Finding a external sound cards that suits your need and does its job well can be challenging. Overall, our tester reviews these external sound cards with giving ratings and marks for its durability, ease of setup and use. Also the external sound cards price will be fairly matched the product’s performance, plus with the attractive and sturdy design etc that comes with the product. We conducted hands-on testing for external sound cards and have the details guide and list provided below.
In this in-depth review guide, we will discuss about the best external sound cards.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites
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Creative Labs Sound Blaster Play! 3 External USB Sound Adapter for Windows and Mac. Plug and Play...
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The Best external sound cards
Creative Labs Sound Blaster Play! 3 External USB Sound Adapter for Windows and Mac. Plug and Play (No Drivers Required). Upgrade to 24-Bit 96Khz Playback
$17.83 in stock
25 new from $17.83
1 used from $16.99
1 used from $16.99
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Features
- power source type: Corded Electric
UGREEN USB to Audio Jack Sound Card Adapter with Dual TRS 3-Pole 3.5mm Headphone and Microphone USB to Aux 3.5mm External Audio Converter for Windows Mac Linux PC Laptops Desktops PS5 Headsets Black
$13.99 in stock
1 used from $12.60
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Features
- 【Upgrade the Sound Quality】UGREEN Aux to USB adapter is the perfect solution for upgrading the sound quality of your laptop or desktop computer. With its high-resolution DAC chip, this adapter offers stunning audio quality that will completely transform your listening experience.
- 【Crystal-Clear Sound】Experience high-fidelity audio like never before! With a built-in DAC chip, this USB audio adapter delivers rich and immersive audio. The USB Aux adapter facilitates high-resolution audio output and noise reduction up to 16bit/48kHz to enhance the original sound quality of your devices.
- 【Plug and Play】 Simply connect this sound card to your device and you're ready to go - no drivers or external power sources required. Whether you're using it for gaming, recording music, or watching movies, this adapter is sure to impress.
- 【Wide Compatibility】The USB to audio jack is Compatible with Windows 11/10/98SE/ME/2000/XP/Server 2003/Vista/7/8/Linux/Mac OSX/PS5/PS4/Google Chromebook/Windows Surface Pro 3/Raspberry Pi. So no matter what you're using, this adapter is sure to work seamlessly with your setup. (*Note: NOT compatible with PS3.)
- 【Compact and Portable】UGREEN Aux to USB adapter is constructed with durable ABS material that makes it easy to take on the go. Don't miss out on this opportunity to elevate your audio experience - get your hands on the UGREEN Aux to USB adapter today!
Creative Sound Blaster X4 Hi-Res 24bit/192kHz External USB DAC and Amp Sound Card, Super X-Fi, Multi-Channel, 7.1 Discrete Surround, Optical-in, Optical-out, Line-in, Mic-in, Headset-in for PC and Mac
$129.99
in stock
13 new from $129.99
1 used from $94.16
1 used from $94.16
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Features
- 7.1 DISCRETE SURROUND WITH SUPER X-FI AND DOLBY DIGITAL LIVE - Supports up to 7.1 discrete for multi-channel speakers and virtual for headphones
- IMPROVED COMMUNICATION WITH SMARTCOMMS KIT AND CRYSTALVOICE - Features our SmartComms Kit, a suite of smart communication features that simplify the way you take work calls on Windows 10 platform. Turn on VoiceDetect to auto mute and unmute your mic, or get rid of static background noise in your own environment as well as the other parties' via our two-way noise cancellation feature NoiseClean. In tandem, CrystalVoice technology enhances voice for clear recordings and in-game communications
- CONNECT WITH EVERYTHING - With a newly added optical-in port, it is now much easier to connect multiple audio devices, from external microphones and headsets, to platforms like your PC, Mac, gaming consoles, and even your multi-channel speaker systems. Just power up the Sound Blaster X4 via the USB-C port, and enjoy high-quality audio with everything. The Sound Blaster X4 is also a headphone amplifier that is capable of driving studio-grade headphones of up to 600Ω
- EASY ACCESS TO ALL CONTROLS - Pick between three EQ modes or re-program them, and save your settings on the device. There are also the Direct Mic Mute, Direct Mode, Super X-Fi and SXFI BATTLE Mode on/off buttons, as well as a speaker (Line-out) and headphones switch button. After a one-time setup, instantly adjust the volume levels between two audio sources (SPDIF / Optical / USB) with the Audio Balance feature via the volume knob, perfect for communicating with music on
- GAME AND HEAR YOUR WAY – Choose between SXFI BATTLE Mode or Scout and get to winning your FPS game. Configure each element of your audio settings or switch them off completely via the Creative app. Access the full range of audio adjustments via the PC app, or make quick adjustments to your EQ settings from your phone. All these are powered by our Sound Blaster’s audio promise with 114 dB audio clarity and hi-res 192 kHz/24-bit playback
T10 External Sound Card, PHOINIKAS USB Audio Adapter for PC Windows, Mac, Linux, Laptops, Desktops, Stereo Sound Card with 3.5mm Interface & USB Interface, Volume Control, Plug & Play (6-in-1, Black)
$24.99
in stock
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as of January 2, 2024 12:39 am
Features
- Plug & Play: USB audio adapter can be used to replace a faulty sound card or audio port. Compatible with Windows XP/7/8/10, Mac IOS, etc. Connects to PC or laptop via USB port, plug and play, no driver required.
- Multiple 3.5mm Ports: External sound card is equipped with three 3.5mm ports, you can connect PS5, PS4, Xbox One, headphones, microphone and other 3.5mm interface devices to PC or laptop through the sound card.
- Multiple USB Ports: USB sound card is equipped with 3 USB ports, so you can connect your keyboard, mouse, card reader, webcam, MP3 player, and other USB interface devices to your PC or laptop via the sound card. (Note: Headphones cannot be used with the USB port)
- Mixer Function: Sound card can switch sound effects via "EQ", providing 4 sound modes, surround sound to prevent electromagnetic interference and provide stable HD sound quality to improve game audio.
- Personalized Features: Audio sound card has mini LED indicators, volume control scroll wheel, microphone mute button, and song switching function button, you can adjust your audio through the sound card. On top of that, with up to 4 feet of cable design, you can put your sound card anywhere.
LEAGY USB 7.1 External Sound Card (8-Channel) - 7.1 Channel USB Soundbox - Dynamic 3D Surround Sound - UP to 8 Speakers - Simultaneous Recording and Playback - Analog and Digital Audio Equipment
$26.99
in stock
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as of January 2, 2024 12:39 am
Features
- 1, Model Name: LEAGY USB 7.1 external sound card (channel encoder) for up to 8 speakers
- 2, Interface: USB 2.0 Full Speed specification | Audio Outputs: 5x jack (line out, front L/R, Side L/R, Rear L/R, C / Sub), 1x Toslink (SPDIF OUT) | Audio inputs: 3x jack (Line In, Mic 1, Mic 2), 1x Toslink (SPDIF IN) | Chipset: Cmedia CM6206
- 3, soundcard offers multiple connectivity options for analogue and digital audio devices / connect the device with the enclosed USB connection cable to a USB 2.0 port / connect headphones, headsets and speaker systems | simultaneous recording and playback possible | Speaker modes: 2.0, 4.0, 5.1, 7.1
- 4, Resolution: 48 kHz (analog output) / digital transmission from the PC | functions: Operating status (LED), Microphone mute (LED), speaker mute, volume amplifier control (louder / quieter) | compatible: Microsoft Windows XP / Windows 7 (32-bit / 64-bit) / Windows 8 (32-bit / 64-bit) / Windows 8.1 (32-bit / 64-bit), Windows 10 (32-bit / 64- bit)
- 5, Delivery: USB 7.1 sound card (external), USB connection cable, Toslink connection cable, driver CD, Quick Start Guide | Color: Black
Sound BlasterX G6 Hi-Res 130dB 32bit/384kHz Gaming DAC, External USB Sound Card with Xamp Headphone Amp, Dolby Digital, 7.1 Virtual Surround Sound, Sidetone/Speaker Control for PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo
$119.99 in stock
30 new from $119.99
5 used from $107.90
5 used from $107.90
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as of January 2, 2024 12:39 am
Features
- UPGRADE YOUR GAMES ON PS4, XBOX ONE, NINTENDO SWITCH, AND PC | Get immediate increased enjoyment over basic motherboard and controller audio! Apart from incredible audio quality, the Sound BlasterX G6 boasts gaming-centric features such as Sidetone volume control and easy-to-reach profile buttons
- INDUSTRY-LEADING AUDIO PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY Enjoy full audio customization and enhanced audio realism with immersive 7.1 surround virtualization, accurate cues, bass boost and in-game voice communication enhancements. It also has Scout Mode than enhances in-game audio cues, letting you hear your enemies before they hear you
- 7.1 VIRTUAL SURROUND SOUND AND DOLBY DIGITAL Enjoy the latest in immersion technology with Dolby Digital decoding or Sound Blaster’s proprietary surround sound perfect for games and movies
- DISCRETE HEADPHONE AMP Custom-designed Xamp headphone amplifier features discrete components through all stages of amplification in a bi-amp design. Each audio channel is individually amplified to deliver a whole new level of pristine audio fidelity in an authentic, unaltered lossless model. The ultra-low 1 Ohm output impedance perfectly drives performance-grade sensitive 8W in-ear monitors all the way to studio-grade 600W headphones
- 130dB DNR, 32-bit 384kHz DAC Advanced 32-bit oversampled multi-bit modulator with mismatch shaping technology eliminates distortion, ensuring audio is streamed with the highest level of detail and fidelity
SABRENT USB External Stereo Sound Adapter for Windows and Mac. Plug and Play No Drivers Needed. (AU-MMSA)
$8.99 in stock
7 new from $8.99
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as of January 2, 2024 12:39 am
Features
- Connectors: USB Type-A, Stereo output jack, Mono microphone-input jack.
- Driverless for Windows 98SE/ME/2000/XP/Server 2003/Vista/7/8/Linux/Mac OSX.
- USB bus-powered, no external power required.
- Reverse Compliant with USB Audio Device Class Specification 1.0
StarTech.com 7.1 USB Sound Card - External Sound Card for Laptop with SPDIF Digital Audio - Sound Card for PC - Silver (ICUSBAUDIO7D)
$39.09
in stock
40 new from $39.09
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as of January 2, 2024 12:39 am
Features
- 7.1 USB SOUND CARD: This External Sound Card adds up to 7.1 channels of audio through a single USB port to your computer; This sound card supports 7.1, 5.1 and 2 channel output using 3.5mm jacks, a headphone port, line-in and stereo microphone inputs
- UPGRADE YOUR PC SOUND: With support for analog and digital audio output for stereo to 7.1 channel audio applications, the bus-powered audio to USB adapter upgrades the existing integrated audio on a desktop or laptop computer; 1m USB Cable Included
- QUALITY AUDIO: Supports 44.1KHz and 48KHz sampling rates for analog playback and recording; SPDIF Digital output only supports 48KHz audio playback; SPDIF optical input passthrough supports up to two-channel audio at 48KHz
- EASY INSTALLATION: The digital audio adapter is easy to install with plug and play support in Windows 7/8.1/10; The external sound card features easy-to-use volume controls and mute buttons; The audio outputs are selectable via the included software
Vantec NBA-200U USB External 7.1 Channel Audio Adapter (Black)
$27.99 in stock
5 new from $27.99
Free shipping
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as of January 2, 2024 12:39 am
Features
- 7.1 Channel Surround Sound
- Simple USB 2.0 Connection (Backwards Compatible w/ USB 1.1)
- Support 48/44.1 KHz Sampling Rates For Both Playbacks and Recordings
- SPDIF Optical Digital Input And Output
- Separate Left And Right Microphone Inputs For True Stereo Recordings
USB Sound Card, TechRise External Sound Card USB to Audio Jack Adapter with Volume Control for Windows and Mac, Plug & Play No Drivers Needed
$13.99
in stock
4 new from $13.99
Free shipping
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as of January 2, 2024 12:39 am
Features
- 【Usb to 3.5mm Jack Audio Adapter】USB audio sound card, supports normal stereo, earphone, headphone, headset or microphone with 3.5mm jack, especially for gaming headsets. International standard USB replaces traditional sound card. You can also use microphone and headphones together on iMac/Mac Mini devices with our product.
- 【No Driver Required】Headset USB adapter, international USB connector, no extra drivers are needed, easy to use, plug and play for instant audio playback. Lightweight and portable size make it convenient to take anywhere.
- 【Easy to Control Volume】This USB external sound card offers effortless operation with volume control knob, Microphone & Sound on / off button. Ideal for daily activities like e-sports gaming, video chatting, movie watching, and music listening.
- 【Wide Compatibility】TechRise USB to aux adapter is compatible with any standard USB Audio Class enabled system including Win11 / Win10 / Win8.1 / Win8 / Win7 / Win XP / Mac OS / Android / Google Chromebook / Switch.
- 【36-MONTH Warranty】If you encounter any problems in using the product, please feel free to contact our professional customer service team, enjoying TechRise 36-Month Warranty (Registered Only)
The Video Review of Best external sound cards
Conclusion
When you’re looking for external sound cards, you’ll want to keep a few things in mind. First, decide what you want to use the external sound cards for. Next, check the product reviews with comparision which we have listed as well. Once you’ve decided on external sound cards you want to buy external sound cards, look at the reputation of the manufacturer as well. You can compare prices and quality together before you make your purchase.