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Android phones can play wired audio through a 3.5 mm headphone jack or a USB connection, but which option works depends on the ports on your specific phone. If it has USB-C but no headphone jack, you can use USB-C headphones or keep your existing 3.5 mm headphones with a USB-C adapter that contains a digital-to-analog converter (DAC).

Which wired connection should you choose?

Your phone and preference Option What to check
It has a 3.5 mm headphone jack Use 3.5 mm headphones or a headset directly. For microphone and button support, choose a compatible headset. Android’s headset specification uses CTIA wiring, with an OMTP exception in some regions.
It has USB-C, and you already own 3.5 mm headphones Use a USB-C-to-3.5 mm adapter with a DAC. Android’s adapter specification allows digital-to-analog adapters; do not assume a passive analog-only adapter will work. Check support for the microphone and inline buttons if you need them.
It has USB-C, and you want to avoid a separate adapter Use USB-C headphones. Confirm compatibility with your exact phone and the headset’s microphone and button functions. The general Android audio documentation supports USB audio, but it does not establish universal compatibility for every headset’s features.

Android supports wired audio over a 3.5 mm headset jack or USB, but manufacturers choose which ports to include. The Android 3.5 mm headset specification describes stereo output, microphone input and headset controls. The Android USB-C audio adapter specification says, “Only digital-to-analog adapters are allowed.” Android’s peripheral audio documentation covers local audio and remote audio over wired 3.5 mm, USB and Bluetooth connections.

Can you use 3.5 mm headphones with a USB-C Android phone?

Yes, if you use a compatible USB-C-to-3.5 mm adapter with a DAC. The adapter converts the phone’s digital audio signal to analog audio for your headphones. Android’s adapter specification also describes support for stereo output, headset detection, and microphone input and button events on compatible adapters and accessories.

Before buying, check the adapter listing for your phone and for the features you need. Some adapters may provide audio output without supporting a headset microphone or controls. A Samsung Galaxy S25 FAQ, for example, says the S25 family does not have a traditional 3.5 mm jack, so users need a USB-C adapter for 3.5 mm headphones; that example does not establish what ports another Android model has. Check your exact phone’s specifications.

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USB C Headphone for Samsung S26 S25 FE S24 A16 A17 Z Wired Earbuds Magnetic
  • USB C Headphones with Microphone for iPhone Duo,18 Pro,18 Pro Max,17 Pro Max,17 Pro,17,Air,17e,16e,16,16 Pro,16 Plus,16 Pro Max,15,15 Plus,15 Pro,15 Pro Max,for Samsung S26 S26+ S26 Ultra,S25 FE,S25,S25+,S25 Ultra,S24,for Google Pixel 11 Pro XL 10a 10,9a,9,8a,8,7a,7,Z Flip,Fold,S23 FE,S23,A17 A16,A26,A37 A36,A57 A56 A55 A53 A54,A33 A34 A35,S22,S21 FE,S21,S20,for Galaxy Tab,for OnePlus,for Macbook Pro,for iPad A16 10,Pro,Mini 6 7,Air 4 5 6,for Moto G Play 2026,for Nothing Phone,C audio device
  • Secure Fit and Stereo Sound: Passive Noise Canceling In-ear design earbuds block the noise outside to achieve outstanding sound quality. The shape of the earbuds is unique and ergonomic, makes it a good looking accessories for your phone or other usb c devices, It will fits-nicely for long time comfortable wearing, Comes with 2 extra silicone tips S or L for your choices, NOTE: If the earbuds has No Sound when using on mobile, go to Setting-Developer Options, find Disable USB audio routing, Close this option
  • Built-in Mic and Volume Control: Wired earphones with built-in mic and remote control allow you to answer or end call, play or pause song, skip next or previous song, adjust volume without picking up your phone while working out, driving a car, or on the go; Warm Tip: The default setting for audio Output and Input of some laptops or desktops are speaker, pls Go to Setting, find Sound, Input or Output, Select a Device for Sound Input or Output, then choose USB, to make the earbuds work
  • Magnetic Design and Hands Free: This USB Type C Earphone allow you to wear it around neck when you take the earbuds off to prevent wire tangled; And you can always reach them easily when you need to put them on; Meanwhile, it comes with a carrying case to storage the earbuds, earbuds adapter or other small accessories, less mess in daily use; Warm tip: Put earbuds back to case when not using to avoid tangling, damages from moisture, dust, dirt, frequent bends, etc.
  • Latest DAC Chip: Support digital input signals and converts standard resolution audio to ensure you can enjoy high fidelity lossless sounds quality; Warm tip: Try replacing the eartips to another pair that comes in the package if it is too tight or loose; And make sure you use the earbuds in an environment with good signal quality to avoid poor sound quality, signal interruption or noises during calls or listening; If you don't like in-ear design, try the other half in ear style without eartips

What are good wired headphone options for Android?

These examples were named in TechRadar’s wired-headphone roundup, updated 1 September 2026. TechRadar says its reviewers evaluate sound, comfort, cable design and noise isolation. The picks below are starting points, not a guarantee that every feature will work with every Android phone.

House of Marley Smile Jamaica USB-C

TechRadar names this as its cheaper USB-C wired-earbud pick. The roundup lists a USB-C connection and a microphone, but no inline volume controls. Consider it if you want a direct USB-C connection, and check that your phone supports the headset and that the missing volume controls are acceptable.

Rank #2
USB C Headphones Wired Earbuds for Samsung iPhone 18/17/16/15 Pro Max
  • USB C Headphones with Microphone for iPhone 18/18 Plus/18 Pro/18 Pro Max Duo,iPhone 17/17 Plus/17 Pro/17 Pro Max, iPhone 15/15 Plus/15 Pro/15 Pro Max,16/16 Pro/16 Plus/16 Pro Max,for Samsung S24/S24+/S24 Ultra,for Google Pixel 9 Pro XL 8a 8 7a 76a 6 5 4,for Samsung Galaxy Z Flip/Fold,S23 FE/S23/S23+/S23 Ultra,A53/A54/A33/A34,S22/S22+/S22 Ultra/S21 FE/S21/S21+/S21 Ultra/S20 FE/S20 Ultra/S20+/S20,Tab S9/S9+/S9 Ultra/S8/S7,for OnePlus 10T/10 Pro/9/Nord/8T/8,for Macbook Pro,for iPad 10/iPad Pro/Mini 6/Air 4 5 6,for motorola,for Nothing Phone,USB-C device without 3.5mm jack
  • Secure Fit and Stereo Sound: In-ear design earbuds block the noise outside to achieve outstanding sound quality. The shape of the earbuds is unique and ergonomic, makes it a good-looking accessories for your phone or other usb-c devices, It will fits-nicely for long time comfortable wearing, Comes with 2 extra silicone tips S/L for your choices, NOTE: If the earbuds has No Sound when using on mobile, go to Setting-Developer Options, find Disable USB audio routing, Close this option
  • Built-in Mic and Volume Control: Wired earphones with built-in mic and remote control allow you to answer/end call, play/pause song, skip next/previous song, adjust volume without picking up your phone while working out, driving a car, or on the go; Warm Tip: The default setting for audio Output and Input of some laptops/desktops are speaker, pls Go to Settings-Sound-Input(Output)-Select a Device for Sound Input(Output), then choose USB, to make the earbuds work
  • This headset is made of a lot of metal materials to pursue excellent quality. Composite rubber is used to make the headphone cable, which is not easy to tangle. High-definition microphone for clear calls. Excellent button feedback design.
  • Latest DAC Chip: Support digital input signals and converts standard resolution audio to ensure you can enjoy high fidelity lossless sounds quality. Feel free to contact with us for replacement if you have any issue

1MORE Triple Driver In-Ear Earphones

TechRadar names this its wired-earbud pick for most people and describes it as balancing sound with an affordable price. It uses a 3.5 mm connection, so you will need a phone with a headphone jack or a compatible USB-C-to-3.5 mm DAC adapter.

How to compare options before buying

  • Connection and adapter: Decide whether you want a direct USB-C connection, a 3.5 mm headset for a phone with a jack, or a 3.5 mm headset paired with a DAC adapter.
  • Phone compatibility: Check the exact handset’s ports and any compatibility information for the headset or adapter.
  • Microphone and controls: If you make calls or use inline playback or volume buttons, confirm that the complete phone-headset-adapter combination supports them.
  • Fit and comfort: Choose a shape and fit you can wear comfortably for the time you expect to listen.
  • Cable and isolation: Consider cable durability, tangling and how much outside noise the headphones block.
  • Sound: Do not assume USB-C or 3.5 mm sounds better simply because of the connector. TechRadar notes that sound depends on the headphones, device and audio source.
  • USB-C audio hardware: If considering a USB-C headset, check the product details and phone compatibility rather than assuming all headsets implement the same audio features.
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Does USB-C or 3.5 mm sound better?

The connector alone does not determine sound quality. The headphones, the phone or adapter, and the audio source all contribute. Choose the connection that fits your phone and feature needs, then compare the actual headphones for comfort and sound rather than treating USB-C or 3.5 mm as a quality rating.

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2 Pack USB C Headphones Wired Earbuds for Samsung Galaxy, iPhone 17/16/15
  • 【Wide Compatibility】 Wired headphones usb c for iPhone 17/17 Pro/17 Pro Max/17 Air,16/16 Pro/16 Plus/16 Pro Max,15/15 Plus,15 Pro/15 Pro Max, iPad Pro 12.9/11 inch, iPad Air 4/5th, iPad Mini 6, audifonos Earbuds for Galaxy S26 Ultra S26+ S26,A17 A36 S25 edge A16 5G A26 A56 A35 A55 S25 S25+ S25 Ultra A54 A53 A33,Z Fold 7 6 5,Z Flip 6 5 S24 FE S24,S24+,S24 Ultra,S23 5G,S23+,S23 Ultra 5G,S23 FE,S22 S21 S20, for Andoird and other USB-C devices.
  • 【CLEAR Mic & REMOTE CONTROL】 Headphones wired remote control enable you adjust Volume+/-, Pause, Last/Next Track, Answer/End/Reject—without handle your phone. This USB C headphones with mic high-quality built-in microphone delivers a clear voice rendering to capture every word even in noisy environments such as metros, squares, supermarkets and other crowded Spaces, perfect for school, office, game, commuting, running, workouts, or traveling.
  • 【SECURE FIT & NOISE-Isolation】 These wired earbuds provide a powerful Noise isolation,immerse yourself in music, podcasts or a peaceful moment without noise interference, even on planes, subways, in supermarkets or other loud surroundings. The ergonomic design of the USB C earbuds includes 3 sizes of eartips (S/M/L) for a comfortable, Secure fit.In the video section, there is an operation video showing how to replace eartips of different sizes.
  • 【QUALITY MATERIAL CORD & CONNECTOR】 These Wired headphones featuring extended metal-plated connectors, ensures full contact with your device, can maximize sound quality brought by high-quality chips. Earphones wired with 3.94 feet (1.2meter) corde with thickened TPE shell, more than 10,000+ bending tests and is less prone to breaking, providing enhanced durability, stretch resistant, long-lasting
  • 【Industry-Leading & Peace of Mind】 Our company specializes in the research and development of USB C wired earphones, dedicated to delivering affordable, high-performance audio products for global consumers. Our wired earbuds include a 2-year warranty and 24/7 customer support, ready to resolve any usage issues.
Rank #4
Apple EarPods Headphones with USB-C Plug, Wired Ear Buds with Built-in Remote to Control Music, Phone Calls, and Volume
  • SUPERIOR COMFORT — Unlike traditional circular ear buds, the design of EarPods is defined by the geometry of the ear. Which makes them more comfortable for more people than any other ear bud–style headphones.
  • HIGH-QUALITY AUDIO — The speakers inside EarPods have been engineered to maximize sound output and minimize sound loss, which means you get high-quality audio.
  • BUILT-IN REMOTE — EarPods with USB-C plug also include a built-in remote that lets you adjust the volume, control the playback of music and video, and answer or end calls with a pinch of the cord.
  • COMPATIBILITY — Works with all devices that have a USB-C port.
  • INTEGRATED MICROPHONE — A built-in microphone precisely captures your voice while you’re on the phone, taking a FaceTime call, or summoning Siri — so you’re always heard loud and clear.
Rank #3
Type C Earbuds Wired Earphones Wired Headphones USB C for Samsung Galaxy
  • 【Compatible For Samsung USB C Wired Earbuds】USB Type C earbuds wired in-ear stereo compatible with Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra S26 Plus S25FE A57 A37 A27 A17 A56 A36 A26 A07 A16 5G A15 A55 A35 AA53 A54,Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra S25 Edge S25 S25+ S24 FE S24 Ultra S24 S24+ S23 FE,Z Fold 6 5 4,Z Flip 6 5 4,S23 S22 S21 S20, Note 20 10; iPhone 17e/17 Pro Max/16e/16/16 Pro/16/16 Pro Max/16 Plus, iPhone 15/15 Pro/15 Pro Max/15 Plus, iPad Pro 12.9 /11,iPad Air,iPad Mini; Google Pixel 10 9 Pro XL; One Plus, Moto, LG, for Macbook Pro 13" 14" 16", for iPad 10/iPad Pro/Mini 6/Air 2024/2023/2022 with Type-C ports. Ideal for all type c headphones wired devices without a 3.5mm audio jack.
  • 【HiFi Stereo Sound USB C Earphone】Immerse yourself in premium sound with high-resolution audio support up to 24-bit/96kHz. Experience deep bass, crisp highs, and outstanding clarity—perfect for music, podcasts, or video calls. Every note is vivid and detailed, ensuring an exceptional audio experience.
  • 【Clear Calls & Noise Isolation】Enjoy crisp, clear calls with passive noise isolation that helps you focus. The integrated mic and inline controls let you manage calls, adjust volume, and skip tracks—all without interruption. Ideal for multitasking during daily routines, travel, or workouts.
  • 【Microphone & Volume Control】Compatible for Samsung Galaxy A17 A16 S25 FE usb c wired earphones and headphones with built-in mic and remote control allow you to answer/end call, play/pause song, skip next/previous song, adjust volume without picking up your phone while working out, driving a car, or on the go.
  • 【2026 What You Get】1x USB C Headphone with Microphone(black), 180-days free-warranty, lifetime friendly customer service. Any questions, pls contact us any time, we'll response you within 24hrs on weekdays, ensuring your satisfaction with these headphones for android cell phones and other USB C devices.

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