Delivering sound via hollow air tubes rather than traditional wires, the DefenderShield® EMF Radiation-Free Air Tube Headphones offer an incredible listening experience while protecting from Electromagnetic Field (EMF) radiation exposure.

The DefenderShield® EMF Radiation-Free Stereo Headphones are built with professional-grade stereo quality speakers, while air tubes increase space for audio development, producing more body and delivering superior acoustic sound. For other Air Tube Headphone options, take a look at our EMF-Free Air Tube Earbuds!

SAFETY

• EMF radiation-free technology delivers crystal clear sound via hollow air tubes rather than traditional wires.
• Braided nylon cord is infused with copper for additional protection from Extremely Low Frequency (ELF) radiation.
• Aluminum speakers eliminate RF frequencies.

SOUND

• Developed by audio engineering specialists.
• Advanced, professional-grade speakers deliver higher fidelity sound.
• Air-filled hollow tubes increase space for tone development, producing body and delivering a superior acoustic audio.

CONVENIENCE

• Foldable for easy storage inside the protective zipper case.
• Adjustable headpiece for a custom fit.
• Built-in hands-free microphone with audio controls.
• Highly flexible yet strong air tubes and tangle-free braided nylon cord.

Place the DefenderShield EMF Free Headphones on your head with the "R" and "L" on the inside of the adjustable headpiece over the correct ears. Plug the EMF Free Headphones into the appropriate 3.5 mm or USB-C port on your devices. Make sure to have the appropriate adapter for cell phones without audio ports.

Play music or audio on the device, and adjust the volume on both the device and on the headphones' audio controller located below the air tubes. Make sure the audio is at a low conversational level (below 65 dB) before placing the headphones on your ears.

You can use the audio controller on the headphones to raise or lower the volume, play or pause audio, skip a track, and to answer or end phone calls.

Experience crystal clear sound with the highs and lows of your music, listen to podcasts without distortion, and enjoy muffle-free conversations with your family friends, all while protecting yourself from EMF radiation.

When not in use, you can place the DefenderShield Air Tube Headphones in the protective zippered carrying case. Follow the instructions below to avoid bending or kinking the air-tubing, as bent air tubes may prevent sound from reaching the headset.

PLEASE NOTE: iPhone 7 models and newer require a lightning cord adapter for compatibility with the DefenderShield Headphones.

Weight (lbs): 0.81
Dimensions (in): 8 x 7.25 x 3.5
Cord (in): 42.5 (from 3.5mm plug to speaker)
Air Tube Length (in): 5 (from speaker to headset)
Compatible with most 3.5mm audio devices

Weight (lbs): 0.81
Dimensions (in): 8 x 7.25 x 3.5
Cord (in): 42.5 (from USB-C plug to speaker)
Air Tube Length (in): 5 (from speaker to headset)
Compatible with most USB-C audio devices

Patent License #: 6453044

If your earbuds aren’t working, often the earbuds are not defective but the device, port, or adapter you are using. Even if the port looks correct, it may not be compatible.

Follow the guide below to ensure your earbuds are functioning properly.

Our Top Tips:

• Adapters complicate compatibility. Direct connections are the most stable.

• If devices have multiple port options, the 3.5mm earbuds have the most universal audio and mic connection. 

• For devices with unsupported ports (regular USB, Lightning) it is better to use the 3.5mm earbuds with an adapter, than to use USB-C earbuds with an adapter.

• The earbuds should work on most devices (with the correct adapter if needed) for audio connections, while the mic and controls may be less universally compatible.

3.5mm Headphones Information

Compatibility

Device port AND adapter (if used) needs to be a TRRS (4-pole) connection.

Our 3.5mm headphones include a microphone, which requires a TRRS (4-pole) connection.

• TRRS (4-pole) → audio + mic + controls
• TRS (3-pole) → audio only (mic and controls will not work)
• Always use adapters labeled TRRS, 4-pole, or “supports headset/mic”.
  • Make sure there are 3 lines on the ring of the jack, otherwise, the microphone and controls may not work.
  • Cheap or generic adapters are often just for charging (audio and microphone/controls won’t work) or audio (microphone or controls won’t work).
  • Adapters that may not fully work:
    • Cheap “pass-through” adapters (no DAC)
    • Plane/dual-prong adapters
    • Splitters not rated for TRRS
    • Many Amazon Basics or generic adapters
    • Confirm your device supports TRRS (4-pole) 3.5mm jacks for audio and mic (input and output).
• Common devices with TRS-only jacks (may not fully work):
  • Desktops and some laptops
  • Older computers with separate headphone + mic jacks
    • Handheld gaming devices
    • Cameras with separate headphones + mic jacks
    • Any device that requires a USB-C or Lightning connection without an active, MFi/USB DAC adapter
  • Check device input/audio settings to select the external headset/mic.

  • Test the headphones on a different device (or 2) to confirm they function.

  • Refer to your device manual or manufacturer website for “headset with mic” support.

How do I fix an unsupported adapter or port?

Devices with a TRS-only port cannot be changed to recognize and support mic input. Our headphones should work for audio, but without full mic/controls functionality.

You can purchase a 4-pole TRRS 3.5mm adapter, just make sure it says “supports headphone and mic”.

Typical Problems & Fixes:

Audio works but microphone doesn’t:

• Likely wrong adapter (TRS instead of TRRS) → use TRRS/4-pole adapter. It must include a DAC if adapting to USB-C or Lightning (cheap pass-through adapters won’t work).

• Device not selecting external mic → check audio/input settings.

• App may be blocking external mic → test in a native voice recorder app.

• Plug not fully seated → push until it clicks, remove case if blocking.

• Device port is audio-only → check device settings, or test the headphones on a few different devices. If it works on other devices, the port likely only supports audio.

Inline controls (play/volume/skip) don’t work:

• Some devices ignore analog controls →  this is a device limitation — the headphones themselves are fine.

• Adapter may not support inline signals → test in a device without an adapter and if it works, get an adapter that supports inline signals.

• Your device’s media volume may already be at maximum or minimum → check native device volume control.

• On some devices, the inline volume buttons control media volume, not call volume — try playing music or a video while adjusting.

• When using with music apps, some devices require the media app to be active first before the headphones’ inline controls can send commands → Hit Play directly on the device. After the audio starts, the earbuds’ buttons should work as expected.

• The control buttons may be stuck or jammed → press each button a few times in different spots with varying pressure. Try a longer, firmer press and release. If it still doesn’t work, gently clean around the buttons with a dry brush/cotton swab to remove dust or debris.

Static, low volume, or one side cutting out:

• Straighten kinked air tubes.

• Clean debris from the port.

• Check Accessibility → Disable Mono Audio to restore normal stereo output.

• Reset EQ or audio effects.

• Re-seat the plug firmly and make sure a case isn’t getting in the way.

• Turn off Bluetooth to ensure audio isn’t being routed wirelessly.

• Adapter or device issue: Try using it in a different device that doesn’t need an adapter (it may be a faulty adapter connection). Or, try a different device WITH the adapter. If it exhibits the same problem, the adapter is the issue.

Headphones don't fit correctly on ears:

• Master the "Crown Rule": Adjust the headband sliders so the weight rests lightly on the top of your head. If the band is too long, the cups will sag and pull on your ears; if it's too short, it’ll feel like a heavy weight on your skull.
• Leverage the Dual-Rotation: Use the vertical tilt to hug your jawline and the horizontal swivel to wrap around the back of your ears. If you feel "air" anywhere, the cups aren't centered to your unique head shape.
• Fix the "Vice-Grip": If the clamping force is too intense, stretch the headphones over a stack of books slightly wider than your head for 24 hours to relax the tension.
• Check Your Ears: Ensure your entire ear is inside the cushion cavity. If the padding sits on top of your ear cartilage, it will cause "ear fatigue" and soreness within an hour.
• Manage Obstructions: Move hair out of the way and check if your glasses are lifting the pads. A broken seal usually means less comfort and worse sound.

USB-C Earbuds Information

Make sure your device port supports analog USB-C audio (adapter not recommended).

There are different types of USB‑C headphones/adapters:

• Active:  Has its own internal DAC (digital to analog converter) + amp. It expects digital audio from the device.
  

• Passive / “Accessory Mode”: Relies on the device to output analog audio through USB‑C just like a 3.5 mm jack would.

Our USB-C Air Tube headphones use analog audio signaling with a microphone, meaning it works with devices that support analog audio input. That means the device has a DAC to convert the audio from analog to digital.

Every device manufacturer handles analog USB‑C differently — some support it fully, some partially (audio yes, mic no), and some not at all. Apple does not explicitly state analog USB-C headset compatibility with its newer USB-C iPhones, but our own testing has shown consistent functionality with the DefenderShield USB-C headphones.

Key Note: Analog USB‑C headphones work best directly plugged into a device that supports analog USB‑C audio. Mic and inline controls may not function on partially compatible devices, or when using an adapter.

How to check compatibility:

Confirm your device supports analog USB-C audio/microphone.

• Likely compatible devices:

• Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer

• Newer iPad Pro / iPad Air with analog USB‑C audio

• Some Chromebooks or Windows laptops that support analog USB‑C audio

• iPhone 15 and newer (*doesn’t explicitly state analog USB-C support)

• Likely incompatible or partial function:

• Android phones with a 3.5mm and USB-C port (Moto G Stylus 5G) don’t support any USB-C audio

• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold

• Motorola Razr

• OnePlus Nord series

• Most Windows laptops without analog USB‑C audio

• Nintendo Switch (audio may work; mic may not)

• USB-C hubs, multi-port adapters, charging-only adapters, or extenders

• Test on another known compatible device to confirm functionality.

• Refer to your device manual or manufacturer website for “USB-C analog audio” or “headset with mic” support.

Adapters / Hubs:

• Plug directly into the device for the best results.

• Avoid multi-port USB-C hubs, charging-only adapters, docking stations, car USB ports, or USB-C extenders.

• Lightning to USB-C requires an adapter that is labeled "Charging and Audio" or "Data Transfer" to support full functionality.

How do I fix an unsupported adapter or port?

If the device has an audio and mic compatible port (3.5mm, Apple Lightning), purchase an adapter that converts to USB-C analog audio with microphone. Depending on the adapter, there may still be issues with mic and inline controls.

Devices that do not support analog USB-C with mic input cannot be changed to recognize the earbuds, and there is not an adapter that will convert USB-C analog audio headphones to digital. Headphones may be audio-only.

Typical Problems & Fixes

Audio works but microphone doesn’t:

• Device may not support analog USB-C mic → check audio/input settings.

• Android: Settings → Sound → Input → select “Headset Microphone”

• App may be blocking external mic → test in a native voice recorder app.

• Plug not fully seated → push until it clicks, remove case if blocking.

• Test on a different compatible device → if it works elsewhere, your device likely does not support analog USB-C mic input.

Inline controls (play/volume/skip) don’t work:

• Many devices only support digital USB-C commands, so analog controls may not function → this is a device limitation — the headphones themselves are fine.
• Adapter may not support inline signals → test in a device without an adapter and if it works, get an adapter that supports inline signals if possible or try to use without an adapter.

• Your device’s media volume may already be at maximum or minimum → check native device volume control.

• On some devices, the inline volume buttons control media volume, not call volume — try playing music or a video while adjusting.

• When using with music apps, some devices require the media app to be active first before the earbuds’ inline controls can send commands → Hit Play directly on the device. After the audio starts, the headphones’ buttons should work as expected.

• The control buttons may be stuck or jammed → press each button a few times in different spots with varying pressure. Try a longer, firmer press and release. If it still doesn’t work, gently clean around the buttons with a dry brush/cotton swab to remove dust or debris.

Static, low volume, or one side cutting out:

• Straighten kinked air tubes.

• Clean debris from the port.

• Check Accessibility → Disable Mono Audio to restore normal stereo output.

• Reset EQ or audio effects.

• Re-seat the plug firmly and make sure a case isn’t getting in the way.

• Turn off Bluetooth to ensure audio isn’t being routed wirelessly.

• Adapter or device issue: Try using it in a different device that doesn’t need an adapter (it may be a faulty adapter connection). Or, try a different device WITH the adapter. If it exhibits the same problem, the adapter is the issue.

Headphones don't fit correctly on ears:

• Master the "Crown Rule": Adjust the headband sliders so the weight rests lightly on the top of your head. If the band is too long, the cups will sag and pull on your ears; if it's too short, it’ll feel like a heavy weight on your skull.
• Leverage the Dual-Rotation: Use the vertical tilt to hug your jawline and the horizontal swivel to wrap around the back of your ears. If you feel "air" anywhere, the cups aren't centered to your unique head shape.
• Fix the "Vice-Grip": If the clamping force is too intense, stretch the headphones over a stack of books slightly wider than your head for 24 hours to relax the tension.
• Check Your Ears: Ensure your entire ear is inside the cushion cavity. If the padding sits on top of your ear cartilage, it will cause "ear fatigue" and soreness within an hour.
• Manage Obstructions: Move hair out of the way and check if your glasses are lifting the pads. A broken seal usually means less comfort and worse sound.