Has it sunk in yet? The headphone jack, that little port that's been integral to handheld audio devices and phones for decades, is headed to the grave. It's all thanks to Apple, which took the "courageous" step of eliminating the hole in the name of throwing stereo speakers into the iPhone 7, and, most likely, all future iOS (and Mac?) devices.
That leaves iPhone 7 users with two options if you want private audio. The smartest: get a set of Bluetooth headphones/earphones. That's arguably what Apple is pushing most—an untethered audio experience.
However, there is still the Lightning connector. Used mostly as the power and data port, Lightning is already a pretty great slot for getting audio to headphones and earphones. It's been used for speaker docks for years.
A handful of headphones that plug into Lightning are already available. Some come with extra features you couldn't get on a 3.5mm headphone jack—like noise cancellation without extra batteries in the headphones. That's because the noise cancellation takes the extra power needed from the iPhone! Of course, you can't charge your iPhone at the same time without spending an extra $39.99 to get the an adapter.
We leave it up to you if you need that. Meanwhile, here's a look at the many headphones/earbuds/earphones you can get right now to plug into the Lightning connector.
This article originally appeared on PCMag.com.
Apple Lightning EarPods
These are included with the iPhone 7. But if you need extra, Apple's EarPods with the Lightning connector are $29 direct from Apple, which is a hard price to beat at the moment for almost any headphones/earphones that use Lightning.
Harman/JBL Reflect Aware
Whether you go with the Harman-branded set or the JBL-branded set, these are the same earphones with active noise-cancellation and adaptive noise control. They also are great for active use, as they're sweat-proof and come in multiple reflective colors (black, blue, red, and teal). There are three ergonomic sport tips and three regular size ear-tips for each set.
Libratone Q Adapt In-Ear Earphones
Libratone calls its adaptive noise cancellation CityMix. The button on the remote in the cord toggles between four noise-blocking levels. Or change the level using the Libratone app. The remote also lets you make or take calls, adjust volume, etc.—the normal stuff. They come in four different colors and are designed for sitting in the city not the gym. These are PCMag's Editors' Choice in lightning headphones. Nab them for $159 until March 31.
Nasudake A1 Stereo Lightning Earbuds
It can be hard to find inexpensive headphones to plug into the Lightning, but at $23, this set, which promises noise canceling and 3D stereo sound, fits the bill. Those with the gold iPhone can match their phones; opt for a rose gold pair for a few dollars more.
Brightech On-Ear
Brightech has a pair of inexpensive over-the-ear headphones that connect directly to the Lightning port. They lack a microphone and don't have fancy noise cancellation, but they fold up for easy storage and provide quick 24-bit audio.
Philips Fidelio M2L
These are arguably the premiere set of on-ear headphones with a Lightning connector out there because of a semi-affordable price—and out well ahead of any Beats-brand headphones using Lightning, despite Apple ownership. The Philips Fidelio have a closed back acoustic seal design, so the 24-bit all-digital audio sounds its best. Note there are no remote controls on the cord, or a mic; these are meant for pure audio playback from your iPhone.
Audeze Sine planar magnetic over-ears
Audeze's Sine planar magnetic over-ears headphones (which also come in a 3.5mm port version) promise that more surface area means better base and lower distortion. The internal DAC and DSP (digital signal processor) on their proprietary flat Lightning cable don't hurt either, as the headphones handle the sound so the phone doesn't have to. There's an Audeze app for iOS that provides a 10-band equalizer to perfect what you're hearing. And if this is something that matters to you after buying your Chinese-built iPhone: Audeze headphones are made in the US.
Apple Lightning to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter
Sick of worrying about getting an overpriced Lightning headphone? Wish you could still utilize your existing pile of earbuds with 3.5mm plugs? Well, every iPhone 7 comes with one of Apple's own adapter. If you need more because you have lots of great existing headphones, buy a few and stick an adapter each set.
Audeze Sine planar magnetic over-ears
Audeze has had the Sine planar magnetic over-ears headphones out for months (they also come in a 3.5mm port version). They promise that more surface area means better base and lower distortion; the internal DAC and DSP (digital signal processor) on their proprietary flat Lightning cable don't hurt either, as the headphones handle the sound so the phone doesn't have to. There's an Audeze app for iOS that provides a 10-band equalizer to perfect what you're hearing. And if this is something that matters to you after buying your Chinese-built iPhone: Audeze headphones are made in the US.
Audeze EL-8
Were you impressed with the Audeze Sine? Plunk down an extra $300, and you'll get some truly impressive sounds out of the iPhone Lightning port with the EL-8 titanium closed-back planar magnetic headphones. These are some seriously high-end cans to go over your ears, and are from the highest-priced units Audeze even sells. Naturally, the 24-bit DAC is there, along with interchangeable cords to use ports other than Lightning. The Audeze app gives you granular control with changes stored in the headphones, and they look pretty sweet.
Apple Lightning to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter
Sick of worrying about getting an overpriced Lightning headphone? Wish you could still utilize your existing pile of earbuds with 3.5mm plugs? Well, every iPhone 7 comes with one of Apple's own adapter. If you need more because you have lots of great existing headphones, buy a few and stick an adapter each set.