I Hate These Headphones! A List of iPhone Headphone Alternatives

The iPhone: Love it? Yes, I do. But, these headphones: I'm not completely sold on them.

The headphones that ship with the iPhone are not bad, but a lot of people have discovered that you can't use just any old set of headphones with the iPhone. Apple has been quiet on exactly why they configured the headphone jack of the iPhone the way they did. It is "recessed", which means that most headphones won't work with the iPhone. Specially made headphone plugs will fit into the iPhone. Did Apple do this to sell oodles of proprietary headphones or third-party versions in their store? It is hard to say.

Why does it matter? Your typical headphone plug won't fit into the iPhone because the tip of the plug probably won't reach the receptor inside the iPhone. You could break out a kitchen knife and cut away the plastic on your headphone's plug and make your iPhone play nice, but most people don't feel comfortable cutting pieces off of an electronic accessory they paid good money for. If you are comfortable with this minor surgery approach, go for it. If not, you'll want to know what to buy. You have two choices: an adapter or a new set of headphones. This is my collection of buying advice and tips for anyone out there who also have iPhone headphone selection problems, sorted from priciest to most affordable.

Adapters



If you have a pair of Shure headphones, you can buy a $40 adapter to receive crystal clear calls. But, it's quite expensive. If you're a Shure fanatic, you probably already don't mind overpaying for your equipment.



Belkin makes an adapter that costs $11, but it is rigid and protrudes out of the iPhone too far for my liking.



Griffin, known for their sleek Apple accessories that more closely match Apple's design sensibilities, sells an adapter that is a little more flexible than the Belkin adapter. And, at $10, it's a dollar less. This is a good choice if you must have an adapter.



RadTech sells an even lighter weight one, and it comes in 3-inch or 4-inch lengths. It's only $8. Also recommended.



If you are a cheapskate (like me), you'll want to consider Helium Digital's' HD-005. At the rock-bottom price of $4, this adapter wins the price wars.

Headphones and Sets



Bang & Olufsen raises the bar with their Earset 2. In fact, the bar is now so high that only the yuppiest executives who light cigars with dollar bills can afford it. If you pay $350 (!) for this headset -- almost the price of the iPhone itself -- you are the winner. I concede defeat.



Ultimate Ears' super.fi 4vi earphones are quite attractive, and I love the fact that they are extremely lightweight, which is the biggest selling point for me. But, I can't pay $150 for a pair of headphones. I wouldn't object if they found their way into my Christmas stocking.



If you have the bucks and love everything Apple, Bluetooth headset is awesome. But, this is still a $130 earpiece. Hope it doesn't fall out when you're strolling down the street -- while you're stepping over a sewer grate.



If military-grade technology turns your crank, then the Aliph Jawbone is your best bet, soldier. At $120, it's a bargain for those pulling down combat pay. It's still too expensive for this conscientious price objector. Wish I could afford it, though, because it is unique and looks very durable. And, the noise-cancelling features are compelling.



The V-MODA VIBE Duo is great for listening to music. It offers high-quality sound and comes with flexible silicon cups of different sizes. But, it's $100, and it comes with all those cups and a carrying pouch. That's a lot to carry around, but if you like these kind of earbuds and can afford it, they'll sound great. This set has received great reviews, although I am critical because they don't have a remote control button or way to answer a phone call without using the iPhone's screen. But, if you can afford it, these are a very good choice.



Plantronics makes the Discovery665 BT Bluetooth headset. It looks like a small electric razor -- or the Terminator's broken-off finger. If you love futuristic-looking things and don't mind spending $100, look no further. I hear it's so comfortable you may forget you have it on. But, I bet no one else will forget it if they see you wearing this thing. I will give it props for weighing only 3 ounces.



If you're accustomed to the typical Bluetooth headset that fits over your ear, the Plantronics MX510 might just be for you. It's only $35, which is very reasonable. I personally don't like the Star Trek Borg look, so I won't be buying these. But, if you've used something similar in the past, this is probably your best bet.



The Apple iPhone headset is the same one that comes with your iPhone. With so many overpriced options out there, I think I'll just stick with these $29 ones for now. Besides, I really like the microphone built in to the cord, and I don't see any attractive alternatives that have this key capability. If you read media reports lately that say these headphones contain phthalates, which are materials in plastic to make it more pliable, be assured that an astounding number of plastic products do contain this chemical compound. I wouldn't let it color your buying decision. It's my opinion that consumer advocacy groups are highlighting Apple's use of phthalates because they are so high profile.



The least expensive option I found for a headset is the Jabra BT150 Bluetooth headset. You can't beat the price, but I actually start to worry if a headset is too inexpensive. For $20, will I get what I pay for? Anyone out there have experience with these?

How about you? Have you seen any iPhone headphones or adapters that people should know about? Know any hacks or modifications that allow you to use non-approved headphones with the iPhone? Have you seen something I've missed during my own research into finding the perfect set of iPhone headphones? Pray tell. I'm sticking with the headphones that came with my iPhone until I can find a suitable replacement.