Smartphones without a jack: the best solutions for listening to music | TechBuzz

Smartphones without a jack are now a majority on the market, whether iPhones with their Lightning port or other Android smartphones. It is necessary to compose different possible alternatives to enjoy an optimal sound.

On the telephone market, manufacturers are gradually abandoning the jack port on their new devices. It was first Apple that launched this trend to develop its wireless technologies before being quickly imitated by other Android brands.

If the jack is a preferred port for sound enthusiasts, the general public is generally content to use Bluetooth headphones and headsets. For Android smartphones that no longer have a jack port, there are also USB-C adapters to which you can plug your headphones to listen to music. iPhones, on the other hand, use the Lightning port to transmit sound.

On a smartphone that no longer has a jack port, you will therefore have two options: keep wired headphones or earphones, via USB-C and the USB Audio protocol, or completely get rid of the wires with a Bluetooth device.

Let’s take a look at the existing alternatives.

Bluetooth headsets

This is perhaps the simplest answer: your smartphone no longer has a jack connector? Just go wireless. We already offer you a guide to the best wireless headphones here. There are very good references in the field, here are the ones we recommend.

The Sony 1000XM4, which we were able to test in writing, has an adjustable headband and ear cups that swivel flat for easy storage. It offers touch controls to manage its multiple features, including active noise reduction, and it has a good battery life of up to 40 hours.

This is quite simply one of the best wireless headphones on the market. The WH-1000XM4 will not only be relevant on your smartphone, but on all your devices. At 300 euros, it is the best investment to make. Note that there is now a new model, the WH-1000XM5, which we do not necessarily recommend, since it offers few changes, for a much higher price.

Of course, Apple has found an interest in the disappearance of the jack port. The Cupertino company was able to develop its connected devices with complete peace of mind. The AirPods Max wireless headphones have therefore appeared with a positioning oriented for audiophiles. It is excellent: its selling price, unfortunately, greatly lowers its value for money.

Sold around 500 euros, the AirPods Max headphones will appeal to all iPhone owners provided they have the wallet to afford it. Our comprehensive product test may convince you.

If you are looking for good quality and inexpensive headphones, the Sennheiser 350BT is clearly the reference that we recommend. The product offers one of the strongest construction. It is compatible with AAC, AptX and AptX Low Latency codecs.

Above all, it offers a major advantage that will seduce you: 30 hours of autonomy, for prolonged use and privileged listening. Marketed at less than 100 euros, it is quite simply the best in its category.

wireless headphones

With these wireless headphones, Sony outrageously dominates the market. They are simply the best available today. The audio quality delivered is the most optimal. In addition, active noise reduction is also the best of our selection of wireless headphones.

The Sony WF-1000XM4 are housed in a compact case that acts as a charging station. You get six hours with two full charges in the case. Offered at 249 euros, this is our recommendation.

The headphone sector can mislead you. To avoid making mistakes, choose versatility with the Jabra Elite 85T. This pair’s main asset is its flexibility, allowing it to be effective in all circumstances.

The headphones are comfortable, while the Bluetooth connection will allow you to use it with a smartphone without a jack. The sound reproduction is warm to offer prolonged listening.

Still young on the market, Nothing has struck a blow with its Ear (1). The first headphones from the manufacturer are characterized by very efficient active noise reduction for a product under 100 euros. The sound is of excellent quality with a very balanced final result. Nothing continues its ascent and has released a very successful first smartphone, the Phone (1).

These wireless headphones are also characterized by a transparent design, revealing the interior and characteristic of the brand. However, do not think that the waterproofness has been abandoned since the Nothing Ear (1) are IPX4 certified. These are the best available under $100.

USB Type-C adapters

In the audio market, wired headphones tend to be more and more discreet. While many good products still have a jack connection, it is sometimes necessary to use a jack to USB-C adapter to take full advantage of it. Here are some low-cost models to convince you.

Type-C adapter with charger

This 2-in-1 adapter makes up for the lack of a jack plug, while not blocking access to your USB-C port. You can thus charge your smartphone while listening to music, for example via an external battery.

A USB/Lightning to jack adapter: an essential

If you have an iPhone, and do not want to confine yourself to EarPods, then it is possible to choose a Lightning to jack adapter, signed Apple. This will allow you to make the most of it.

So don’t worry, the disappearance of mini-jack sockets and the massive arrival of USB Type-C ports with USB Audio does not harm the existing ecosystem thanks to adapters.

Wireless and connected speakers

At home, wireless speakers and connected speakers have largely taken over from wired speakers. Our selection of the best Bluetooth speakers will help you find what you’re looking for, but here are a few models to guide you.

The Sonos Roam connected speaker is perfect for on-the-go use. Its compact size coupled with an IP 67 certification allows it to be used everywhere. On the construction of the product, several command buttons are very easily accessible.

The other major advantage of this speaker lies in the compatibility offered. The Sonos Roam supports AirPlay 2, Google Assistant or even Amazon Alexa. The portable connected speaker delivers balanced and above all versatile sound.

The UE Wonderboom 2: the best value for money

If you’re looking for a great quality budget product, the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 2 is our recommendation. The connected speaker offers a compact, waterproof and elegant design. It has an IP 67 certification and a Bluetooth connection to be the ultimate accessory during your vacation.

For everyday use, the Ultimate Ears speaker offers a versatile battery life of 13 hours. Add to that a quality sound balance to have good benefits for less than 100 euros.

To listen to some music at home, nothing beats a connected speaker. The Google Nest Audio is undoubtedly the best value for money possible. It delivers a decent sound, all in a discreet format.

If you have an iPhone, choose without hesitation the HomePod mini, which offers optimal compatibility.

Also find our complete guide to the best connected speakers.

How to listen to music on smartphone without jack?

Should we favor Bluetooth or the USB connection?

The most die-hard audiophiles will tell you this over and over again. A wired headset will always be better than a wireless device. Despite advances in Bluetooth and certifications, sound will be compressed over a wireless connection. For an average user, the difference will not be felt, but know that it exists. Check out our tutorial to improve the sound quality of your products.

Which music streaming service to choose?

In recent years, music streaming offers have multiplied on the market. Services like Spotify, Deezer or Apple Music are available and offer different features for users. To make the most of your music library, we invite you to consult our dedicated comparison.

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