Wired has released a curated list of six smartphones that still include a 3.5mm headphone jack [1].
This guide arrives as the industry continues to phase out analog audio ports in favor of wireless connectivity. For audiophiles and users who prefer wired headphones, finding high-performance hardware with this legacy feature has become a significant challenge.
The Wired editorial team tested and reviewed these devices to help consumers identify phones that retain the jack as it becomes increasingly scarce [1]. While the list identifies six top options [1], other industry reports vary on the number of viable devices available this year. For instance, MSN highlighted seven Android phones with the feature [2], while BGR listed five [3].
Industry analysts note that smartphones have been evolving over the years, becoming more powerful, but often at the cost of physical ports. One author said that the idea of wires becoming obsolete has slowly but surely gained steam, with the convenience of wireless technology being too great to ignore.
Despite the shift toward Bluetooth and USB-C audio, a segment of the market remains committed to the 3.5mm standard. These users often cite audio quality, the lack of battery requirements for wired buds, and lower latency as primary reasons for avoiding wireless alternatives.
The disparity in the number of recommended phones across different publications—ranging from five [3] to seven [2]—suggests a shrinking pool of high-end devices that maintain the port. Most manufacturers have shifted the headphone jack to budget or mid-range models, leaving a gap in the flagship market.
“Wired has released a curated list of six smartphones that still include a 3.5mm headphone jack.”
The continued demand for 3.5mm jacks in 2026 indicates a persistent consumer divide between convenience-driven wireless adoption and the technical requirements of high-fidelity audio. As flagship manufacturers standardize on wireless ecosystems, the 'headphone jack phone' is transitioning from a standard feature to a niche specification, primarily found in specialized or mid-tier hardware.
