8 Best USB-C Headphones
With the most recent cell units ditching the headphone jack in favor of wi-fi headphones, these USB-C headphones deliver again a wired expertise by USB-C. Connecting a headphone through USB-C is akin to utilizing a normal headphone jack and aux cable. You don’t have to fret about operating out of battery, and also you get low latency, nice for watching motion pictures and gaming.
1. Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless – Stay wired with USB-C audio
Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wi-fi is our top advice for the best USB-C headphones. They’re among the many first headphones to help audio over USB Kind-C. Whereas primarily designed for wi-fi use, you possibly can comfortably use them as wired by USB-C and analog aux cable, nice for watching motion pictures and gaming.
The Momentum 3 Wi-fi replaces the Sennheiser Momentum 2.0 Wi-fi, bringing a extra comfy design, higher sound high quality, and spectacular mic recording. They help Bluetooth 5.0, permitting them to connect with two units on the identical time. Along with higher sonics, you additionally get Hello-Res codec help by aptX, aptX Low Latency, and AAC.
Onboard you additionally get energetic noise cancelation with three ranges. The headphones help transparency mode, which permits environmental noise passthrough—a fast solution to chat with mates and keep conscious of your environment. You additionally get an honest microphone for voice calls.
The Momentum 3 Wi-fi doesn’t actually have many superior features, however they mechanically flip off if you fold them. In addition they pause playback and enter Standby mode if you take away them out of your head.
The headphone gives as much as 17 hours of use on a single charge. They don’t help fast charge, however you should utilize them through USB-C whereas charging. The headphones include a USB-C cable and Kind-C to Kind-A adapter, so that they should work with nearly all PCs out there. Our Take Don’t have a headphone jack? The Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wi-fi helps USB-C audio, so you possibly can comfortably make the most of your Kind-C port for a low latency listening expertise. With ANC, spectacular audio copy, and clear name high quality, these headphones are easy to advocate to anybody on the lookout for a fully-fledged USB-C headphone.
2. Bose 700 – Elite noise cancellation and call quality
Nicely, Sennheiser did a fantastic job with the Momentum 3 Wi-fi, however when you’re on the lookout for the best noise cancellation and name high quality, Bose 700 stays the king of the ring. For those who’re the work-from-home sort of a man or at all times leaping into calls in the course of nowhere, that is the type of USB-C headphones you want.
The Bose 700 comes with eight microphones, six dedicated to Energetic Noise Cancellation (ANC) and 4 microphones for voice pickup (two shared with ANC). It’s the one headphone that ensures crystal-clear audio to every finish of the decision. You may safely take that convention name in a home filled with noisy children.
With eleven ranges of adjustable ANC, you possibly can isolate your self completely from the setting or decrease the NC to let in ambient sound. Alternatively, you possibly can set off Dialog Mode, which disables NC and pauses the music so you possibly can converse with mates.
One of many upsides in regards to the Bose 700 is the one-touch to Spotify characteristic. One faucet on the correct ear cup, and I’m proper into Spotify without touching my cellphone.
Elsewhere, you’re getting intuitive controls and features. You need to use contact controls to play/pause music and reply calls. Extra features can be found through the Bose Music app, together with selectable EQ, voice assistants, and Bluetooth connections. Bose 700 gives as much as 20 hours of battery life on a single charge. It helps fast charging through USB-C, with a 15-minute charge providing you with 2 hours of battery life. You need to use the USB-C port for enter along with the three.5 mm jack for wired listening.
Our Take For those who work at home or make voice calls in noisy environments fairly often, the Bose 700 can come to your rescue. With a number of ANC and voice pickup microphones, this USB-C headphone delivers a transparent and exact voice on every finish, whatever the surrounding noise. They’re additionally the best-sounding Bose headphones and features intuitive controls for a seamless person expertise.
3. Jabra Elite 45h – Bang for your buck
The Jabra Elite 45h is one purpose you don’t must spend a lot to get the best USB-C headphones. This pair of on-ear headphones pack premium features, together with glorious sound and industry-leading battery life, without breaking the financial institution. Certain, it has no fancy features like contact controls or ANC. However for the worth you’re paying, you’re actually getting the bang in your buck.
The Elite 45h comes with a foldable design and tender ear cushions that mildew into your ears completely for a cushty match. Inside there are 40mm speakers that deliver best-in-class sound high quality. The headphone makes use of bodily buttons for playback control, power and Bluetooth pairing, and voice assistants.
The promoting characteristic of the Jabra Elite 45h is the whopping 50 hours of listening time. That’s far more than what the Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wi-fi and Bose 700 supply. The headphone can be outfitted with quick-charging expertise through USB-C, offering 10 hours of use on a fast 15-minute charge. I should remind you that these headphones value lower than a 3rd of the Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wi-fi.
The Elite 45h are first rate for listening to music and dealing from house, with robust mic readability. There’s a customizable EQ within the Sound+ app for a personalised sound expertise. The Jabra Elite 45h may also join to 2 units on the identical time, nice when you’re utilizing each cellphone and PC.
Our Take If you need a fantastic all-rounder that won’t break the financial institution, the Jabra Elite 45h is the best USB-C headphone for you. With 50 hours of listening time, a consolation, excellent match, and glorious sound, the Elite 45h set a brand new commonplace for price range headphones.
4. Razer Hammerhead ANC – Decent USB-C earbuds with Active Noise Cancelation
If you wish to get rid of latency and charging course of without end, the Razer Hammerhead ANC with a non-detachable USB-C cable is a superb choice. This pair of in-ears is suitable with most smartphones and laptops with a Kind-C port. Because it’s wired, you don’t have to fret in regards to the battery operating out in the course of your outdoor adventures.
In contrast to different typical earbuds, the Hammerhead ANC helps energetic noise canceling so you possibly can utterly switch off from the world and jam to your favourite tunes or clarify voice calls. Admittedly, the NC isn’t Bose 700-level high quality, and it’d battle to dam out bass-heavy sounds from heavy equipment. However if you’d like an reasonably priced pair of in-ears that may block surrounding noise, the Razer Hammerhead ANC will get the job executed.
The headphones include a braided cable for durability and an additional pair of Comply memory foam ear ideas. The froth ideas assist enhance noise isolation and stop sound leaks, nice when you’ll be utilizing the headphones round individuals. Some low cost in-ears leak a variety of sounds, which is annoying to the individuals round you.
Our Take Getting first rate ANC expertise without the majority of huge over-ear headphones can’t be understated in regards to the Razer Hammerhead ANC. These in-ears characteristic an built-in cable to get rid of latency and charging woes, making them an ideal pair for outdoor adventures and watching motion pictures and movies.
5. 1MORE Dual Driver ANC Pro – Wi-fi in-ears with ANC
For those who’re caught selecting between a wired or wi-fi USB-C in-ears, how about having each? The 1MORE Twin Driver ANC Professional wi-fi in-ear headphones help USB-C passthrough listening, delivering the best of each worlds. You may switch to wired if operating low on battery or watching motion pictures to get rid of latency.
1MORE Twin Driver ANC Professional delivers considerably improved ANC over the Razer Hammerhead ANC with 4 energetic noise-canceling microphones and wind noise discount expertise. They’re excellent for making calls and blocking surrounding noise for an immersive listening expertise.
The sound high quality is first rate. 1MORE Twin Driver ANC Professional delivers detailed, balanced audio with help for hi-resolution sound by AAC and LDAC. Regardless of not costing a premium, this headphone has a near-audiophile sound high quality with strong bass.
1MORE went for a somewhat uncommon neckband design, however they’re tremendous comfy. They’re glorious for outdoor use with an IPX5 waterproof ranking, which means they’ll stand up to splashes. You may stand up to twenty hours of playtime with ANC off (15 hours with ANC). A fast 10-min charge gives three hours of use.
Our Take If you need an audiophile-level sound without breaking the financial institution, 1MORE Twin Driver ANC Professional is what you’re on the lookout for. These wi-fi in-ear headphones are professionally tuned to deliver a crisp, balanced sound and spectacular ANC for the worth. With Hello-res Bluetooth codec help, first rate battery life, and IP-rating, 1MORE Twin Driver ANC Professional might be the proper USB-C headphone for you when you don’t thoughts sporting a neckband.
6. Samsung AKG Type-C – Budget USB-C headphones that work
Samsung AKG Kind-C is the best price range USB-C headphones. They don’t have any cutting-edge features, however they sound unbelievable. They sound higher than you’d count on at this worth range.
The Samsung AKG Kind-C comes with an built-in USB-C cable, making them suitable with a lot of the newest smartphones and laptops. The cable is braided for durability, and there’s an in-line microphone for making calls. Low cost and fundamental, however they do get the job executed.
Nevertheless, past sounding higher, the Samsung AKG Kind-C doesn’t have the rest to supply. No noise cancelation or hi-Res sound help. They’re excellent when you’re on the lookout for a pair of headphones to toss in your backpack to be used on-the-go or discover a first rate resolution in case your cellphone doesn’t have a headphone jack.
Our Take Sure, you don’t have to interrupt the financial institution to purchase an honest pair of USB-C headphones. The Samsung AKG Kind-C can come to your rescue in case your cellphone or laptop doesn’t have a headphone jack. They’re low cost and sound extremely higher. However that’s simply that. Don’t count on any fancy features right here.
7. Wyze Noise-Cancelling Headphones – Decent noise-canceling headphones that won’t break the bank
The Wyze Noise-Cancelling Headphones are one other set of price range USB-C headphones. These wi-fi over-ear headphones include features principally present in premium headphones, comparable to contact controls, ANC, and put on detection. They help wired mode by the included aux cable, however you won’t be capable of use the mic.
The sound high quality is nowhere close to the Sennheiser and Bose, however it’s higher than different headphones in its class. You get full bass and clear high and lows. Until you’re an audiophile, the Wyze Noise-Cancelling Headphones are nice for listening to music and workplace work. You may even customise the EQ through the Wyze app for a personalised expertise.
These headphones include further features that add extra worth in your cash. They help noise cancelation with a clear mode and a fast dialog mode. Touching the correct ear cup pauses music and activates transparency mode so you possibly can chat with mates. You additionally get intuitive contact controls and voice assistants with built-in Alexa.
Battery life is spectacular, with as much as 20 hours of use on a single charge and three hours with a fast 10-minute charge. You may at all times switch to wired through USB-C and aux when you run out of battery in the course of nowhere.
Our Take With noise cancelation, transparency mode, contact controls, put on detection, customizable sound, and fast charge, the Wyze Noise-Cancelling Headphones are excellent for anybody on the lookout for an reasonably priced USB-C headphone with all of the bells and whistles. You won’t get premium sound high quality right here, however the whole lot else screams worth.
8. Creative SXFI Gamer – USB-C gaming headphones with virtual surround sound
For those who’re on the lookout for first rate pair of USB-C gaming headphones without blowing a gap in your pockets, we extremely advocate the Artistic SXFI Gamer. These wired headphones deliver an immersive gaming expertise with superior features, together with digital surround sound, superior mic, and RGB lighting.
The SXFI Gamer completely match in your ears with comfy ear cups and headband. They aren’t bulky as different dedicated gaming headphones, so you possibly can comfortably use them for longer gaming classes. RGB lighting on the ear cups, customizable by the SXFI Management software program, provides extra flare to your gaming rig.
One of many top features of the SXFI Gamer is the Battle Mode, which prompts digital surround sound. This characteristic immerses you within the recreation, permitting you to listen to each sound and footsteps within the recreation. Battle Mode offers you a aggressive edge when taking part in RPG and FPS video games, permitting You’ll additionally respect the standard of the microphone. The mic was meticulously designed to distinguishing human voice and ambient noise, delivering crystal clear recording for gaming and voice calls. It’s removable, so you possibly can simply take away it when not in use.
Our Take Immerse your self within the recreation with this pair of headphones that sound like you’ve got a number of speakers in your house. They’re nice for positional sound, which provides you a aggressive edge when gaming. And the mic is simply glorious. For those who’re a hardcore gamer, you can’t go unsuitable with the Artistic SXFI Gamer USB-C headphones.
Best USB-C Headphones – The Final Headphone Buying Guide
A number of factors come into play when on the lookout for the best USB-C headphones. With a variety of choices on the market, our purchasing information will enable you discover the best headphone for you. If you need a fantastic all-rounder that ticks all of the bins, together with audiophile-level sound high quality, the Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless (Amazon Link) is the best pick. It has the whole lot you’ll need in a USB-C headphone. Nevertheless, in case you have your eyes elsewhere, that is what to look out for in a good USB-C headphone:
Type of Headphones
Headphones fall in three distinct varieties: over-ear, on-ear, and in-ear. The best sort of headphones will depend on private choice, however here’s what units them aside.
Over-Ear headphones
Over-ears are the biggest kinds of headphones. They often include giant headbands and earcups that totally cowl the ears. Over-ears are what most individuals imply when looking for a “headphone.” The benefit? They’re tremendous comfy and supply spectacular noise isolation. Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless (Amazon Link) is the best over-ear headphone with USB-C you can purchase at the moment. For those who’re under a tighter price range, think about the Wyze Noise-Cancelling Headphones (Amazon Link). Nevertheless, with their giant dimension, over-ears are bulky and never the best for portability. They take more room in your bag and may also leak some sound which is annoying for individuals round you.
On-Ear Headphones
On-ears headphones resemble over-ears, however they relaxation on top of the ears. They supply the benefits of over-ear headphones in a compact, portable design. Certain, they aren’t as small as in-ears, however they take much less house, and most of them are foldable for portability. For those who’re on the lookout for the best on-ear headphone with USB-C, we extremely advocate the Jabra Elite 45h (Amazon Link). These headphones present first rate sound with industry-leading 50 hours battery life without breaking the financial institution. The one drawback with on-ear headphones is noise isolation. You can’t get the best noise cancelation on these headphones. Irrespective of how a lot tech is cramped, a slight wiggle sends the whole lot haywire.
In-Ear Headphones
Hi there to the portability kings. In ears are nice if you’d like a USB-C headphone you can shove in a backpack or pocket and go along with them nearly anyplace. They match proper into the ear, blocking a substantial quantity of background noise and lowering leaks. Razer Hammerhead ANC (Amazon Link) is the best in-ear headphone with USB-C. For those who’re pondering of going wi-fi, the 1MORE Dual Driver ANC Pro (Amazon Link) has acquired all of it. On a price range? Check out Samsung’s AKG-tuned Type-C headphones (Amazon Link). Nevertheless, in-ears have a possible threat of damaging your inside ear. For extra information, learn this informative piece from UPMC.
Noise Cancelation
Noise isolation is just not sufficient if you wish to block out annoying environmental noise. That you must search for a characteristic generally known as energetic noise cancelation (ANC). For those who’re commuting, working in a home filled with noisy children or an open workplace, or wish to switch off from the world, you possibly can profit quite a bit from a noise-canceling headphone. ANC headphones use digital sign processing to dam out background and environmental noise, so you possibly can solely hear what you’re listening to. The best ANC headphones should additionally supply a clear mode that permits you to pause/disable ANC to let the setting sound in or have a fast chat with mates. Once we speak noise canceling, just one headphone involves thoughts, the Bose 700 (Amazon Link). It’s the ANC headphone to beat. Wyze Noise-Cancelling Headphones (Amazon Link) are additionally first rate if on the lookout for a noise-canceling headphone with USB-C under 100. You’ll come throughout phrases comparable to “noise isolation” and “passive noise cancelation.” Please notice that such headphones solely depend on the padding within the earcups (for an ideal match) to dam out environmental noise. They don’t use any expertise thus don’t qualify as noise-canceling headphones.
Voice Calls
With remote working turning into more and more widespread, you would possibly end up leaping into calls a number of occasions a day. Sure, all headphones with a mic could make voice calls, however not all deliver a transparent, full-bodied sound on the opposite finish. You’re not solely on the lookout for a headphone with a mic but in addition one that may isolate your voice from background noise. This lets you clarify voice calls from anyplace, whether or not it’s a busy workplace, discipline, or house. Once more, the Bose 700 (Amazon Link) is the best USB-C headphone for voice calls.
Connectivity
With wired headphones, this isn’t a lot of a difficulty. However if you’d like USB-C with the liberty of wi-fi headphones, then Bluetooth 4.2 (or later) is a should for the best expertise. The best wi-fi headphones with USB-C help with the most recent Bluetooth 5 specification. If you need audiophile-level sound through Bluetooth, you should look out for aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Low Latency, AAC, and LDAC. Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless (Amazon Link) helps Hello-Res codec by Bluetooth, together with connecting to 2 units at a time. You may stay connected to your cellphone whereas listening to music in your PC. This characteristic can be obtainable on the a lot reasonably priced Wyze Noise-Cancelling Headphones (Amazon Link).
Battery Life
On the subject of battery life and wi-fi headphones, there are not any compromises. You want a headphone with first rate battery life, ideally 20 hours or extra. That’s crucial for wi-fi headphones, that are gaining popularity in 2021 than wired headphones. Fast charging is one other important characteristic to look out for in wi-fi headphones—most headphones with USB-C have quick charging capabilities. That’s one thing marketed as sure hours of use for an x (10 or extra)-minute charge. The Jabra Elite 45h (Amazon Link) has the best battery life of fifty hours. As well as, a 15-minute charge offers you 10 hours of use. It’s the best choice for touring and outdoor adventures. Fast charging turns out to be useful if you’re late for someplace, and also you’ve acquired to deliver your headphones. A fast charge whereas preparing may give you extra listening time on the street.
Controls and features
If you need the best person expertise, it’s important to look into the controls on supply. Most headphones have a number of buttons on the earcups (in-line for in-ears) you can faucet to control music playback, take cellphone calls, summon voice assistants, and extra. Make sure the headphone has a couple of buttons so that you won’t have to make use of your cellphone every time you wish to change observe or volume. The best ANC headphones present buttons for ANC and transparency mode for ease of use. Superior picks help features comparable to contact controls and put on detection. They’ll mechanically pause the music if you take away the headphones and resume if you put on them again. Whereas costly, these headphones supply the best person expertise worthy of the premium worth. The Bose 700 (Amazon Link) has the best mixture of features and controls in a USB-C headphone. For those who’re on a price range, the Wyze Noise-Cancelling Headphone (Amazon Link) will shock you with its superior features at a lower cost.
IP Rating
For those who’re on the lookout for headphones for understanding or sporting actions, I extremely advocate one which’s waterproof. A water-resistant headphone can stand up to sweat and rain. Some may even be totally submerged in water. When buying, search for IP (Ingress Safety) rankings. For example, the 1MORE Dual Driver ANC Pro (Amazon Link) with an IPX5 ranking can survive water splashes, sweat, and sustained, low-pressure water jet spray, permitting you to make use of them nearly anyplace.
How about an adapter? Possibly.
For those who don’t wish to spend cash on a brand new USB-C headphone, you possibly can nonetheless keep wired in your USB-C cellphone. How? Purchase a USB-C to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter (Amazon Link) to attach your previous headphones to your Kind-C cellphone or laptop. Alternatively, you should utilize a USB-C to 3.5mm audio cable (Amazon Link) to attach your Kind-C cellphone to any headphone with a 3.5mm enter.
Best USB-C Headphones – Frequently Asked Questions
How do I use USB-C headphones on my laptop?
Be certain that your laptop has a Kind-C port. Plug-in the included USB-C cable to your headphone and the opposite finish to your laptop’s USB-C port. Some USB-C headphones include a USB-C to USB-A cable, so make certain to examine the included cable is suitable together with your machine.
Is USB C better for audio?
Typically, wired has higher audio high quality than wi-fi. So, sure. USB-C is healthier for audio because it produces near-lossless audio high quality with diminished latency, nice for watching motion pictures and gaming.
Does USB Type C carry audio?
Sure. USB-C can carry audio and is used as an enter on the most recent USB-C headphones. USB-C headphones are suitable with Kind-C units, together with smartphones and PCs. Nevertheless, USB-C headphones might not work with all telephones with a Kind-C port, sadly.