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Orgo-Life the new way to the future Advertising by AdpathwayA USB-C and 3.5-mm Adapter
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
Belkin
Rockstar 3.5mm Audio + USB-C Charge Adapter
Dongle is a horrible word, but using one is far cheaper than buying a new phone outright. While a basic USB-C to 3.5-mm adapter will do the job, I prefer this Belkin adapter, which adds a USB-C port next to the headphone jack, allowing you to recharge the phone while playing tunes. The dongle itself is plasticky, so you'll want to be careful when handling it, but the USB-C connector is long enough that there's enough clearance for the adapter from your pocket. The charger supports up to 60 watts, which is plenty for phones, tablets, and even most laptops. Belkin offers a two-year warranty.
Other Phones to Consider
There are several older phones from Motorola, HMD, and other brands with the headphone jack, but you should probably avoid them if they launched before 2024. If none of the above options strike your fancy, here are some others to consider, all tested by me.
Photograph: Julian Chokkattu
HMD Fusion for $300: HMD's Fusion (5/10, WIRED Review) is a decent-performing phone that's a touch too expensive for what you get. The software support is lackluster, and the screen is dim. Its whole schtick is the modular “Outfits” you can attach to expand functionality, though the options are slim right now and are a little uninspired.
Moto G 2025 for $200: A step down from the Moto G Power 2025, this phone doesn't have perks like wireless charging, but it still has NFC to make contactless payments and, of course, the headphone jack. Its performance is a little stifling—you might get frustrated as apps take their time to load—and its cameras are passable.
Nuu N20 for $110: I just set this phone up, so I can't make a proper judgment call yet. So far, it's a little sluggish, but decently built considering it's just over $100. It has a headphone jack, a microSD card slot, and a 90-Hz LCD, but it lacks 5G connectivity.
HMD Vibe for $120: The two good things about this HMD phone are its price and performance—it runs OK once it's set up and going (5/10, WIRED Review). Oh, and it has a headphone jack and microSD card slot. Outside of that, this phone will not get any Android updates (just two years of security updates), there's no 5G connectivity, no NFC for contactless payments, and even no fingerprint sensor.
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