ANC customization, the Shure PlusPlay app also lets you play uncompressed audio files from your smartphone or computer, adjust EQ settings, and update your headphones’ firmware. These headphones are made to last thanks to 20-hour battery life. And with a premium design made from leather and cast metal, the AONIC 50 headphones feel durable, secure, and comfortable, even on those with larger proportions. The irony, however, is that these headphones are a bit on the heavy side at 0.74 lbs, so prolonged wearing may be an issue for some folks. Moreover, Shure has disclosed that their ANC function is specifically designed for “a stationary/sedentary user”. So, using the AONIC 50 in scenarios wherein they’re subject to abrupt movements can affect the sensitive internal components of the headphones and introduce audio artifacts into your music. As such, these headphones are best not used while exercising or commuting. CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON
Audeze Mobius 3D
Key features
Form Factor: Closed-back, over-ear Connectivity: Wireless and wired (3.5mm jack, USB-A, or USB-C) Frequency Response: 10-50kHz Impedance/Sensitivity: Not specified Companion App: Audeze HQ App Driver: Planar Magnetic ANC: No Mic: Yes
The Audeze Mobius 3D headphones provide almost everything you need – an immersive 3D sound quality, three optional wired connections and a wireless option, and a detachable boom mic. Unfortunately, unlike the Shure AONIC 50, they don’t come with an ANC function, making them the runner-up pick on our list of best USB-C headphones. The Mobius headphones support 3.5mm, USB-A, and USB-C connections, making them compatible with PCs, mobile devices, and gaming consoles. You can also opt for Bluetooth connectivity that supports up to 32 bit/96 kHz. In wired mode, you can enjoy movies in 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound. Using Waves NX™ Head-Tracking and 3D Audio technology, the headphones are calibrated to your unique anatomy. It tracks your head movements at 1000 times a second and uses 3D sound localization to keep you at the center of your audio at all times. The 3D button helps manage your 3D sound settings or turns it off completely. Through the Audeze HQ app, you can also customize your audio with different sound profiles, such as “Footsteps”, “Ballistics”, “Music”, “RPG”, etc. However, these cans boast 100mm planar magnetic drivers with a wide frequency range of 10-50kHz. That’s why you can expect cinematic sound quality, making them the perfect companion for music listening and gaming, whether wired or wireless. Moreover, the Discord-certified detachable boom mic has built-in noise reduction, making these headphones ready for gaming with friends or for Zoom and Skype calls. They even come with a dedicated mic mute button and volume wheel for quick adjustments. The Mobius 3D headphones have a 10-hour battery life with 3D audio enabled, which is pretty decent. CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON
Kensington Hi-Fi USB-C Headphones
Key features
Form Factor: Closed-back, over-ear Connectivity: Wired (USB-C) Frequency Response: 20-20kHz Impedance/Sensitivity: 32 ohms/94dB Companion App: No Driver: Dynamic ANC: No Mic: Yes
Those looking for a budget-friendly alternative can opt for the Kensington Hi-Fi USB-C headphones, which are the most affordable pair on this list. These headphones come with a USB-C cord, making them compatible with most portable devices. And while they don’t have a wireless option, Kensington does offer the exact same model in USB-A or 3.5mm configurations. They also feature 40mm dynamic drivers with a frequency response of 20-20kHz, which offers decent enough sound quality for their price. A built-in boom mic makes these headphones great for work-from-home professionals and e-learning. The mic uses a foam windshield for clearer conversations and is rotatable up to 270 degrees. The headphones also come with a safe-listening limiter, which keeps your audio from going over 94dB. Build-wise, these headphones are on the average side. They have a standard plastic and metal build, with an adjustable headband and swiveling ear cups. The ear cushions are leatherette and provide a decent amount of comfort. They’re also quite lightweight at only 0.31 lbs, making them easy to wear for long periods. CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON
Sennheiser Momentum 3
Key features
Form Factor: Closed-back, over-ear Connectivity: Wireless and wired (3.5mm jack or USB-C) Frequency Response: 6-22kHz Impedance/Sensitivity: 100 ohms (ANC off), 470 ohms (ANC on) / 118dB Companion App: Sennheiser Smart Control Driver: Dynamic ANC: Yes Mic: Yes
The Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless headphones, or the M3, offer excellent sound quality, active noise cancellation, and a premium build. They also come with a host of smart, hands-free functions, making them ideal for those always on the go. A 3.5mm jack, USB-C cord, and USB-A adapter are included with these headphones for easy use with desktop PCs, laptops, and mobile devices. You can also go wireless with Bluetooth 5 connectivity that supports aptX™ and aptX™ Low Latency codecs. The M3 headphones deliver superior audio with 42mm dynamic drivers and a wide frequency response range of 6-22kHz. Incidentally, they’re also included on our list of best bass headphones. Traveling often means having your senses bombarded in crowded airports or stations. Fortunately, the M3 headphones have 4 dedicated mics for noise cancellation and come with 3 levels of ANC, which you can access on the Sennheiser Smart Control app. You also get 2 Transparent Hearing modes, which filter in ambient noise so you can listen for boarding calls. With Smart Pause, playback automatically pauses or resumes when the headphones are removed or worn. Folding them also shuts them off, so you don’t have to worry about draining your battery. At 0.7 lbs, these headphones are borderline heavy. They have large ear cups and an extendable headband padded with soft foam and sheepskin leather. Both provide a secure fit that distributes pressure well and doesn’t clamp down too hard on the ears. However, since they are a bit heavy, long hours of continuous use may be an issue for some. CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON
ASUS ROG Delta S
Key features
Form Factor: Closed-back, over-ear Connectivity: Wired (USB-A or USB-C) Frequency Response: 20-40kHz Impedance/Sensitivity: 32 ohms/102dB Companion App: ASUS Aura Sync & Armoury Crate Driver: Dynamic ANC: No Mic: Yes
The ASUS ROG Delta S headphones are HiFi-grade performers. They deliver high-definition audio, multi-device support, excellent noise-canceling mic technology, and a comfortable design that’s great for gaming. There’s no wireless option on these headphones, but they offer multi-device connectivity. A USB-C cord and USB-A adapter lets you switch easily between your computer and smartphone. It also works with gaming consoles like Nintendo Switch, PS4, and PS5. With 50mm dynamic drivers and a frequency response of 20-40kHz, you get realistic sound quality. The built-in MQA Renderer also lets you experience the full potential of high-res MQA files on streaming services like Tidal. The real power of these headphones lies in the ESS 9281 QUAD DAC™ technology, though. This consists of 4 DACs that process low, mid, high, and ultra-high frequencies. It results in super detailed audio reproduction, which is especially great for games that rely a lot on subtle audio cues. The detachable boom mic, certified by TeamSpeak and Discord, also has a dedicated processor with AI noise-canceling technology. This reduces over 50 million types of background noise, keeping your convos clear at all times. Moreover, A simple button setup on the right ear cup features a standard volume wheel and a 3-switch button. The former doubles as a mic mute button when pressed. And the latter lets you toggle between different lighting modes. You can also customize these lights further in the ASUS Armoury Crate app. At 0.66 lbs, the ROG Delta S headphones are reasonably comfortable for long gaming sessions. They have good adjustability with an extendable headband and rotatable ear cups. They also have ergonomic D-shaped ear cushions that match the shape of our ears for better noise isolation. The headphones come with 2 types of ear cushions. You get the ROG Hybrid cushions, which are protein leather and breathable fabric mesh. You also have thinner fast-cooling protein leather cushions for on-the-go use. A drawback to these headphones is that the mic doesn’t rotate when plugged in. So, grabbing a bite or a drink while wearing these headphones isn’t going to happen, unless you unplug the mic or remove the headphones completely. CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON
HIFIMAN Deva Pro
Key features
Form Factor: Open-back, over-ear Connectivity: Wireless and wired (3.5mm jack or USB-C) Frequency Response: 20-20kHz Impedance/Sensitivity: 18 ohms/93.5dB Companion App: No Driver: Planar Magnetic ANC: No Mic: No
If music is your main focus, go for the HIFIMAN Deva Pro headphones. They have an open-back configuration and large planar magnetic drivers for a wide, detailed soundstage. They also come with wired and wireless options, making them our favorite USB-C headphones for sound quality. These headphones offer several wired options. You can use the dual 3.5mm to 3.5mm TRS cable or USB-C cable to connect to computers or mobile devices. You can also use a single 3.5mm TRRS cable via the left ear cup socket. For wireless use, you can opt for the included Bluemini R2R module. It improves audio using the built-in HIMALAYA DAC, which supports 24-bit audio formats and sampling rates of up to 768kHz. The module also supports hi-res Bluetooth codecs like aptX™ HD and LDAC. Great sound reproduction extends to the headphone drivers, as well. The Deva Pro has planar magnetic drivers with Stealth Magnets and NEO “supernano” Diaphragms. The Deva Pros have a standard frequency response of 20-20kHz and a low impedance of 18 ohms. This makes them very easy to drive, even on low-power portable devices. Interestingly, these headphones are exceptionally comfortable, despite being the heaviest pair on this list. They’re crafted from aluminum and plastic and feel sturdy in hand. The headband and ear cushions are soft foam and leatherette. But the part that touches the ears is fabric, giving it more breathability. As they’re quite bulky, they can slip off your head if you’re moving around a lot. However, the battery life could also be a bit longer, as it gives you only about 6 hours of use on a single charge. That’s significantly less than other similarly priced headphones. CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON
Logitech Zone Wired
Key features
Form Factor: Closed-back, over-ear Connectivity: Wired (USB-A or USB-C) Frequency Response: 20-16kHz Impedance/Sensitivity: 32 ohms/99dB Companion App: Logi Tune Driver: Dynamic ANC: No Mic: Yes
The Logitech Zone headphones are a reliable option for business purposes. They feature two wired connections, dynamic drivers, a noise-canceling mic, and a robust build, making them our favorite USB-C headphones for work calls. These headphones are ready for use on Windows and iOS computers via a USB-C cable and USB-A adapter. They’re also compatible with popular calling platforms like Zoom, Skype, and Microsoft Teams. The 40mm dynamic drivers deliver full bass and crisp sound quality. And with a frequency response of 20-16kHz, voices sound clear and natural, not muffled or tinny. The Zone Wired headphones have a mic built for open office use. The noise-canceling dual-mic technology reduces unwanted noises within 60 cm, keeping your voice intelligible at all times. You can also mute yourself by flipping the mic upwards. Using the Logi Tune desktop app, you can tailor your audio even further. It offers EQ customization and lets you adjust sidetone levels so that you can hear more or less of your voice. You can also adjust your mic volume for the benefit of those on the other line. Lastly, the Logitech Zone headphones feature a stainless steel Teflon-coated headband for better durability. Silicone headband padding and memory foam cushions also ensure a more custom fit. These headphones are also very lightweight at 0.47 lbs, making it easy to keep them on for several hours. CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON
PALOVUE SoundFlow
Key features
Form Factor: In-ear earbuds Connectivity: Wired (USB-C) Frequency Response: 20-20kHz Impedance/Sensitivity: 16 ohms/96dB Companion App: No Driver: Dynamic ANC: No Mic: Yes
Certain situations call for the simplicity, ease, and affordability of wired earbuds. In such cases, the PALOVUE SoundFlow earbuds are a great choice. They offer good sound quality, a sturdy design, and even have an in-line mic. This makes them our top pick for USB-C earbuds. These earbuds have decent 10mm dynamic drivers and a frequency range of 20-20kHz. This provides deep bass and airy mids that are great for music and podcasts. The USB-C cable also lets you connect seamlessly with smartphones, tablets, and computers. Taking calls isn’t a problem either. The in-line mic and controls let you answer or reject calls at the press of a button. You can also use it to control music playback and access your Voice Assistant. Despite their small size, these earbuds are quite durable. The wires contain kevlar bulletproof aramid fiber and are covered with reinforced TPE skin that can withstand over 30,000 bends. The plug itself is also secured in shock-damping silicone rubber. The earbuds themselves feature a 45-degree design that mimics the angle of the ear canal. And with 3 optional silicone ear tips, you always get a comfortable but secure seal. CHECK LATEST PRICE ON AMAZON
