Though in recent years, USB-C has taken over as the standard connector, some devices, such as laptops, smartphones, or tablets, may still lack this feature, making it impossible to connect your favorite wired headphones with them. But this issue can be remedied using the best USB-C to 3.5mm DAC.
Unlike wireless headphones and earbuds, DAC (digital to analog converters) work directly with phones, enabling you to connect a wired headphone and produce high-class audio.
Anytime you connect your wired headphones to a DAC, it will elevate and enhance your audio listening experience, taking it to a whole new level.
Therefore, our comprehensive guide entails some recommendations for the best USB-C to 3.5mm DAC analyzed to highlight every product’s prominent features, pros, and cons so you can find the product that perfectly suits your needs.
Best USB-C to 3.5mm DAC (Comprehensive Guide) Reviews
Jsaux Type-C to 3.5mm Adapter
REASONS TO BUY
✓ Budget-friendly
✓ Very durable
✓ Portable
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ Only supports headphones that are 3.5mm
If you are still at a beginner level with figuring out the best USB-C to 3.5mm DAC for yourself, then start your exploration process with the Jsaux type-C to 3.5mm adapter as it is idealistic for you.
Simple in use, affordable in price, and excellent in quality are some of the features that are the highlights of this product.
Features As the product’s name suggests, the Jsaux type-c to 3.5mm adapter is not a traditional DAC. Instead, it is more similar to a headphone adapter that will give you a better audio quality than that which would have been delivered to you otherwise from your phone’s built-in headphone jack. (Only if your phone has one!)
Despite being available at a much lower and budget-friendly price, the design of the Jsaux is commendable.
Thanks to its braided nature, the adapter has a strain relief design, which is efficient at ensuring that the cable does not break from enduring the constant stress of bending.
As a result, the Jsaux type-c adapter is very durable, and the manufacturing company claims the product to have withstood the test of durability as it had survived over 15,000 bending tests in the testing stages.
Additionally, the shielded enamel wire of the product promises the signal transmission to be seamless and stable. Choose any color from the available options if you want to style up.
The maximum audio sampling rate of the type-c adapter is 16-bit/48khz, and all the credit for this goes to the smart DAC chip embedded within the adapter.
Verdict Overall, the Jsaux type-c to 3.5mm adapter is a versatile and compact option that will allow you to at all times, and with convenience to connect your audio peripherals to devices that have a USB-C jack.
Cubilux Right Angle USB-C to 3.5mm Adapter
REASONS TO BUY
✓ It has a right-angled connector
✓ Supportive of audio that is high-resolution
✓ Lightweight and small
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ Some users may not be fond of the right-angle design.
Are you someone who is a gaming enthusiast or someone who is always on the go and frequently runs into the need to connect a USB-C to a 3.5mm DAC? We might have a viable solution for you that would appeal to your needs adequately- a Cubilux right-angle USB-C to 3.5mm adapter.
Features
The one precise feature that makes the Cubilux adapter unique and sets it aside from all the other options available in the market is its 90-degree connector.
Your type USB-C type adapters have straight wires, which often makes them challenging to manage; however, the 90-degree angle of this adapter is a perfect fit for people who are always on the go.
Alternatively, if you are a gaming enthusiast, you would be familiar with the struggles of using a straight-wired adapter and how a substitute for it is crucial.
But with Cubilux’s adapter, say no more to struggles and enjoy lag-free audio without discomfort!
Nevertheless, the adapter’s design is only one factor that makes the product worth consideration, but it is not the design. The Cubilux 3.5mm adapter has a HiFi DAC, supporting 24-bit/192KHZ of audio.
Additionally, the integrated amplifier within the headphones permits the adapter to enhance several headphones up to 100 ohms with impedance.
All of these rather commendable features of the Cubilux right angle USB-C type are packed in a small and compact design that is lightweight and makes portability easy.
Verdict
Our final verdict is in favor of the Cubilux right-angle USB-C 3.5mm adapter. The reason is mainly because of the compact design, easing carrying of the product, and the other spectacular features accompanying the adapter.
Apple USB-C to 3.5mm
REASONS TO BUY
✓ Build quality is good
✓ Apple officially produces the adapter
✓ Performance is reliable
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ Compatibility is minimal with non-apple devices
Most individuals out there shopping for a technical product only choose to finalize on the item that carries along with it a renowned and reliable brand name, and what better option could there be than Apple? So we bring to you the Apple USB-C to 3.5mm adapter.
Features
Even though most Apple products do not require a USB-C type adapter, some still stand an exception when your favorite headphones are incompatible with a C-type.
There is not much to be said about this product; in a nutshell, considering the adapter has been released and manufactured by Apple, we can confidently claim that the adapter is bound to work without errors and faults.
The official Apple USB-C type to 3.5mm works smoothly when in use with all Apple devices, specifically MacBook and iPad.
However, the use of this adapter is not limited as it is compatible with a few non-apple products because it features a much-demanded USB-C type.
Regardless, the statement mentioned above is not an assurance that the Apple adapter will work with every device you have because there is limited compatibility, and to make ideal use, the best options are your Apple products.
Also, if the Apple USB-C to 3.5mm does not suit you for iPhones, as another option, you can purchase the official lightning to 3.5mm adapter, which has been introduced only for iPhones.
Verdict
If you want to make the most out of your purchase, only proceed with purchasing the Apple USB-C to 3.5mm adapter if you own a lot of original Apple products.
This is an ideal situation to use the adapter because there might be compatibility issues with non-apple devices.
UGREEN USB-C to 3.5mm
REASONS TO BUY
✓ High-resolution audio is supported
✓ Dual functionality
✓ Compact design and lightweight
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ A bit costly
Want the best USB-C to 3.5mm DAC adapter that serves a dual function? You might want to check out the Ugreen USB-C to 3.5mm that provides its users with enhanced utility, allowing them to charge their devices and connect their headphones to their phones via the adapter, all at the same time.
Features
Simply, the biggest highlight of our final recommendation for the best USB-C to 3.5mm DAC adapter is its dual functionality, implying enhanced versatility.
Now, without the stress of training your phone’s battery, you can listen to music at all times because the adapter has an AUX port for a headphone connection and a charging port.
The two side-by-side ports are high resolution, with the AUX port having a resolution for audio up to 96kHz/24 bit and the USB-C port resulting in fast charging from its 60W PD.
Moreover, the design and manufacturing of the Ugreen USB-C to 3.5mm adapter is something that compliments the dual functionality purpose.
The product is manufactured so that it can easily withstand any wear and tear from regular use, thus having lasting durability.
Composing materials of the Ugreen adapter are alloy shell and high-quality aluminum, both famous for their corrosion and rust-resistant characteristics.
Further protection against breakage to the adapter is given through the sturdy TPE material.
Featured design of the adapter is such that it is convenient to carry it daily. The size is compact and convenient to fit in any tight space, coupled with a lightweight feature that makes portability even easier.
Verdict
If budget is not your primary concern, then we would second you in your decision to buy the Ugreen USB-C to 3.5mm adapter because there is nothing better to offer you in an adapter than dual functionality.
Buying Guide
For anyone who is into audiophile-grad sound and wants to directly connect their headphones to their devices using the best USB-C to 3.5mm DAC, there are a few fundamental considerations to be made before you go ahead with buying the adapter.
Our buying guide states the two important features you must note in the initial stages of browsing through the web or the market to find the best USB-C to 3.5mm DAC.
Adapter’s Hardware
If the adapter’s hardware is not up to the standards you have set, then there is no benefit for you in purchasing it. In a DAC, the converter chip is not the only aspect you should be looking for but also an amplifier chip.
An amplifier chip will instantly amplify your audio experience by upscaling all audio signals for the analog at the output, ensuring that you can hear the audio through your studio’s high-quality headphones.
Likewise, look at the impedance value of the DAC because it should, at the least, be equal to the impedance value of your headphones.
Most phones can keep with an impedance of 30-40 ohms, but a good and reliable DAC will increase the ohms suddenly to the later range of 80-100, so look for an adapter that can do this for you.
Audio Source
Though the audio source is not directly related to buying a DAC, it highly influences the delivered audio output of the adapter.
You cannot expect your headphones to provide high-pitched, clear audio if the source is poor quality.
This is something that cannot be changed regardless of the number of chips that are present in the DAC adapter.
Therefore, remember always to download those audio files that are excellent in quality, but downloading audio files tends to take up ample storage and space on your phone.
Opposed to this, opt for something more accessible: streaming audio through various streaming services.
Conclusion
In our comprehensive guide, we have conducted an in-depth analysis of all the options we have mentioned for the best USB-C to 3.5mm DAC.
Now, keeping in mind the benefits and the drawbacks of each DAC adapter, decide as to which one suits the “best” to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I charge my device while using a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter?
The kind of USB-C determines the answer to this to the 3.5mm adapter you use. Not all adapters serve a dual function, but if you are looking for one, then check out UGREEN USB-C to 3.5mm
Does USB-C to 3.5 mm affect audio quality?
No USB-C to 3.5 mm does not affect sound quality. Every phone comes with a built-in DAC, so the sound quality depends on the quality of the DAC; if it is of high quality, the sound quality will be superior, and vice versa.
Does USB-C have better audio quality?
To an extent the USB-C does have better sound quality. This is because the traditional headphone jack may not be as efficient and accurate at transmitting signals as the USB-C headset is.
Can I use a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter with my iPhone or iPad?
Yes, a 3.5mm adapter can be used with an iPhone or an iPad; however, it is recommended to use a lightning cable with iPhones rather than the USB-C adapter as they are more compatible.
