Since Apple decided to remove to 3.5mm headphone jack from the iPhone, many handset users have switched to wireless Bluetooth headphones or even Apple's own AirPods line.

But there's another option available if you still want to use wired headphones. Instead of a headphone jack, you can purchase headphones that connect via Lightning cable. We're taking a look at some of the best options available.

Premium pick

1. Pioneer Rayz Plus

7.20 / 10
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If you want to charge your iPhone while listening to music, the Pioneer Rayz Plus is for you. It's one of the few sets of Lightning-based headphones to offer simultaneous charging.Another unique option of these headphones is the ability to respond to the "Hey Siri" command even when your iPhone is in a bag or pocket. That allows you to place a call easily, send a message, and listen to music hands-free.The AutoPause technology will automatically pause media playback when you remove the headphones. Your music automatically resumes when you put them back in your ear.The Smart Button on the Lightning plug is customizable. You can set it to bring up a specific app, mute/unmute phone calls, or launch the Rayz app.

Key Features
  • Customizable smart button control
  • Adaptive noise cancellation
  • Media will automatically pause when removing earbuds
Specifications
  • Brand: Pioneer
  • Bluetooth: No
  • Additional Tips: Yes
  • Noise Cancellation: Yes
Pros
  • Can charge your iPhone and listen to music at the same time
  • Responds to "Hey Siri" when your phone is in a pocket or bag
Cons
  • More expensive than other options
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Pioneer Rayz Plus

Apple's urBeats provide a reasonably priced and high-quality way to listen to music via the Lightning connector. Three different ear tip sizes are provided to help you find the best fit possible for great sound. For maximum portability, you can easily coil up the tangle-free cable in a bag or purse.The earbuds also snap together magnetically, while the RemoteTalk button allows you to activate Siri and control music playback. There are a wide variety of color options available.

Key Features
  • Tangle-free cable
  • Magnetic earbuds stick together for added portability
  • Activate Siri and more with the RemoteTalk button
Specifications
  • Brand: Beats
  • Bluetooth: No
  • Additional Tips: Yes
  • Noise Cancellation: No
Pros
  • Three different eartip sizes included
  • Available in a wide variety of colors
Cons
  • No noise cancellation
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urBeats Wired Earphones With Lightning Connector

The Belkin In-Ear Lightning Headphones are a perfect choice to throw in your gym bag or use while on a run. The earbuds are resistant to sweat and splashes of water, so you can rock out without having to worry about the elements.Another great feature is the cable management function that will help keep the excess cable from bothering you. The flat cord will also not tangle in a bag or purse.There are three different ear tip sizes to help you find the most comfortable fit. The control button allows you to interact with music and answer phone calls. You can select from a black or white version of the headphones.

Key Features
  • Tangle-free cable and cable management feature
  • Multi-control button
  • Three different eartip sizes included
Specifications
  • Brand: Belkin
  • Bluetooth: No
  • Additional Tips: Yes
  • Noise Cancellation: No
Pros
  • Sweat and splash resistant
  • Available in black or white
Cons
  • No noise cancellation
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Belkin In-Ear Lightning Headphones

The B&R Large Diaphragm Professional Monitor Headphones bring a high-quality listening experience for a reasonable price. The over-ear headphones use beryllium speaker drivers usually found in more expensive models.Memory foam ear cups also help isolate noise for a better sound experience. For maximum comfort, the earcups can rotate for a better fit. The headband, often an overlooked part of headphones, is protected with soft leather.B&R provides an additional 3.5mm cable to use the headphones with non-Apple devices along with a carrying case. An in-line remote can interact with music, and answer calls.

Key Features
  • Braided cable is tangle-free
  • In-line remote can interact with music, and answer calls
  • Noise-isolating memory foam ear cups
Specifications
  • Brand: B&R
  • Material: Memory foam, leather
  • Bluetooth: No
  • Noise Cancellation: No
Pros
  • Carrying case included
  • Standard 3.5mm plug provided to use with other non-Apple products
Cons
  • Large size
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B&R Large Diaphragm Headphones

Thanks to the triple-driver setup, you'll definitely enjoy crisp sound with 1More's Triple Driver In-Ear Headphones. Nine different sizes of ear tips are included to help ensure a comfortable and secure fit when listening to music and more.The five-direction button headphone controller allows you to make calls, activate Siri, adjust volume, and change music tracks quickly and easily. You can choose either a silver or gold version of the headphones.

Key Features
  • Three drivers for a great sound profile
  • 5-in-1 controller to adjust volume
  • Digital Analog Converter offers high-definition audio with lossless clarity
Specifications
  • Brand: 1More
  • Bluetooth: No
  • Additional Tips: Yes
  • Noise Cancellation: No
Pros
  • Two different color choices
  • Nine included ear tip sizes for a great fit
Cons
  • No active or passive noise cancellation
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1More Triple Driver In-Ear Headphones

For an inexpensive way to rock out, check out the PALOVUE Lightning Headphones. Sporting 10mm drivers, the earbuds are designed to give an overall quality sound experience.The in-line controller allows you to accept and end calls, talk with Siri, play music, change tracks, and adjust the volume. You can select from a black or white version of the earbuds. Three ear tip sizes are included to help you find the best fit.

Key Features
  • In-line controller provides access to Siri, and music control
  • Three different eartip sizes included
Specifications
  • Brand: PALOVUE
  • Bluetooth: No
  • Additional Tips: No
  • Noise Cancellation: No
Pros
  • Available in black or white
  • Inexpensive compared to other models
Cons
  • Not sweat or splash resistant
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PALOVUE Lightning Headphones

You'll always be able to connect to a device with the Thore Bluetooth Headphones with Lightning Connector. These over-ear headphones can connect via the provided Lightning cable, 3.5mm adaptor, or Bluetooth.For maximum comfort, the ear cups are made with memory foam to block out sound. And the headband is adjustable for a better fit. When on the go, the headphones can easily fold up to take up less room in your bag.If using Bluetooth, the headphones provide up to 16 hours of playback on a single charge with media controls on an ear cup. When plugged in with the Lightning or traditional cable, you can use the in-line remote.

Key Features
  • Adjustable headband for a better fit
  • Memory foam ear cups help block out exterior noise
  • Folds up to take up less space while traveling
Specifications
  • Brand: Thore
  • Material: Protein Leather
  • Bluetooth: Yes
  • Noise Cancellation: No
Pros
  • Use Lightning cable or Bluetooth to connect
  • Additional 3.5mm cable is provided to connect to non-Apple devices
Cons
  • No carrying case provided
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Thore Bluetooth Headphones With Lightning Connector

FAQ

Q: What Are Lightning Headphones?

Lightning headphones, as you could probably guess by the name, plug directly into your device's charging port. Along with an iPhone, the headphones are compatible with any iPad with a Lightning port.

Q: What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Lighting Headphones?

A significant advantage of Lightning headsets, compared to regular wired versions, is that manufacturers can use their own digital signal processor and digital-to-analog converter, also known as a DAC. That could result in even better audio quality than the analog route.But there is a major downside to Lighting headphones: you can't listen to music and charge your device with a Lightning cable at the same time. That problem has been somewhat mitigated by Qi wireless charging for modern iPhones.

Q: Do Lightning Headphones Drain Battery?

Because Lightning headphones plug directly into your iPhone, it does take power from the handset to operate. But the amount of energy needed to run the headphones is so minimal that you'll likely not notice any difference in battery life.