(*5*)It’s been Nearly eight years since Apple eliminated the headphone jack from the iPhone. Yes, you may get glorious wi-fi earbuds these days, however possibly you like plugging in or you do not wish to take into consideration charging your headphones. The pleasure of the three.5-mm headphone connector is that it’s one of many few common requirements left.
You can use any pair of corded headphones—no want to fret about whether or not they’re Lightning or USB-C or whether or not the connectivity will blip in and out. No batteries to cost, no dongles to connect, and no earbuds to lose (or earbud circumstances to run by the washer). There are occasions when Bluetooth is preferable, however it’s good to have the choice. As WIRED’s smartphone reviewer, I’m going by handsets massive and small, low-cost and costly—these are the most effective with the venerable port. Read our Best Android Phones, Best iPhones, and Best Cheap Phones guides for extra.
Updated June 2024: We’ve added the Moto G Stylus 5G 2024 and HMD Vibe.
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