The best Lightning to 3.5 mm headphone jack adapter on the market can help you a great deal in connecting your iPhone (7 and above), iPad or iPod Touch to headphones, headsets and earphones comprising a 3.5 mm jack. However, it is really a daunting task to find a good-quality Lightning to 3.5 mm headphone jack adapter on the market these days; especially, a product that fits your budget and requirements.
We explored the 3.5mm to lightning adapter market thoroughly and found 30 suitable adapters. We further tested each of them to narrow down our choice to these 5 best Lightning to 3.5 mm headphone jack adapters for you.
Roundup of the Best Lightning to 3.5 mm Jack Adapter
| Best Overall Lightning to 3.5 mm Jack Adapter | Apple Lightning to 3.5 mm Jack Adapter |
| Best Budget Lightning to 3.5 mm Headphone Adapter | Amazon Basics Lightning to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter |
| Best-Quality Lightning to 3.5 mm Headphone Adapter | UGREEN Headphones Adapter for Apple |
| Most Durable Lightning to 3.5 mm Headphone Adapter | MOOU Lightning to 3.5mm Adapter |
| Best-Performance Lightning to 3.5 mm Headphone Adapter | JSAUX iPhone Headphone Adapter |
In this guide, we will discuss all the shortlisted adapters in detail, and list their pros and cons. Read further to know more.
Why Did Apple Remove the 3.5 mm Headphone Jack?
There are many theories that surround the removal of the 3.5 mm headphone jack from Apple iPhones (for your information; the original Apple iPhone never had a 3.5 mm jack).
While some people thought that Apple wanted to make their iPhones thinner by cutting down the space occupied by the 3.5 mm jack (this never happened as both iPhone 6S and 7 measured approximately 7.1 mm), others discussed Apple’s intention to add a second speaker in place of the 3.5 mm jack (proved to be true). However, Apple’s plan was something completely different. Even iPhone 8 3.5mm jack is missing!
The brand saw no value in the existence of the 3.5 mm jack and felt that it was unnecessarily occupying space. Not only this it was also their way to ensure their users move toward the Lightning or wireless space.
5 Best Lightning to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapters on the Market
All Lightning to 3.5 mm headphone jack adapters listed in the beginning of the guide are compatible with all the current iPhone models, such as iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone Xs, iPhone X and iPhone Xr. You can also use them with iPods and iPads.
1. Apple Lightning to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter
Best Overall Lightning to 3.5 mm Headphone Adapter
- Durable; built to last
- Easy to set up and use
- Works well and does not affect the sound quality of the headphones or speakers
- Easily affordable
- Apple MFi (made for iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch) certified product
- Original Apple product
- Not universally compatible with all headphones on the market
The Apple Lightning to 3.5mm adapter is our top choice for a very simple and straightforward reason; it is an authentic Apple product. As you probably already know, Apple products work best with each other. The Lightning adapter is compatible with all iOS devices that come with a Lightning connection and support most lightning headphones to 3.5mm.
We tested the adapter with our Bose headphones and iPhone 7, and we did not face any issues while setting up the headphones. Also, there was no change in the sound quality of our headphones upon using them via the Lightning to 3.5 mm headphone jack adapter.
The product was delivered in the original Apple packaging. However, as soon as you receive the product, ensure you test it and see if it’s working with your device.
View on Amazon: Apple Lightning to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter
2. AmazonBasics Lightning to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter
Best Budget Lightning to 3.5 mm Headphone Adapter
- Compact, sturdy design
- Very affordable
- Certified officially for compatibility
- Allows passthrough of mic and music controls
- Plug-and-play operation
- Very portable due to compact design
- We did not experience any issues
In conclusion, AmazonBasics Lightning To 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter is a viable alternative; if you want an affordable MFi certification adapter that does what it’s supposed to, this is the one you should go far with.
Unlike many cheaper headphone adapters, the AmazonBasics Lightning To 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter is built to endure. The cable is somewhat beefier and includes a strain relief design that shields it from wear and tear caused by regular bending, pulling, and handling.
Apple has approved the adapter as MFi for use with Lightning-equipped iPhones and iPads. Along with remote music controls, it permits clear and high-quality audio passthrough. Additionally, the shorter cord makes it simple to tuck the adapter away in a pocket or bag for usage on the road.
View on Amazon: Amazon Basics Lightning to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter
3. UGREEN Headphones Adapter for Apple
Best-Quality Lightning to 3.5 mm Headphone Adapter
- Reliable and durable
- Allows you to listen to music and control it (volume, next, previous), and take calls
- Compatible with all Apple devices that have iOS 10.3.1 or later
- Provides clear and crisp sound; sound quality and volume output are excellent
- Easy to connect and use
- Stylish design
- Lightweight and portable
- Works perfectly with headphones and earbuds
- Apple MFi certified adapter
- Bulkier than the previous 2 adapters on our list
- Expensive
- Bass tones sound scratchy at times
So, you’ve seen the best overall and best budget Lightning to 3.5 mm headphone jack adapters on our list. Now, let’s talk a little about the best-quality Lightning to 3.5 mm headphone jack adapter on the market.
UGREEN Headphones Adapter for Apple or Apple converter for headphones is an excellent quality product. It is MFi certified by Apple and ensures secure connectivity with Apple devices. It is equipped with advanced noise reduction technology and provides stellar sound quality.
We tested the adapter with our Samsung Earbuds and Sony MDR V55 Headphones, and honestly, we wanted to rate this adapter as the best overall and best-quality adapter; however, we voted for the Apple adapter as the best overall adapter since it is an authentic Apple product (the only reason).
Even though the design doesn’t really matter in the case of adapters (functionality comes first), we simply loved the black and silver combination; especially the nylon-braided cord. We highly recommend the UGREEN Headphones Adapter for Apple devices with the Lightning connector.
View on Amazon: UGREEN Headphones Adapter for Apple
4. MOOU Lightning to 3.5mm Adapter
Most Durable Lightning to 3.5 mm Headphone Adapter
- Compact and portable
- Premium aluminium housing
- MFi-certified cable
- Compatible with most of the Apple devices
- Good quality sound reproduction
- We did not experience any issues
The MOOU Lightning to 3.5 MM Adapter is the most durable headphone adapter on our list owing to its solid construction quality. It offers clear and decent sound quality. Plus, the stylish design is enough to woo your heart.
This headphone adapter comes housed in an aluminum alloy shell and Type C cable with a premium nylon braid offers more resilience and keeps things untangled. It comes with MFi certification from Apple and has undergone strict testing.
Also, it can go everywhere your phone goes, including your pocket, backpack, or suitcase. Once you insert the adapter into the iPhone and the headphones into the adaptor, your ears will be in audio bliss. It is compatible with most of the Apple devices and is designed for iPhone lover. Also, it provides a clear sound with no breakage or distortion.
View on Amazon: MOOU Lightning to 3.5mm Adapter
5. JSAUX iPhone Headphone Adapter
Best-Performance Lightning to 3.5 mm Headphone Adapter
- Lightweight and portable
- Sturdy and high quality
- Attractive red color
- Braided cable
- Snug fit on both ends
- Delivers superior sound quality in phone calls, also
- We found no issue
JSAUX iPhone Headphone Adapter is ideal for the newest Apple products if you cannot accept life without a headphone port. It has passed all tests necessary to get the APPLE MFi certification. In addition, JSAUX’s rigorous quality testing and Apple’s MFi certification guarantee a safe and reliable connection with your Apple devices.
The adapter does what it’s supposed to, turning the iPhone’s lightning connection into a 3.5mm female socket so you can put in headphones or speakers. The construction is solid, the quality is excellent, and it gives a secure fit on both ends. We were surprised to hear such a dramatic improvement in sound quality as soon as we put this into my phone. You will find the quality of even phone calls enhanced.
To conclude, JSAUX iPhone Headphone Adapter is durable, gives out excellent sound quality, and is affordable.
View on Amazon: JSAUX iPhone Headphone Adapter
Frequently Asked Questions About DJ Headphones
The Lightning to 3.5 mm headphone jack adapter allows you to connect devices (headphones, earbuds, speakers, etc.) that use a 3.5 mm jack to your iPhone/iPad/iPod.
Almost all Lightning to 3.5 mm headphone jack adapters are plug-and-play. All you need to do is insert the adapter in the Lightning connector of your iOS device and plug the other (3.5 mm) end to the headphones.
No. There is no 3.5 mm to Lightning adapter on the market. Lightning earphones/headphones need the power to convert the digital audio output into analog signals (unlike the headphones that have a 3.5 mm jack).
Final Thoughts
To sum up, all the Lightning to 3.5 mm headphone jack adapters listed in this guide are best in their own ways. Your choice would completely depend on your budget and preferences. While most Apple users prefer the authentic Apple Lightning to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter, we recommend trying the other products on our list as well.
As already mentioned in the beginning, we have tested each adapter hands on. Moreover, if you ask us to pick the best Lightning to 3.5 mm headphone jack adapter from the list, we’ll go with the UGREEN Headphones Adapter for Apple. It is perfectly priced, durable and portable, and provides excellent performance/sound quality. We loved every bit of this adapter.
We hope you found our guide on Lightning to 3.5 mm headphone jack adapters insightful. Don’t forget to share your comments in the comment section below. Also, if you are using an adapter that you want us to add to our list, please reach out to us.
