This $15 adapter saved my headphones from the trash can

Bear in mind when Apple killed the three.5mm headphone jack after which everybody else adopted swimsuit? I do—and it nonetheless pains me to today. I’ve wired headphones that I really like, and I hated the considered consigning them to historical past all as a result of a cellphone producer thought the three.5mm interface was outdated. Doubly so with it coming from Apple, an organization for whom I’ve by no means had a lot fondness.

I finally needed to get with the instances and improve my cellphone to at least one with out an audio jack, however I saved my beloved wired headphones. I attempted going wi-fi with a set of Pixel Buds, however they weren’t for me—they had been uncomfortable and I didn’t like counting on Bluetooth, which could possibly be finicky and generally drained my cellphone’s battery.

Thankfully, I discovered a nifty little accent that permit me hold utilizing my wired headphones with my cellphone: this low-cost USB-C-to-3.5mm adapter that I’ve by no means as soon as regretted shopping for. It saved my headphones.

This adapter is nothing greater than a brief lead with a USB-C connector on one finish and a 3.5mm audio jack on the opposite. Most varieties boast a 24-bit DAC chip within the USB-C finish, promising clear sound no matter what you’re listening to. The higher manufacturers value just a little extra, however they’re constructed with stronger cords which might be much less prone to get broken. That’s why I went with the Anker one. I belief Anker greater than the no-name manufacturers.

The upshot of shopping for this adapter? I can really get pleasure from listening to music on my cellphone once more. These few weeks of messing round with Bluetooth earbuds weren’t enjoyable within the slightest, and on this specific case, I want to stay with what I do know relatively than twist with newfangled alternate options.

Dave Parrack / Foundry

With my little adapter saving my wired headphones from the trash, I can as soon as once more get very good sound high quality at louder volumes. And provided that I really like my headphones for his or her sound profile—that’s why it was so laborious for me to offer them up within the first place—that is the perfect lead to a world the place headphone jacks on telephones are close to extinct.

I’ve been utilizing my Anker USB-C-to-3.5mm adapter for some time now, and it’ll probably outlast my cellphone. However with it being extensively appropriate with any cellphone that has a USB-C port, I’m pleased understanding that I can proceed utilizing my very own audio gear no matter what handset I purchase subsequent. That’s an exceptional assure for a easy $15 buy.