DongleGate has long been associated with Apple's kit these days, from the one-port equipped MacBook of yesteryear to the removal of the headphone jack on the best iPhones. For the latter, if you want to plug a pair of wired headphones into your iPhone, you'll need some kind of headphone jack adapter that adapts the Lightning port on the bottom into a 3.5mm jack connector. There are loads of options, from Bluetooth headphone adapters that make your wired pair wireless, to the plug-and-play options we've got below. Another way is one of the best DACs for iPhone – but those will cost you a whole lot more.
Our favorite from the list is the Belkin 3.5mm Audio + Charge RockStar (opens in new tab), because its super versatile. It lets you charge your phone while listening to music, and it's MFi certified, so you know that Apple has tested and checked it over. There are other options that we've found as well, so here are the best headphone jack adapters you can buy.
Best Overall: Belkin 3.5mm Audio + Charge RockStar
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One of the biggest problems with the Apple option is that you can't charge your phone while you use it. Belkin has fixed this problem with the 3.5mm Audio + Charge RockStar headphone adapter, sticking another lightning connector on the end to go with the headphone jack. That means that you can charge your phone while listening to the Backstreet Boys, and while it's not quite as fast as traditional charging it will still reach up to 12W fast charging.
One thing to watch out for is that the adaptor comes in two versions. There's one with two lighting ports on the end, so you'll have the same issue again. Make sure that you're getting the version with the Lightning port and the 3.5mm jack connector, and you'll be golden.
Best Value: Apple Lightning to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter
You may already have one of these if you've got an older iPhone - it came in the box just after Apple killed off the headphone jack. If you've got a new iPhone then you're still in luck – you just have to buy one separately. It's fairly inexpensive, is MFi certified and it's going to work super solidly with any iPhone you plug it into. Unless you need a charging pass-through, then this is going to be perfect.
There's also a little treat in the dongle as well, in the form of the DAC and amp that's similar to the one found in the iPhone 6s. That will let it drive most consumer-level headphones and speakers. Don't expect Apple Music Lossless to pump out its highest-quality tracks, but it does sound noticeably better than some other options. If nothing else, it's perfect as a 'toss in a bag or drawer until you need it' headphone adapter.
Best cable: Belkin 3.5 mm Audio Cable With Lightning Connector
Rather than an adapter, this is a cable with a headphone plug on one end and a Lightning connector on the other. This eliminates the need for an adapter if you're plugging your iPhone into an amp or your car stereo.
It's not going to work with most headphones, but it's great for home stereos, car audio systems and Bluetooth speakers with headphone audio outs. If you plan on plugging your iPhone into loads of different non-Lightning devices, then this one isn't going to be the best option to look at.
Best for iPad: Apple USB-C to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter
This is for users of the iPad line because you won't have a Lightning connector on the bottom of your device. Instead, there's a USB-C port. In this case, you'll need one of these little guys from Apple, which converts that port into a headphone port. Again, no pass-through charging here, but you'll be able to use your headphones.
It's small, imminently bag tossable, and relatively inexpensive. It's also going to work with other devices with USB-C ports and no headphone jack, including Android phones and other tablets. It's also going to be the option to choose if you go with a new iPhone 15 this year, as they're losing the Lightning port for a USB-C port.
Best Durability: UGREEN Headphone Adapter for Apple
This option from Ugreen is going to be more durable than the other adapters on this list, with a thick braided cable section, and aluminum plugs on either end. This will protect the cable from sharp bends and prevent damage from pulls. It'll also be harder to tangle.
Available in a few color options, the adapter is also MFi certified, so it'll work with all the latest iPhones and iOS updates.
Best Design: Mangotek Lightning to 3.5mm Headphone Adapter
This is less a cable adapter, and more an angled hard plastic one. It's perfect for saving space, and it looks better as it doesn't stick out of the bottom of the iPhone too much.
Mangotek's adapter also has a built-in keychain loop so you can hook it onto your keys and never be without an adapter. It's MFi certified too, so you can be sure that it's going to work safely with all your Apple devices.
The bottom line
Whether you've got an old favorite pair of headphones that you can't go without or you just hate Bluetooth, the best headphone adapters will ensure that your headphones will work with your iPhone. There are loads of options out there, with more premium materials, passthrough charging, and travel-friendly features. The biggest thing to look for is the MFi certification, Apple's way of making sure that you buy accessories that are safe to use with your Apple device.
The 3.5mm Audio + Charge Rockstar from Belkin is our pick of the bunch here, as it lets you charge as you listen. It's a solid little option at a great price, with fast charging and renowned Belkin build quality.
What about headphone adapters for iPhone 15?
Well first of all, it's not out yet. When it is though, you're going to need a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter, as the new iPhones seem to be ditching the Lightning connector. They're also, unfortunately, highly unlikely to get a new headphone jack.
