Skip to content

Audiophiles

Search
Close this search box.

Best Lightning Headphones 2024

A pair of wireless Bluetooth headphones, a 3.5mm to Lightning converter (no longer supplied in the box for 2018 and later iPhones), or a pair of wired headphones that connect to the Lightning connector are required to listen to music on any iPhone since the venerable iPhone 7. Lightning headphones exist, and they allow you to plug a set of headphones right into the port on the bottom edge of your iPhone. They’re not something you’ll find in every store or from every brand, but they do exist.

Audeze iSINE20 in-Ear with Lightning Cable

Audeze iSINE20, in Ear, Semi Open Headphone,...
  • HIGH QUALITY SOUND: Exceptional clarity throughout the full frequency...
  • MIX MUSIC ANYWHERE: Audiophile-quality headphones that deliver an...
  • SUPERIOR RESOLUTION: Our innovative planar magnetic drivers use NASA...

The Audeze iSINE20 headphones are the leading in-ear monitor technology from this audiophile firm. Audeze needs little introduction when it comes to professional audio equipment, since the brand has built a name for itself with its planar magnetic headphones.

Traditional dynamic drivers are replaced with planar electromagnetic drivers in the Audeze iSine10 in-ear semi-open headphones, resulting in less distortion and improved responsiveness. You’ll be satisfied with the result whether you’re listening to high treble replies in a rock album or low bass frequencies in a trap-house album. The iSine10 with Lighting Cable version comes with Audeze’s Cipher Lightning Cable, which has a built-in amp that you can adjust via the company’s official iOS app.

Their planar magnetic drivers are made to offer crystal clean sound with minimum distortion and a lot of bass. The bass will be the first sound to grab your attention on most tunes, but it doesn’t mean these headphones are unbalanced with their audio output. In truth, their sonic character is relatively neutral. Regardless, the frequency range is so large that the difference in low-end details is almost immediately noticeable.

There’s just so much I can say about this sound, but you won’t get the full image unless you hear it for yourself. The one drawback of their acoustic design is that it is semi-open, which allows sound to leak through and be heard by people close. However, these headphones come with a variety of eartips and ear wings to provide a secure fit. For you, these headphones will sound more louder and clearer than for passersby.

It is flat and long-lasting. Because the Lightning wire can be removed and replaced with a 3.5mm jack, these headphones may be used with almost any setup. Volume controls, play/pause, a microphone, and a DAC are all included into both cables’ inline controls. Any of the headset’s other features are eclipsed by its sound or its price tag. But it’s much than likely that both. You don’t need to look any farther if you’re seeking for the best Lightning IEMs. These are the Best Lightning Headphones in 2023.

Moshi Avanti On-Ear Headphones

Moshi Avanti On-Ear Headphones, 3.5mm Headphone...
  • Ergonomics in Mind: Engineered to provide a balanced and immersive sound....
  • All-Day Comfort: Angled earcup design for improved comfort over extended...
  • Enhanced Portability: A rotatable stainless steel headband and custom...

The issue with most Lightning headphones is that they only work with Apple devices like the iPhone and earlier iPads, and they won’t function with newer Apple goods like the iPad Pro line, which has forsaken Lightning in favor of USB-C. It’s difficult to rationalize spending a lot of money on headphones that are only compatible with one device.

As a result, Moshi’s Avanti on-ear headphones are a great choice. The headphones are pretty expensive, but they come with a detachable Lightning cable for Apple devices as well as a standard 3.5mm connector that works with a larger range of smartphones and other audio devices. Moshi currently offers a second edition, the Avanti C, which includes a USB-C cable for use with the growing number of smartphones and tablets that support that lightning port.

The headphones themselves are well designed and come in a range of colors. They’re pretty tiny thanks to the on-ear design, and the earpieces fold inwards so you can quickly fit them into the carrying case provided when traveling. They also sound fantastic, with a frequency range of 15Hz to 22kHz.

The Avanti LT headphones can earn their keep both at home and on the go, thanks to their high-quality sound, portable design, and helpful accessories – plus, unlike most Lightning headphones, they can also be used with non-Apple devices.

1MORE Triple Driver In Ear Headphones (Earphones/Earbuds) with Lightning Connector for Apple

1MORE Triple Driver In Ear Headphones...
  • LIGHTNING CONNECTOR- As the first triple driver Lightning headphone ever,...
  • 5-IN-1 CONTROLLER- Exclusive five-directional button allows you to make...
  • THREE DRIVERS + HD DAC- Two balanced armatures (like mini tweeters) + one...

Many businesses have had enough time on the market to develop Lightning headphones, but 1More does so while providing an amazing package at an accessible price range. These 1More Triple Driver headphones give a premium sound experience for less than a pound, making them ideal for listening to Apple Music or your favorite podcasts. The internal triple drivers in the bud help to reproduce sound with more fidelity, and the integrated HD amp ensures that the headphones are constantly driven adequately. We particularly like the five-directional button interface, which lets you easily alter the music and volume, as well as activate Siri.

1MORE is a well-known audio accessory business with high-quality products, and its triple driver in-ear headphones are one of its most popular options among audiophiles. The earphones are in-ear and use a triple-driver system to drive the sound, as their name suggests. Two balanced armature drivers, one titanium dynamic driver, and a high-definition DAC make up this system. As a result, the earphones can better handle various noises in the frequency range and produce high-quality music with improved clarity.

Furthermore, the company places equal emphasis on the earbuds’ design to guarantee that they fit comfortably into the auditory meatus and provide a comfortable fit, as well as good sound. The 1MORE Triple Driver headphones come with a 5-in-1 (or five-directional) in-line controller that can be used to activate voice control, adjust volume, and change tracks, among other things.

Pioneer Rayz Plus Active Noise Cancelling Wired Earphones with Microphone

RAYZ Pioneer Plus Active Noise Cancelling Wired...
  • Smart Noise Cancelling
  • Smart Button
  • Hands-Free Hey Siri

The Pioneer Rayz Plus has noise-cancelling technology built in that promises to adapt to your ears while yet allowing enough external sounds to keep you aware of your surroundings. The music you were listening to automatically pauses when you take them out of your ears and resumes when you put them back in.

The in-line controls have a convenience key that can be programmed to start a music app, silence calls, or activate Rayz controls, which allows you to alter various headphone settings. However, one of the Rayz Plus’s best advantages is that they allow you to charge your iPhone while listening to music. All of this is fantastic, and the sound quality is excellent for the price. However, some people have complained about the fit. To keep the sound quality and noise cancellation, they often need to be pushed back in or adjusted.’

Pioneer is a well-known brand in the audio industry, recognized for its quirky and functional audio gear. Rayz Plus is one of the company’s products. These are a pair of in-ear wired headphones featuring ANC (Active Noise Cancellation), auto-pause, hands-free Siri, and, of course, lightning connectivity.

Aside from these functions, another useful feature of these headphones is the inclusion of a charging connector that allows you to charge your device while wearing them. As a result, you may now listen to music or take calls while charging your iPhone or iPad.

To cater to audiophiles, the Pioneer Rayz Plus comes with a companion app that allows you to tweak the sound, discover the perfect fit, and customize noise cancellation to meet your specific needs.

JBL Reflect Aware in-Ear Sport Headphones with Lightnin

JBL Reflect Aware in-Ear Sport Headphones with...
  • Noise cancellation with adaptive noise control for adjustable ambient sound
  • Lightning connector for Apple devices, including the iPhone 7, iPhone 8,...
  • Enjoy JBL's best in class noise cancellation technologies and adjust the...

Over-ear or on-ear headphones are not for everyone. Some people prefer in-ears for a variety of reasons, including the capacity to stuff them in their pockets or the ability to wear them quietly in situations where music should not be played. JBL’s Reflect Aware earbuds are one example of a firm that decided to produce a set of Lightning earbuds. What makes these so intriguing is that they offer adaptive noise cancellation in addition to terminating in a Lightning connector rather than a 3.5mm socket.

JBL is a well-known brand of speakers and headphones among the general public. In most circumstances, it’s recognized for providing good value for money, and the JBL Reflect Aware is one of those wired headphones that fills the hole for Lightning headphones without breaking the bank. These have an active-style design that is similar to any earphone designed for use during training/workouts. As a result, wingtips are included, which ensure a secure fit and retain the earbuds in the ear canal while jogging or running.

In terms of functionality, the JBL Reflect Aware offers noise-cancellation capabilities, as well as the option to filter out ambient sounds according to your preferences. With 14.8mm drivers on the inside, these lightning earbuds offer a slightly balanced sound signature, making them an enticing option for individuals who prefer neutral sound.

Belkin SoundForm True Wireless Earbuds

Sale
Belkin SoundForm True Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth...
  • Cystal-clear sound with deep bass at any volume. Everyday audio is taken to...
  • 3 sizes of ear tips give you a sealed in-ear fit for all-day comfort while...
  • Quick Bluetooth pairing connects with just a tap. After the first setup,...

Manufacturers must create a unique version of their conventional headphones that uses the Apple-only connector specifically for iPhone owners, Lightning headphones are usually quite pricey. Despite their low price, the SoundForm headphones – which were previously known as Rockstar but have since been rebranded – are well-made, featuring a sturdy, flat cord that prevents tangles when stuffed into your pocket.

The inline controls are pretty basic for a wireless connection, consisting of a small microphone for voice calls, a pair of volume adjustment buttons, and a Play/Pause button for music and phone conversations. There aren’t many accessories at this price, either – there’s no carrying bag and only three sizes of silicon ear-tips, though that should be enough for most people to get a decent, comfortable fit.

The headphones are also water-resistant, but Belkin does not specify an IP rating, so they should be an excellent, affordable alternative for jogging around the park or working out at the gym.

Given the inexpensive price, the sound quality is also a pleasant surprise. Bohemian Rhapsody’s multi-layered bombast was conveyed with clarity and detail by the SoundForm. The SoundForm managed to dive down to the deep, ominous electronic bass on Prime Evil by The Orb, which is sometimes lacking in smaller, less expensive earbuds.

The SoundForm is the best set of budget-priced Lightning headphones we’ve seen so far, but getting a good, firm fit inside your ears is very important for sound quality. As long as the ear-tips provided by Belkin fit you properly, the SoundForm is the best set of budget-priced Lightning headphones we’ve seen so far. Belkin now sells Lightning adaptors, which allow you to use your old 3.5mm headphones with a new iPhone or even connect an iPhone to a car stereo system.

RHA MA650i Earbuds with Lightning Connector for Apple

No products found.

The RHA MA650i gives users the essentials, but not much extra. It comes with a range of foam ear tips for a secure fit and good isolation. It also includes a built-in remote that can be used to adjust playback, volume, and summon Siri. It doesn’t have any dust or water protection, but it does come with a three-year manufacturer guarantee that covers factory faults.

The RHA MA650i’s sound quality is about what you’d expect at $60: acceptable. High frequencies have a neutral tone to them and don’t sound harsh even at high volumes. Because mid-frequencies are louder than bass notes or high-pitched sounds, vocalists may sound louder than the instrumentation at times. The RHA MA650i may disappoint EDM and hip-hop aficionados because it undervalues kick drums, brass, and other bass sounds.

The MA650i earbuds provide a rich listening experience and are an ideal improvement for anyone wishing to replace their iPhone’s Apple Lightning Earbuds. Whether you’re listening to classical music or hip-hop, RHA uses a 380.1 dynamic driver to offer outstanding sound. While the headphones don’t have active noise cancellation, the ear tips that come with them aid to reduce outside noise during listening sessions. RHA also includes a handy travel pouch to stow your MA650i headphones when they’re not in use. The MA650i headphones also came with an inbuilt remote with a microphone that could be used to control music and answer phone calls.