The best lightning headphones for iPhone or iPad

Our summary of the best lightning headphones to buy that will connect directly to the Lightning port of your iPhone or iPad.

To listen to music on any iPhone from iPhone 7, you need a pair of Bluetooth wireless lightning headphones, a 3.5mm to the Lightning converter (no longer included in the box for iPhone 2018 and later) or a pair of wired earphones to be connected to the Lightning port.

Lightning headphones have a special quality. They are capable of receiving a 48kHz lossless stereo digital audio output from Apple devices and sending a 48kHz mono digital audio input. They can also get power from an Apple device (even if the device is asleep).

Apple’s Lightning port can also support headphones with digital-to-analog converters (DACs) and built-in amplifiers, so audio traveling through the Lightning port will go through the headphones digitally, thus avoiding the typical analog signal interference you get with other headphones.

We’ve chosen some of the best pairs of Lightning headphones available today at a variety of prices.

The best Lightning headphones to buy for your Apple devices

If you prefer to use a cable to use your headphones and you own an iPhone, you will surely be interested to know what are the best headphones with Lightning connectors. We tell you what are the best Lightning headphones for iPhone.

RHA MA650i with Lightning

The best Lightning headphones to buy

The RHA MA650i are good quality Lightning headphones that deliver great sound at a reasonable price. 

Their aeroponic design leaves a high-end impression with aluminum construction with discreet and chic finishes.

Their cable has a look that is both rubber and braided. They are light and comfortable, especially thanks to the 8 pairs of tips provided. 

These ear tips have excellent sound insulation, so outside noise will not be a nuisance. The custom 380.1 dynamic transducer provides sound with frequencies ranging from 16 to 20,000 Hz.

These RHA MA650i are powerful and adapt to all types of listening: music, audiobooks, or podcasts.

The MA650i Lightning comes with a few accessories: a mesh carrying pouch, a cable clip, and eight pairs of ear tips.

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Thore Bluetooth iPhone Headphones with Lightning Connector

Thore Bluetooth iPhone Headphones with Lightning Connector

The Thore C150 is a low-cost on-ear option that offers the best of both worlds. Along with Bluetooth, Thore includes a four-foot Lightning cable for the headphones.

The headphone earbuds are covered with a leather exterior and a soft foam interior, making long listening sessions comfortable. Instead of a controller on the Lightning cable, you can control music playback and volume with the buttons on the outside of the headphones. This pair of headphones also comes in gray, blue, or white colors.

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Audeze iSINE10 Semi-Open Headphones

Best lightning headphones apple alternatives buy

The 1MORE Lightning earbuds are metal accessories that offer excellent sound quality, thanks to a sophisticated triple-driver setup, developed by the manufacturer. There is also a high-quality DAC on board, as well as a convenient remote control with a five-way controller. The earphones will be sold in an elegant leather carrying case, and nine sets of earphones to find a perfect “fit”.

The Audeze iSINE 10 is a truly professional choice and boasts an exceptional sound that will surely be appreciated by true music lovers. If it weren’t for the high price, they would be the best possible choice. They are not for everyone, however. If you are looking for a semi-open headset with a lightning connector, then you should consider this option. Want to know the price and read user reviews? Just follow the link below.

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Belkin RockStar iPhone Headphones

Belkin RockStar iPhone Headphones

Available in black and white, these wired Lightning headphones also come in a USB-C version for Android phones. They are Apple-certified and come with a tangle-free cable. Naturally, they are at home with calls or music, while there is also online volume control.

As you can see, they are also inexpensive compared to many other Lightning-headphone options. Despite their price, the Rockstar headphones are sturdy in construction, with a thick flat cable that reduces tangles when you put them in your pocket.

The online controls are pretty basic: just a small microphone for voice calls, a couple of buttons to adjust the volume, and a play/pause button that controls music and phone calls. Want to know the price and read user reviews? Just follow the link below.

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Libratone Lightning in-Ear Earbuds

Libratone Lightning in Ear Earbuds

These are headphones that offer a balance of bass, mids, vocals, and clear high tones. However, what is most striking is the four-level adjustable noise control feature; in the first, the music is maintained while allowing 80% of the external sound to be filtered, allowing you to speak to people without removing your headphones.

Each level progressively cancels the external sound, until providing a total block, where you can immerse yourself 100% in the music you enjoy. You can change noise cancellation levels on the four-button control, which also lets you play and pause music, change songs, answer calls, and invoke Siri. And because in-ear options can be a delicate fit for some ears, the package includes three different sizes of interchangeable ear tips. Without any doubt, this is one of the best noise-canceling headsets with a lightning connector. Want to know the price and read user reviews? Just follow the link below.

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Sony MDR-1ADAC

Sony Premium Hi Res Stereo Built in DAC headsets

A more premium option, the Sony MDR-1ADAC focuses on providing high-quality audio. With a built-in USB DAC, these headphones include a Lightning cable along with a digital output cable for Sony’s lesser-known Walkman and Xperia devices. The headphones can also work with any device that uses a standard 3.5mm audio cable.

You can adjust the volume of the music by turning a dial on the headphones. In-ear headphones feature soft ear pads and a padded headband. When it’s time to travel, the headband slides and earmuffs can be rotated to take up less space in the included pouch. You will surely love this pair of headphones with a lightning connector. Want to know the price and read user reviews? Just follow the link below.

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Pioneer Rayz Plus

Pioneer Rayz Plus review

If you want to charge your iPhone while listening to music, the Pioneer Rayz Plus is for you. Currently, it is the only Lightning headset that offers simultaneous charging. Another unique option of these headphones is the ability to respond to the “Hey Siri” command even when the iPhone is in a bag or pocket. This allows you to easily make a call, send a message, listen to music, and more, always in hands-free mode.

AutoPause technology will automatically pause media playback when you remove the headphones and resume when you put them on again. A special smart button on the Lightning socket is customizable. You can configure it to display a specific application, mute, reactivate phone calls, or start the Rayz application. Want to know the price and read user reviews? Just follow the link below.

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JBL Reflect Aware

JBL Reflect Aware iphone ipad

An ideal alternative for people who enjoy listening to music while practicing a physical activity such as running or training. The JBL Reflect Aware headphones feature active noise canceling technology so you can control the amount of outside sound you hear. You can change the noise cancellation on the headphone cable.

In addition to being sweat-resistant, waterproof, and easy to clean, reflective cables will help keep you visible on the road. Users can find a perfect fit as JBL includes three pad sizes and ergonomic sports tips. Want to know the price and read user reviews? Just follow the link below.

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Conclusion: iPhone headphones with lightning connectors

That’s all for now, friends. These are some of the best lightning headphones for iPhone users.

My favorite on this list would be the RHA MA650i since I think it offers the best overall value for the price. There are so many good models out there, that finding the best is almost an impossible mission. Evaluate your budget and your needs and decide based on this. You may also be interested to know which are the best wireless headphones on the market.