Best Wired USB-C Earbuds for iPhone 17 (2026)
The iPhone 17 has no headphone jack, but wired earbuds are far from dead. They never need charging, they cost less than wireless ones, and they have no Bluetooth lag for games and video. You just need the right plug.
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Quick answer: For calls and everyday use, Apple’s EarPods with USB-C are the safe pick: the remote and mic work with the iPhone out of the box. For better sound with a USB-C plug, the Moondrop CHU II DSP is the hobbyist favorite. For the best sound per dollar, use Apple’s USB-C to 3.5mm adapter with a budget IEM like the Truthear Gate.
New to IEMs? Our best budget IEMs under $50 guide covers the wider range. Features below come from the listings, not our own tests.
⚡ Quick pick · Our top 3
Apple EarPods with USB-C
Best for: Calls, Siri and everyday listening
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Top Picks at a Glance
| Pick | Best for | Plug / mic (per listing) | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple EarPods with USB-CTop pick | Calls, Siri and everyday listening | USB-C / mic and remote | View on Amazon |
| JBL Tune 310C | Bass lovers who want a USB-C plug and mic | USB-C / mic and remote | View on Amazon |
| Moondrop CHU II DSP | Better sound with a USB-C plug | USB-C / see listing | View on Amazon |
| Truthear Gate + Apple USB-C to 3.5mm Adapter | Best sound for the money | 3.5mm + adapter / see listing | View on Amazon |
Apple EarPods with USB-C
Best for: Calls, Siri and everyday listening
The USB-C EarPods are the low-risk choice for an iPhone 17. The listing confirms the inline remote controls volume and playback and answers calls, and the built-in mic handles phone and FaceTime calls.
They sit in the ear rather than sealing it, so they let outside noise in. Good for the office, less good on a train.
✓ What we like
- Remote and mic work with iPhone
- Works with any USB-C device
- Comfortable open fit
! Keep in mind
- No noise isolation
- Bass is light
JBL Tune 310C
Best for: Bass lovers who want a USB-C plug and mic
JBL’s Tune 310C has a USB-C plug, Hi-Res certification and a three-button remote with a mic, per the listing. The remote also switches between Default, Bass and Vocal EQ presets.
The flat cable resists tangling in a pocket. JBL asks buyers to check USB-C compatibility with their device, so keep the box until you have tried it.
✓ What we like
- USB-C plug with mic
- EQ presets on the remote
- Flat, tangle-free cable
! Keep in mind
- Check compatibility with your phone
- Not as detailed as an IEM
Moondrop CHU II DSP
Best for: Better sound with a USB-C plug
The CHU II DSP is a budget in-ear monitor with a USB-C cable and built-in DSP tuning. The listing mentions three bass presets you switch in the Moondrop Link app, a metal shell and a detachable 0.78mm 2-pin cable.
Because the cable detaches, you can swap in a standard 3.5mm cable and a USB-C DAC dongle later. Check that the app supports your phone before you rely on the presets.
✓ What we like
- Detachable cable
- Bass presets via app
- Metal shell
! Keep in mind
- App support varies by phone
- Sealed fit takes getting used to
Truthear Gate + Apple USB-C to 3.5mm Adapter
Best for: Best sound for the money
The Truthear Gate is a 3.5mm budget IEM with a 10mm dynamic driver and a detachable cable, per the listing. On an iPhone 17 it needs Apple’s USB-C to 3.5mm adapter, which has its own small DAC and works with any USB-C iPhone.
This combo is how most IEM hobbyists start. When you want more, the Gate’s cable and the adapter both carry over to the next pair. More picks in our budget IEM guide.
✓ What we like
- Detachable cable
- Big upgrade over stock earbuds
- Adapter works with any 3.5mm headphones
! Keep in mind
- Two pieces to keep together
- Check the listing for the version with a mic
Which Wired Earbuds Work With the iPhone 17?
- USB-C plug: Plugs straight into the iPhone 17. Earbuds made for Android phones usually work, but remote buttons may not, so the EarPods are the safest bet for calls.
- 3.5mm plus adapter: Works with any 3.5mm headphones. Apple’s adapter is small and has a good reputation, and it opens up the whole IEM world.
- DAC dongle: A bigger external DAC gives more power for harder-to-drive IEMs. See our USB-C DAC dongle guide.
- IEM or earbud? IEMs seal the ear canal like earplugs; earbuds sit at the opening. Our IEM vs earbuds guide explains the difference.
- Charging and listening at once: The iPhone 17 has one port, so you cannot charge and use USB-C earbuds together without a splitter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do wired earbuds work with the iPhone 17?
Yes. USB-C earbuds like Apple’s EarPods with USB-C plug straight in, and any 3.5mm headphones work through Apple’s USB-C to 3.5mm adapter.
Do USB-C earbuds have a microphone for iPhone calls?
Many do. Apple’s EarPods with USB-C have a built-in mic and remote, and the JBL Tune 310C has a three-button remote with a mic, per their listings.
Are wired earbuds better than AirPods?
For sound per dollar and zero latency, wired usually wins. They also never need charging. AirPods win on convenience and freedom from cables.
What is the best budget IEM for iPhone?
Pair a budget IEM like the Truthear Gate with Apple’s USB-C to 3.5mm adapter, or pick a USB-C IEM like the Moondrop CHU II DSP. See our budget IEMs under $50 guide for more.
Will Lightning EarPods work with the iPhone 17?
Not directly. The iPhone 17 uses USB-C, so you need USB-C EarPods or a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter with standard headphones.
🏁 Still deciding?
Our top pick: Apple EarPods with USB-C
Best for: Calls, Siri and everyday listening
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Happy listening, from PyroFinds!