7 Best USB C Headphones (2023)
More and more smartphone brands are abandoning the traditional 3.5mm audio jack, leaving users to choose between purchasing extra dongles or going wireless. However, these options have drawbacks, such as added bulk or inferior performance. Latency and sound quality issues plague certain wireless headphones, while others prefer to avoid the hassle of charging. The solution lies in USB-C headphones, but not all models are created equal. They are finding the right compatibility, sound quality, functionality, and comfort balance. We’ve compiled a list of purchasing factors to aid in the decision-making process. But first, let’s explore why brands are moving away from the 3.5mm jack and the rise of USB-C.
1. Sennheiser Momentum 3 USB-C Headphones
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 3 Wireless headphones continue the tradition of top-notch build quality and style of the MOMENTUM line. The connection quality is excellent thanks to its Bluetooth 5.0 firmware and a range of high-quality Bluetooth codecs. If you’re looking for a stylish and high-quality pair of headphones, and the price isn’t a concern, the MOMENTUM Wireless 3 headphones could be your perfect travel companion.
Key features
- Active noise canceling: Yes
- Connectivity: Wireless and wired (3.5mm jack or USB-C)
- Bluetooth audio codecs: SBC, aptX™, aptX™ Low Latency, AAC
- Battery Life: 17 hours
- Frequency Range: 6Hz– 22,000Hz
- Sensitivity: 118 dB
- Impedance: 470 ohms (w/ ANC), 100 ohms (w/o ANC)
- Built-in Microphone: Yes
- Weight: 305g
Design:
- Earcups: aesthetic round earcups made of soft memory foam provide comfort and breathable for your ears
- Headband: made from stainless steel, solid and adjustable to fit your head
- App: adjustable EQ, check battery life, switch ANC mode (Max, Anti-Wind, Anti-Pressure) easily
- Touch control: control volume, pause, and skip music via the button on the earcups
- Voice integration: smart hand-free features access to voice control assistants like Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant
- Intelligent detection: auto-pause your music if you take them off and auto-play when you put them on
Performance:
- Active noise cancelling: 3 levels of ANC mode: allow you to choose to fit in different situations. These modes are Max, Anti-Wind, and Anti-Pressure.
- Microphone: acceptable, not excellent here, but the other side of the phone can listen to you well.
- Transparency: allows you to hear your surrounding and communicate with people without taking them off
- Sound quality: with a low emphasis on bass, these headphones offer an immersive listening experience.
- Fast charge: cutting-edge fast charging technology allows 1.5 hours of playback from just a 10-minute charge, which can be highly beneficial for frequent travelers.
Pros:
- Convenience and unique features
- Great noise isolation
- Premium design
Cons:
- Short battery life
- Some people might find that it’s heavy
- Unfoldable
Pricing:
Available on Amazon at the price of USD 274.95
2. HIFIMAN Deva Pro
The HiFiMAN Deva Pro headphones are the best USB-C headphones and fall below average compared to other wired planar-magnetic headphones in their price range. Although they offer higher resolution than most wireless, closed-back headphones, they lack the practicality and features such as ANC that consumers expect at this price point. The Deva Pro struggles to establish its identity and doesn’t excel as either Bluetooth or wired planar-magnetic headphones. Despite their innovative features, the headphones have a fatiguing sound signature and mediocre build quality.
Key Features
- Noise cancellation: No
- Transparency: Yes
- Driver: Planar magnetic driver
- Battery life: 8 hours
- Codec code: SBC, AAC, LDAC
- Connection: Bluetooth® / USB C
- Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20,000 Hz
- Impedance: 18 Ω
- Sensitivity: 93.5 dB
- Weight: 365g
Design:
- Earcups: a perforated cloth material on the front, complemented by a solid pleather surround.
- Headband: made of aluminum and foam-padded, but I would have preferred the foam to be slightly softer.
- Connectivity: the Type-C port is both a charging port and a way to connect to a computer to act as a DAC-amp.
- Touch control: the module’s single button controls power, with a short press to disconnect from the current device and a long press to turn it on/off. A double press of the button initiates pairing mode.
Performance:
- Bass sound: bass rises from 30Hz and becomes noticeable at 40Hz, remaining flatIn all three modes, sub-bass is emphasized in Bluetooth mode but rolls off after 35es. While punchy and fast, the bass lacks rumble and mid-bass texture. Planar drivers cause potential distortion at high volumes.
- Midrange: is excessively intense. The absence of a noticeable frequency dip between 2-5kHz creates an extremely forward midrange. This tuning adversely affects both the soundstage depth and microdynamics.
- Treble: is peaky, and the elevated upper-treble frequencies can cause listener fatigue during extended listening sessions.
- Soundstage: lacks depth in all modes, with compressed stage width in Bluetooth mode, although it fares better in wired mode
- Imaging: is average since it is challenging to determine the directionality of instruments.
Pros:
- Super comfortable to wear
- Multi-device connection
Cons:
- Limit soundstage width and depth
Pricing:
Available on Amazon at the price of USD 269.00
3. HIFIMAN Ananda-BT Best USB-C Headphones
The HiFiMan ANANDA-BT is a Bluetooth-enabled version of the HiFiMan Ananda with support for aptX SBC and aptX HD, an open-back design for immersive sound, and a detachable boom mic. While not versatile for casual use, they offer well-balanced, neutral audio for audiophiles. This is one of the best USB-C headphones that we have reviewed.
Key Features
- Noise cancellation: No
- Transparency: Yes
- Battery life: 10 hours
- Codec code: SBC, AAC, Apt-X™
- Connection:Bluetooth® / Jack 3.5mm / USB-C®
- Frequency response: 8 Hz – 55,000 Hz
- Impedance: 35 Ω
- Sensitivity: 103 dB
- Weight: 460g
Design:
- Earcups: feature thick padding and has metal yokes on the exterior of the ear cups, comfortable to wear in long hours
- Headband: solid metal is used for the headband and cup hooks, and a leather headband provides a comfortable fit.
- Control: one button handles power, playback, and answering calls, while the other button is for charging
- Connectivity: the dual 3.5mm to 3.5mm TRS cable or USB-C cable used to connect to computers or mobile devices.
Performance:
- Soundstage: offers a neutral and well-balanced audio reproduction, making them an excellent audiophile choice. Low bass may lack, and the treble range can sound bright.
- Frequency response: providing a consistent listening experience every time you wear them.
- Bass sound: the rest of the bass range is well-balanced, accurately reproducing the boom and punch of your favorite songs.
- Mids: a flat and balanced response across the range, allowing vocals and lead instruments to be well-presented in the mix. However, there’s an underemphasis on the high-mid, which could make vocals less clear and intense on some tracks.
- Treble: balanced low and mid-treble range that produces a bright, present, and detailed mix.
- Imaging: the performance is impressive, with their weighted group delay falling below the audibility threshold, resulting in a tight bass and transparent treble.
Pros:
- Comfortable
- Long battery life
- High quality
Cons:
- Limit control features
- volume control is not available
Pricing:
Available on Amazon at the price of USD 799.00
4. Philips Fidelio X2HR/27
The Philips Fidelio X2HR wired open-back headphones offer neutral sound listening with a well-balanced sound profile, suitable for various genres and content. However, some tracks may appear piercing or dull to some listeners. These headphones feature large, well-padded ear cups and an automatically-adjusting headband, providing comfortable wear for extended periods. Remember that they are not versatile since they don’t block out background noise or have a microphone. Nonetheless, they have a premium and sleek appearance.
Key Features
- Noise cancellation: No
- Transparency: Yes
- Driver: 50 mm dynamic
- Connection: Jack 3.5mm / USB-C®
- Frequency response: 5 Hz – 40,000 Hz
- Impedance: 30 Ω
- Sensitivity: 100 dB @ 1mW
- Weight: 380g
Design:
- Style: over-ear, open-back headphones
- Earcups: acoustic open-back allows air to go through and deliver natural and rich sound
- Ear cushions: made from quality memory foam materials
- Headband: has two layers; one layer is breathable for your head, and the other one is durable and adjustable hand
- Earshells: the unique feature that has two layers that reduce resonance and vibration, provide sound in detail, and are great for producing music at home
- Connectivity: using USB-C cable to connect to other devices.
Performance:
- Sensitivity: with 100 dB make, they are easy to drive even connected with low devices such as phones, iPad, etc.
- Frequency response: has the range between 5 Hz and 40 000 Hz
- Sound quality: high-resolution audio good quality comes from 50 mm dynamic drivers, rich in bass sound and well balanced
- Rational profile: offer a highly accurate and flat proper profile that works well for various genres and content
- Treble: the range remains correct and has excellent accuracy, but the high-treble range is recessed, leading to some music sounding lifeless and lacking detail.
Pros:
- Great sound profile
- Premium quality
- Super comfortable
Cons:
- No noise isolation
Pricing:
Available on Amazon at the price of USD 148.99
5. GW100x Wireless Series
The Grado GW100x Wireless Headphone Review delves into a unique model rare in the market – an open-back Bluetooth headphone. Fans of Grado may be excited to experience the brand’s signature sound in a wireless form. The review explores whether this model meets the high standards expected by audiophiles and how it expresses itself in terms of character.
Grado headphones are renowned for their exceptional comfort, and the GW1000x model, with its traditional foam pads and a gentle clamping force, is no exception. It sits lightly on the ears, making it an excellent option for long music-listening sessions.
Key Features
- Noise cancellation: Yes
- Transparency: Yes
- Driver: 44 mm dynamic
- Battery life: 46 hours
- Codec code: SBC, AAC, Apt-X™
- Connection:Bluetooth® / Jack 3.5mm / USB-C®
- Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20,000 Hz
- Impedance: 38 Ω
- Sensitivity: 99.8 dB
- Weight: 188g
Design:
- Earpads: traditional foam pads and gentle clamping force, easy to wear and comfortable all-day
- Headband: sits comfortably on the ears and is also extremely lightweight with the soft leather headband
- Touch control: allow you to pause, skip or play music via the button on the earcup
- Voice assistants: integration to google assistant and Amazon Alexa
- Connectivity: available in both wired and wireless, for wired using Bluetooth for connection and wired using USB-C cable.
Performance:
- Soundstage: offers an excellent soundstage with beautiful imaging. Fleetwood Mac’s Big Love demonstrates the depth and a decent sense of height. The separation and leanness of the Grado sound profile add to the spacial colorfulness.
- Low-end: offers adequate bass performance, with even pop tracks like some pop songs displaying significant bass punch. The speed and grip of the bass add lively energy.
- Transparency: shines through when listening to string instruments. The double bass has a natural, resolving sound.
- Mids: the high mids enhance acoustic guitar radiance, making them suitable for jazz, classical, and acoustic styles.
- Highs: well-represented highs without being overly bright. The strings have excellent fluidity to the sound, and the cable can bring out more subtle details for those who don’t want to compromise on clarity.
Pros:
- Warranty for two years
- Great sound quality
- Awesome battery life
- Multi-device connection
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Features a flimsy construction that may feel fragile
- It can be uncomfortable for those who wear glasses
Pricing:
Available on Amazon at the price of USD 275.00
6. STAX SPIRIT S3
The Stax Spirit S3 boasts a lightweight black carbon fiber construction and foldable design that allows it to be easily stored in a semi-rigid carrying case. The headband and ear pads are made of genuine leather, and a second set of mesh-covered ear pads with cooling gel are also provided. Although it looks nice, the creaky hinges are not reassuring in terms of durability.
Despite this, it is very comfortable to wear for extended periods, especially with the cooling pads, and feels lightweight. However, the creaky plastic frame can be audible and potentially irritating when walking around unless masked by the music.
Key Features
- Noise cancellation: No
- Transparency: Yes
- Driver: 100mm Audeze planar magnetic driver
- Battery life: 80 hours
- Codec code: SBC, AAC, Adaptive, aptX™
- Connection:Bluetooth® / Jack 3.5mm / USB-C®
- Frequency response: 15 Hz – 22,000 Hz
- Impedance: 8o Ω
- Sensitivity: 104 dB
- Weight: 350g
Design:
- Earpads: made of soft memory foam underneath, comfortable, suitable for summer
- Headband: the folding mechanism of the headphones results in a significant amount of plastic around the headband, which detracts from the otherwise sturdy steel construction and gives it a cheap feel.
- Connectivity: for wireless, there is a Bluetooth option, and for wired using USB-C to connect with other devices
- App: the “Classic” preset since it provides a natural and well-balanced sound. The other two presets, “Hi-Fi” and “Stax,” caused a reduction in the midrange and a spike in the treble, resulting in a less optimal listening experience.
Performance:
- Microphone: on top of both earcups additional mic assist in noise cancellation. These microphones can pick up audio even in noisy environments, enabling the user to speak at a regular volume.
- Bass sound: demonstrates impressive extension; the bass is fast and can keep up with busy tracks.
- Mids: is accurately balanced and produces no harsh or piercing sounds.
- Imaging: it has a clear separation between the left and proper channels. However, their ability to accurately position sound objects in the vertical and diagonal planes is not as precise.
Pros:
- Multipoint connection
- Fast and texture bass sound
- Great microphone
Cons:
- No EQ
- Average imaging
Pricing:
Available on Amazon at the price of USD 399.99
7. beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro
The beyerdynamic DT-1990 Pro 250 Ohm is a high-quality, open-back circumaural studio headphone with a carrying case and extra ear pads. The quality earpads produce a balanced sound, while the leatherette pads provide an analytical sound. The 3m straight cable avoids tangling in front of your body, and a 5m coiled cable is also included for maximum studio movement.
Key Features
- Driver: 45 mm dynamic
- Cable: 3 meter
- Connection: Jack 3.5mm / USB-C®
- Frequency response: 5Hz – 40,000 Hz
- Impedance: 25o Ω
- Sensitivity: 102 dB (1 V)
- Weight: 370g
Design:
- Earcups: provide a natural and remarkably spacious sound. The spatial sound makes them a dependable reference tool for mixing and mastering.
- Headbands: are crafted with exceptional attention to detail, making them quality and durability, which is truly eye-catching.
- Connectivity: the two cables: a 3-meter straight line and a coiled cable that stretches up to 5 meters. Both wires have a 3-pin mini XLR, a 3.5mm jack, and their own screw-on 1/4-inch adapter.
Performance:
- Sound quality: delivers breathtaking sound with an impressively wide stereo image and highly differentiated spatial resolution.
- Output quality: its output quality is convincing, offering excellent detail from the deepest bass to the finest resolution, a neutral mid-range, and silky highs.
- Highs: the highs may be slightly understated, but these headphones provide an enjoyable listening experience that will surely bring a smile to your face.
- Soundstage: the sound is incredibly smooth and peaceful, attributed to the subdued dynamics of the drum beats and other elements.
Pros:
- Super comfortable
- Breathable earcups
- Great soundstage
Cons:
- No noise isolation
- Leak the sound
Pricing:
Available in stock at the price of USD 499.00 at Amazon.
Summary and Tips
When buying USB-C headphones, consider these top factors: sound quality, dynamic drivers, DAC chip, and oxygen copper wire for better bass, lossless data transmission, and digital to analog audio signal. And then, noise cancelling features then the design of the headphones, choose between in-ear and over-ear designs. Additionally, the compatibility ensures the headphones are compatible with your device. And finally, the controls feature; look for headphones with a range of rules for a hands-free experience.
