Absolutely you want to use a USB audio interface.

Essentially for 2 reasons.

First..... better quality audio. You get studio quality sound.

Second..... two way transfer. The headphone jack is one way..... audio out only and shaky quality and performance, as others have pointed out. With the USB interface, you can not only hear the audio coming out, but you can also record in while playing along with the music you hear.

You can find my music at:
www.herbhartley.com
Add nothing that adds nothing to the music.
You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.

The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.