With the new iPhones losing the headphone jack, there are a few options for connecting your old 3.5mm headphones to an iPhone 7 or 7 Plus. Apple is giving all new iPhone 7 customers a pair of Lightning EarPods and a Lightning to 3.5mm headphone adapter in the box, but those might not be ideal solutions for your personal setup. And if you plan on charging and listening at the same time, you need a Lightning dock with audio output or other adapter to get the job done.
We already recommended our top picks for wireless headphones, now we give you our roundup of the best Lightning and Bluetooth headphone adapter and dock accessories for audio on the iPhone 7.
If you want to keep your old headphones, you can either stick with Apple’s 3.5mm to Lightning adapter or similar third-party options, or go wireless with a Bluetooth adapter. Here are some of the best options so far:
Apple Lightning Dock & Adapters
Apple’s answer to how to charge and listening to music at the same time with iPhone 7 is its $39-49 Lightning Dock with built-in headphone jack.
Lightning to 3.5mm adapters
Apple’s Lightning to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter, which it bundles in the box with every iPhone 7, can also be purchased separately for $9 through Apple. Alternatively, third-parties on Amazon have similar options in various colors and materials for as low as $7.
Belkin Lightning Audio + Charge RockStar adapter
One of the biggest questions customers had with iPhone 7 and Lightning headphones is how to charge and listen to music at the same time now that the new iPhones don’t have a headphone jack. One option is Belkin’s new $39 Lighting Audio + Charge adapter that splits your Lightning connection into two. You can use it with Lightning headphones, like the ones that Apple bundles with iPhone 7, or pair it with Apple’s 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter.
Griffin iTrip Clip Bluetooth Headphone Adapter
Apple’s iPhone comes with Lightning EarPods and a 3.5mm to Lighting adapter in the box, but Griffin’s new iTrip Clip Bluetooth 4.1 adapter with built-in remote will add Bluetooth functionality to any set of headphones for $20, allowing you to connect wirelessly. And unlike many other adapters, the backside has a clip to attach to clothing, making it ideal for use with headphones while on the move.
It will give you around 30 feet of range and 6 hours playback on a single charge. You can also use it to connect to a car’s stereo using an AUX cable.
Mpow & TaoTronics Bluetooth Adapter/Receivers
These well reviewed adapter/receivers (from $13) give you Bluetooth 4.0 functionality and promise up to 10 hours playback on a single charge. They includes a built-in remote for media controls and answering calls, allow you to connect up to two Bluetooth devices at once, and come with a removable 3.5mm stereo adapter for use in a vehicle or elsewhere. This similar $15 option from TaoTronics adds a built-in microphone.
Spigen AirPods Strap
The Spigen AirPods Strap is one of the first accessories available for Apple’s upcoming wireless, cord-free AirPods set for release this October. The AirPods will quickly slide into each end of the $10 TPE rubber strap allowing you to rest them on your neck and offering extra security to prevent losing one if happens to fall out.
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