I analyze four USB-C headphones for the mobile and tell you which one is my favorite | Comparative | Showcase

The best USB-C headset

Our expert has chosen the Panasonic RP-TCM225dea model, which stands out slightly in front of the rest for its ergonomics, the ease of use of its controls and a sound experience that, together, is the most complete.

The classic 3.5 mm connection was for a long time the universal standard to listen to music, videos, movies or attend phone calls from the mobile. However, less than a decade began an important change that would no longer be turned: its progressive replacement by a USB-C port, which is used to load the phone or transfer data.

The first steps were taken in 2016. Apple directly eliminated the 3.5 mm jack connection in favor of the connector, and shortly after the Android devices manufacturers would do the same betting on the USB-C. And although the idea generated controversy, it made sense: to release internal space, simplify the design and offer a higher quality audio. At present, this type of connection has become the standard, especially in mobile range devices and.

The easiest way to differentiate some headphones with USB-C connector from others that use the 3.5 mm classic is to look at the type of plug. The former end up in a flat connector, somewhat wider and rectangular, while the latter have a cylindrical, thin and metallic connector, which usually has one or several black plastic rings that act as insulators.

Next to the type of connector, they also differ by the way they convey the sound. USB-C headphones work with a digital signal and usually incorporate a small converter (DAC) into the cable itself or connector to transform it into audible sound. Thanks to this, they can offer advanced functions such as active noise cancellation or more precise digital microphones. For their part, headphones with 3.5 mm connector transmit the audio directly into analog format, which makes them compatible with any device that has this classic entry.

Thus we have chosen and tested the products

To make this comparison I set a maximum budget of 20 euros and, from there, I selected four models of brands recognized by the consumer: Amazon, Belkin, Panasonic and Xiaomi. During the last month I have been trying with my personal phone, which has a USB-C connection, using them fundamentally both to listen to music and to attend calls and see one of my favorite series ‘How to defend a murderer’ starring the brilliant Viola Davis. In each analysis I have taken into account the following aspects:

• Design: From the point of view of the quality of manufacture, materials and finishes, both of the headphones and their cable.
• Comfort and adjustment: It is key that they are comfortable during use and that they adapt well to the ear contour to prevent them from moving or bothering themselves if they are used for a long time.
• Integrated controls: I analyze what the control system that they incorporate is like, what functions it allows to manage (volume, calls, reproduction) and the answer or touch offered by their buttons.
• Sound quality: Although it is evident that they cannot compete with high -end models, the important thing is that they offer a sound as balanced, clean and natural as possible, without noise or interference.

Control of 10 mm: Panasonic RP-TCM225dea

Who is it for: Do you want quality and variety of colors? In addition to the black and white classics, they are available in a vibrant blue version, ideal if you are looking for a different touch.

Why have we chosen them: As soon as you put them, notes that its creators have paid special attention to the fact that the voices are heard clear and clear. Although I did not expect some very powerful or shocking serious, they have the fair presence to contribute body to the sound. As for the acute ones, the high tones are perceived soft and pleasant, without being annoying for the ear. Thus, I tried to listen to different musical genres, from pop to jazz, and enjoyed a pleasant and balanced experience that never left me dissatisfied or disappointed.

Regarding the microphone, I have used it a lot for calls while walking down the street and also at home, and the result has been very positive. The voice comes sharply and without cuts; Although the occasional ambient noise is sneaked – as usual in external microphones without cancellation – it does not affect the conversation at all. In fact, in several video calls, my interlocutors told me that I was heard clearly.

Another thing that I liked is the length and quality of the cable. In addition, the only integrated control button responds perfectly and allows you to pause, reproduce or manage calls without complications, something that always is good for not having to take the mobile every two by three.

Your weak points: Its manufacturing quality is high, but it could have been improved if they also integrate a certification against dust or water, as in other models.

Oval control with three buttons: xiaomi Type C headphones

Who is it for: Users looking for a model that, in addition to highlighting for their experience of use, has the IP54 certification, thus reinforcing its durability.

Why have we chosen it: As with the rest, they give a quite solid first impression to be such a cheap model: a matte black design, with a discreet metallic body that does not attract attention but transmits the feeling of being a perfectly constructed product. They are accompanied by three silicone pads games, whose tips are gently enter the auditory channel, providing a comfortable and stable adjustment from the first use; Even walking a little faster than usual or climbing the stairs, I have not noticed that they move or fall.

For its part, the cable has a tpe covering, a practical and affordable solution to extend its useful life and improve this comfort at the same time. The TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) is a plastic material that combines some of the properties of rubber – like elasticity and softness to touch – with the advantages of plastics, such as their durability and wear resistance and torsion.

Together, they offer what one would expect from a model in its price range: a correct and functional sound. It is not of spectacular quality or surprises with high fidelity nuances, but neither does it disappoint. The control integrated in the cable is simple, as usual in this range: a single multifunction button that allows to pause or resume reproduction, respond or hang calls and, with double pulsation, move on to the next song.

Your weak points: Nothing important to review.

In black and blank: Belkin Soundform

Who is it for: If you are valuing to acquire USB-C headphones with flat cable, continue reading!

Why have we chosen them: As usual in this type of headphones, they are very light and integrate a short body that barely stands out from the ear, something that comes phenomenal if you plan to use them for long periods, since the discomfort is minimized. The box includes three pairs of silicone pads in different sizes (S, M and L). I tried first the medium and were the ones that best adjusted to my ear: the little ones, although they fit more firmly, generated some extra pressure that ended up being uncomfortable after a while, while the big ones did not finish settle and moved more than the account. I have also used them in public transport journeys to see my favorite series, and I have been allowed to listen to the dialogues clearly and without the need to raise the volume too much.

Another aspect in its favor is the cable, which has convinced me for two main reasons: it is flat, which reduces the tangles quite a lot, and it has a length somewhat higher than the subway, enough to carry the mobile in the pocket or supported on the table without being branch or bothering.

As for sound, the experience has been quite positive despite being a basic model: reproduction is stable, too annoying distortions appear, and the voices are perceived clear and defined. And the microphone? It meets more than dignity for calls, voice notes or even specific video calls.

Your weak points: The touch of its multifunction button is improvable because it is a bit hard.

Minimalists: Amazon Basics E8090a

Who is it for: If you are one of those who bet on the Amazon brand and you only want basic, functional already good price headphones, they can fit perfectly with you.

Why have we chosen them: They have a design that goes completely unnoticed, covered with a matte black finish, and a fairly fine cable that does not end up getting so much as expected. As standard, like the rest, the proposal includes some medium -sized silicone pads, plus two extra pairs (small and large). In my case, the medians were the ones that best adapted to my auditory pavilion, being comfortable, stable and with a good adjustment.

On the other hand, being honest, I expected a rather normal sound, but the truth is that they have pleasantly surprised me, just like the rest of the models I have tried, and much more than I imagined. In addition, seeing videos or series, I have not noticed at any time gate between the image and the audio, something that is very appreciated and that improves the experience.

As for the controls, they have a single multifunction button in the cable to pause or resume music, advance track with double pulsation and respond or hang calls. The microphone, which I tried for several calls on the street with some traffic, picked up my voice clearly; Although some ambient noise is sneaking, conversation did not make it difficult.

Your weak points: The lack of volume control forces us to always use the mobile.

Other interesting USB-C headphones models

If you are looking for cheap USB-C headphones to do sports:

The Avantree C171 model promises a safe adjustment. With ears hooks, they integrate microphone and physical controls online.

Frequent questions about USB-C headphones

Can I use USB-C headphones on any device with USB-C port?

Not necessarily. The device must be compatible with the Digital Audio transmission by USB-C, since some ports only serve to load or transfer data.

What happens if my mobile phone only has a USB-C connection and I want to continue using my 3.5 mm headphones?

In this case, you need a 3.5 mm USB-C adapter that also includes a digital to analog converter (DAC). This small accessory transforms the digital signal that leaves the USB-C port into an analog signal compatible with your traditional headphones. Of course, it should be ensured that the adapter is compatible with your phone model, since not everyone operates the same on all devices.

Is it possible to load the mobile and listen to music with USB-C headphones at the same time?

It is directly not possible, since the device only has one port. To achieve this, you need an adapter or a hub that allows both functions to be used at the same time.

Are they more fragile than 3.5 mm headphones?

Not especially, although the USB-C connector may be somewhat more vulnerable to pulls or blows if it is not careful.

[Recuerda que si eres usuario de Amazon Prime, todas las compras tienen gastos de envío gratuitos. Amazon ofrece un período de prueba gratuito y sin compromiso durante 30 días.]

*All purchase prices included in this article are updated on August 6, 2025.

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