Best Phones With a Headphone Jack in 2026

We've all witnessed the disappearance of the 3.5 mm audio port from flagship smartphones over the recent years. The last Samsung Galaxy with a headphone jack was released back in 2020, whereas iPhones discarded it long before, with the introduction of the iPhone 7 in 2016. Fast forward to present day, wired headphones are making a quiet comeback due to better audio quality, no need for charging, and concerns over Bluetooth vulnerabilities in wireless earbuds. If you've been secretly harbouring a passion for wired headphones, you can let the cat out of the bag with these top picks for 2026: -

• Motorola Moto G57 Power 2026 (Best Battery Life)

• Samsung Galaxy A26 5G (Best Budget Pick)

• ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro (Best for Gaming)

• Motorola Moto G Stylus 2025 (Best Overall)

• Sony Xperia 1 VIII (Best for Audiophiles)

• Minimal Phone 2 (No Distractions)

Motorola Moto G57 Power  - Best Battery Life

If battery life is at the top of your wishlist, the Moto G57 Power is a standout choice. Built around an endurance-first approach, this model packs a massive 7,000mAh silicon-carbon battery, promising up to 60 hours of battery life under Motorola’s test conditions. That makes it an excellent option for anyone who wants to get through busy days without constantly reaching for a charger.

Whether you're streaming music through wired headphones, catching up on podcasts, or simply going about your daily routine, this is a phone designed to keep going for longer between charges.

Of course, battery life isn’t the only reason it earns a spot here. The Moto G57 Power includes a 3.5mm audio jack, making it one of the best phones with a headphone jack for anyone who prefers reliable wired audio without needing a USB-C adapter. With stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos support, and Hi-Res Audio, it’s also well-equipped for music, videos, and other media.

The rest of the package is impressive for a budget-friendly device. You get a large 6.72-inch Full HD+ LCD with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 6s Gen 4 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of internal storage. It also features IP64-rated water resistance, Corning Gorilla Glass 7i, and MIL-STD-810H-tested durability, making it a practical choice for everyday use.

That said, there are a few compromises to consider. The LCD display doesn't offer the deep blacks and contrast of an OLED panel, while 30W charging isn't the fastest available for a battery this large. Still, if you're looking for a new phone with a headphone jack that puts battery endurance first, the Moto G57 Power makes a compelling case. It's one of the best phones with an audio jack for anyone who wants long-lasting power and the convenience of traditional wired headphones in one affordable package.

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Samsung Galaxy A26 5G - Best Budget Pick

If you've got your heart set on a Samsung phone but want something more modern without breaking the bank, the Galaxy A26 5G is a solid contender. It brings a few worthwhile upgrades over older budget Galaxy models, including a bigger display, improved durability, and a more capable camera system. There's one catch for wired audio fans, though: Samsung has dropped the traditional headphone jack, so you'll need USB-C headphones or an adapter.

For its budget-friendly price, the A26 5G punches above its weight in a few key areas. The 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate is crisp, colourful, and great for streaming videos or browsing your favourite apps. Paired with a 5,000mAh battery, this phone can comfortably get you through a full day of use, making it a dependable choice for music, podcasts, and everyday tasks.

Performance-wise, it's well equipped for daily use, thanks to Samsung's Exynos 1380 chipset and up to 8GB of RAM, depending on the configuration. The 50MP main camera with optical image stabilisation is another welcome addition, while expandable storage gives you room for your photos, apps, and offline music collection.

There are compromises, of course. There's no 3.5mm audio jack, no wireless charging, and the single speaker won't thrill audiophiles. But if you're happy to use an adapter or switch to USB-C headphones, the Galaxy A26 5G offers a good mix of display quality, battery life, and everyday performance. Just remember that if your priority is finding the best phone with a headphone jack, an older Galaxy model or another budget handset with a dedicated aux port will be a better fit.

ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro - Best for Gaming

If you're serious about mobile gaming and still want that classic wired audio experience, the Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro is in a league of its own. It’s not just one of the best phones with a headphone jack, it’s a full-blown gaming powerhouse wrapped in RGB lights and cutting-edge hardware.

Let’s start with the essentials: yes, it has a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is practically unheard of in modern flagship phones. That alone makes it stand out, especially if you're a gamer who demands zero-latency, lossless sound without dealing with wireless quirks. But the ROG Phone 9 Pro doesn’t stop there.

Under the hood, you’re getting Qualcomm’s top-tier Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Elite chipset (yes, the fastest around), a silky-smooth AMOLED display with a crazy-high refresh rate, and not one but two USB-C ports so you can charge while gaming in landscape mode without cables getting in your way. Thoughtful touches like that make a big difference in marathon gaming sessions.

The Pro version kicks things up further with customisable Mini-LEDs on the back, a telephoto camera, and support for Asus’s AeroActive Cooler - a clip-on accessory with cooling fans and extra shoulder buttons to give you a console-like feel. It’s the ultimate mobile gaming setup in your pocket.

Downsides? It’s not cheap (you’re looking at around £1100), the cameras are just average, and software quirks still show up here and there. Asus also only promises two Android OS updates, which isn’t great for long-term value. But if gaming is your priority, this is hands-down one of the best phones with audio jack support you can buy.

Motorola Moto G Stylus 2025 - Best Overall

In a world where the headphone jack feels like an endangered species, the Motorola Moto G Stylus 2025 is a breath of fresh (and musical) air. This phone doesn’t just include the beloved 3.5mm audio jack - it flaunts it, alongside features that make it one of the best mid-range phones with a headphone jack you can get right now.

Let’s talk design first: the Moto G Stylus 2025 sports a stunning blue vegan leather back that adds premium flair without the premium price. It feels great when held, looks fantastic, and still somehow finds room to house both a headphone jack and a built-in stylus,  proving that ditching the aux port for “space-saving” is just lazy engineering.

Under the hood, it’s no slouch either. The Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 keeps things zippy, whether you're streaming music, sketching out ideas with the stylus, or just scrolling through your favourite playlists. And the 120Hz OLED display? A joy for content consumption, especially when paired with wired headphones and zero latency.

You also get a generous 256GB of storage (expandable via microSD!), a full day’s battery life with its 5,000mAh battery pack, and even wireless charging. It’s also IP68-rated, so a splash or quick dunk won't ruin your day (or your podcast).

If you're hunting for the best phone with a headphone jack in 2026, the Moto G Stylus isn’t just a solid option, it’s a standout. Just keep an eye out for seasonal discounts; Motorola is known for dropping prices during major sales events, making this gem a steal.

Sony Xperia 1 VIII - Best for Audiophiles

For those who care deeply about sound – we're talking high-resolution audio, wired clarity, and studio-inspired precision – the new Sony Xperia 1 VIII hits all the right notes. In a market where flagship phones continue to drop headphone jack support, Sony keeps the faith with a dedicated 3.5mm port and premium audio hardware, making this one of the best phones with a headphone jack for serious audiophiles. Support for Hi-Res Audio, LDAC, and Sony's WALKMAN-inspired audio technology helps make it a compelling choice for anyone who wants more from their music.

But the Xperia 1 VIII doesn't stop at the headphone port. It's packed with hardware that music lovers, content creators, and cinephiles alike will appreciate: a 6.5-inch FHD+ OLED display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, upgraded full-stage stereo speakers, and microSD card support for cards up to 2TB. That means you can keep a substantial high-resolution music library close at hand without relying entirely on cloud storage.

Under the hood, it runs on Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, paired with up to 16GB of RAM and up to 1TB of internal storage, depending on the configuration. It's more than capable of handling demanding apps, multitasking, and creative workloads, making it a powerful option for users who want premium performance alongside excellent wired audio.

And if you're into visuals too, the upgraded ZEISS camera system features a larger telephoto sensor and Sony's AI Camera Assistant, while 4K HDR video recording at up to 120fps gives content creators plenty of flexibility. Add a 5,000mAh battery with up to two days of battery life under Sony's stated conditions, and you've got a flagship built for both entertainment and productivity.

That said, the Xperia 1 VIII comes with a premium price tag, and its charging speeds aren't the fastest in the flagship market. But for those who care more about sound quality, expandable storage, and creative features than chasing trends, it offers something increasingly rare: a flagship experience that still puts wired listening first. If you're searching for a new phone with a headphone jack, the Xperia 1 VIII is a strong contender for the best phone with an audio jack, combining Sony's audio expertise with powerful hardware and a versatile camera system.

Minimal Phone 2 - No Distractions Pick

The new Minimal Phone 2 is unlike anything else on this list. It's not just a smartphone; it's a statement.

With its compact 3.92-inch AMOLED display and physical QWERTY keyboard, the Minimal Phone 2 is designed to keep distractions at bay. You can check your messages, call a ride, or use your favourite Android apps, but the small screen and keyboard-focused design encourage a more intentional way of using your phone. Unlike the original Minimal Phone, it swaps the e-paper display for a smoother 90Hz AMOLED panel, making everyday interactions feel more familiar.

But here's where it shines: despite its stripped-down philosophy, the Minimal Phone 2 still includes a 3.5mm headphone jack – something so many modern phones have ditched. That means you can plug in and listen to your favourite music or podcasts with wired headphones, without worrying about charging earbuds or losing adapters. For anyone looking for phones with a 3.5mm jack, it's a refreshing alternative to conventional smartphones.

Bonus points for its MediaTek Dimensity 8300 processor, 12GB of RAM, expandable-feeling storage options of up to 512GB, and support for Qi wireless charging. You also get a 50MP rear camera and a programmable switch for added convenience. Just keep in mind that the 3,600mAh battery is relatively modest, and the compact screen won't suit everyone. With shipments expected to begin in December 2026, real-world performance is still something to watch.

If you're trying to cut down on screen time while keeping modern essentials in your pocket and enjoying your music through trusty wired headphones, the Minimal Phone 2 could be your perfect middle ground. It's a distinctive option for anyone searching for a new phone with a headphone jack that puts simplicity ahead of endless scrolling.

Takeaway

While the industry might be steering toward wireless, there’s something undeniably comforting about wired headphones coming back. There's just nothing better than plugging your headphones directly into your phone. Whether it’s for superior sound quality, zero latency, or just the simple joy of not worrying about battery life on your earbuds, these phones with audio jacks prove that wired audio is far from obsolete. Maybe wired headphones in retail boxes will be returning shortly too?

Whichever wired-friendly option you choose, remember to trade in your old phone to keep the circular tech economy going, and make some cash along the way.