Apple has spoken and the 3.5mm audio jack is dead. Well it’s dead if you’re an iOS user with the most current iPhone. If you follow the latest rumors about the next iPhone there’s no hint of a return of the 3.5mm audio jack, so if you’re one of those users who just doesn’t like wireless audio, you might as well invest in some Lightning headphones. There are benefits to using the Lightning port instead of the 3.5mm audio jack. It can output more power and it can transmit digital information to output higher quality music that analog headphones simply can’t handle.
It’s almost been one year since Apple did away with the 3.5mm audio jack and manufacturers are making changes to their headphones. We’ve gathered our 10 favorite Lightning headphones and put them all in one spot for you. There’s a wide range of headphones and earbuds to choose from which means this list should satisfy the budget conscious to the audiophiles.
Let’s check them out.
Linner Active Noise Cancelling Wired Earphones – $47 at Amazon
WIreless earbuds don’t have to make your wallet scream from high prices. Linner took advantage of the extra power from the Lightning port and created noise cancelling earbuds that are a bargain when compared to Bose earbuds. They’re only $47 at Amazon and help you protect your hearing by blocking out background noise which results in lower volume when listening to music.
Pionner Rayz – $149.95 at Amazon and Apple
Noise cancelling. Pass through sound. Smart controls to bring up menus through the Rayz app. They also sound great too. Most importantly though, these headphones can charge your iPhone at the same time you’re listening to them with the in-line Lightning port. And Pioneer makes a point of saying these are the only headphones that allow for in-line charging with the Lightning port.
Libratone Q Adapt In Ear – $149.95 at Amazon and Libratone
Libratone is a lesser known company as it doesn’t have a presence in big box stores like Best Buy and Target. However enthusiasts like me know Libratone for its high-quality craftsmanship and incredible sound reproduction with its speakers and headphones. The Q Adapt earbuds are full featured with four levels of noise cancellation depending on the environment you’re in. These are als some of the most comfortable earbuds you’ll find in this list.
iSINE10 In-Ear Headphone – $399 at Amazon and Audeze
The iSINE 10 sounds and looks like no others, an innovative design without a care for the same old status quo of balanced armature or dynamic driver designs. The Fluxor Magnets and large 30mm planar magnetic diaphragms deliver precise control and fast response times without distortion so music always sounds alive. Add the included Lightning cable with DSP and there’s no other in-ear headphone that even comes close to its performance.
Audeze EL-8 Titanium Closed-Back Headphones – $799.95 at Apple, Amazon and Audeze
The first to offer a fully integrated Lightning connector for your iPhone, the Audeze EL-8 Titanium Closed-Back headphones deliver superb sound quality for all the music on your iOS devices. This superior performance for both your music and voice calls is possible thanks to the headphone amplifier and 24-bit DAC built into the Lightning cable. Plus you continue to get the benefits of the special planar magnetic driver derived from Audeze’s top-of-the-line LCD Series headphones.
The EL-8 model gives you a lifelike listening experience with an extended frequency response that opens up a new breadth of sound. Its driver is four times larger than most other headphones and gives excellent bass response along with extremely low distortion. To match the EL-8’s impressive audio, its industrial design is by BMW’s DesignWorks. And durable aluminum construction ensures that you’ll have lasting enjoyment.
Anker SoundBuds Digital IE10 In-Ear Lightning Headphones – $29.99 at Amazon
- Play It Your Way: Take command with the in-line controller and choose from 3 EQ modes (Balance, Clear Voice, Super Bass) at the press of a button.
- HD Audio: Lightning connection, premium DAC processor and 10mm drivers pump out pristine, high-resolution digital sound from your iOS device.
- MFi Certified: Complete compatibility with iPhone 7 and other Lightning devices. Built-in microphone allows hands-free calling.
- Ultra Durable: Engineered with IPX5 water resistance, reinforced cable and a deluxe aluminum finish for robust performance.
Philips Fidelio M2L/27 High Resolution Headphones – $149 at Amazon
The Philips Fidelio M2L is fitted with a Lightning connector, which supplies a pure digital signal directly to the headphones. Keeping the signal digital helps to reduce crosstalk interference and improves stereo separation. The Philips Fidelio M2L lets you enjoy 24-bit 48kHz high-resolution audio format streamed from your iOS device via the Lightning connector. The M2L ensures the ultimate listening experience, revealing every detail just as the artist intended.
JBL Reflect Aware in-ear sport headphones – $200 at Amazon
Get the most out of your exercises by filtering what gets in.The new JBL Reflect Aware sport earphones delivers both best in class noise cancellation and the ability to mix in sound from your environment for greater awareness of your surroundings when you want it, making it the most versatile sport headphone on the market. Designed for sport with a unique reflective design, the JBL Reflect Aware earphones, feature legendary JBL sound and an ergonomic fit design that keeps the earpieces in place regardless of the intensity of your workout routine. Sweatproof and available in blue, black, red, teal, the JBL Reflect Aware earphones require no battery because they draw power and digital audio directly from the lightning connector on Apple devices.