If you buy something from the links on this page, we may earn a commission. Why Trust Us?
If you're looking to upgrade the sound quality on your laptop or desktop computer, you don’t need to replace your entire PC — you just need an external sound card. Offering numerous features and functions, external sound cards are an easy way and portable way to upgrade the sound quality of your computer, especially if it’s an affordable or midrange model.
External sound cards also give users easy access to a wide selection of audio input and output ports so you can plug in a microphone, a gaming headset, or additional speakers. You could even use an external sound card to plug in a home theater sound system or to assist in recording music or podcasts.
The Best External Sound Cards
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
For Dolby Digital 5.1 Sound on the Cheap
ICUSBAUDIO2D External Sound Card
Read more
9
What to Consider
Connectivity
Every external sound card on this list packs one (or more) audio jacks for connecting headphones, speakers, and additional gear like external microphones. For our top picks, we looked for products that utilize a USB-C connection to link with a computer or a gaming console. The option mentioned above is the most futureproof, and it will guarantee you years of reliable service.
Setup
USB sound cards are easy to set up, and just as the name suggests, they connect to your computer via USB. Getting started on a PC might require you to download and install software drivers that typically come with the device. Mac setup is often even easier — all users have to do on most occasions is connect the device and select it as an audio source from the sound settings on the Mac.
Audio Capabilities
If you stream high-resolution audio from apps like TIDAL or Apple Music, be sure whatever external sound card you choose supports the highest bit depth you stream. HiFi audio typically is 44.1 kHz / 16 bit, which is CD quality. TIDAL streams are typically 96 kHz / 24 bit, and Apple Music resolutions range from 16 bit / 44.1 kHz up to 24 bit / 192 kHz.
If you've invested in a good set of headphones, an external sound card will drive them to their best possible quality while increasing your port section in the process, making them definitely worthy of adding to your setup.
Here are the best external sound cards to consider at various price points to take your computer’s audio to new heights.
Pros
- Excellent audio performance
- Easy setup
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Not great for on-the-go use
This high-resolution USB DAC is the perfect solution for elevating your audio experience at your desk. Not only does it support 32-bit 196kHz hi-res audio, but it's also the only external USB DAC that features Super X-Fi tech, which recreates the experience of a high-end multispeaker sound system in your headphones.
Thanks to its USB-C port, this external sound card is compatible with most modern-day setups. Besides that, it features 3.5-millimeter headphone and mic ports on its front, five 3.5-millimeter ports on its rear for connecting a 7.1 speaker system (and a line-in device), along with an optical output.
The Sound Blaster helps you find that sweet spot between two audio sources. This comes in handy when you need to control the volume mix between your video game audio and your teammates' audio so you can hear them better. This audio solution is compatible with PCs, Macs, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch.
Plus, since it supports impedances up to 600 ohms, it's perfect for powering audiophile-grade headsets.
More: We Tested 30+ Gaming Headsets to Find the Best Out There
Key Specs
Connectivity | USB-C, optical output |
---|---|
Sound | 7.1 surround, lossless audio |
Other | Companion app |
Pros
- Sleek design and handy controls
- Fantastic audio quality for the money
Cons
- No surround sound support
FiiO’s E10K-TC USB headphone amplifier has a sleek, no-nonsense design, headlined by a brushed aluminum exterior, a single front-facing audio connector, and an oversized power and volume control knob. The last-mentioned bit has exceptional tactility that belies the product’s under-$100 price tag — it’s consistently enjoyable to interact with.
The audio performance of the E10K-TC is excellent for the money. The device packs top-shelf audio components that allow it to deliver Hi-Res Audio content and power high-impedance headphones. The amp has a handy switch for bumping up its power output, and the front-facing button for enhancing the bass delivery is super convenient, too.
FiiO treated the E10K-TC to a surprisingly rich set of connectivity features. They range from an old-school co-axial output to decidedly modern USB-C.
Key Specs
Connectivity | USB-C, coaxial output |
---|---|
Sound | Lossless audio |
Other | Volume control knob |
Pros
- Incredibly compact
- Audiophile-grade audio performance
Cons
- Lacks additional controls
The Helm Audio Bolt is hands down the most minimalist option on this list. Measuring less than four inches in length, the minuscule gadget will deliver studio-grade sound and support for high-impedance headphones by linking to any desktop or laptop computer via USB-C or USB-A connection. The product also supports USB-C-toting iPads and Android devices.
When it comes to audio fidelity, the Helm Audio Bolt supports MQA- and THX-certified sound. Such certifications ensure you can enjoy distortion-free, audiophile-grade content even at high volume levels. Their availability is impressive considering the product’s agreeable price.
Other key features of the Bolt include a discreet light indicator that changes color depending on the quality of the content, a fabric-covered cable, and gold-plated connectors. Its retail package includes a USB-A adapter.
Key Specs
Connectivity | USB-C |
---|---|
Sound | Lossless audio, THX certification |
Other | Built-in sound quality indicator |
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
Pros
- Compact design
- Stellar audio performance
- Convenient controls
Cons
- Doesn't support multichannel surround sound
Gamers looking to improve their audio for their gaming headset on the go should look no further than Creative's Sound Blaster G3 sound card. The product is also a great option for audiophiles, thanks to support for lossless audio and high-impedance cans.
This option will immediately improve audio performance and provide a more immersive gaming experience. It'll help you hear footsteps in the distance while playing games like Fortnite or PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds. Plus, its GameVoice feature comes in handy for balancing your game audio with the chat audio on your PlayStation or gaming PC.
Best of all, it doesn't require any drivers or software to use!
Key Specs
Connectivity | USB-C |
---|---|
Sound | Lossless audio |
Other | Companion app |
Pros
- Affordable
- Solid audio performance
- Sleek design
Cons
- Uses a dated microUSB connector
The GSX 300 is a compact external sound card that offers users stereo or virtual surround sound modes that you can switch between with a simple button press. It's equipped with separate 3.5-millimeter analog headphone and microphone jacks and supports 24-bit / 96 kHz uncompressed audio.
Compared to the GSX 1000 PRO, it doesn't have as many bells and whistles and requires you to make adjustments through software rather than directly from the unit, but it's still a reliable external sound card, especially for the budget-friendly price.
It still supports custom EQ presets that you can toggle between, and will definitely result in cleaner and higher-quality audio.
Key Specs
Connectivity | microUSB |
---|---|
Sound | 7.1 surround, lossless audio |
Other | Backlit volume knob |
Pros
- Elaborate controls
- Great audio performance
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Uses a dated microUSB connector
When it comes to audio, Xbox gamers often get the short end of the stick. Wireless headsets for the console are few and far between, and the original Xbox One console didn't even have a 3.5-millimeter jack for plugging in your gaming headset — but ASTRO clearly doesn't want to leave Xbox owners hanging yet again.
This nifty audio solution is perfect for gamers looking to improve sound quality and voice communication within their favorite games. It features Dolby Digital Surround Sound processing and lets you quickly adjust game and voice balance, so your friends' voices don't get drowned out by your intense game soundtrack.
The accessory has plenty of customizable EQ modes and lets you adjust the volume on the fly with just a turn of a dial. ASTRO sells a MixAmp that's compatible with the PlayStation 4 and 5, too.
Connectivity | microUSB, optical output |
---|---|
Sound | Supports Dolby Atmos-enhanced spatial audio |
Other | Works with Xbox, PC, and Mac |
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
Pros
- Cool design with elaborate controls
- Amazing audio performance
Cons
- Uses a dated microUSB connector
Creative is one of the leaders in the market for external sound cards, and the Sound BlasterX G6 is one of the company's best-selling options. It's a versatile sound card that can provide an audio upgrade to your gaming console, PC, or MP3 player. It features Dolby Digital decoding and 7.1 virtual surround sound, and it supports Hi-Res audio formats.
If you're looking to enhance in-game audio for hearing footsteps and weapon-switching sounds in your games, this one will help you track and pinpoint your opponent's location.
The audio playback capabilities of the product are as remarkable as its gaming performance. The Sound BlasterX G6 supports high-fidelity audio playback and studio-grade headphones with high impedance.
Key Specs
Connectivity | microUSB |
---|---|
Sound | 7.1 surround, lossless audio |
Other | Backlit volume knob |
Pros
- Good audio performance for the money
- Affordable
- Integrated USB cable
Cons
- Surround sound is only available on Windows PCs
Despite its rather uninspiring name, this affordable external sound card will provide great home-theater audio support via a S/PDIF output. The gadget is also capable of producing high-quality audio via a built-in DAC.
Other key features include a volume knob and the ability to control the bass and treble via a dedicated switch. The device utilizes a decidedly old-school USB-A connector for linking to a computer.
For those who have a desktop and don't need a device as small as this one, StarTech offers a larger option that supports dual microphones.
Key Specs
Connectivity | Integrated USB-A cable |
---|---|
Sound | 5.1 surround, lossless audio |
Other | Volume control knob |
Pros
- No-nonsense compact design
- Cheap
Cons
- Doesn't bring any audio enhancements
The Sabrent external sound card has a plug-and-play design and a low price tag. It features a duo of 3.5-millimeter audio jacks: one for the microphone and one for your headphones.
This is a perfect and cheap solution in case your computer's built-in sound card goes bust — as long as you don't expect mind-blowing audio performance. A more futureproof USB-C version of the product is also available.
Key Specs
Connectivity | USB-A, USB-C |
---|---|
Sound | N/A |
Other | Integrated microphone input |