USB-C is the industry-standard connector made for transmitting both data and power through a single cable. It was developed by a group of companies that include Apple, Dell, HP, Intel, Microsoft and Samsung. Wireless headphones and Bluetooth are great for some things, but headphones with USB-C connectors are still the best at plug-and-play because of USB-C’s rapid transfer speeds. In-ear monitors, on-ear headsets and over-the-ear headsets all come in USB-C connectivity versions. They need no charging and have no issues with the spotty connectivity that plagues many Bluetooth devices.
The guide will help you choose the USB-C headphone that best suits you by breaking down all the things you need to know about USB-C headphones. Also included are some recommendations, including the JLab Studio Pro Over-Ear Headphones, which feature an ergonomic shape and Cloud Foam for maximum comfort.
What to know before you buy USB-C headphones
The two most important considerations when choosing USB-C headphones are comfort and sound quality. Comfort is determined by the size, weight, shape and fit of the headphones. Sound quality is determined by the audio components.
Comfort is a matter of personal preference
There are three basic types of headsets: in the ear, on the ear and over the ear.
In-ear headphones are also called earbuds and IEMs, for In-Ear Monitors. Custom-made earbuds take molded impressions of your ear canal and use them to create a perfect fit. Non-customized in-ear monitors are typically one size fits all, but some come packaged with large, medium and small earbuds that allow you to choose the best fit. Some people take to them quickly and others don’t like them at all.
Because on-ear headphones rest on the outside of the ear, lighter weights usually mean greater comfort.
Over-ear headphones cover the ear entirely so the weight is distributed around the ear, not on it.
Sound quality is related to size
Audio components of in-ear monitors have to be tiny enough to fit in the ear canal. On-ear headphones have room for larger audio components, and over-ear headphones have the most of all. The design of over-ear headphones give the wearer an additional advantage by forming a seal around the ear that keeps out ambient noises. With larger drivers than earbuds, over-ear headphones produce deeper, richer sound, too. Generally speaking, the smaller the speakers, the lower the sound quality.
USB-C is everywhere
USB Type-C ports are now found on smartphones, tablets, laptops and computers running Android, iOS, Windows, Mac OSX, Windows and Chrome. In addition to better all-around performance compared to earlier USB types, the USB-C connector has the added advantage of reversibility. With no up or down orientation, you can’t make a wrong connection.
USB-C headphone features
Braided cord
The reason so many people abandon wired headphones is because they don’t like the tangled mess most cords become. Braided cords in nylon and other materials don’t kink or tangle.
Drivers
Bigger drivers produce better, richer sounds. Different types of drivers are built for heavy bass, clearer trebles or more natural, clearer-sounding voices. Headphones with multiple drivers are the best because each driver delivers a different range and they combine for a very high-quality sound. Sound quality varies widely, mostly but not always in direct proportion to the cost.
Noise cancellation
Noise cancellation in USB-C headphones eliminates extraneous noise and allows you to hear the true sounds of music and speech. Many people use them to shut out distractions at work, at the gym, in public places and while commuting.
EQ
Audiophiles like to tailor the sound of what they are listening to in the environment around them. EQ (short for equalization) is a great feature that allows you to custom calibrate your over-ear headphone’s sound and improve its quality. The goal of EQ is to balance the sound so that all the instruments and vocals sound good together.
USB-C headphone cost
As wireless headphones have become increasingly popular, interest in USB-C headphones has diminished, driving down prices. Most USB-C in-ear, on-ear and over-ear headphones cost between $15 and $40.
USB-C headphone FAQ
What’s the best thing about connecting via USB-C?
A. All other things being equal, the sound quality of a wired connection beats the sound quality of a wireless connection every time.
How concerned should you be about comfort?
A. It depends on how often you wear your headphones and for how long. Comfort is determined by the shape of the headphone, its weight and the amount and type of padding. Choose the design and materials that give you the most comfortable fit for you.
Which USB-C headphones should you get?
Best of the best USB-C headphones
JLab Studio Pro Over-Ear Headphones: available at Amazon
Our take: Adjustable hinges and Cloud Foam customize your comfort for travel, workouts and commutes.
What we like: Ergonomically shaped to the natural outline of the ear, these have a tangle-free braided nylon cord and 40mm neodymium drivers deliver vibrant high, mid and low range sounds. Play, pause and change tracks with built-in buttons for easy use on the go. Answer and hang up phone calls with the built-in microphone.
What we dislike: Available only in black.
Best bang for your buck USB-C headphones
USB Type-C Earphone Stereo In-Ear Noise-Cancelling Headsets with Microphone and Remote Control: available at Amazon
Our take: Lightweight and comfortable, the 45-degree ergonomic design comes with three sizes of soft earbuds for the best in-ear fit.
What we like: Noise-cancelling technology and a built-in DAC chip maintain the high-resolution acoustics of your devices. High-res copper core reduces noise and interference. Durable braided nylon cord doesn’t fracture, kink or tangle.
What we dislike: A longer cord would be better.
Honorable mention USB-C headphones
Kensington USB-C Hi-Fi Headphones: available at Amazon
Our take: Safe-listening function limits the maximum audio level to 94 decibels to protect ears from damage caused by excessive volume.
What we like: Compatible with all USB-C devices running Android, iOS, Mac OSX, Windows and Chrome, its 40 mm drivers deliver exceptional dynamic range and crystal-clear audio. It comes with a padded headband and ear pads for comfort and a one-year warranty.
What we dislike: Not as solid as expected.
David Allan Van is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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