There are several minute details when it comes to the USB sound card. It is loaded with advanced and powerful features. Selecting the best sound card is more complex, therefore, you can base your choice on some of the basic features that we have listed for you below.
Frequency: The frequency or the sampling rate is the total number of samples that can be recorded in a second. There is a simple formula that the higher sample rating will be better at audio production. Also, it is important to notice that you must go for those devices that enable frequency in both directions simultaneously. Bit Rate: The second consideration should be the bit rate which refers to the bit of information necessary for one sampling in a lossless recording. There are two varieties available that are 16-bit and 24-bit. Therefore, the 24-bit is a better option. Connector Type: The connector type is a major consideration as it determines the kind of speakers enabled by the USB sound cards. Some cards allow stereo speakers while others allow surround-sound speakers. There is also a third category that allows both speakers with USB and it is advisable to go for this type.
More details regarding the USB sound card are discussed in depth in the “Buying Guide” given later in the article. In the following section, we have listed the best USB sound card with notable features, advantages, and disadvantages. Check them out to make the best choice.
Best USB Sound Card Table
Best USB Sound Card Reviews
1. Ugreen USB Sound Card
UGREEN USB sound card is the perfect solution to upgrade the audio quality of your desktop or laptop. It is equipped with a DAC chip which provides amazing sound quality that can enhance your listening experience. This sound allows the user to receive crystal-clear sound with Hi-Fi audio. The USB aux adapter and the DAC chip offer high-quality audio and reduce noise up to 16 bit/ 14 kHz. With the plug-and-play feature, the use of the device is convenient and easy. It is a versatile product used for watching movies, gaming or recording music. Also, it has wide compatibility with Windows OS, MAC OS, Linux, Google Chromebook and Raspberry Pi. It is manufactured of long-lasting ABS material. The lightweight and compact size makes it highly portable and easy for the user to carry anywhere. Best Features:
Frequency(kHz): 48 Bit Rate: 16 Connector Type: Auxiliary Dimensions: 97 x 1.18” x 1.97” Colour: Black
Pros:
Upgrades the sound quality. Noise reduction to 16-bit/48kHz. Easy to use. Great compatibility.
Cons:
Some people argued that the mic input does not work properly.
2. Creative USB Sound Card
If you are looking for a USB sound card to upgrade the way you play games, then this product is the right choice for you. It is specially designed to enhance the gaming feature of the sound, like sidetone volume control, and also features easy access profile buttons. It enables the user to customise the audio completely and enhance it with the immersive 7.1 surround virtualisation, in-game voice communication, bass boost, and accurate cues. Featuring the Sound Blaster’s proprietary and Dolby digital decoding with immersion technology, it is ideal for movies and games. On top of that, this sound card with Clout Mode allows you to hear your enemy before they hear you. The discrete custom-designed headphone is equipped with different components through all the stages of amplification in a unique bi-amp design. This sound card also has super-low impedance and is suitable for sensitive 8W in-ear monitors. The newest 32-bit multi-bit modulator with mismatch shaping technology can get rid of distortion and ensure audio is delivered with the highest level of fidelity and detail. Best Features:
Frequency(kHz): 192 Bit Rate: 24 Connector Type: Surround, Dolby Digital Dimensions: 37” x 0.94” x 2.76” Colour: Black
Pros:
1 virtualization. Dolby digital decoding. Super-low impedance. Clout mode technology.
Cons:
Some people faced issues with the Windows operating system.
3. Envel USB Sound Card
If you have a faulty 3.5 mm audio or a defective sound card for your laptop or desktop, this is the correct product for you. It has a wide range of platforms and is compatible with several USB-enabled devices like the MacBook, desktop, laptop, PC, PS5, and PS4. It supports listening and speaking with dual functions and supports Android earphones and CTIA standard jacks. It is compatible with all operating systems, enabling it to connect all laptops and desktops like Windows, Mac OS, Google Chromebook, Raspberry Pi, Linux, PS5, and PS4. The best part about this sound card is the in-built ENVEL’s innovative chip that can decode the signal of the audio and then it optimises and stereo amplifiers the analog signal to make it much clearer. The plug-and-play feature connects easily, and the device does not require any external power. The brand also offers a warranty of 12 years. Best Features:
Frequency(kHz): 48 Bit Rate: 16 Connector Type: Stereo Dimensions: 75” x 4.33” x 0.43” Colour: Black
Pros:
Can connect to all USB-enabled devices. Compatible with all kinds of operating systems. In-built innovative chip. 12-year warranty.
Cons:
Some buyers received faulty products.
4. Creative Labs USB Sound Card
This Creative Labs Sound Blaster Play! 3 External USB Wi-fi Adapter for sound quality, which is the best upgrade from the mundane motherboard audio. It offers high-resolution 24-bit and 96 kHz audio for your games, movies, and music. This device is compatible with a wide range of headphones, starting from minimal mobile earphones to gaming headsets and finally the expensive and superior studio-grade headphones. There is also downloadable software for the control panel, which can optimise the profiles for specific brands. Plus, the USB connectivity highly improves the mic recording abilities by offering 24-bit 48 kHz quality audio for in-game and podcast communications. The connectivity can be established simply through the fuss-free and simple plug-and-play feature, and the headphone can be connected without the Y-splitter. Best Features:
Frequency(kHz): 96 Bit Rate: 24 Connector Type: Stereo Dimensions: 43” x 0.87” x 0.37” Colour: Black
Pros:
96 kHz audio for your movies and games. Compatible with a wide range of headphones. Easy to use. Great for in-game and podcast communications.
Cons:
It shuts off occasionally without any notice.
5. TechRise USB Sound Card
TechRise has come up with a USB sound card whose best feature is the wide range connectivity. It can be connected to all kinds of normal stereo, headset, headphones, earphones and microphones with the 3.5 mm jack. With the wide range of device connectivity, it can also be connected to all kinds of operating systems Linux, Windows, Mac OS, Raspberry Pi and all the Xbox and the PS4 and PS5. The ease of use is enabled with the international USB connector which does not require any extra drivers. Moreover, this device is equipped with surround sound and Mini LED which enhances the level of gaming. The additional features include a mute function, 23 kinds of environment modes and 16 kinds of rhythmic patterns. The compact and lightweight design makes it easily portable and the adjustable sound volume can be set according to your requirements. Best Features:
Frequency(kHz): 48 Bit Rate: 16 Connector Type: Surround, Stereo Dimensions: 89” x 1.34” x 0.59” Colour: Black
Pros:
Wide range connectivity. 23 kinds of environment modes. 16 modes of rhythmic patterns. Lightweight and compact.
Cons:
Some users complained the max volume was low.
6. HyperX USB Sound Card
HyperX has launched a virtual and custom-made 7.1 surround sound which enables you to upgrade your stereo headset. The surround sound enables the user to enhance the listening experience while gaming, recording podcasts, or watching a movie. With the featured clippable and convenient audio control box, you can easily adjust the audio volume or mic volume. Alternatively, it also allows muting the microphone with ease while gaming. The plug-and-play feature makes it convenient, and one of the best features is the noise-cancellation of the microphones. It has wide compatibility and can be connected to all gaming headsets and headphones. This device also features a 2 m or 6.5 feet long cable, which can allow you to place it at any place. It is compact and lightweight, which makes it highly portable. Best Features:
Frequency(kHz): 48 Bit Rate: 16 Connector Type: Surround, Stereo Dimensions: 4” x 1” x 1” Colour: Black
Pros:
Custom-tuned virtual 7.1 surround sound. Convenient audio control box. Better at noise cancellation. Plug-and-play for easy use.
Cons:
It is not ideal for streamers and gamers.
7. Bengoo USB Sound Card
Bengoo was established in 2014 and has been at the top of its game for providing several affordable and reliable electronic products. It is designed for virtual 7.1 channels and 3.5mm jacks for devices like microphones, headsets, and headphones. This sound card can be connected to all kinds of motherboards and hence several kinds of laptops and desktops. It is also compatible with Mac devices. Also, the sound is enhanced both in volume and surround sound effects. No extra drivers are required as the plug-and-play feature allows easy connectivity. The input port allows muting the microphone, and the output port allows the adjustment of the volume of the headsets and earphones. It can also enable easy alteration between the input and the output ports. The mixer function can adjust the output electronic level. It also includes functional keys like volume up/down roller, speaker-mute, and microphone-mute. The surround sound and mini LED indicator can improve the level of gaming audio. Best Features:
Frequency(kHz): 96 Bit Rate: 24 Connector Type: Surround, Stereo Dimensions: 7.9” x 1.34” x 0.5” Colour: Black
Pros:
Wide application device. Mixer function. Enhances the sound remarkably. Mini LED and surround sound.
Cons:
The product is not compatible with all microphones.
8. Micolindun USB Sound Card
Micolindun has come up with an external sound card which features an audio chip that can turn one USB port to various 3.5mm ports in order to connect audio devices like microphones, speakers, headsets, headphones etc. It can also support single-plug and double-plug headphones at the same time with no extra adapter required. Also, there is a flexible cable which is of a length of 1.2m cable that can plug all the devices without bending over. It has a conventional USB port that can be expanded by connecting two or more ports. Also, it promotes quick response without delay. The plug-and-play feature makes it easy to use with no drivers required. It is compatible with all common operating systems. Also, it is lightweight and compact, which makes it highly portable. Best Features:
Frequency(kHz): 96 Bit Rate: 24 Connector Type: Surround Dimensions: 17” x 2.17” x 0.79” Colour: Black
Pros:
One USB plug can expand to several plugs. Plug-and-play feature. Lightweight and compact. No extra drivers are required.
Cons:
People felt that the brand had been misleading regarding the specifications.
9. Koopao USB Sound Card
Koopao has come up with a 2-in-1 external USB sound card that can be a perfect replacement for the broken sound card as it is expandable to more USB ports which enable the user to connect to more devices. It has wide compatibility and can be connected to many platforms, like 4-pole microphones, Macs, Xbox, PS4, laptops and PCs. Without any extra driver. Also, it can be connected to all the common operating systems like Linux, Mac OS, and Windows. The devices also feature the latest DAC chip which can decode the audio signal with speeds up to 32-bit/ 384 kHz. Therefore, this enables the sound card to provide high-resolution music even while singing and live streaming or in-game communication. The plug-and-play feature makes it easy to use. The controls are also made simpler with the remote control operation. Best Features:
Frequency(kHz): 96 Bit Rate: 24 Connector Type: TRRS Female 3.5mm, USB Type A Dimensions: 78” x 0.39” x 0.2” Colour: Black
Pros:
2-in-1 USB sound card. Wide compatibility. Latest DAC chip. Easy to use.
Cons:
Some users had issues with the durability.
Things to Consider When Buying a USB Sound Card
So many worthy products might be a little overwhelming when trying to fix one to buy your ideal type. So, we have made a list that will help you choose your best USB sound card. These are some basic factors that will help you make a choice easier. Read them all out to make the right choice.
1. Frequency (kHz)
The frequency is the sample rate or simply, it is the number of samples that are recorded in one second. So, the higher frequency will ensure that better information is retained from the original recording. It is better to go for devices that are capable of handling the sampling rates in both the input and output directions simultaneously. Also, you need to check if the device has a good absorbability that will complement the frequency rates.
2. Bit Rate
The bit rate is the total bit of information that can be used to record one sample in a zero-loss or lossless recording. To put things in perspective, the CD audio is 16-bit, whereas the high-resolution audio is 24-bit. The greater bit rate will enable better signal-to-noise and dynamic range. The sound cards are available in both 16-bit and 24-bit. If you are into streaming or recording high-quality audio, you need to go for the 24-bit variant.
3. Connector Type
You can use your computer’s speakers to listen to any kind of audio, but can you imagine how fun it will be to be able to connect to external speakers to enjoy all kinds of audio on the computer? For this, you need a USB sound card that can be connected to surround speakers or stereo speakers, or both. Well, we suggest that you go for those USB sound cards which can connect to both the stereo speakers and surround sound speakers.
4. Compatible Devices
Compatibility is a major factor when looking at USB sound cards. For better audio quality, you need to look for those USB sound cards that are compatible with all kinds of motherboards on the desktop PC and all the operating systems of the laptops. It is better to go for those options that are compatible with Windows Operating System, Mac Operating System, and Chrome Operating systems. This will enable you to connect to all kinds of desktops and laptops without any hassle. If you have a Linux machine, some options are compatible with your device. In the compatibility factor, you also need to check if the sound card is compatible with the microphone and the speakers or headphones that you want to use.
5. Input/Output
The USB sound card is an input and output device which receives and delivers audio signals to and from the computer or laptops under several computer programs and operations. The input device enabled by the sound card is usually a microphone, while the output audio device can be headphones or speakers. You should make sure that your chosen sound card can process both incoming and outgoing audio signals simultaneously. It should be able to convert the incoming digital audio data to analog audio data so that speakers or headphones can play it.
6. Platform
Many platforms are compatible with several USB sound cards that are compatible with several devices due to the various connectivity options like USB, optical, and even in-line sometimes. This allows them to improve the audio when you are connected to any laptop or desktop or any other gaming bix like the Nintendo Switch, Xbox, PS4, or PS5.
7. Warranty
It would be very annoying if the USB sound card stopped functioning in the middle of a game or music, so make sure that you are going for a durable and long-lasting investment. To make sure that you are investing in a good one, you can look for the warranty that is offered by the brand for the product. The warranty tells a lot about the durability and the part’s durability feature.
Final Word
With this guide at your disposal, choosing the best USB Sound Card will be like a walk in the park. We have listed all the criteria you need to know to buy the USB Sound Card. Therefore, you must apply these considerations when buying Sound Cards. You can write to us in the comments section below if you still have doubts.
If you are here for the recommendations, we have listed the top three favorites from the list. The first recommendation for the best overall product is UGREEN USB Sound Card. It upgrades the sound quality and reduces noise to 16-bit/ 48 kHz. The second recommendation if you are on a budget is Creative USB Sound Card. It features 7.1 virtualization and Dolby digital decoding. The third and final product is ENVEL USB Sound Card. It can connect to all USB-enabled devices and is compatible with all kinds of operating systems.
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