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If you want to use standard 3.5mm headphones, speakers, or a headset with a USB-C device, choose an adapter with a built-in digital-to-analog converter (DAC) and verify it works with your exact device model. The title’s “35mm” is best read as 3.5mm, the familiar audio-plug size—not a literal 35mm connector. For supported Apple devices, Apple’s adapter is a simple ecosystem-matched option; Samsung says newer Galaxy models need a DAC-compatible adapter. StarTech’s USBCAUDIO publishes more feature details, but its microphone specifications warrant a check before purchase.
Does a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter need a DAC?
Usually, yes: look for an active, DAC-equipped adapter rather than assuming any USB-C-to-3.5mm cable will work. A DAC converts digital audio from the USB-C device into the analog signal a conventional 3.5mm headphone or speaker needs. Android’s adapter specification allows digital-to-analog adapters and says analog-only adapters that use an older USB-C analog-audio mode are not supported by that specification. Read the Android Open Source Project’s USB-C-to-analog audio adapter guidance for the platform requirements; individual Android devices may not implement every optional feature identically.
Samsung’s support guidance for newer Galaxy models likewise calls for a USB-C-to-3.5mm adapter with a built-in DAC and advises checking DAC compatibility when choosing another manufacturer’s adapter. That is a useful filter, but it does not establish that every DAC-equipped product will work with every phone or headset.
Which adapter fits your device and needs?
| Adapter | What the cited source establishes | Best fit | Check before buying |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple USB-C to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter | Apple says it connects standard 3.5mm headphones or speakers to USB-C devices and lists compatible iPhone, iPad, and Mac model families on its regional product page. The page does not state the DAC chip, output power, or independent audio measurements. | People using a model listed by Apple who want a straightforward adapter for standard headphones or speakers. | Confirm your specific Apple model is on the compatibility list. The cited page does not establish universal compatibility with Android devices. |
| Samsung Type-C to 3.5mm Headset Jack Convert Adapter | Samsung identifies its genuine adapter on its regional product page. Samsung support says newer models require an adapter with a built-in DAC and advises checking that third-party alternatives are DAC-compatible. | Galaxy owners who want Samsung’s own adapter option. | Check the exact Galaxy model and adapter compatibility. A customer review on the product page reports a lapel mic working with a Note10+, but that single report does not prove microphone support across models. |
| StarTech.com USBCAUDIO | The manufacturer datasheet describes an active USB-C-to-3.5mm adapter with a built-in DAC, microphone and headset pause/play/mute-control support, examples of Windows, macOS, iPad Pro, Pixel, Samsung Galaxy, and Chromebook compatibility, and a two-year warranty. It lists a three-conductor TRS connector but gives conflicting audio-format specifications: 24-bit/192 kHz in one section and 32-bit/384 kHz in another. | People who value published compatibility examples and headset-control features. | If microphone input is important, confirm the current exact SKU and its headset support. The conflicting format figures should not be treated as a resolved specification or independent performance result. |
These are options supported by the cited manufacturers’ documentation, not a measured sound-quality ranking. The available specifications do not establish that one sounds better than another.
#1 Best Overall
- The USB-C to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter lets you connect devices that use a standard 3.5mm audio plug - like headphones or speakers - to your USB-C devices
- Works with all devices that have a USB-C connector and support iOS 10 or later.
Do you need microphone and inline-button support?
Headphone playback, microphone input, and inline controls are separate requirements. A headset can play audio through an adapter while its microphone or buttons fail to work. Android’s adapter guidance describes stereo output, conversion of one analog input channel, headset-microphone insertion detection, and translation of headset-button events. Those platform functions do not guarantee identical implementation on every Android device.
Android’s USB audio CTS Verifier test guidance uses Google’s USB-C digital-to-3.5mm adapter as an example converter for a compatible analog headset. It also notes that button testing depends on the headset producing the required virtual key codes. This is compatibility-test guidance, not a current retail endorsement or a claim about the adapter’s availability.
Rank #2
- Universal Compatibility: This headphone adapter is compatible with most Type C phones, including iPhone 17/17 Pro/17 Pro Max, iPhone 16/16 Pro/16 Pro Max, iPhone 15/15 Pro/15 Pro Max, Galaxy S21 Ultra/S21 Plus/S21 5G 2021, Google Pixel 5, 4, 4 XL, 3, 3 XL, 2, 2 XL, S20 FE 5F 2020, S20 5G, S20 Plus, S20 Ultra, Note 20, Note 20 Ultra, Note 10, Note 10+, Galaxy Tab S5e, Tab S6, Huawei P40 Pro, P30 Pro, P20 Pro, Mate 20 Pro, Mate 30 Pro, Mate 40 Pro, HTC, and more.
- Hi-Fi Sound Quality: Featuring an advanced DAC Smart Chip, this USB C to headphone adapter delivers high-definition audio and powerful noise reduction for a superior listening experience.
- Multi-function Dongle: Compact and versatile, this USB C to AUX adapter allows you to connect your USB C devices without audio jacks to headphones, headsets, speakers, and other audio devices. Enjoy music, answer calls, and control functions like microphone, volume, pause, and play with ease.
- Durable & Reliable: Constructed with enameled-coated copper wire and aluminum alloy casings, this USB C Aux Adapter is built to last. Its high-strength design can withstand twists, pulls, and tangles, while the 100% copper wire core ensures high-speed and stable signal transmission. Plus, the standard 3.5mm audio jack and USB C plug can handle repeated plugging and unplugging.
- Plug and Play: Simple and hassle-free, this adapter offers a seamless plug-and-play experience. Its compact and lightweight design makes it easy to carry around, while the quality ABS shell + TPE cable materials ensure durability and prevent damage from tangling and scratching. Enjoy Hi-Fi audio anytime, anywhere.
For a headset you use for calls, check the adapter’s documentation for microphone input, then verify compatibility with both the host device and headset. For inline volume, play/pause, or mute buttons, look for explicit support rather than inferring it from the presence of a 3.5mm socket.
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Can you charge while listening?
Do not assume these adapters support simultaneous charging. The cited Apple, Samsung, and StarTech product sources do not establish charge-through capability for the named products. If you need to charge and listen at the same time, make that a purchase requirement and confirm it in the documentation for the exact adapter model; none of the three options above is documented here as meeting it.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Durable USB C to 3.5mm Audio Adapter: The Braided USB C Headphone Adapter connects USB Type C phones/tablets/laptops to old auxiliary devices like 3.5mm headphones, car radios, speakers/Hi-Fi systems for listening and calling
- Optimal Hi-Fi Sound Quality: This USB C to Aux Adapter supports up to 24bit/96KHz while others are 16bit/48Khz, with powerful noise reduction you can get higher fidelity sound from this USB C to Headphone Jack
- Convenient In-Line Control: This Type C to Aux Adapter supports all 3.5mm earphones, and it can support in-line control including volume control, and calling. The USB-C Headphone Adapter allows you to control your music and take calls on the go
- More Everlasting Durability: The nylon braided USB C DAC Adapter is robust in build quality. Premium aluminum alloy material prevents scratches and rust, higher quality. Slim and portable, easy to carry around
- Wider Compatibility: The USB C Aux Dongle fits most USB-C phones tablets, and laptops, compatible with iPhone 18 Pro Max/18 Pro/Duo/17 Pro Max/17 Pro/Air/17/16 Pro Max/16 Pro/16 Plus/16/15 Pro Max/15 Pro/15 Plus/15, Samsung Galaxy S26/S26+/S26 Ultra/S25/S25+/S25 Ultra/S24/S24+/S24 Ultra/S23/S23 Ultra/S23+/S22/S22 Ultra/S22+, Google Pixel 10 Pro/10 Pro XL/10/10 Pro Fold/9 Pro XL/9/9 Pro/8/8 Pro/7/7 Pro, iPad mini/iPad Pro/iPad Air, iMac, Macbook Pro/Macbook Air, Mac mini, PS5, Switch 2
Rank #4
- 【High-Fidelity Sound Quality】With 48,000 samples per second, listen to every note with this small USB Type-C to 3.5mm Audio Headphone Adapter. Featuring a Smart DAC Chip, this precision captures deep bass, crisp highs, and a balanced midrange, enriching your music experience. [NOTE: The volume adjustment function of Apple EarPods headphones is not supported ！！！]
- 【92dBFS Signal-to-Noise Ratio】Experience seamless communication with zero distractions using the USB C to Audio Jack Adaptor. This adapter features integrated Clear Voice Noise Reduction (CVR) technology, engineered to filter out ambient noise and deliver crystal-clear conversations.
- 【One-Click Adaptation, Port Protection Plus】This little 2-pack Type-C to Headphone Jack Adapter Kit is designed for seamless compatibility with a wide array of devices including the iPhone 16 15 Plus 16 15 Pro 16 15 Pro Max iPad Pro Air MacBook; Samsung Galaxy S24 S23 S22 S21 S20 Plus Ultra FE Z Fold 5 4 3 Z Flip 5 4 3 W24 23 22 20 Note 20 20 Ultra 10+ 10 9 8 Galaxy Tab S8 S7 S6 S5; Google Pixel 9 7 6 Pro XL ; more USB-C smartphones and tablets. also dual adapter set minimizes plug-unplug , better safeguarding your ports.
- 【Plug and Play Dongle】This 3.5mm dongle delivers smooth, zero-delay sound—no drivers or apps required. It's also headphone-friendly, enabling you to answer phone calls, pause playback, and control volume directly from your headphones.
- 【Fear No Tugs】 Crafted with an integrated one-piece construction, this wired earphone adapter is not only durable but also designed to withstand pulls and tugs, putting an end to worries of breakage. It ensures smooth transmission between your device, providing a reliable connection you can count on. Backed by our 24/7 online customer support, we stand ready to respond swiftly to any usage issues.
Rank #3
- 【Multi-function Dongle】This compact usb c to aux adapter can connect your usb c devices without audio jack to headphones, headset, speakers and other audio devices. Call, volume control, pause via function keys on the headphones are possible. [Note: Microphone functionality and volume adjustment function of Apple EarPods Headphones with 3.5mm Plug are not supported！]
- 【Smart DAC Chip】The USB C to 3.5mm audio adapter features a Smart DAC chip. It is low power consumption, excellent and stable decoding performance, and maximum support for 16Bit/48Khz audio sampling rate. The DAC chip can also convert digital audio signals to analog audio signals and keep the original sound quality of your headphones. The 3.5mm female port compatible with CTIA. [Note: Not compatible with OMTP, TS and TRS microphone-only devices are not supported！]
- 【Wide Compatibility】: JSAUX USB C headphone adapter compatible with most of the type c devices: for iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, iPhone Duo/Air, iPhone 17 17 Pro 17 Pro Max, for iPhone 16 16 Plus 16 Pro 16 Pro Max, for iPhone 15 15 Plus 15 Pro 15 Pro Max, for Samsung Galaxy S26/S25/S24/S20 Ultra, S10 S9 S8 Plus, Note 20 10 10+ 9 8, for iPad Pro, iPad mini 6, MacBook, for Pixel 9 8 7 6, for Huawei Mate 60 50 40 30 20 10 and Pro, P60 P50 P40 P30 P20 and Pro, for OnePlus 6T 7 7Pro, and more
- 【Stable Signal & Durable Material】With the relief strain design, this type c to aux adapter can stand 15000+ bending tests, which makes this adapter much more durable. Shielded enamel wire can still ensure stable signal transmission with daily use. Metal-coated connectors for better contact ensure stable and lossless audio signal transmission
- 【Warm Tips】 If your USB C device includes a 3.5mm audio jack, this adapter may not support phone calls. For example, some models for Galaxy (S9/S8/S10, Note 9/Note 8) and for iPad Pro (11" / 12.9", including iPad Pro 2018) may not support phone calls or music control
How to check compatibility before ordering
- Identify the exact host model. Check the manufacturer’s compatibility information for your phone, tablet, or computer rather than relying only on the USB-C connector.
- Look for a DAC. For a recent Galaxy device, follow Samsung’s advice to use a built-in-DAC adapter and check third-party DAC compatibility. For other Android devices, the Android adapter specification explains why an analog-only adapter may not work.
- Decide whether you need more than playback. Confirm microphone input and inline-button support if you use a headset for calls or controls; these functions are not implied by audio output.
- Check connector and model details. Verify the adapter’s exact SKU and 3.5mm connection against your accessory. For USBCAUDIO in particular, confirm microphone support if it is essential, because its datasheet lists a three-conductor TRS connector alongside microphone-support claims.
- Confirm charging requirements separately. If charge-through matters, buy only when the exact product documentation explicitly says it supports simultaneous charging.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
