How to Pick the Best Headphones For the iPhone 12

Starting with the 2020 iPhone 12 line, Apple phones no longer come with wired headphones in the box. If you have a pair that plug into Lightning, or a Bluetooth headphone with a Lightning connector, they’ll continue to work, but it’s time for an upgrade if you want a more comfortable fit and better sound quality. The good news is that you can get excellent wireless earbuds for the same price Apple used to include EarPods with its phones, and some even offer more luxuries like noise cancelling.

A few basic considerations will help you pick the best headphones iphone 12. Obviously, you’ll need a pair that connect to your iOS device via Bluetooth 5.0, which offers better range and sound quality than older versions of Bluetooth. You’ll also need to consider your budget and whether you need active noise cancellation (ANC). Finally, the earbuds should fit in your ears comfortably and stay in place during physical activities.

Regardless of your preference, there are plenty of great headphones that pair with the iPhone 12, including our top pick, the Jabra Elite 75t. These earbuds offer a comfortable fit, full track and volume controls, water resistance, and a nine-hour listening time per charge. They’re also one of the few wireless headphones that support Apple’s proprietary H1 wireless chip, which allows you to take advantage of iOS audio features that aren’t available with standard Bluetooth.

Another option is the Sony WF-C500 ($98 at Amazon). These earbuds have a visually anonymous design, a touchpad control, and effective ANC. They use polyurethane foam instead of silicone for the earpads, which creates a snug and comfy seal in your ears. They’re also IPX4 splashproof and compatible with the Sony Headphones app for a suite of EQ options and ANC adjustments.

If you prefer something a little more luxurious, check out the Beats Powerbeats Pro. These earbuds are heavier and slightly larger than the Jabras but offer more features, including noise cancelling that’s optimised automatically based on your surroundings. They’re also available with a wireless charging case, which adds an hour of battery life per charge.

The other big thing to consider is whether you need a cable. If you do, look for a pair that supports aptX, which lets them run at higher volumes without reducing the sound quality. Finally, you’ll need to make sure that your iOS device supports Bluetooth 5.0, and that it’s updated to the latest version.

The iPhone 7 and newer models don’t have a headphone jack, but they do support Lightning-to-3.5mm adapters, which are easy to find on Amazon or the Apple Store. And don’t forget that you can still charge your iPhone while it’s in its case with a USB-C cable and a fast charger. Just be sure to buy an official Apple adapter — third-party ones don’t always work as well.