USB C Dual Headphone Adapter Review: Features and Performance

By Claire Whitaker

Updated November 2026

A USB C dual headphone adapter lets two wired headsets share a single USB-C port, which is useful when you want to listen together on a flight, share a video with a friend, or run a headset with a separate mic on a laptop or phone that only has one port. The StarTech USB-C Headphone Splitter (listed as USB-C-Audio-Splitter) is built for exactly that job, with a 24-bit DAC, a dedicated mic input and two 3.5mm outputs. It suits people who regularly split audio between two listeners, need a headset mic on a USB-C-only device, or want a dedicated DAC rather than relying on the phone’s built-in audio chain. It is a poor choice if you only need one headphone connection, want Bluetooth, or plan to drive high-impedance studio headphones that need a dedicated amplifier.

USB-C Dual Headset Adapter with Mic Input, USB-C to 3.5mm Audio Adapter/Earphone Dongle, USB-C to Audio Jack/Aux Output StarTech USB-C Headphone Splitter, 24-bit DAC (USBC-Audio-Splitter)

View on Amazon

Product Overview

The StarTech USB-C Headphone Splitter is a small, USB-C-to-audio adapter designed to take the digital audio stream from a USB-C host and convert it to analog output through two 3.5mm jacks. Because the device contains its own DAC, audio quality depends less on the host’s analog circuitry and more on the adapter itself. It also includes a microphone input, which means a single headset with a boom mic can be connected and used for calls while the second jack feeds a passive pair of headphones for a companion.

StarTech is a well-established maker of computer connectivity hardware, and this product sits in its USB audio lineup. Typical buyers include people who want to share audio on a laptop, Chromebook users who need a mic input, and phone owners who want a headset mic and a second listening jack. It is not designed as a gaming headset adapter or a Bluetooth bridge, and it does not charge devices through the port.

Because the splitter is a passive-to-active hybrid (the DAC is powered by the USB connection), it does not require a separate power adapter. Owners generally describe it as a plug-and-play accessory, though driver behavior can vary by operating system and by whether the host supports USB audio class devices cleanly.

Key Features & Specifications

Manufacturers specify the 24-bit DAC as the main audio-quality feature. Check the exact connector and output count against the product page before buying, since listing details can change between revisions.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Two headphone outputs make it easy to share audio with a companion without swapping cables.
• Built-in mic input allows a headset with a boom mic to work on USB-C-only devices.
• The onboard 24-bit DAC takes audio conversion away from the host device’s analog output, which can help on phones and laptops with weak internal amplifiers.
• No external power brick is needed.
• StarTech is a recognized name in computer connectivity, and owners often describe the build as sturdy for its size.

Cons

• Both outputs share one DAC, so the two listeners hear the same signal at the same volume level.
• It is not a dedicated headphone amplifier. High-impedance headphones may sound quiet or thin.
• Compatibility depends on the host supporting USB audio class devices with a microphone input; some phones and tablets restrict this.
• No Bluetooth, no charging pass-through, and no volume control on the device itself.
• Owner reports suggest the cable and strain relief are the first things to wear out with repeated plugging.

Performance Analysis

Performance for a splitter like this comes down to three things: the quality of the DAC, how well the output stage drives the attached headphones, and how reliably the host recognizes the device. The 24-bit DAC rating is a reasonable spec for everyday listening, streaming and video. Digital-to-analog conversion at this bit depth is well beyond what most consumer streaming sources deliver, so the limiting factor in practice is usually the headphones and the source file, not the converter itself.

The output stage is the more important consideration for many listeners. Passive headphones in the 16 to 64 ohm range, which covers most consumer earbuds and on-ear models, typically work well from a USB-powered source. Higher-impedance models, such as many studio headphones rated at 250 ohms or more, usually need more voltage than a bus-powered DAC supplies. Owners using those headphones often report low volume and a flatter sound, and a dedicated amplifier is the better fix.

Because both outputs share a single DAC, volume and level are shared. If one listener wants a louder mix, the host’s volume control affects both jacks. This is a design limit rather than a defect, and it is worth knowing before buying if the two listeners have different hearing preferences or different headphones with very different sensitivities.

Recognition reliability is the area where owner feedback varies most. Many users report plug-and-play behavior on laptops running current desktop operating systems. Others on some Android phones and older tablets have needed to toggle USB audio settings or unplug and replug to get the mic input to register. If you plan to use the mic for calls, test the setup with the actual app you use before relying on it.

For anyone troubleshooting a setup that is not behaving as expected, the guide on USB C Headphone Adapter Not Working: 7 Fixes That Work covers the most common causes, and Headphone Adapters Explained: 3.5 mm, 6.3 mm and USB-C is useful background on how the connector types differ.

Who Should Buy This Product?

This adapter fits several specific situations well. Couples or friends who want to watch a movie or listen to music together on a plane, in a car, or at a desk will find the two-jack layout genuinely convenient. Anyone who has a headset with a boom mic and a USB-C-only laptop or phone will also benefit from the dedicated mic input, since it removes the need for a separate USB headset.

It is less suited to people who want a single clean headphone connection with volume control at the device, people who need Bluetooth, or people who plan to run demanding high-impedance headphones. Gamers who need low-latency voice chat on a console will usually be better served by a headset designed for that platform. Readers looking at broader options can compare the range in 7 Best USB-C Headphone Adapters: Picks for Every Phone (2026).

Buying Guide

Before buying a USB C dual headphone adapter, check these points.

1. Confirm the host supports USB audio. Look at the device specifications for USB audio class support. Chromebooks, most Windows and macOS laptops, and many Android phones support it, but support varies.
2. Check whether you need a mic input. If you want to use a headset mic on the second jack, you need an adapter with a dedicated mic input. Some lower-cost splitters only pass audio.
3. Match the adapter to your headphone impedance. Low-impedance consumer headphones work fine with a bus-powered DAC. High-impedance studio headphones may need a separate amplifier.
4. Think about shared volume. If both listeners need independent volume, look for a model with separate level controls or plan to use inline volume controls on each headset.
5. Look at cable construction. Strain relief near the connector is a common failure point, especially with frequent plugging and unplugging.

Two alternatives worth comparing if the StarTech does not match your setup:

• 

  Belkin RockStar USB-C Audio + Charge Adapter, Headphone Adapter w/ USB-C 60W Power Delivery Fast Charging for iPhone, iPad Pro, Galaxy, Note, Google Pixel, LG G6, Sony Xperia, OnePlus, & More – Black

  View on Amazon

  – Belkin RockStar USB-C Audio + Charge Adapter, which adds USB-C power delivery pass-through so you can charge a phone while listening. View on Amazon

• 

  USB C to 3.5mm Audio Adapter Set, USB C to 3.5mm TRS Female Jack + USB C to Dual 3.5mm TRRS Headphone Splitter for Audio Sharing

  View on Amazon

  – USB C to 3.5mm Audio Adapter Set, which pairs a single-jack adapter with a dual-jack splitter for mixed use cases. View on Amazon

Readers choosing a dedicated DAC for a home or desk setup may also want to see Top 7 DAC Amp USB C Picks for Every Listening Setup (2026).

FAQ

Can two people use the same USB C dual headphone adapter at the same time?

Yes. The adapter has two 3.5mm outputs, so two wired headphones or earbuds can be plugged in together. Both listeners hear the same audio source at the same level, because the outputs share one DAC.

Does this adapter work with a headset microphone?

The StarTech model includes a microphone input, so a headset with a 3.5mm boom mic can be used for calls on a compatible USB-C host. Confirm the mic is recognized in your app’s audio settings before relying on it.

Will it work with my iPhone?

iPhones with USB-C can use USB audio class devices in some configurations, but support for mic input and dual outputs depends on the iOS version and the app. Check current compatibility before buying, since Apple’s support for USB audio can change.

Do I need a power adapter?

No. The adapter is bus-powered from the USB-C port, so it draws power from the host device.

Will it drive high-impedance headphones well?

It can, but volume may be lower and the sound may lack punch. High-impedance headphones usually benefit from a dedicated headphone amplifier.

Does it support Bluetooth headphones?

No. It is a wired adapter. Bluetooth headphones connect directly to the device without it.

Can I use it to charge my phone at the same time?

The StarTech splitter is an audio device and does not pass power through. If you need charging while listening, a model with power delivery pass-through, such as the Belkin RockStar mentioned above, is the better fit. Consult your device manufacturer if you are unsure about charging compatibility with an accessory.

Final Verdict

The StarTech USB-C Headphone Splitter is a practical choice for shared listening, for pairing a headset mic on a USB-C-only device, and for anyone who wants a built-in DAC without carrying a separate amplifier. Its main limits are shared volume, modest drive for high-impedance headphones, and recognition that depends on the host. If those trade-offs fit your use, it does its core job sensibly. If you need Bluetooth, charging pass-through, or serious headphone amplification, look at the alternatives above instead.

View on Amazon

Related reading

• Usb-c to 3.5mm Headphone Adapter (2026): Pros, Cons & Verdict

About Claire Whitaker

Claire Whitaker is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our headphone comfort & accessories + gaming headsets guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.