Best USB-C Headphones Android Central 2020

While major tech companies are pushing for a wireless world with Bluetooth headphones, they're also ditching the 3.5mm audio jack at the same time. For some, Bluetooth headphones are no good. They introduce latency and compression, and it's yet another device you have to charge. This means users only have one wired option left: the charging port. And for the vast majority of devices, this is USB-C.

One(Plus) with a bullet: OnePlus Type-C Bullets

Staff Pick

OnePlus Bullets have always been a favorite when it comes to quality in-ear headphones that don't cost a bundle. The company's Type-C Bullets follow this and offer a pair of warm sounding, comfortable headphones with a USB-C connector and a very welcome price.

$20 at OnePlus

Wireless first with USB-C audio: Bang & Olufsen H9i

Bang & Olufsen makes some of the most gorgeous headphones on the market. While the H9i are Bluetooth first, they offer a USB-C counterpart that not only charges the headphone but outputs audio over the same connector. Solid sound, premium materials & design, and great ANC.

$307 at Amazon

Made for Google: Libratone Q Adapt

Libratone's Q Adapt USB-C headphones are part of the "Made for Google" program that launched with the Pixel 2. They offer a unique type of ANC and a Hush mode that squares things up when you receive an incoming call.

$150 at Amazon

An Essential choice: Essential Earphones HD

These unassuming headphones from Essential are pure function over form. Built for excellent sound and with a tangle-free silicone coated cable you'll love the tone and the price.

$50 at Essential

Go bold: RAZER Hammerhead USB-C ANC

Big booming sound and bright neon green make these headphones scream RAZER. They also come with plenty of tips to fit any ear and are surprisingly cheap; both are things we love. This version has active noise cancellation built-in, so you get uninterrupted sound without having to charge them.

$76 at Amazon

Google stock: Google Pixel USB-C Earbuds

After a year with no "budget" offering of its own, Google's Pixel USB-C Earbuds are finally here. They have an adjustable loop for the best fit, a button to activate Google Assistant, and sound great. Best of all, they're priced right!

$30 at Google

Hi-Res certified: Xiaomi Mi ANC Earphones

The Mi ANC Earphones offer great sound and are very well built. They're certified for Hi-Res audio and use MEMS (micro-electromechanical microphones) in the earpieces to make sure ANC is precise.

$51 at Amazon

Conclusion

USB-C audio is still pretty rare even in 2019, even with an ever-growing list of manufacturers ditching the 3.5mm jack in favor of it. While there isn't the same huge selection you see with a standard 3.5mm headphone plug, you can find a great set of headphones that use the new connector if you look hard enough.

Unfortunately, headphone manufacturers are either sticking with 3.5mm as the wired standard or are completely cutting the wire entirely, moving to Bluetooth. The downsides of Bluetooth is that it introduces latency. This is fine for things like YouTube videos and streaming music because your phone accommodates for the latency. But for something like gaming or live TV, this isn't ideal as the latency can't be compensated.

The OnePlus Type-C Bullets are a solid choice because of their price, but any of the picks on our list will offer solid sound. But if you're looking to spend a tad more and are okay with over-ear headphones, definitely look at the Bang & Olufsen H9i. They offer a solid, slightly treble emphasized sound, ANC, and a premium design.

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