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THE BEST USB-C HEADPHONES

By Barry Peacock
Updated Sep 2, 2023


If you're after a set of the best USB-C headphones for your smartphone, we've
got you covered.

Readers like you help support MUO. When you make a purchase using links on our
site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Read More.

Many Android phone makers nowadays opt for USB-C and Bluetooth audio instead of
the headphone jack of old. The removal of the 3.5mm jack makes it possible to
fabricate thinner phones that use fewer connectors. As such, a single USB-C port
acts as a one-size-fits-all connection for audio connectivity, sharing files,
and charging.

The best USB-C headphones have a lot to offer, including ultra-fast charging
speeds and a plug-and-play design. Some key factors you should consider when
looking for USB-C headphones are durability, audio quality, noise-canceling
capabilities, and comfort.

Here’s a guide to the best USB-C headphones available right now.

 * SHURE AONIC 50
   
   Best Overall
   $299 at Amazon

 * ASUS ROG DELTA S GAMING HEADSET WITH USB-C
   
   Best for Gaming
   $200 at Walmart

 * SAMSUNG AKG TYPE-C EARBUDS
   
   Most Affordable
   $13 at Walmart

 * LOGITECH G333 GAMING EARPHONES
   
   Affordable Gaming
   $50 at Walmart

 * BOWERS & WILKINS PX7 S2
   
   Most Comfortable
   $399 at Amazon
 * See More

 * KENSINGTON HI-FI USB-C HEADPHONES WITH MIC
   
   Best for Remote Work
   $28 at Amazon

 * FOCAL BATHYS
   
   Best Premium
   $699 at Amazon


OUR TOP CHOICES FOR USB HEADPHONES IN 2023

SHURE AONIC 50

Best Overall

Quality Wired or Wireless Listening with ANC

The Shure AONIC 50 are primarily wireless headphones, but they support
high-resolution passthrough listening using USB-C. They offer excellent sound
quality and active noise cancelation while being comfortable for long listening
sessions.
 


Pros
 * ShurePlus PLAY app with EQ
 * Comfortable with long battery life
 * Quality audio
 * Available in black, brown, and white
 * Fast charging

Cons
 * Can only take calls using Bluetooth

$299 at Amazon $299 at Newegg $300 at Best Buy

While Shure markets the AONIC 50s as wireless ANC headphones, they also support
digital passthrough listening via the included USB-C cable. While Bluetooth 5.0
provides high-resolution audio, USB-C offers more detail and precision, with the
internal DAC supporting up to 32-bit/384kHz audio. In addition, there’s a cable
with a 3.5mm jack included for listening to analog sources.

With balanced sound powered by 50mm drivers with a frequency response of 20Hz -
22,000Hz, you get a wide soundstage with a good bass response. They are
closed-back over-ear headphones that offer excellent active noise cancelation,
while their 39-ohm impedance allows for quality audio from small devices, such
as your smartphone.

The headphones are very comfortable for prolonged listening sessions. The ear
and headband cushions are well-padded and soft and adjust to the contours of
your head easily. You can also charge the headphones while listening via the
USB-C cable. Should you listen wirelessly, the battery life is an excellent 20
hours.

ASUS ROG DELTA S GAMING HEADSET WITH USB-C

Best for Gaming

Wired USB-C Headphones with Advanced Gaming Tech

$149 $200 Save $51

If you're a gaming enthusiast and desire USB-C connectivity to reduce lag and
deliver better audio quality, the ASUS ROG Delta S gaming headset is an ideal
choice. On top of the ESS 9281 DAC with quad-DAC technology and MQA support, you
get an SNR level of 130dB and a noise-canceling mic. They are also lightweight
and comfortable for long gaming sessions, and you can also use them to enjoy
movies and music.
 


Pros
 * Customizable RGB lighting
 * Personalized play settings
 * Lightweight and comfortable
 * Quad-DAC tech and MQA support
 * Wide soundstage and 20Hz-40kHz frequency response

Cons
 * Middling microphone performance

$200 at Amazon $200 at Walmart $200 at Newegg

For a quality gaming headset with USB-C connectivity, consider the ASUS ROG
Delta S headphones. They deliver fantastic audio, and the USB-C connector gives
you a high-fidelity experience. ASUS has also thoughtfully included a USB-A
adapter. Moreover, the set boasts a detachable ASUS Ai Noise-Canceling
Microphone, promising an impressive 95 percent reduction in background noise,
according to ASUS. However, in practice, the microphone performs at a level
consistent with the industry average.

The headset boasts an ESS 9281 DAC with quad-DAC technology and MQA support for
studio-quality audio among its features. It can decode signals with up to
32-bit/384kHz high-resolution audio for detailed and accurate sound
reproduction. It also reaches an SNR level of 130dB, which is approximately 50
percent higher than a single-DAC headset can reach.

With a weight of just 10.5oz, they are a pretty lightweight set, especially when
you consider the included tech. While the clamp could be a bit tighter, the
earphones are also very comfortable. They come with two sets of ear cushions,
one consisting of soft, durable protein leather and another hybrid set with
memory foam, offering comfort on longer sessions with better sound isolation and
reduced sound leakage. And in addition to gaming, they’re also a great set of
cans for movies and music.

SAMSUNG AKG TYPE-C EARBUDS

Most Affordable

Affordable USB-C Earbuds with Surprising Audio Quality

The Samsung AKG Type-C is an affordable and comfortable pair of in-ear
headphones that offer good sound quality for their price point. They are
wired-only, come with a durable and braided cable, and are a good choice for
watching media thanks to their low latency.
 


Pros
 * Volume control on cable
 * Budget-friendly
 * Durable cable
 * Low latency
 * Decent, neutral sound profile

Cons
 * Lacks some quality of life features
 * Can fall out with sudden movements

$24 at Amazon $13 at Walmart

For a simple pair of USB-C wired in-ear buds that won’t cost an arm and a leg,
the Samsung AKG Type-C is affordable and offers surprisingly good quality. They
are wired-only buds, and while they are marketed for use with Samsung phones,
they will, of course, work with any device with a USB-C port.

Thanks to its braided design, the cable is durable and not prone to tangling.
However, save for the volume control on the cable, the headphones don’t really
offer any other features, which is unsurprising at this price. What you do get
is a neutral sound profile with a bit of oomph on the bass. They also have a low
latency, which makes them a good choice for watching media content and playing
video games.

They’re not designed for fitness, as they can fall out, and the cable is not
detachable. There’s also not much noise isolation to speak of, so using them on
noisy commutes or while traveling may not be ideal. However, in quiet
environments, they will prove to be an excellent bargain.

LOGITECH G333 GAMING EARPHONES

Affordable Gaming

An Affordable Set of In-Ear Buds with USB-C Connectivity

The Logitech G333 in-ear headphones offer gamers a decent budget option for PC,
console, and smart-device gaming. They come with a USB-C adapter to combat
headphone-jack exclusions and offer pretty good sound quality as well as a
crystal-clear microphone.


Pros
 * Budget-friendly
 * Good quality mic
 * Decent sound
 * Comfortable

Cons
 * No microphone mute

See at Amazon $50 at Walmart

While over-ear headsets are recommended for gaming, if you’re on a budget, the
Logitech G333 in-ear buds offer excellent value and deliver a decent
performance. They are wired headphones and come with a 3.5mm auxiliary connector
and a USB-C adapter. The latter is ideal for phones and laptops that have
excluded the headphone jack. However, connecting the USB to a PC results in some
latency, although it’s unnoticeable on any other device.

Dual drivers share the sound frequencies, with one delivering the bass and the
other dealing with the mids and highs. The result is decent sound quality,
especially for the price, although you won’t find any customizable features.
While the bass is also a bit lacking, picking up enemy footsteps and distant
noises is easy. The inline microphone is also surprisingly good. It delivers
your voice with clarity, although there isn’t much in the way of noise
reduction, so it’s advisable to use it in quiet environments.

They are easy to wear for extended gaming sessions and come with three silicone
tips of varying sizes to help you find the most comfortable fit.

BOWERS & WILKINS PX7 S2

Most Comfortable

Comfort and Quality with Wired Listening Option

The Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 succeeds the Px7 and offers more comfort on top of
improved sound quality. They also feature good noise cancelation and an
excellent battery life. On top of all this, they are another set of headphones
offering both wireless and quality wired listening via USB-C.
 


Pros
 * 30-hour battery life with ANC on
 * Seven-hour listening time from a 15-minute charge
 * Bass and treble EQ on B&W Music App
 * Excellent sound quality
 * Very comfortable

Cons
 * No touch controls

$399 at Amazon

Another pair of quality wireless cans with good ANC that support wired USB-C
listening is the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 headphones. While they have a
firmer-than-usual clamp, they are extremely comfortable, even when worn for long
periods. Furthermore, breathable faux-leather earcups covering soft memory foam
pads complement the snug fit.

They exhibit strong noise cancelation performance and reject the low frequencies
you hear on trains and planes. However, some high frequencies still find their
way in. With passthrough mode, you can let in a limited amount of external noise
for holding conversations or listening out for deliveries.

A convenient button on the left earcup allows you to toggle between the two
modes or turn it off completely. The right earcup is where you find the power
and Bluetooth-pairing switches, alongside playback controls and the USB-C port
for wired playback, charging, or both.

With aptX Adaptive wireless technology and Digital Signal Processing, these
headphones offer up to 24-bit high-resolution sound quality whether listening
via the USB-C cable or wirelessly. The 40mm drivers offer neutral and detailed
audio with a frequency range of 10Hz to 20kHz. Additionally, the 33-ohm
impedance ensures quality sound sourced from your smartphone or tablet.

KENSINGTON HI-FI USB-C HEADPHONES WITH MIC

Best for Remote Work

A Headphone Set with a Microphone for Remote Work and Meetings

$28 $30 Save $2

For a cost-effective headphone/mic combo, the Kensington HiFi USB-C Headphones
with Mic offer excellent value and comfort despite their entry-level price
point. The set comes with a durable 6-foot USB-C cable to ensure you can move
around, while you also get passive-resistance technology to filter out ambient
noise.
 


Pros
 * Durable, long USB-C cable
 * Good sound quality
 * Noise-reduction microphone
 * Affordable
 * Safe-listening limit of 94dB

Cons
 * No integrated volume control

$28 at Amazon $30 at Walmart $34 at Newegg

The Kensington Hi-Fi USB-C Headphones with Mic are a bit of a bargain with a
good features-to-affordability ratio. It's a headphone/mic combo headset perfect
for use when sitting at a computer. Whether you are an online educator, virtual
assistant, or someone who attends remote meetings and seminars, this headset is
ideal if you are looking for a cost-effective option yet not prepared to
compromise on quality.

They don’t need a battery–the durable, 6-foot-long USB-C cable works by simply
connecting to your computer, laptop, or smart device. With a cable this long and
strong, you can also make presentations from a whiteboard with little trouble.

The quality 40mm drivers deliver sharp audio, while the rotating microphone
filters out ambient noise to ensure your voice is clear and coherent. They are
comfortable enough for all-day use with foam earpads in a soft, breathable
leatherette cover and an adjustable, padded headband.

FOCAL BATHYS

Best Premium

A Premium Set of Cans with Premium Audio

$699 $799 Save $100

For a comfortable pair of wireless headphones with added USB-C connectivity,
Focal Bathys wireless headphones offer astonishing sound quality as well as
excellent ANC. They might be on the pricey side, but their combination of
superior audio, irresistible comfort, unique style, and effective noise
cancellation make them well worth the outlay.
 


Pros
 * 30-hour battery life with ANC active
 * A 15-minute charge gives five hours
 * In-app equalizer
 * Easily portable in the included carry case
 * Attractive design

Cons
 * Unlabelled buttons take a bit of getting used to

$699 at Amazon $964 at Newegg

Focal Bathys are a premium set of wireless ANC headphones that also sport
excellent USB-C connectivity. They are a great-looking set of cans offering
premium audio quality and superb battery life. However, they are a very pricey
pair, but if you want the best sound as well as ANC, they could be worth the
investment.

The ANC effectively reduces a wide range of ambient noises. It can’t quite
compete with other premium high-end headphones, but it does a good job,
nevertheless. It has three levels of noise cancelation: Silent Mode will block
the unwanted low frequencies on flights and train rides, while Soft Mode is
designed for use at home. You also get Transparency Mode, which lets you hear
what’s going on around you at the touch of a button.

Using USB-DAC Mode with the included cable gives you the best sound quality.
While it is a little quieter than the Bluetooth connection, it supports audio
with a bit depth of up to 24-bit/192kHz. The sound quality is balanced, with
controlled bass and well-detailed highs. Additionally, with the angled 40mm
dynamic drivers and spacious earcups, the soundstage is wide with a lot of
spatial depth.

The padding and genuine leather, in addition to the roomy earpads, offer a soft
and comfortable experience. However, the headphones are on the heavier side, so
it’s best to wear them snugly during extended listening sessions.




PICKING THE IDEAL USB HEADPHONES FOR YOU

Wired USB-C headphones offer better audio than wireless headphones. They deliver
cleaner and more detailed sound and also have lower latency. Both audiophiles
and gamers can benefit from using a wired USB connection over a Bluetooth one.
Additionally, you can charge your headphones while listening when you use a
USB-C cable. This can be quite the relief when you run out of battery
mid-session or you are on the go.

Price also plays a factor. While some headphones with USB-C connectivity are
primarily wireless, wired headphones generally cost less. Samsung AKG Type-C
Earbuds are wired-only, offering excellent neutral sound and low latency for
gamers. They are available at a pocket-friendly price and offer exceptional bang
for your buck.

The ASUS ROG Delta S Gaming Headset is midrange-priced yet still provides gamers
with reduced lag and technology that delivers superb audio while remaining
lightweight and comfortable. The Logitech G333 Gaming Earbuds offer an even
better price but lack the features the Delta S headphones offer.

The Shure AONIC 50 headphones are marketed as wireless headphones. And they
really are excellent as wireless cans. But they also offer quality digital
passthrough listening via USB-C and superb noise cancelation while remaining
comfortable and boasting good battery life.

SHURE AONIC 50

Best Overall

Quality Wired or Wireless Listening with ANC

The Shure AONIC 50 are primarily wireless headphones, but they support
high-resolution passthrough listening using USB-C. They offer excellent sound
quality and active noise cancelation while being comfortable for long listening
sessions.
 


Pros
 * ShurePlus PLAY app with EQ
 * Comfortable with long battery life
 * Quality audio
 * Available in black, brown, and white
 * Fast charging

Cons
 * Can only take calls using Bluetooth

$299 at Amazon $299 at Newegg $300 at Best Buy

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About The Author
Barry Peacock (93 Articles Published)


Barry has had a passion for all things tech-related ever since he was given a
Commodore Plus/4 computer as a child. Having spent most of his adult life
traveling, teaching, and writing—often combining all three—Barry considers
himself a "digital nomad." His current passion is travel gadgets, and he has
been writing buying guides for around a year.


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