How We Research
We compare products from their published specs and features; the verdicts below are our independent editorial opinions.
If you want a wired in-ear headphone that plugs into a Lightning iPhone jack and just works with the older iPhone generations you still own, choose BCRKLO Earphones; if you need USB-C wired earbuds with a built-in DAC, a magnetic neck-wear design and a much wider device list covering iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 models, choose AIAUXAI USB C Headphones.
• BCRKLO Earphones — biggest strength: It's a Lightning-jack wired in-ear set with a built-in mic and inline media controls, aimed squarely at iPhone 7 through iPhone 13 (plus iPad) owners who want zero adapters.
• BCRKLO Earphones — biggest trade-off: The compatibility list stops at the iPhone 13 era. If you've moved to an iPhone 15 or iPhone 16 with USB-C, this plug simply won't fit.
• AIAUXAI USB C Headphones — biggest strength: USB-C plug-and-play with a dedicated DAC chip, magnetic earbuds that clip together around your neck, a storage bag and extra eartips in the box.
• AIAUXAI USB C Headphones — biggest trade-off: It's USB-C only, so it's useless on a Lightning iPhone without an adapter, and its spec sheet leans on broad cross-brand compatibility rather than deep Apple-specific tuning.
• Who each pick is for: BCRKLO for a Lightning iPhone owner who wants a simple corded set with touch media controls; AIAUXAI for anyone on a USB-C phone — iPhone 15/16 included — who wants a DAC-backed, tangle-resistant everyday pair.
The BCRKLO Earphones are a straightforward proposition: a wired in-ear headphone with a Lightning-style phone jack, a 32 ohm impedance dynamic driver, soft silicone earplugs and a built-in microphone. The control scheme is where it gets interesting — the sheet lists touch control with media control functions, so pause/play, volume and call handling sit on the inline controller rather than on the phone. For someone who takes a lot of calls while walking, that's a genuinely convenient setup.
Who should skip it? Anyone on an iPhone 15 or iPhone 16, full stop — the connector doesn't match, and you'd be forcing an adapter into the chain. I'd also steer away if you want a carrying case or spare tips, because the package here is the earphones plus an instruction card, nothing more. And note the supplied instructions walk through a Bluetooth-style connection sequence with a pop-up pairing window; read that card before you assume something is broken, and remember the brand recommends you not wear any headphones for extended periods.
AIAUXAI USB C Headphones: Who It's For
The AIAUXAI USB C Headphones are built around a USB Type C jack and a DAC chip, which is the piece that lets a digital USB-C port feed an analog driver properly. The audio spec is a 20Hz–20,000Hz frequency range with 105 dB sensitivity and a dynamic driver, tuned for enhanced bass and clear treble. In-ear silicone caps handle isolation, and the mic plus multi-function button cover play, pause, volume and calls.
What I like most about the design is the practical stuff. The magnetic earbuds snap together so you can wear them around your neck when you pull them out, which kills the tangled-cord problem that plagues most wired sets. There's a storage bag for the earbuds and small accessories, and the box includes two pairs of eartips, so you can size the fit properly.
The compatibility list is enormous — iPhone Air, 17e, 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, iPhone 16 and 16 Pro Max, iPhone 15 series, Samsung Galaxy S-series and Note, Galaxy A-series and Z Fold/Flip, Google Pixel, OnePlus Nord and flagship models, iPad Pro/Air/Mini, iPad 10th and 11th gen, and MacBook Air/Pro. That breadth is the whole point: one corded set that follows you from phone to tablet to laptop.
The trade-off is real, though. It's USB-C only. On a Lightning iPhone you'd need an adapter, and the sheet doesn't include one. The warranty is listed as one year from the manufacturer, which is a longer coverage window than BCRKLO's one-month replacement note.
• Best for iPhone 7 through iPhone 13 owners → BCRKLO Earphones. Direct Lightning-style jack, no adapter needed.
• Best for iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 owners → AIAUXAI USB C Headphones. USB-C plug-and-play is the only thing that fits those ports natively.
• Best for multi-device use → AIAUXAI USB C Headphones. Phone, tablet, laptop and MacBook all share the same USB-C connector.
• Best for tangle-free carrying → AIAUXAI USB C Headphones. Magnetic earbuds plus a storage bag beat a bare cord.
• Best for the simplest possible setup → BCRKLO Earphones. Plug into the jack, and if a window appears, confirm the connection per the instruction card.
• Best for fit adjustability out of the box → AIAUXAI USB C Headphones. Two pairs of eartips are included.
• Best for a longer stated warranty → AIAUXAI USB C Headphones. One-year manufacturer coverage versus a one-month replacement note.
• Best for touch-based inline control → BCRKLO Earphones. The sheet lists touch control with media functions.
If I were buying for myself today, I'd take the AIAUXAI USB C Headphones. In my opinion, the USB-C connector is the more future-proof choice — it covers iPhone 15 and iPhone 16, plus tablets, laptops and MacBooks, and the DAC chip, magnetic design and included storage bag and spare tips make it the more complete everyday package. I'd only pick the BCRKLO Earphones if my phone were a Lightning iPhone (7 through 13) and I wanted the shortest possible path from pocket to ears. Check the current price on Amazon before you commit, since that's the one thing that can tip a close call.
how to use headphones for iphone
On a Lightning iPhone, plug the BCRKLO Earphones into the phone jack and follow the included instruction card: if a window appears, confirm the connection and wait a few seconds; if the first attempt fails, unplug and reinsert. On a USB-C iPhone, the AIAUXAI set is simpler — plug in and audio routes automatically, no software needed.
how to use wired headphones for iphone 15
The iPhone 15 uses a USB-C port, so the AIAUXAI USB C Headphones plug straight in with no adapter. Once connected, use the inline button for play, pause and volume, and the built-in mic for calls. A Lightning-jack set like the BCRKLO Earphones would not fit this phone without an adapter.
how to use wired headphones for iphone
First match the connector to your port: Lightning for iPhone 7 through 13 (BCRKLO), USB-C for iPhone 15 and later (AIAUXAI). Then plug in, check that audio routes to the headset, and use the inline controls. For calls on the BCRKLO set, the instructions note you may need to select the wired audio output on the phone first so the mic works.
how to use wired headphones for iphone 16
The iPhone 16 family is USB-C, so the AIAUXAI USB C Headphones are the direct fit — plug and play, no adapter or app. The DAC chip handles the digital-to-analog conversion inside the cable. The BCRKLO Earphones, with their Lightning-style jack, are not a match for this phone.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon and affiliated sites.
When you buy through links on this page, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon or its affiliates. This site is an independent third-party review and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Amazon or the product brands mentioned.
See also: ZKBSIAXD Open Ear vs Menglang Clip-On Earbuds, Bioonis Lightning Ear Buds vs SUPVOL IPhone, Koss GMR540-A-ISO vs RK ROYAL KLUDGE HG103, Linsoul TANGZU Wan'er S.G vs KOMISON Mono