iPhone Headphone Adapter Roundup
iPhone users quickly found out that the headphone jack on the iPhone is recessed several millimeters and standard headphones won’t fit in the jack.
Belkin Adapter
The first company to release an adapter was Belkin, but the adapter is rigid, ugly and looks like a 3″ antennae sticking out of the top of your iPhone. The adapter sells for $10.95, but is getting bad reviews, and I’d recommend looking into other options below.
Griffin Adapter
The Griffin adapter looks better, as it’s not rigid and doesn’t pose the risk of breaking your headphone adapter by bumping into a wall or door. Still, it’s bulky and very noticeable and is not even available yet.
RadTech Adapter
The best looking adapter available now is the RadTech Audio Extension Cable. Available in two lengths, 3″ and 4″, this adapter is as sleek as you could expect and is the least expensive, at only $7.95. I highly recommend this adapter, and have bought one for my iPhone.
Shure Adapter
The Shure adapter has a longer cable and includes an inline microphone, so you can still use the phone function while listening to standard headphones. At $39.95, it is the most expensive adapter. I don’t think an inline microphone is worth an extra $30. I want an adapter to use old-style over the ear headphones to get superior sound quality. If I get a call, I’ll unplug them and put the phone to my ear.
Apple Adapter
There are more choices than previously, but I am still surprised no one has released a simple, elegant adapter that is as minimalistic as possible. While I was browsing the iPhone Cables cateogry at the Apple Store, I couldn’t help but notice the TTY Adapter by Apple. It’s small and sleek, just like you would expect from Apple. I wonder, if a TTY adapter can be made this small why can’t they a headphone adapter?
Terry on August 30th, 2007 at 12:23 pm
Radtech has a coupon code for %15 off right now. use RTPROMO1 when you check out.
Aaron on August 30th, 2007 at 2:17 pm
Amazingly, Apple used to make the right adapter and you might still be able to find one.
Its the connector for the 1st gen Apple iPod shuffle Sport Case, see picture:
fits perfectly.
http://playlistmag.com/publications/playlist/images/2005/03/sportcasefull.jpg
i trimmed down my plug before I realized i already owned an adapter that would work.
Tux on August 30th, 2007 at 2:53 pm
I would also suggest the Monster iSplitter 200 which flawlessly fits into the iPhone and offers TWO headphone jacks with independent volume dials on each jack. It is a great way to share music on the beach and is fairly light with superior sound quality. I’d highly recommend this, especially since you can use it over and over with pretty much any audio device.
Honza on August 31st, 2007 at 2:56 am
If all you want is a way to get a 3.5mm socket for your standard phones you can go to radioshack what-have-you and pick up an adapter for a dollar or two.
Why pay $10.95 for this?
Personally I would cut off the 3.5mm plug off my favourite phones, and solder on a new 2.5mm plug. 50c – job done.
Brandon Eley on September 2nd, 2007 at 8:08 am
Honza, the plug on the iPhone is 3.5mm, not 2.5. HOWEVER, it is recessed several MM into the iPhone so the plastic around most headphones prevent them from being plugged into an iPhone.
If you’ll notice the plugs in the photos above are all very slim, but they’re still 3.5mm plugs.
Honza on September 3rd, 2007 at 2:46 am
I get it. That’s pretty annoying. Looks like what is needed is a 3.5mm plug without the cover, but sealed with a hot-glue shroud. With care, it could look OK.
ljhatlga on September 19th, 2007 at 6:00 am
Try this: http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.aspc_id=108&cp_id=10831&cs_id=1083105&p_id=3734&seq=1&format=1#largeimage
Alex on October 7th, 2007 at 4:40 pm
Aaron, is there anyway to buy an adapter like the one in the link you provided? I’ve had no luck so far. Thanks!
Brandon on October 13th, 2007 at 1:01 pm
I purchased the RadTech adapter only to have it short out within the first month. I’m returning it and attempting to purchase the monster iSplitter, methinks…
tommy on October 23rd, 2007 at 10:17 am
I absolutely hate having to remember to bring this extra adapter thing around with me everywhere I go. Bleh!
Ben on October 30th, 2007 at 7:54 am
This eBay seller has TONS of the old Sport Case adapters. I think it’s the best looking option and would gladly pay $8.99 again. I just stick it on the end of my headphones and leave it there all the time. Never gets in the way, and looks perfectly fine.
Ben on October 30th, 2007 at 7:56 am
Sorry, not sure why that link broke. Seller’s name is: droopymccool
William on November 5th, 2007 at 7:46 pm
Check out mono price for good cables and adapters.
I was able to get a 1″ adapter like the TTY and a 3″ adapater like the griffin for under $5 shipped.
http://www.monoprice.com/products/search.asp?keyword=iphone&x=0&y=0
Carlito on November 7th, 2007 at 10:24 am
Personally I stick with Belkin. Yeah they are usually a lot more expensive but this company keeps the price down. I ordered a case, and the adapter from them and it was less than just the adapter from the apple store.
http://www.techsourcepro.com/sections/item_details/?item=iP-N07083
Tim on November 13th, 2007 at 2:29 pm
Careful use of a surgical scalpel on the plug of my etymotic earphones removed 3mm of soft plastic outer sleeve down to a hard translucent sleeve below enabling them to fit the iphone perfectly.
krumbs on November 18th, 2007 at 5:15 am
awaiting delivery of the seido adapters. picked up both – the shorter one and the retractable type.
http://www.seidioonline.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=1193
also, has anyone tried out the monster isonitalk. looks interesting.
http://www.monstercable.com/productdisplay.asp?pin=4571
would like to know which one has the best mic. i believe the shure uses “voice port”. does it make them better than the stock headset?
Tom on November 28th, 2007 at 4:52 pm
Just use a very sharp razor blade to cut back the plastic around the jack on your headphones about 1/8th of an inch. Did in on my Shures and it worked perfectly. Bonus it’s free!
Ian on November 29th, 2007 at 5:27 am
I have a pair of the V-Moda Vibe headphones (best inear-phones I have had) and they are all metal including the jack so I am unable to cut all material away. Why cant someone make an adapter like the TTY one on the apple store site.
Apple are ar*eholes for recessing the headphone socket!
Ian on November 29th, 2007 at 5:30 am
Will the TTY adapter work with headphones? The terminals on the jack seem to match up with the stadard stero jack terminals.
Aneillo on December 15th, 2007 at 9:32 pm
I have the shuffle (the white one that pretty much looks like a USB stick) and I bought the case for it, and it came with a 3 inch apple-looking adaptor that works damn good.
Lucy on January 23rd, 2008 at 11:58 pm
While Apple did really #$%@ with people like me who cannot or will not use the in-box headphones, I’m willing to bet the iPhone design mandated the recessed headphone socket. If you look at the iPod Touch, the headphone socket is at the bottom, and is not recessed. Must be the hardware for cellular phone service that made them drill through stainless steel.
Terry on February 19th, 2008 at 9:30 am
I was looking for a way to plug my iPhone into my audio sysem. I had a headphone to RCA cable that I previously used with an iPod. After reading your comments, I shaved the plug to fit in the iPhone. It works great. Thanks!!
Mel on February 22nd, 2008 at 11:59 am
Why remove the headphones if you get a call? Just answer the call, and talk into the bottom of the phone.
The Ozman on February 26th, 2008 at 12:24 am
There is no need to shave the plug to plug into your stereo, just use the dock it has a normal 3.5mm fitting.
Ardor on March 1st, 2008 at 4:01 pm
Check out http://www.accstation.com this adapter is like $2.00 there. I love accstation….
Be Blessed!!!
Dave Yost on March 20th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
Apple assures me that with the right adapter, the built-in mic works for phone calls made with no-mic headphones plugged in.
Which of these adapters are compatible with this use case?
I have two adaptors, each with four contacts, and neither works for phone calls. I wonder what sort of headset (with mic) would work with these.
Aaron on April 12th, 2008 at 9:12 pm
Don’t forget the official Apple one :)
Yes, the one that comes with the Apple iPod Shuffle first gen orange/ clear case. It has a recessed port and they actually included an adapter that looks exactly like the Griffin one, but in white. Actually they made it so that the Shuffle was completely sealed off even with the headphones plugged in.
I am using that one with my iPhone now.
chris on April 30th, 2008 at 10:48 am
IF you’re buying from Radtech checkout this discount code for 15% off that I found. It works as of 4/30/08 RTPROMO1
Beta on May 5th, 2008 at 11:21 pm
Get factory price more iphone accessories at http://www.chineseshoponline.com/class.asp?lx=big&anid=32
adapter on June 1st, 2008 at 8:53 pm
I tested this camera for a client. I didn’t have the light running for more than 15 minutes. The battery lasted approximately 6 hours before recharging. The LCD, however, had a few dead pixels – never saw this before.
Raz on July 30th, 2008 at 6:19 am
Do anyone know if you can get any headphoneadapter trough the bottomcontact? Like Apple remote radio but without the radio, that works with the Iphone?
Will on August 8th, 2008 at 8:40 am
The iphone dock works great if you want to connect your iphone to your home stereo. The dock has a non-recessed jack that allows you to plug any 3.5mm plug into. I have a phone to RCA cable that I use from the dock to my stereo and it works beautifully, even charging the iphone at the same time. Of course the dock wouldn’t be very convenient if you’re on the move and need portability, an adapter would be a must.
Craig on December 1st, 2008 at 8:35 pm
I am looking for a cable that will extend my current iphone 3G headphones by 20 to 50 cm.
So, that’s male to female 3.5mm 4 pole in, 4 pole out.
It has to keep the stereo audio, microphone and switch functions active.
Please let me know if you have seen one on the market. They must exist, but I can’t find them. Thanks.
John Keep on December 10th, 2008 at 6:07 am
Was going to buy some Nokia mini speakers as they come with an adaptor, anyone know if they fit the iphone
Essex webdesigner on December 10th, 2008 at 6:37 am
I bought one of the Nokia speaker sets and they sound great on the Iphone but I had an adaptor and didnt get one with my speakers
Suki on December 10th, 2008 at 11:57 pm
i got one http://www.soooogo.com/iphone-earphone-remote-adapter-product-143.html with Mic, it also can answer the iphone
Cydney on February 27th, 2009 at 10:13 am
I’m loving that 3rd parties are starting to make these…
But my headphones for mine are Comply NR10i, and I don’t need an adapter! I’m special ;)
lucy on May 11th, 2009 at 9:43 pm
http://www.cabletrain.com might have them in their adapter section