Short answer: the Samsung USB-C to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter, though neither ranks well in its class. It ranks #11 of 14 usb-c dongle DACs by measured performance, rated 2.9/5, at $16.29; the AudioQuest DragonFly Red ranks #12, rated 2.5/5, and costs $149.95, so there is little reason to consider the other one. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 14 usb-c dongle DACs, so if measured performance matters, consider the FiiO KA15 instead, ranked #1 at $99.99.
The Samsung USB-C to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter is the better-sounding option. It is a tiny, inexpensive way to add a 3.5 mm headphone jack to a USB-C phone or laptop, with volume handled by the device. The catch: At 96 dB SINAD, sensitive in-ear monitors may reveal some hiss or noise.
The case for the AudioQuest DragonFly Red: It is a compact USB stick DAC with a 3.5 mm headphone jack and a high resolution digital volume control set from the phone or computer. The tradeoff: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 88 dB, a real audible weakness with sensitive in-ear monitors.
Buy the Samsung USB-C to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter. It is rated higher than the AudioQuest DragonFly Red and costs less, so it is the default pick unless a specific strength of the other one matters more to you.
Still deciding? The full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Samsung USB-C to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter | AudioQuest DragonFly Red | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $16.29 | $149.95 |
| Ranked | #11 of 14 in USB-C Dongle DACs | #12 of 14 in USB-C Dongle DACs |
| Device Type | USB-C dongle | USB-C dongle |
| SINAD | 96 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 88 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm | 3.5 mm |
| Balanced Output | No | No |
| Inputs | USB-C | USB-A |
| Volume Control | None (phone/PC volume) | Digital (64-bit, on DAC chip, set from phone/PC) |
| DAC Chip | - | ES9016 |
| Dimensions | - | 0.7” x 0.5” x 2.4” (19 x 12 x 62 mm) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
How Samsung USB-C to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter compares with other leading options:
- Fosi Audio DS1 vs Samsung USB-C to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter
- AudioQuest DragonFly Red vs Rode AI-Micro
- FiiO KA15 vs AudioQuest DragonFly Red
- Fosi Audio DS3 vs AudioQuest DragonFly Red
- E1DA 9039S vs AudioQuest DragonFly Red
Prices on this page were last checked October 11, 2026 at 4:59 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
The Two Amps and DACs In Full
Samsung USB-C to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter: $16.29 Amazon eBay
Pros: It is a tiny, inexpensive way to add a 3.5 mm headphone jack to a USB-C phone or laptop, with volume handled by the device. Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 96 dB, clean enough for most headphones and well ahead of the far pricier AudioQuest DragonFly Red.
Cons: At 96 dB SINAD, sensitive in-ear monitors may reveal some hiss or noise. Samsung does not publish a power figure into 32 ohms, so it is best kept to earbuds and easy headphones. The FiiO KA11 rates higher, measures cleaner and is rated for 200 mW into 32 ohms for only a little more.
Full Samsung USB-C to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | No |
|---|---|
| Device Type | USB-C dongle |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm |
| Inputs | USB-C |
| SINAD | 96 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | None (phone/PC volume) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
AudioQuest DragonFly Red: $149.95 Amazon eBay
Pros: It is a compact USB stick DAC with a 3.5 mm headphone jack and a high resolution digital volume control set from the phone or computer.
Cons: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 88 dB, a real audible weakness with sensitive in-ear monitors. AudioQuest does not publish a power figure into 32 ohms, and it plugs into USB-A, so phones need an adapter. The Samsung USB-C to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter measures cleaner and rates higher for a fraction of the cost.
Full AudioQuest DragonFly Red review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | No |
|---|---|
| DAC Chip | ES9016 |
| Device Type | USB-C dongle |
| Dimensions | 0.7” x 0.5” x 2.4” (19 x 12 x 62 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm |
| Inputs | USB-A |
| SINAD | 88 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Digital (64-bit, on DAC chip, set from phone/PC) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons