Not a fan of Bluetooth earbuds, but your Android smartphone lacks a 3.5mm audio jack?
While it’s easy to find earbuds with an Apple Lightning connector, USB-C for Android smartphones is a different story. There just aren’t that many options out there.
Fortunately, one of the manufacturers that’s stepped up to the plate is Libratone. I reviewed the company’s Q-Adapt On-Ear headphones last year, and still recommend them as a great choice for wireless audio.
The Q-Adapt In-Ear USB-C earphones offer the same key features as those headphones: Scandinavian style, high quality audio and 4-level CityMix active noise cancellation, but in an earbud style that’s wired and sporting a rare USB-C connector. They are comfortable as far as earbuds go, with a handful of different ear tips supplied for a customized fit. They are also sweatproof, making them suitable for exercise.
One of the big problems with USB-C is that as a standard, it’s not doing a great job of compatibility. That makes it a bit of a gamble when buying USB-C peripherals. The Libratone Q-Adapt earphones sport the “Made for Google” badge, which means they’re certified to work with Google’s Pixel and Pixel 2 smartphones. I tried them with a cheap Android smartphone, an Alcatel A50. This phone goes for $149, unlocked. The Libratone Q-Adapt USB-C earphones worked perfectly with it, and sounded great. Better than you would expect music on an inexpensive smartphone should sound…
The test combination was a bit of a mismatch. The smartphone has a utilitarian, chunky black plastic look, while the headphones sport a chic white design, with a nicely braided cable and silver accents. The earbuds also go for $149 –the exact same price as the smartphone.
They’re not cheap, but I’ve found repeatedly with Libratone gear that you get what you pay for.
Libratone Q-Adapt In-Ear USB-C Earphones Key Specs:
- 11.9 mm drivers
- Inline remote includes music controls, phone controls, Google Assistant and CityMix 4-level active noise cancellation (powered by smartphone)
- Weight 21g
- Includes 4 ear tips, plus sport ear tip
- Sweatproof design
- USB-C connectivity
- Made for Google
If you’ve been searching for USB-C earbuds, the Libratone Q-Adapt earbuds are well worth considering. Instead of compromising on audio, features and style to get that connector, you’ll be able to enjoy a premium listening experience. If… your smartphone’s USB-C implementation turns out to be compatible. And that’s still a bit of a Wild West situation outside of those Google devices. And the Alcatel phone I used for my evaluation, of course.
What helps to take the risk out of trying these is that Libratone has a generous 30-day money back guarantee policy. If they turn out to be a mismatch with your smartphone, you aren’t out anything for trying.
For another look at what to expect from Libratone, check out my take on the company’s ZIPP nordic Black, one of my favorite wireless speakers of 2017.
Disclosure: Libratone provided Q-Adapt USB-C earbuds for evaluation but had no input into this review.
