Since the introduction of the iPhone 7, Apple has not included a headphone jack on the iPhone. For those that like to listen to music while their phone charges, this can present a bit of a problem. The good news is that there are a lot of great accessories, such as Belkin's 3.5 mm + Lightning RockStar adapter (opens in new tab), that can keep the tunes coming and the power flowing at the same time.
Old-fashioned listening
You might have an old pair of cheap earbuds that you still love or a high-end set of cans that you don't go anywhere without. With this single, you can listen through either while you charge using the included Lightning port.
Double Lightning
For those with a set of Lightning headphones, this single features two Lightning ports, one for charging, and one for accessories, including chargers.
Split it up
While Belkin's solution has Apple's blessing, this dongle with two Lightning ports is ready to go at less than half the price.
For your desk
If you listen through a set of wired, 3.5mm headphones at your desk, Apple's Lightning Dock is an accessory to consider. It comes complete with a 3.5mm headphone jack in the back so you can listen to music while you charge your phone.
Wireless headphones
An essential accessory for most Apple device owners, the latest generation of AirPods feature more stable connections and "Hey Siri" support, and as wireless earphones, keep your lightning port clear for chargers and battery packs.
Encased charging
While the case itself uses your phone's Lightning port, it has a Lightning port all it's own, meaning that you can use it with a charging cable and AirPods, wired headphones and a cheap dongle, or a splitter dongle if you need to keep the case charged while you listen.
Great battery
Whether you're using it in conjunction with AirPods or some kind of dongle and wired headphones, this battery bank has enough juice to keep your listening going on and on and on and on.
Blends old and new
If you've got a set of wired headphones, this adapter pairs wonderfully with Apple's Smart Battery Case, so you can listen with your favorite headphones while the case charges your iPhone.
Aux Lightning
Use this with a dongle or charging case to route your iPhone's audio to speakers or your car's sound system.
If you want recommendations
As someone who doesn't always like to use a case and has a decent set of wired Audio-Technica headphones, I'm partial to the Belkin 3.5mm + Lightning RockStar (opens in new tab) for playing and charging when I'm going to sit down and put those headphones on.
But I'm also someone that uses wireless earphones most of the time. Apple's latest generation of AirPods (opens in new tab), with better device connections and "Hey Siri" support, are my go-to accessories these days, and paired with the Smart Battery Case (opens in new tab), they're a killing charging and listening combination.
Joseph Keller is the former Editor in Chief of iMore. An Apple user for almost 20 years, he spends his time learning the ins and outs of iOS and macOS, always finding ways of getting the most out of his iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and Mac.
