When you're playing your Nintendo Switch in console mode you won't need to worry about sound, but when you're out and about with your Switch in portable mode, that's a different story. Though the Switch's Bluetooth processor is not set up for headphones, it does come with a standard 3.5mm audio jack. There are plenty of options for great sound while you're lugging your Switch around. Here are some of our favorite headphones that you can use with your Switch.
- TaoTronics Bluetooth Transmitter
- KingTop Bluetooth Transmitter
- Bose QuietComfort 35
- Audio-Technica ATH-ANC7B
- Sennheiser OCX 686G
- B&O Play H8
- Panasonic ErgoFit
- Breath of the Wild Ear Buds
TaoTronics Bluetooth transmitter
Even though all the Bluetooth headphones listed below can be used with included 3.5mm AUX cables, I thought it prudent to include a Bluetooth transmitter as an option, in case you'd prefer to set up a wireless audio experience while playing your Switch.
TaoTronics Bluetooth transmitter, ringing in at $31, can work for up to 7 hours on a single charge and works with any device that has a 3.5mm audio jack. Simply plug the transmitter into the Nintendo Switch's audio jack and pair your headphones to the transmitter and enjoy your sound wirelessly.
KingTop Bluetooth Transmitter
This Bluetooth transmitter is a cheaper alternative to the TaoTronics transmitter with the same quality, with a $19.99 price tag. KingTop's transmitter is specifically designed for the Nintendo Switch, but you can use it for other objects as well. If you're looking for a way to use your Bluetooth headphones on your Switch, this is a great get around.
KingTop Bluetooth transmitter works up to 8 hours on one charge, and it has a range of 10 meters. It's a compact, and it just sits on top of the Nintendo Switch which limits any damage to the Switch or transmitter. This transmitter works the same as the one above, plug it in and pair it to your headphones: simple!
Bose QuietComfort 35
The Bose brand has been the gold standard for active noise-canceling headphones for years, and it's the Bluetooth QuietComfort 35 (QC35) over-ear model that carries the torch.
Though other brands have come close to matching Bose's quality, I still think Bose is the headphone manufacturer to beat, and I'm not the only one.
iMore's own Serenity Caldwell has used the QC35s everywhere you can imagine and continues to be impressed.
" I've used them on planes and on the bus. I've used them to drown out animal noises and small children. I am never taking off Bose's QC 35 noise-canceling wireless headphones."
I know battery life is of extreme importance when it comes to anything that runs on Bluetooth, but the QC 35 has a 20-hour battery life. Plus, even if you do run out of power, you can use the included AUX cable to still listen. The noise-canceling feature, however, will not function if the battery is dead.
If you want to hear your Nintendo Switch games with minimal distractions and don't mind handing out $329, the QC35s will bring you all the sword-clashing sound of Hyrule or the Mushroom Kingdom no matter where you are!
Audio-Technica ATH-ANC7B
If dropping hundreds of dollars on a pair of noise-canceling headphone is out of your price range, I don't blame you. Lucky for you, the Audio-Technica ATH-ANC7B is a great budget option.
In a headset that costs $99, you're going to make some sacrifices. The sound quality isn't as impressive as the Bose listed above, but as the The Wirecutter explains, the noise-canceling capabilities are impressive for its price.
"They offer a lot more noise cancellation than the competition that costs the same and even more. They averaged 15.6 dB reduction in the "Airplane Band," which is more than several $300 and $400 headphones we tested."
The Audio-Technica ATH-ANC7B's are a wired over-ear headphone, and the padding is nice and thick on the cans, so wearing them for a marathon gaming sessions should be no problem.
Sennheiser OCX 686G Sports
While you probably won't be running a marathon while you're playing your Switch, you may be moving around a lot, and if you're outside on a hot summer day that means you'll be sweating. If this sounds like you, then consider picking up a pair of Sennheiser OCX 686G Sports, especially at the price of $35.
When it comes to durability, the OCX 686G has you covered. You won't have to worry about wearing them on a hot day because they're sweat-proof, and they even come with a two-year warranty, just in case something does go wrong.
For fans of Sennheiser's typical audio performance, The Wirecutter assures the OCX 686G pulls no punches.
"Overall, the sound is of a quality that audio fans have come to expect from Sennheiser, so if you're familiar with the company's products, you'll be very pleased with what you hear."
For fans of on-ear headphones who don't mind shelling out the big bucks for quality, the Bang & Olufsen Play H8 fits the bill.
When it comes to Bluetooth noise-canceling headphones, the B&O Play H8 is as stylish and impressive as they come; CNET agrees.
"The Bang & Olufsen BeoPlay H8 has a sleek, sturdy design, with a metal/leather headband and plush earcups, and very good sound for Bluetooth."
The B&O Play H8 also have touch controls on the side of the right can, making it easy to control volume and skip tracks with a swipe of your finger.
Although battery life is slightly disappointing — roughly 14 hours — you can use the included 3.5mm cable to enjoy them through a wired connection, so you'll always be able to enjoy them with your Switch. At $355, this is a high-quality on-ear experience, so you can continue to enjoy Splat Fest anywhere.
Panasonic ErgoFit
Not everyone needs a pair of headphones with all the bells and whistles. If you're looking for simple, straightforward in-ear headphones, Panasonic has what you need.
Panasonic's ErgoFit is a basic in-ear headphones, which include a mic and a pause/play button built into the main cord, but they'll deliver great sound comfortably at a great price. With three different pad sizes available, you should be able to find the right fit for your ears, and they should stay in as you move around, which is great for the $15 price tag.
The ErgoFit impressed CNET due to its performance at its price point.
"For around $10, you'll be hard-pressed to find in-ear headphones that sound better and are more comfortable than the Panasonic ErgoFit."
Breath of the Wild Earbuds
If you're a fan of the Zelda game on the Switch, why not show your love with a pair of earbuds? With a carrying case to match, these earbuds are actually pretty good for the $20.00 price tag. These flat cable buds also have an in-line chat microphone so you can chat with your friends while defeating Moblins.
These Breath of the Wild high-stereo buds are great for the Switch, but not that great for music listening. However, if you're just looking for some great gaming buds that show your inner Link, these are the buds for you. Tuck these buds in your carrying case, and head on out to Hyrule in style.
Your go-to?
Do you have a favorite headphone brand that you'll always stick by? Let us know in the comments below!
Updated December 2017: We've added prices as well as the Breath of the Wild earbuds and KingTop Bluetooth transmitter.
