You don't need a DAC strictly for audio quality, but there are other benefits to consider.

Specialized cables can still beat USB-C.

The death of the headphone jack has been widely lamented. Pick up a flagship phone and you won't see one, it's gone and it's not likely to come back. But that doesn't mean we're left using Bluetooth ...

Seeing as many flagships ditched the headphone jack so far, USB-C headphones became the default alternative to conventional 3.5mm earbuds. If you’re one who isn’t quite ready to embrace all-wireless ...

The state of USB Type-C audio and the new market for compatible headphones and dongles is, quite frankly, a trainwreck. Headphones sometimes only work with specific smartphone brands, dongles don’t ...

The design of this accessory is simple: a short cable with a USB-C connector on one end and a Lightning port on the other. There are a lot of benefits in simplicity, but consider that there’s no ...

The new Axion earphones from Portland's Campfire Audio can plug directly into the USB-C port of a smartphone thanks to a built-in DAC chip. Ever since most smartphone makers removed the 3.5mm stereo ...

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Technology journalist specializing in audio, computing and Apple Macs. It’s been almost 20 years since Audio-Technica launched its ...

Smartphone makers, it’s time to have that come-to-Apple moment, where we tell you that it’s time to put the 3.5mm analog headset jack back on the phone—at least until you get your USB-C audio act in ...

There’s no denying the convenience that a pair of wireless earbuds brings to the table. Unfortunately, wire-free in-ear and over-ear products also come with a small list of concerns. Users have to ...

I cover Android with a focus on productivity, automation, and Google’s ecosystem, including Gemini and everyday apps. With a background in engineering and software development, I tend to go beyond ...