Samsung fans have finally entered the modern smartphone age — the age of phones with no headphone jack. Unless you use wireless headphones or have that odd pair of USB-C earbuds, you’re going to need an adapter to get the most out of your new phone together with your favorite set of cans. The dongle life can be cumbersome, so we give you options to pick the adapter that fits your needs, whether you need a long cord or short, a fixed dongle or flexible, and even some surprising options that will give you the most flexibility.
Audio Powered
Accguys USB-C to 3.5mm Headphone Adapter
Staff Pick
This Accguys adapter isn’t the smallest, but it does pack a headphone port and a spare USB-C power port, plus the onboard audio chip means you’ll get the best sound from your device.
$18 at Amazon
Simple Cord
JSAUX USB Type C to 3.5mm
This simple yet effective adapter can bend a lot without breaking. The braided cord keeps it intact, while the internal components can handle digital-quality audio with ease once you plug it in.
$13 at Amazon
Fixed Dongle
Mxcudu 2 in 1 USB C to 3.5mm Audio Adapter
This dongle attaches to the bottom of the phone for a clean look, plus it gives you both a headphone port and USB-C for power. There’s even a keychain attachment, so you never forget it.
$13 at Amazon
Split Powered
Akwor 2 in 1 USB-C to 3.5mm Audio Adapter
If your audio cable and your power cable need to go in two different directions, check out this splitter from Akwor. You get a headphone jack as well as a USB-C port for power in a versatile little package.
$8 at Amazon
Dongle Extended
LcueGuk 3-in-1 Type C to 3.5mm Audio Aux Jack Adapter
This USB-C audio adapter distinguishes itself by packaging a long audio extension cord in the box, so you can use the small dongle or extend as much as you need. You can even use that extension cord separately.
$12 at Amazon
Dongle Light
Conmdex USB Type C Headphone Jack Adapter
A simple USB-C to headphone port adapter, but this one has a light. That’s all; it’s just got a light on it to let you know it’s working. It lights up with a light. If you like lights, get this one.
$13 at Amazon
Lightning Adapter
Anker USB-C to Lightning Adapter
What if you’re switching from iPhone and need to use your lightning headphones? Believe it or not, Anker has you covered with this USB-C to lightning adapter that will let you use your Apple buds.
$30 at Amazon
Adapter Holder
Yeebline 2 in 1 headphone jack adapter
This adapter from Yeebline doesn’t give you a 3.5mm headphone port, but it does split the USB-C so you can use headphones while you power, and it has a cool stick-on design with a holder ring that helps you grip your phone.
$18 at Amazon
Bonus Dongle
MiiKare 3 in 1 USB C adapter
While most adapters give you a headphone port and maybe a USB-C port for power, this adapter from MiiKare lets you connect your headphones and two, count ’em two, extra USB-C plugs.
$20 at Amazon
Split Audio
iMangoo USB C to Dual 3.5mm Audio Adapter
Share your music with this dual 3.5mm adapter. The headphone splitter plugs into your USB-C port and gives you two headphone ports, plus that nylon braided cord should be sturdy if anything comes between you.
$10 at Amazon
Coiled Dongle
Xiivio USB C aux cable with spring
This unique adapter only gives you a headphone port, but it extends up to a meter with a coiled spring design, plus it doesn’t skimp on the audio chip, so you’ll get the best sound when you connect.
$7 at Amazon
Official Dongle
Samsung USB-C to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter
Whatever else you say about Samsung’s pricey little dongle, you know it will work with your Samsung phone, guaranteed. Pick up a couple of these in case you lose one, and check out the other accessories while you’re at the company store.
$15 at Samsung$15 at Best Buy
Living La Vida Adapter
It’s time to face the music, dongle in hand. Headphone ports are gone from our favorite smartphones, and they are never coming back. We can cry about it, we can buy a set of wireless earbuds that we’ll lose, or we can suck it up and get an adapter or two to fill in the gap between our phone and our favorite set of headphones. Of course, we’ll want to charge while we listen, so our favorite adapter is the Accguys USB-C to 3.5mm Headphone Adapter. You get a standard headphone port, a USB-C port for power or accessories, all in a sleek package. Plus, the Accguys adapter also features a digital audio chip, so it doesn’t just transmit analog signal, it gives you the highest quality digital signal that a USB-C port can transmit.
Also, we’ll pick up a fixed adapter like the Mxcudu 2 in 1 USB C to 3.5mm Audio Adapter. The look is sleek and elegant, not like a dangling chain of cords. You still get a headphone port as well as a USB-C port for charging, but Mxcudu also carves out a nifty keychain loop so you can keep the adapter attached. The biggest problem with using a dongle is forgetting your dongle, so any help keeping the adapter on hand is welcome. Thankfully, once you invest in a USB-C audio adapter, it will work with all of your USB-C devices, so those amazing headphones that were an investment back when you bought your last MP3 player still sound stellar with your newest gear.
Philip Berne worked from 2011 to 2017 as part of Samsung’s Public Relations team and maintains no business or financial relationships with Samsung nor is he currently bound by non-disclosure agreement.
