Best Lightning Headphones for iPhone and iPad

1. GMW Lightning Earphones

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Editor’s Rating: 4.8/5

The budget buyer will appreciate the low price of the GMW Lightning Earphones and the value that’s offered here. The cord length is 6 feet and the earphones are white, which is comparable to the Apple AirPods. The earphones are compatible with all Apple devices, which means they work with even the newest line of products.

This is a unique product because it is a combination of wired and Bluetooth in one. The Lightning connection is for power only, and the Bluetooth connectivity is the way you’ll receive the audio. All iPhones offer Bluetooth, which means this isn’t going to be an issue for users.

The combination of the extended frequency range, super bass, and low distortion means you’ll appreciate the audio quality right away. Given the low price point of under $15, you are getting an audio performance that will be hard to match at this price.

You can buy in confidence as the manufacturer has agreed to offer a full refund or send out a replacement unit if you’re unsatisfied with your purchase. They claim to respond within 24 hours to such requests, but you’ll need to see for yourself if this is true.

Durability will be one of the issues with this product because the materials used aren’t the best. However, if you are the type of user that takes care of their products, then the GMW Lightning Earphones are for you.

To summarize, the GMW Lightning Earphones are a great option for the budget buyer that is looking for compatibility with Apple products. You’ll enjoy the audio quality and the comfortable fit of these earphones, but the durability could be improved to provide longevity.

2. NASUDAKE MFi A1 Plus iPhone Earbuds

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Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5

The NASUDAKE MFi A1 Plus has a pink and black color design that’s stylish and minimalist. The non-bulky nature of the earphones means they are great for everyday use when traveling. The relatively low price point offers a nice deal when you consider the range of features that have been implemented here.

The active noise canceling feature blocks out ambient noise, which in turn increases the clarity of your audio. There is a 3D stereo soundstage that’s rich and captures the music in a way that puts you right in the center. In the budget category, you will struggle to find an audio experience that captures the audio quite like the NASUDAKE MFi A1 Plus.

The ergonomic design uses a reinforced cable for extra strength that will stand the test of time. A robust aluminum finish is implemented that is light and durable. It adds a premium feel to the product, which is surprising given the low price. The oblique angles of the earbuds contribute to a comfortable fit that just feels natural when wearing the earbuds.

An in-line remote control is provided that allows the tracks to be changed and answer calls. This is handy when you want to use a hands-free approach when chatting to friends and family with your smartphone. Also, a convenient carrying case is included that can be used to store the NASUDAKE MFi A1 Plus when not in use.

A drawback of these earphones includes the lack of waterproof protection and the lack of color options. The pink and black design might not be for everyone. However, if you can get over these minor setbacks the overall quality of the NASUDAKE MFi A1 Plus is impressive.

To conclude, the NASUDAKE MFi A1 Plus offers a mix of durability, ergonomic design, active noise cancelation, and 3D high definition audio. You’ll love to use these on a daily basis with your Apple smartphone.

3. PALOVUE Earflow In-Ear Lightning Headphone

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Editor’s Rating: 4.2/5

Are you looking for Lightning headphones that have a minimalist design and won’t put a big dent in your wallet? Then you can’t go wrong by selecting the PALOVUE Earflow In-Ear Lightning headphones. There are a number of colors options, which includes black, red, and white. The materials used with these earphones provide a solid feel that’s durable and will last you for a while.

The frequency response of the earphones is 20Hz-20KHz and the sensitivity rating is at 100 decibels, which means this is the maximum volume you can listen at. They are by no means the loudest earphones at the market, but loud enough for the majority of users. After all, you run the risk of damaging your ears when listening too loud.

The cord length is at 0.8m, which is ideal for smartphone users and it’s compatible with all Apple products. Given the low price, it could act as a backup to a more expensive pair of headphones. The package includes the headphones, 3 pairs of eartips, a cable clip, and a carrying case.

A control box is available that allows you to alter the volume, skip music tracks, answers calls, and communicate with Siri. Making use of Apple’s AI based assistant allows you to execute a number of functions in a hands-free and efficient manner.

The cable is made from a material that doesn’t get tangled easily and the earbuds are magnetic, which means they will connect when wearing the earbuds around your neck. The comfortable carrying case can be used to store the earbuds in your pocket protecting them from damage.

The drawbacks here include the lack of waterproof protection and there is no noise isolation. Therefore, they can be a problem to use in noisy environments where the audio within your earbuds has to compete with ambient noise.

To summarize, the PALOVUE Earflow In-Ear Lightning Headphones provide good value for money. The audio is competitive, the design functional, and the choice of colors gives you some flexibility in terms of visuals. However, they don’t come with premium features like noise cancelation or waterproof protection.

4. 1More Triple Driver Lightning Headphones

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Editor’s Rating: 4.8/5

The 1More Triple Driver Lightning Headphones is a highly rated piece of technology that is one of the best personal audio solution for Apple users. The elegant and durable design looks classy, and the end result feels premium in-hand. The price point of just under $100 is fully justified when you consider the excellent implementation of the various features.

We love the 1More Triple drive earbuds for the clarity of their sound. We named the standard 3.5 mm version as our Top Pick for the best earbuds under $100 and we’re happy to recommend the lightening version too.

There is a 5-in-1 control box that allows you to handle calls, alter the volume, and switch between music. It’s convenient to use and the buttons are easy to press. The included microphone is clear, which means the person at the other end of the phone call will have no trouble understanding what you’re saying.

As the name suggests there are 3 audio drivers within each earbud, which results in a high quality audio experience. The soundstage is realistic and wide allowing for an immersive session of music. The surround sound feature puts you in the center of the audio experience, which means you feel like you’re right there at a concert.

The lightweight aluminum alloy earpieces have an angle that matches the inside of your ear for a comfortable fit. The durable and light design is great for everyday use when you’re commuting to work or traveling. Furthermore, you have 9 pairs of eartips to make a choice from to get the right fit for your ears. This is a generous amount that helps you feel comfortable with the 1More headphones from day 1.

There are a few negatives of the product have to be considered to fully determine if these headphones are what you’re looking for. The cable is partially made from cheap plastic and it is also prone to getting tangled, so there is room for improvement in this area. Furthermore, the balance of the audio is not perfect as the high can be harsh and the mids lacking in clarity.

To conclude, the 1More Triple Driver Lightning Headphones has an array of well-execute features that can be used by Apple users. The combination of the low weight, excellent audio, and comfortable fit means there is a lot to appreciate with these earphones.

5. Pioneer Rayz Plus

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Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5

The Pioneer Rayz Plus have a black and bronze color design that looks stylish and the materials used give the headphones a premium feel. The durability of these Pioneer headphones ensures daily use for a long time. It’s one of the pricier earbuds on the market, but the execution of the notable features is quite good.

The noise canceling feature adapts to your ear and the environment you’re in. The level of noise cancelation will match what is required at any moment to ensure the immersion of your audio experience is not broken.

A few of the included smart features are interesting and unique among personal audio products. The AutoPause feature automatically pauses the audio when you take the earphone out, which saves battery life and is convenient. Furthermore, the “Smart Mute” feature turns the microphone on when you begin speaking, and turns it off when you stop speaking. These handy features mean you don’t have to fiddle around with the controls as much.

The personalized app can be used to change the functionality of the various in-line buttons and software updates can be installed as new versions are released. The “Smart Button” control box allows you to answers/end calls and switch between tracks in a seamless manner.

There are a few drawbacks you should be aware of before making the choice to buy. The fit can be problematic as the eartips aren’t the most ergonomic. Furthermore, the audio quality at the highs can be improved – especially at loud volume levels.

To summarize, the Pioneer Rayz Plus is a good overall choice for buyers that are looking for functionality and a solid level of audio quality. The array of smart features means the earphones can be used in a hands-free manner while out and about.

6. Philips Fidelio M2L/27

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Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5

Philips is one of the premier electronics brands in the world and their personal audio products generally offer value for money. The Philips Fidelio M2L/27 are the ideal headphones for Apple fans that are looking for an affordable solution to their audio needs. It makes use of the Lightning port to deliver awesome audio that even the audiophiles among you will appreciate.

The bass reflex system has a closed back design, but there are strategically placed vents to allow for ventilation. The air pressure is regulated within the earcups, which allows the audio within the chamber to be optimized. This system is working in conjunction with the acoustic seal capture to ensure the beats across the frequency range of 7-25,000 Hz do not escape. The end result is clear audio that captures every sound as intended.

The closed back design means you won’t bother others around you with audio, and likewise ambient noise is blocked out. The noise isolation allows you to enjoy these headphones in noisy environments when traveling. They have a relatively small design for over ear headphones, therefore walking around with the Philips Fidelio M2L/27 in public is practical.

40 mm high definition drivers with powerful neodymium magnets are used to deliver a dynamic range of sounds across the entire frequency range. The Lightning connector is fully utilized here as the power demands for what these headphones can deliver can be steep – especially if you are enjoy music with enhanced bass at max volume.

The headphones also excel in the comfort department because of the deluxe memory foam cushions. The fit is ergonomic and you won’t feel like taking a break after many hours of use.

Before pulling the trigger on a purchase consider some of the drawbacks this product has to get a balanced overview. The cable tends to lack flexibility, which can be annoying when trying to execute some cable management. Furthermore, the grip can be slightly tight on your head, but this depends on how you adjust the headband and the size of your head.

To conclude, the Philips Fidelio M2L/27 is one of the more reliable and well-executed Lightning headphones. The classy look, amazing audio quality, comfortable fit, and durable materials means you’re getting a solid pair of headphones.

7. Libratone Q ADAPT

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Editor’s Rating: 4.3/5

The Libratone Q ADAPT comes in a variety of colors, which includes black, pink, white and elegant nude. The earbuds have a minimalist design that can be used with Apple based products like the iPhone and iPad to deliver an exceptional audio performance. They are on the expensive side for earbuds, but given the range of features, they might be just what you’re looking for.

The adjustable noise cancelation is one of the standout features of the Libratone Q ADAPT. There are 4 levels of noise cancelation that will determine how much of the outside world is blocked out. Play around with the different options to see what works best for you in different environments.

The energy efficiency of the Lightning cable means you can listen for around 52 hours before the battery life of your smartphone gives out. There is no need for a bulky battery pack when you can enjoy audio using the revolutionary Lightning cable.

The combination of deep bass and crisp highs means you’re going to love browsing through your music library with the Libratone Q ADAPT. However, when you want to use the earphones for voice calls you can press the “hush” functionality. A number of other buttons are available to alter the volume and change tracks.

However, these earbuds are not suitable for sports because there is no waterproof protection and the fit is not secure. The earphones are great for traveling, walking around, and hiking, but during exercise, they may fall out regularly.

Overall, the Libratone Q ADAPT is worth the asking price for Apple iPhone and iPad owners due to the impressive audio and in-depth noise cancelation. They are suitable for daily use and the comfortable fit ensures you won’t get tired of wearing them.

8. Audeze EL-8

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Editor’s Rating: 4.9/5

Are you looking for an industry leading level of audio performance and you have a big budget to spend? Then consider the Audeze EL-8 as you’ll enjoy the latest of what headphone technology has to offer. The premium looking design combines with Apple products via the Lightning cable to deliver an awesome level of audio that will simply blow you away.

Audeze’s planar magnetic technology is utilized here to ensure accurate audio across the entire frequency spectrum. The audiophile grade sound is so good that the Audeze EL-8 will probably be the best pair of headphones you have ever owned that’s compatible with Apple devices.

Minimal distortion is achieved using the patented Uniforce voice-coil technology. Also, the low weight diaphragm is 4 times bigger than what’s found in the average pair of headphones. The patented Fazor elements take full control of the soundwaves to avoid resonance, which in turn produces a uniform audio experience.

The excellent audio quality is delivered via a 24 bit Lightning cable – it’s the first of its kind in the world. A CIPHER cable is utilized to help transfer the audio data to ensure that quality is not sacrificed. The cable is also compatible with SIRI commands and voice activated voice calls. You’ll be getting the full iPhone experience with the Audeze EL-8.

Each unit is handcrafted in Audeze’s California factory and only premium materials are used. The sturdy aluminum frame is predicted to last a lifetime and the luxurious faux leather adds to the comfort of the headphones. Every user of the headphones can adjust the headband to get the right fit.

However, there are a few drawbacks that have to be considered with the Audeze EL-8 – after all, for such a high price point these headphones must be scrutinized. They are quit bulky to wear, which means if you want to rock these in public you’re going to be disappointed. Furthermore, there is a lot of sound leakage. This is no big deal when in a room on your own, but around others, it can become a nuisance.

To summarize, the Audeze EL-8 is an awesome piece of kit that delivers in almost every category. The audio is of professional grade level, the comfort is excellent, and the durability ensures it will stand the test of time. Packed full of patented technology you’re getting a lot if you can afford the steep price point.

9. Audeze iSINE20

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Editor’s Rating: 4.7/5

The unique design of the Audeze iSINE20 will help you stand out from the crowd and enjoy industry leading audio at the same time. The bronze color looks great and oozes of class, however, the design is divisive and some might not appreciate the funky look of the headphones.

The product is “Made in the USA” and carefully engineered to deliver in terms of accuracy and clarity. The exceptional audio quality is clear across the entire range of the frequency spectrum. Therefore, you can enjoy all genres of music in a way that will immerse you in the audio.

The audio can be customized using the Audeze iOS app. Boost or elevate the mids using the 10-band equalizer or play around with the other settings to see how the audio changes. Perhaps you’ll find a particular setting that brings out the best in the type of music you like to enjoy.

NASA materials are used within the innovative planar magnetic drivers that deliver the audio experience. The bass response and low level of distortion is impressive here that helps you achieve an immersive experience.

A few drawbacks should be noted with the Audeze iSINE20 that are worth knowing before making the investment. The odd shape of the product means they are not the easiest to handle and the lack of comfort compared to other headphones can become an issue. Furthermore, the fit is rather tight for small ears.

To conclude, the Audeze iSINE20 is an expensive pair of headphones, but if you have the budget you’ll receive an impressive level of audio performance. The combination of premium materials and a high level of engineering means you’re getting an intriguing personal audio solution.