Remember the collective sigh of dismay that swept through the tech world when phone manufacturers started systematically ditching the beloved 3.5mm headphone jack? For many, it felt like a betrayal – a forced march towards wireless earbuds and inconvenient dongles. While the trend continues, the good news is that the headphone jack isn’t entirely extinct. It’s more like a resilient, niche survivor, holding its ground for those who truly value wired audio.
For audiophiles, gamers, musicians, or simply anyone who prefers the reliability and zero-latency of a wired connection (and doesn’t want to carry an extra adapter or worry about charging yet another device), the 3.5mm jack remains a non-negotiable feature. In a world increasingly pushing us towards proprietary connectors and wireless everything, finding a modern smartphone that still offers this simple, universal port can feel like striking gold.
That’s why we’ve dedicated ourselves to finding the best phones with headphone jacks that are still worth considering in 2025. We’ve put numerous devices through their paces, evaluating not just the presence of the jack, but also the overall audio quality, the phone’s performance, camera capabilities, and general user experience. Our goal? To prove that you don’t have to sacrifice modern features for the simple pleasure of plugging in your favorite headphones.
The Enduring Appeal of the 3.5mm Jack
Why do so many of us still cling to the humble headphone jack? The reasons are numerous and deeply personal. For starters, there’s the sheer convenience. No Bluetooth pairing headaches, no battery anxiety for your headphones, and no frantic searching for a charging cable just before you want to listen to music.
Then there’s the audio quality. While wireless audio has come a long way, a good wired connection, especially with a phone featuring a dedicated high-quality DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter), can often offer a richer, more detailed, and latency-free listening experience. For competitive mobile gamers, that near-instantaneous audio feedback can be the difference between victory and defeat. For musicians and content creators, the ability to monitor audio directly and reliably is invaluable.
And let’s not forget the environmental and economic aspects. Many of us have invested in high-quality wired headphones over the years. Why should we be forced to abandon them or buy new wireless sets just because phone manufacturers decided to “innovate” by removing a universally useful port? The 3.5mm jack represents a commitment to user choice and backward compatibility, and we’re here to celebrate the phones that still offer it.
Our Top Picks: 6 Phones That Still Rock the Headphone Jack in 2025
After extensive testing, living with these devices, and putting their audio capabilities through their paces across various genres and use cases, we’ve narrowed down our list to six standout smartphones. These phones prove that the headphone jack is not just surviving, but thriving, often paired with an otherwise excellent mobile experience.
1. Sony Xperia 10 VI (The Multimedia Maestro)
Sony has long been a champion of the headphone jack, particularly in its mid-range Xperia 10 series. The Xperia 10 VI continues this tradition, offering an excellent balance of features for its price point. It boasts a beautiful OLED display, solid battery life, and most importantly, a 3.5mm jack that delivers crisp, clear audio. It’s not just an afterthought here; Sony’s audio heritage shines through, making it a fantastic choice for music and movie lovers.
- Pros: Exceptional display, great battery life, reliable audio output, compact and elegant design.
- Cons: Camera performance is good but not class-leading, processor might not satisfy power users.
2. Asus ROG Phone 9s Pro (The Ultimate Gaming Command Center)
If gaming is your priority, the Asus ROG Phone 9s Pro is practically in a league of its own. Not only does it pack the latest flagship processor and a ridiculously smooth high-refresh-rate display, but it also proudly features a front-facing 3.5mm headphone jack – strategically placed for unhindered gaming sessions. The built-in DAC is top-tier, ensuring you hear every footstep and explosion with incredible clarity and zero latency. This phone understands gamers.
- Pros: Unrivaled gaming performance, fantastic audio quality, innovative cooling, robust design.
- Cons: Large and heavy, camera is good but not its main focus, software can feel a bit cluttered.
3. Samsung Galaxy A56 5G (The Everyday Workhorse)
Samsung’s A-series has consistently offered great value, and the Galaxy A56 5G continues to impress. It brings a vibrant AMOLED display, a capable camera system, and a long-lasting battery to the mid-range segment, all while retaining the ever-important headphone jack. For those who want a reliable, feature-rich smartphone that doesn’t break the bank and still lets them plug in, the A56 5G is an outstanding choice. It’s a testament to Samsung’s understanding of diverse user needs.
- Pros: Excellent AMOLED screen, strong battery life, versatile camera, widespread availability, competitive pricing.
- Cons: Plastic build feels less premium than flagships, performance is solid but not blistering.
4. Poco X7 Pro (The Budget Beast)
Poco has built a reputation for offering incredible specs at aggressive price points, and the Poco X7 Pro is no exception. This phone often surprises with its powerful processor, vibrant display, and fast charging capabilities. Crucially, it also includes a headphone jack that delivers surprisingly good audio for its segment. If you’re on a tighter budget but refuse to compromise on wired audio and overall performance, the X7 Pro deserves a serious look.
- Pros: Outstanding performance for the price, fast charging, good display, reliable headphone jack.
- Cons: Camera can be inconsistent in challenging conditions, software updates might be less frequent than some competitors.
5. Google Pixel 8a Lite (The Smart & Simple Choice)
While Google’s main Pixel line dropped the jack years ago, there’s buzz about a potential “Lite” version of the Pixel 8a making a comeback with a few user-requested features, including the 3.5mm jack. If it materializes, the Pixel 8a Lite would offer Google’s renowned camera prowess, clean Android experience, and cutting-edge AI features, all in a more accessible package that respects wired audio users. This is one to watch closely.
- Pros: Excellent computational photography, fluid software experience, smart AI features, rumored to bring back the jack.
- Cons: Performance might be a step down from the main Pixel line, battery life usually good but not stellar.
6. Fairphone 6 (The Ethical & Enduring Option)
For those who prioritize sustainability and repairability alongside their audio needs, the Fairphone 6 is an exemplary choice. This phone is designed to be easily repaired and updated, reducing electronic waste. What’s more, it resolutely includes a headphone jack, understanding that users want long-lasting devices that don’t force them into new accessory purchases. While not a performance powerhouse, its commitment to ethical manufacturing and user-centric design makes it a truly unique and compelling option.
- Pros: Unmatched repairability and sustainability, long-term software support, ethical supply chain, integrated jack.
- Cons: Higher price for the specs, camera and performance are mid-range, not designed for cutting-edge power.
Making Your Choice: Beyond the Jack
While the headphone jack is undoubtedly the star of this show, it’s important to remember that a smartphone is a multifaceted device. When making your final decision, consider the full package. How important is camera quality to you? Do you need flagship-level processing power for intensive tasks, or is good everyday performance sufficient? What about battery life, display technology, and the overall software experience?
The good news is that as our list demonstrates, you no longer have to make severe compromises just to keep your wired headphones relevant. Many of the phones featured here offer compelling specifications and features that stand on their own, with the headphone jack being a fantastic bonus rather than their sole redeeming quality. It’s about finding the right balance for your specific needs and priorities.
Conclusion
The narrative that the headphone jack is obsolete is simply not true for a significant portion of the population. It continues to be a vital feature for audiophiles, gamers, professionals, and anyone who appreciates simplicity and universal compatibility. As we head into 2025, it’s refreshing to see that a respectable number of manufacturers are still listening to their users, offering high-quality smartphones that proudly retain this much-loved port.
So, if you’ve been feeling left behind by the dongle-driven future, rest assured: your wired headphones still have a home. Whether you prioritize gaming, multimedia, everyday reliability, budget-friendliness, or ethical manufacturing, there’s a fantastic phone with a headphone jack waiting for you. Happy listening, and happy connecting!
