If you’re considering a pair of USB-C headphones, here are the best options you can get right now.
These best USB-C headphones will let you listen to your favorite music in perfect quality without the lag or dropouts that you might experience with wireless headphones.
While some USB-C headphones are wired-only, others offer the flexibility of being wireless.
1. Bowers & Wilkins Px8
The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 is one of those eye-catching high-end USB-C Headphones. Key features include excellent sound tuning, effective ANC, excellent transparency mode, and a stylish design.
However, it lacks water resistance. The Px8 has excellent sound quality thanks to its 24-bit DSP and a really decent companion app that handles advanced features.
The sound is bass-heavy and has some odd treble selection, making it suitable for a variety of music genres. The default sound is a bit bass-heavy, so it’s best to play around with an equalizer.
Connectivity is strong with Bluetooth 5.2, supporting codecs such as SBC, AAC, and aptX Adaptive.
The headphones can be connected to analog and digital sources via the supplied cable, including a 3.5mm TRS jack to USB cable. Our tests showed a battery life of 40 hours and 39 minutes.
Despite being quite heavy on the head (and wallet), the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 stands out for its sound quality, build, and practical features, making it a strong contender in the over-ear USB Bluetooth headphones with ANC market, especially for those who value audio performance and design over additional digital features.
2. Sennheiser Accentum Plus
If you’re looking for a budget USB-C headphone, the Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus are a solid option with active noise cancellation (ANC).
Retailing for $229.95, these headphones offer simple features like touch controls, an impressive battery life of up to 53 hours with ANC turned on, and decent audio quality that, while not groundbreaking, provides a satisfying listening experience.
The inclusion of wired listening options via USB-C and a 2.5mm TRS socket also adds to the versatility, making them a strong candidate for those who prioritize connectivity and battery efficiency.
However, these headphones are not without their drawbacks. The lack of an IP rating may deter those looking for water or dust resistance, and the lack of a foldable design may limit their portability.
Despite these drawbacks, the Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus is comfortable, with features like a lightweight plastic construction that prevents hair from getting caught in the water and soft ear pads that accommodate glasses wearers.
While they can’t compete with the top-of-the-line models in terms of ANC performance or sound quality, their user-friendly design and balance between cost and performance make up for it.
3. Asus ROG Delta
If you’re a gamer, lag is your enemy. Microseconds of delay can mean the difference between winning and losing, so you don’t want potential lag or a slow connection at the worst possible time.
If you don’t want that in your sound when you’re immersed in your favorite game, our recommended USB-C gaming headset is the Asus ROG Delta.
Its aesthetic is very gamey, which can be a pro or con depending on whether you like it or have a particular aversion to it.
That may be the case, but the sound quality is very good. Of course, you will need to have around 140 euros in your pocket to buy them.
4. Logitech G333
The Logitech G333 is a great choice if you want to game on the go, and it’ll give you a whole lot better sound while you’re on the bus ride home, playing all those Victory Royales.
This headset delivers crisp, lifelike audio to enhance your gaming experience.
The Logitech G33 offers a great, compact form factor that’s perfect for commuting to school or work, so you can game in style and on the go.
It’s also a great option for desktop setups if you don’t like the fact that over-ear gaming headsets tend to get too hot due to their small size.
It also has an inline mic and a 3.5mm USB-C adapter, making it a very versatile choice.
Of course, being tuned for gamers means that the sound isn’t ideal when you want to hear more detail, but it does provide a very reasonable image so you can hear exactly where enemies are coming from in-game.
If the game aesthetic suits you, this is a really good choice.
5. Audeze Mobius 3D
The Audeze Mobius 3D headphones offer pretty much everything you need: immersive 3D sound quality, three wired connection options, a wireless option, and a detachable boom mic.
Unfortunately, unlike the Shure AONIC 50, they don’t offer ANC, which is why they’re ranked second on our list of the best USB-C headphones.
The Mobius headphones support 3.5mm, USB-A, and USB-C connections, making them compatible with PCs, mobile devices, and gaming consoles.
You can also enjoy movies in 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound in wired mode, which you can customize via the Audeze HQ app.
Using Waves NX™ head tracking and 3D audio technology, the headphones are calibrated to your unique anatomy.
They track your head movements 1,000 times per second and use 3D sound localization to keep you at the center of the audio at all times.
Plus, the Discord-certified detachable boom mic has built-in noise reduction, so you can use these headphones to game with your friends or use them for Zoom and Skype calls.
There’s also a dedicated mic mute button and a volume wheel for quick adjustments.
The Mobius 3D headphones offer a pretty decent 10-hour battery life with 3D audio enabled.
They come with contoured memory foam padding that provides good support and cushioning for your ears, but they’re a bit on the heavy side at 0.77 pounds.
The plastic construction of the headband isn’t the most durable either, and tends to collapse at stress points.
6. Beats Solo 4 Wireless
The Beats Solo 4 Wireless are the best mid-range USB-C headphones we’ve tested.
Compared to its predecessor, the Beats Solo3 2019 Wireless, it adds a built-in digital-to-analog converter (DAC) and support for USB-C audio.
The DAC adds a bit of latency when used with the USB-C cable, compared to using the included analog 1/8″ TRS cable, but it’s only noticeable when used for latency-sensitive tasks like online gaming.
While the build quality isn’t quite as good as the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 Wireless, the Beats are much cheaper and offer a much more balanced sound out of the box.
The bass is excellent, so kick drums and basslines have a decent amount of thump and punch without being muddy, and the mids aren’t as balanced as the Px7 S2, but they’re still good.
Vocals and instruments sound detailed and vibrant without being reverberant or boxy.
Unlike the two Bowers & Wilkins cans recommended above, the Beats don’t have any noise-canceling technology, so they’re not great at reducing ambient sound.
As a result, you’ll hear ambient conversation or the rumble of train engines clearly. Finally, a microphone is included, but it’s not the best quality.
If you plan on using your headphones to make a lot of phone calls, you’ll be better off with our top phone call pick.
7. Beats Studio Pro
The Beats Studio Pro is right in many ways, but the smaller earcups might not be for everyone.
The Beats Studio Pro enters the USB-C headphone market with an internal USB DAC, allowing users to listen to music wired via USB-C. This feature is not found in Apple’s AirPods Max.
The headphones feature active noise cancellation (ANC), which reduces ambient noise to make commuting and traveling more enjoyable.
Features like head-tracking spatial audio and transparency mode are added bonuses for Apple enthusiasts.
However, potential buyers should be aware of the design considerations. The small earcups might not be ideal for everyone, especially those with larger heads or who wear glasses.
However, for those who can get a snug fit, the Beats Studio Pro offers a commendable audio experience with the added benefit of USB-C connectivity.
8. Sennheiser Momentum 3
If you have more money and want perfect sound and active noise cancellation, we recommend looking at the Sennheiser Momentum 3. You can buy them for between 259 and 269 euros.
Aside from the sound quality that the Sennheiser brand always offers, one of its strong points is its versatility. You can enjoy these headphones completely wirelessly or with a USB-C cable.
This last type of cable also allows you to charge the headphones while listening to music, so you can be sure that one day you will want to get rid of them and feel more comfortable.
9. Skullcandy Set In-Ear USB-C Earbuds
A simple and affordable set of USB-C earbuds from the audio masters at Skullcandy. If you like music with a lot of bass, these might be the best option for you.
The Skullcandy Set earbuds come with a USB-C, Lightning, or 3.5mm jack, so they’re a good option no matter what phone you use.
Not only that, the Skullcandy brand is always there to deliver the best of the best, the booming bass, whether it’s over-ears or the most compact in-ears.
If you need to be able to sing karaoke or just listen to your favorite music outside, these party speakers are there for you.
That said, the Skullcandy Set In-Ear USB-C Earbuds aren’t for everyone. Don’t expect a balanced sound or detailed mids or highs.
Buy for the punch of bass, and this one does it well. The specs and features aren’t all that impressive, but it gets the job done for a reasonable price and it’s also IPX4 water-resistant.
10. Focal Bathys
The Focal Bathys may be pricey, but their sleek leather and microfiber construction ensure a premium feel and durability.
They offer premium sound with active noise cancellation and transparency mode. The Bathys are also a great choice for quality-conscious consumers, thanks to their long battery life and fast charging speeds.
These headphones are comfortable to wear thanks to their adjustable headband and cushioned ear cups.
This design makes for comfortable listening sessions without discomfort.
Another notable feature is the build quality of the headphones, which are constructed with an aluminum-magnesium construction for added durability. Weighing in at 2.59 pounds, the Focal Bathys are a heavy pair.
While the Bathys’ weight won’t be an issue for everyone, those with poor posture may feel some strain on their neck or the back of their head after prolonged use.
The Focal Bathys offer convenient controls, with a multi-function button nestled between the volume rocker buttons. The Focal/Naim companion app, available on Google Play and the App Store, offers extensive customization options.
From adjusting equalizer settings to creating personalized sound profiles, the app lets you fine-tune your audio settings to suit your needs.
Featuring Bluetooth 5.1 and support for codecs such as SBC, AAC, aptX, and aptX Adaptive, these headphones deliver excellent wireless sound quality.
However, it falls short when it comes to ANC performance compared to competitors like the Shure AONIC 50.
Also, the Bathys offer an impressive 30+ hours of playback on a single charge but pales in comparison to the Sennheiser Momentum 4, which offers an impressive battery life of up to 60 hours.
11. Audeze Maxwell Wireless
The best call-focused USB-C headphones are the Audeze Maxwell Wireless. Despite being gaming headphones, they have a fairly plain appearance, and the USB-C connection provides full mic and audio compatibility.
Unlike other picks on this list, like the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 Wireless, they come with both a detachable boom mic and an integrated mic, which is handy if you want to look more casual.
Both mics make your voice sound very clear and natural, and the boom mic also has fantastic noise cancellation, so you’ll be heard throughout your calls no matter where you are.
These headphones offer a very neutral sound profile. Whether you’re listening to others on a conference call or enjoying music during a break, the sound is accurate and balanced from low to high.
You can also fine-tune it using the EQ presets in the companion app. There’s no ANC, though. While they’re great at reducing background chatter and some noise, they don’t do much to reduce low-end noises like engine roar.
If noise isolation is important to you, consider one of the Bowers & Wilkins options listed above.
Also, these headphones are out of stock, which can be a deal breaker if you don’t want to wait for them to be restocked.
12. Sennheiser Momentum 4
The Sennheiser Momentum 4 offers audiophile-grade sound that can be customized via the Smart Control app. With adaptive noise cancellation, comfort, and up to 60 hours of playback, it’s the perfect travel companion.
These closed-back, over-ear headphones redefine the listening experience. Whether you prefer wireless or wired connectivity via 3.5mm or USB-C, the Momentum 4 delivers impressive sound quality with a frequency response of 6Hz to 22kHz.
Paired with the Smart Control app, available on Google Play and the App Store, users can fine-tune their audio settings to their preferences.
Install the Smart Control app to get the latest firmware updates and access advanced features like “Smart Pause”, which automatically pauses your music and activates standby mode when you remove the headphones from your head.
With travelers in mind, the Momentum 4 offers two transparent hearing modes, allowing for noise filtering to improve situational awareness in crowded environments like airports or busy tourist destinations.
Designed for long-term wear, the Momentum 4 features lightweight, soft leather earcups and headbands to ensure comfort during long listening sessions.
The Momentum 4 supports high-resolution audio streaming via the aptX Adaptive codec, but it falls slightly short compared to the Sennheiser HD 560 S. However, it offers a more balanced sound output.
Unlike its predecessor, the Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless, the Momentum 4’s battery life has been significantly improved over its predecessor.
It’s also packaged in a more refined case, giving it a more appealing overall appeal.
However, the Momentum 4 features a much more bass-heavy sound profile than its predecessor, which may be unsatisfactory for some listeners.
13. HIFIMAN Deva Pro
If music is your primary concern, then go for the HIFIMAN Deva Pro headphones. These headphones feature an open configuration and large planar magnetic drivers for a wide and detailed soundstage.
The acoustically transparent” Stealth Magnets allow sound waves to pass through while reducing interference and diffraction that can degrade sound quality.
The NEO Diaphragms are also 80% thinner than previous HIFIMAN diaphragms, making them very responsive.
They also feature a standard frequency response of 20-20kHz and an impedance of 18 ohms. This makes them very easy to drive, even on low-power portable devices.
These headphones offer several wired options. You can connect them to your computer or mobile device using a dual 3.5mm-to-3.5mm TRS cable or a USB-C cable.
The unit also comes with a Bluemini R2R module. This improves the audio using a built-in HIMALAYA DAC that supports 24-bit audio formats and sampling rates up to 768kHz, and allows for Bluetooth connectivity.
The module also supports high-resolution Bluetooth codecs such as aptX HD and LDAC.
The Deva Pro and the original Deva headphones are almost identical in terms of features and design.
However, the addition of the Stealth Magnets adds width and space to the audio, improving the overall sound quality of the Deva Pro.
However, the Deva Pro is not without its drawbacks. It lacks the practical features that many consumers expect from high-end headphones, wireless or otherwise, like ANC.
The sharp edges of the metal yoke and the less secure fit of the R2R BlueMini module also detract from the overall user experience.
14. MOONDROP x Crinacle DUSK
The MOONDROP x Crinacle DUSK is a great choice among USB-C earbuds.
Unlike most IEMs, they usually only work via an analog connection, but this pair also comes with a USB-C cable. The cable adds a few extra features, like a microphone and an EQ to customize the sound.
Unfortunately, the app is only available for Android users, but you can flash your EQ settings onto the cable and save them. While they are a premium price, the cost is reflected in the excellent quality control.
These well-made earbuds have great control over their sound profile, so any EQ you apply won’t unnecessarily boost bad frequencies.
That said, the basic sound isn’t lacking either. It’s a bit warm, but still balanced in the midrange, so voices and instruments come through clearly, even if there’s a little bit of detail in the treble range.
The built-in mic is decent enough for taking calls on the go, but you probably won’t want to use this primarily for casual business meetings.
It also does a decent job of isolating you from outside noise, so you won’t be easily distracted by bus engine noise or background conversation.
The relatively simple controls let you adjust the volume and play or pause tracks, but there’s no other basic functionality like skipping tracks forward or backward.
Fortunately, you can also use it with the included 3.5mm analog cable, which adds to its versatility.
Conclusion
There are plenty of budget-friendly options when it comes to USB C headphones. Whether you’re looking for earbuds or over-ear headphones, there are options that offer great sound quality, comfort, and durability.
It’s important to consider your specific needs and the compatibility of your headphones with your device before making a purchase.
With the right headphones, you can enjoy your favorite music, podcasts, and games on the go without breaking the bank.
Also read: What are the Best Xbox Earbuds?