Are you trying to find sound cards among various brands on the market but aren’t sure where to begin? To assist you in finding the right one, we’ve put together a list of the 7 best to help you pick the perfect one!
We investigated and evaluated a number of the top-selling sound cards on the market in order to create our list of the best. Making a decision among the many options available is never simple. There are an infinite number of models available, each with a distinct price. And as you’ll find out, the best options aren’t usually the ones you imagine! This comparison is rich and relevant because of the numerous factors that were employed. You will find products featured in this ranking not only based on their pricing but also on their features and other customers reviews. To write this review, we completed 23 hours of research and did 56 sound cards tests. You won’t need to pick products at random any more. If you’re unsure of what to look for, browse our list and consult the buying guide!
An overview of our top picks
Table of contents
The best sound cards you can buy today
- Easily converts the PC into a cinematic entertainment system by providing a compelling 5.1 surround sound
- Advanced Audio Processing with SBX Pro Studio, a suite of Sound Blaster audio processing technologies that let you bring out the best in your audio
- Supports Windows 11 and includes both half-height and full-height brackets for most PC builds, as well as the Sound Blaster Audigy Fx Control Panel, a PC software that puts you in full control of the SBX Pro Studio suite of technologies
- 600 ohm headphone amp for high performance, studio grade monitoring
- 106 SNR and 24-bit 192kHz DAC (Playback) and 96kHz ADC (Recording)
- 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
- 5.1 channel, 192kHz/24-bit Hi-Res audio with a 300ohm headphone amp for detailed, immersive sound with punchy, defined bass
- Realtek ALC1220X codec delivers a crystal clear 116dB signal-to-noise ratio (SNR)
- ASUS Hyper Grounding Technology ensures minimal audio distortion and interference
- Xonar Audio Center enables full audio control via an intuitive, spacious interface
- Included Low Profile Bracket allows the Xonar to fit perfectly into most systems
- PRISTINE AUDIO CLARITY – With up to 116 dB SNR at an amazing bit rate of up to 24-bit / 192 kHz, enjoy impressive audio quality for your every need. The sound card also features gold-plated connectors, speaker optimization technology, and digital content encoding capability for the best digital audio performance. Coupled with Audio Stream Input / Output (ASIO) support, Sound Blaster Z SE delivers low-latency and high-fidelity audio, even for your recordings
- SBX GAMING EQ PROFILES – Emerge as the last man standing with our updated SBX Gaming Profiles for hot titles such as Apex Legends, Fortnite, Overwatch, PUBG, and more. In-house tuned and optimized to sound the best for the respective games, you can get started right away or further tweak the EQs, instead of having to create the profiles from scratch. Simply select the respective game from our latest Sound Blaster Command software’s menu, and be battle-ready instantly
- IMMERSIVE SURROUND SOUND – Get fully immersed and stay focused on your games with our surround sound. The Sound Blaster Z SE now supports 7.1 virtual on headphones and speakers alongside discrete 5.1 for speakers. You can even switch between headphones and your speakers via the software for those times you want to pump the bass, or go stealthier with your headphones. For extra delivery options to your external devices, the Z SE also supports Dolby Digital Live and DTS Encoding
- CRYSTAL CLEAR COMMUNICATION – Comes with a list of Microphone EQ Presets that compensates for your headset’s built-in mic so you can be heard clearly–whether it is to reduce the harshness of your tonality, sound more natural, or to increase the mids for vocal clarity. Together with our Sound Blaster Command Software’s CrystalVoice technology that helps remove echoes and ambient noises, the Z SE is perfect for games and even video conferences while working from home for better communications
- SUPPORTS DOLBY DIGITAL AND DTS – Now with support for Dolby Digital Live and DTS Encoding for even more delivery options to your external audio devices The AE-5 Plus also supports 5.1 discrete and 7.1 virtual surround, as well as Sound Blaster’s Surround Virtualization technology
- POWERFUL DISCRETE HEADPHONE AMP – Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus features Xamp, our custom-designed discrete headphone amp that utilizes bi-amplification technology to power each earcup individually with 1 ohm output impedance and drives studio-grade headphones of up to 600Ω, including high-end planar-magnetic headphones
- PRISTINE AUDIO QUALITY – Featuring the SABRE32 ultra-class PCI-e DAC to deliver up to 32-bit / 384 kHz playback with a 122 dB DNR, ultra-low distortion and jitter, the AE-5 Plus is more than capable of hi-res audio for games, music, and movies; put simply, for discerning audio lovers of any kind, the AE-5 Plus is set to blow past your expectations with pristine audio and powerful performance
- RGB YOUR GAMING RIG – The AE-5 Plus has customizable RGB LEDs on its body, and also features an included RGB LED strip. Enjoy a symphony of lights and sound with 16.8 million colors in different patterns to choose from, all via the Sound Blaster Command software for PC
- INDUSTRY-LEADING AUDIO PROCESSING – The Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus rides on Sound Blaster’s long legacy of audio processing and enhancements, available through the Sound Blaster Command software and featuring fully customizable audio processing technologies to deliver clearer vocals, accurate cues, and bass boost
- Advanced chipset is designed to process the legendary EAX reverb engine for powerful enhanced audio
- Immerse yourself in full cinematic 7.1 multi-channel audio, perfect for games, movies and music
- 106dB SNR ensures a high level of audio quality and supported operating systems is Windows 8, Windows XP SP2 or higher, Windows Vista SP1 or higher, Windows 7, Windows 10
- 600 ohm headphone amp provides studio grade monitoring
- High quality 24-bit 192 kHz stereo direct playback
- German (Publication Language)
- EXTERNAL SOUND CARD - Easy-to-install external sound card delivers high-resolution audio for acoustic clarity and audio realism
- 7.1 SURROUND SOUND CAPABLE - Customizable EPOS-engineered 7.1 surround sound through PC Gaming Suite lets you set sound profiles for different games by balancing and focusing frequencies where they are most needed
- QUICK CONNECTIVITY - Micro USB connectivity; 3.5 mm headset socket and 3.5 mm microphone socket make for fast setup
- NTUITIVE DESIGN - Make quick adjustments with the large manual volume dial, plus switch easily between stereo and surround sound modes or between sound profiles with the customizable smart button
- A NAME YOU CAN TRUST - Built on 115-years of experience with innovation and sound, EPOS is passionate about creating pioneering high-end audio products that exceed expectations and set new benchmarks in gaming audio
- Stable and Durable - USB headphone and microphone jack audio adapter use of high-quality aluminum alloy shell, no fear of daily wear, fast heat dissipation, oxidation resistance, corrosion resistance, drop resistance, it is more durable than other plastic USB audio adapter. The compact design is convenient for you to carry.
- 2-IN-1 USB Audio Converter - This usb to 3.5mm jack audio adapter supports stereo sound listening + speaking for dual functions. USB audio interface gives you easy access to a variety of audio input and microphone output ports. (Note: this USB port is output! Audio can only transfer from USB port to 3.5mm port).
- Excellent Sound - The usb headset adapter can plug and play, the use of smart noise control chip, avoid electromagnetic interference, filter noise, solve current sound, bring you lossless audio signal and full and delicate tone.
- Wide Compatibility - FEMORO External Sound Card Support Windows 10/8/7/XP, Mac OS, Linux, PlayStation PS4, PC, Laptop, Speaker, external TRS or TRRS Microphone, headphone, earphone, and more. (Note: It Not support TS, Not compatible with PS3 and car.)
- 24 Months Warranty - When you get the USB Sound Card, you will enjoy 24 months of after-sales. If you have any suggestions for our products, welcome to contact our professional and friendly team.
- 1) PCIe sound card, 5.1 stereo audio card
- 2) Easily convert the PC into a cinematic entertainment system by providing a 5.1 3D stereo surrounding sound
- 3) With low profile bracket for 2U case, your best choice of sound card for PC desktop
- 4) 16-bit multimedia digital signal editing decoder inside, Supports 32/64-bit audio processing, recording and playback
- 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
- CD-0769647499
- English (Publication Language)
- 54 Pages - 03/15/2006 (Publication Date) - Brighter Child (Publisher)
- G3 Mixer Studio 🎚️ tenlamp G3 is a one-stop workstation that allows for the recording and mixing of sound sources without complicated settings. It provides all audio-related operation and workflow needed for live-streaming, events, podcast production, voice over, and other creations. It will mix your audio in real time, optimize your vocals, change your voice, control the volume of all your audio source, and input external audio from your phone or PC.
- Shape Your Sound 🎚️ G3 build in a suite of audio effects including equalizers, compressors, denoiser, and gating controls to make your voice sound amazing. Use vocal effects including: EQ, Reverb, Pitch Shift, voice changer, E-Music tunes. Portable home mixer studio provides easy and intuitive solution, to make your audio better and interesting, and you don't need to be an audio engineer to use it.
- Designed For Live Streaming 🎚️ Support up to 2 person & 3 devices simultaneously live stream. You can use microUSB digital connection to connect your computer, connect your smartphone via 3.5mm Broadcast port, to go on your podcasting, recording, and streaming; Monitoring all audio via Earphone or Audio port; Input external music resources from a phone, PC or other devices via Music port; Auto ducking mic audio via Dodge button; Clean your audio via 3 levels denoise;
- PK KING Large Diaphragm Microphone 🎙️ A great live streaming starts with a mic capable of reproducing exceptionally clean and natural of both music and speech. This PK KING microphone, metal body, 34mm large diaphragm, high sensitivity and signal-to-noise ratio to capture every details clearly, cardioid polar pattern with niform capture to reject off-axis audio, featuring with smooth, clean and nature sound quality. Especially can adjust the sensitivity to control mic pickup range.
- G3-PK Live Streaming Bundle：1* G3 audio console, 1* PK KING condenser microphone, 1* mini remote controller, 1* monitoring earphone, 1* XLR-3.5mm microphone cable, 1* shock mount,1*desk stand, 1* mic foam cover, 1* microUSB charging data cable, 3* 3.5mm TRRS audio cable, 1* user manual. For a better user experience, please read the user manual and download detailed instructions below the link before setting up.
- 【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)
- 🔥【Gaming Voice Changer】 With portable voice modulator, you can change your voice during online games in Real-Time. Combined use of voice changing and fine-tuning to achieve 80th order voice-changing fine-tuning. For all platforms including PS4/PS5/XBOX ONE/Nintendo Switch/PC and Fortnite/PUGB games. The live sound card is perfect used for making calls and entertainment with friends.
- 🔥【Convenient to Use and Easy to Carry】Small voice disguiser, convenient to carry, plug and play, no need to install any driver. Just connect this voice changer to other equipment, and your sound will change as you please. The sound board for gaming supports noise reduction, which is very suitable for indoor and outdoor to use.
- 🔥【Multiple sound effects Voice Modifier】The voice changer for ps4 has 10th order electronic sound effects and 8 live sound effects. In addition, the sound board mixer provides 8 analog scene modes, such as KTV, DJ, Vlog. You can adjust freely based on your preference.
- 🔥【Diverse connection methods】The live sound card supports cable connection. it also has a memory function and will automatically pair with your device when it works again.The interface of this voice changer is 3.5mm type, Apple iOS system needs to purchase a separate interface conversion cable to use the device, and other devices with a TYPE C interface also need an adapter.
- 🔥【100% CUSTOMER SATISFACTION GUARANTEE】After you get the voice changer, please charge it first. We provide 12 months warranty, and 40 days no reason to return, if you have any questions in the process of use, please contact us in time, we will solve any problems for you within 12 hours.
- USB to 3.5mm Jack Sound Card: The Tendak external sound card is ideal for connecting 3.5 mm headphones, microphones or speakers to your computer via the USB port. Supports stereo listening + speaking with dual functionality. Easily add an auxiliary port to your device, or replace a broken USB sound card audio adapter. (One-way audio transfer: This USB port is an output, not an input. Audio can only be transferred from the USB port to the 3.5mm port).
- High Fidelity Sound: USB to headphone jack adapter will bring you the best listening experience. Support 16bit/44.1Khz 16bit/48Khz audio sampling rate and 16~600Ω impedance headphone, maintain the original sound quality, provide full and delicate tone, highly restore quality sound, ensure low noise and high interference suppression.
- Volume Output Adjustment and Bass Adjustment: The volume of the output audio can be adjusted with the master volume knob on the device. An output bass knob has been added to adjust the sound quality according to your needs.
- Plug and Play: No drivers or applications required, just easy plug and play. Powered by USB bus, no external power required. Transmits microphone input signal and stereo output signal via USB cable and can be connected to devices such as computers, pads, smartphones and PS5.
- Wide Compatibility: compatible with 3.5mm devices such as headphones, speakers, earphones or microphones; suitable for PC, laptop, PS5, etc. Compatible with Windows/Linux/MAC/IOS/Android systems. Note: The USB port of PS3 does not carry audio signal, so this USB audio adapter cannot be used for PS3.
- 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.
- Compatible with PCI Express 1.1 interface with bus mastering and burst modes
- High quality PCI express multi-channel audio processor that not only an Intel HD Audio specification compatible audio single chip, but also can be a controller which can connect HDA codec。Can be built in the home audio electronics or personal computer to provide high fidelity sound and become a professional audio processing center in your life. It supports up to 10 outgoing channels and 6 ingoing channels.
- Software and Features ：Xear Living 1.1 ，Xear VoClear ，Xear Sonic ，Xear Surround ，Xear Pro 1.0 ，Xear SingFX ，Xear MagicVoice ，Face Lift UI(including customizable graphics and layout) ，Stereo mix (Line-in, Mic-in and Wave files)，ASIO driver support
- Applications ： High Definition PCIe sound cards for retailer market ; Pro-Audio / High-End studio applications ； Gaming audio devices ; Bundle selling with high-profile VGA cards or motherboard ; Embedded system / Industrial computer audio
- 180 day worry-free warranty and friendly customer service. If you have any questions, we will help you solve the problem
- 【Wide application】Designed for 3.5mm jack and virtual 7.1 channel devices like headphones, headset or microphones that stop working or have issues with output cutting in and out. USB headset adapter is also suitable for sound card in the computer/laptop/desktop that dying or losing connection with motherboard. You can also use mic and headphone together on iMac/Mac Mini devices with our product.
- 【Louder previous-sound】Louder the sound that computer cannot do by itself, create surround sound effect which will bring you fantastic feelings. USB audio adapter supports normal stereo, earphone, headphone, headset or microphone with 3.5mm jack, Raspberry Pi 2/3 Xbox PS4 Surface Tablet Laptop, especially for gaming headsets.
- 【No drivers】USB sound card is easy to use, no extra drivers is needed. Plug and play for instant audio playback. Microphone/Headphone mute design makes the headset and speaker mode switch freely without unplugging anything from the computer. Output audio sound can be adjusted by the volume adjustment wheel.
- 【Mixer function】Mixer Function can adjust the output electronically level. Functional keys including microphone-mute, speaker-mute and volume-up/down roller. The mini LED indicator and surround sound can improve the level of gaming audio. Two headset jacks with one microphone jack can satisfy all your needs for an usb external sound card adapter.
- 【Operating system】The External USB 2.0 Sound Card Adapter can work with all major operation systems like Windows 98SE/ ME/ 2000/ XP/ Server 2003/ Vista/Windows 7, Linux, Mac OS, etc. Lightweight and portable size makes it convenient to take everywhere.
How to choose a good sound cards
Does the idea of finding a fantastic sound cards make you anxious? When it comes to purchasing this product, specifically when deciding which model to select, has your head been spinning between options? You are not alone if that is the case. We are aware of the pressure involved in the purchasing process!
Your presence here indicates that you are interested in sound cards. Before choosing which product would be the best for your needs after being inundated with information, locate a reliable source with genuine selections. You can get that information from a variety of sources, including buying guides and rating websites, word-of-mouth recommendations from friends and family, online discussion forums where users can share their own experiences, product reviews that can be found all over the internet, and YouTube channels. You can only get the right product through exhaustive analysis. But you realize that’s not always simple. In order to ease your concerns, we have taken the time to develop a list of the top sound cards products available right now. You might be wondering how we came up with the list. How was this buying guide developed?
First, we used our algorithms to gather as much reliable data as we could about these products. To verify all the data gathered, we used both artificial intelligence and a lot of algorithms.
Then, our experts used criteria that are recognized in the business to evaluate them according to their quality to price ratio, allowing us to choose the top sound cards on the market right now!
The selection of the goods is not arbitrary. Before creating a list, we take into account a number of factors. Below are some of the criteria discussed:
Brand Value: What happens if you choose a dubious brand just because it appears to be a good deal? So the likelihood of receiving a product with a short shelf life increases. That is due to the fact that well-known brands have a reputation to uphold, while others do not. Top sound cards brands strive to provide some distinctive traits that set them apart from the competition. So, hopefully one or more of the items on our list will be perfect for you.
Features: Useful features are all you need, not tons of them. We consider the important aspects and select the top sound cards based on those.
Specifications: Numbers always help you measure the quality of a product in a quantitative way. We try to find products with higher specifications, but with the right balance.
Quality: A product’s quality may always be quantified with the aid of numbers. We look for goods with better standards that strike the proper balance. The best quality product that gets highly appreciated and recommended by experienced users.
Customer ratings: Would it be accurate to suggest that the sound cards were used by hundreds of customers before you? Superior ratings indicate that many customers had better service.
Customer Reviews: Like ratings, provide you with accurate and reliable information about the product from genuine customers. Customer ratings are very important to all of us because they contain accurate and reliable information about the customer service we received from several hundred customers.
Seller Rank: This is very intriguing! Not only do you need a good sound cards, you also need a product with rising sales that is trendy. It accomplishes two goals. First, the expanding user base proves the quality of the product. Second, given that number, producers must be able to offer greater quality and after-sales support.
Value: You get what you pay for, they say, so consider the value. Cheap isn’t always good and expensive isn’t always bad. However, that does not imply that spending a lot of money on a product that is flashy but underwhelming is a good idea. Before adding them to the list, we make an effort to evaluate how much value you can get for your money from your sound cards.
Durability: Durability and reliability are closely related concepts. You will benefit from a strong and long-lasting sound cards for months and years to come.
Product availability: Products come and go, and new ones replace the old ones. Most likely, a few new features and required changes were made. What use is it to use a supposedly good product if the maker no longer supports it? We make an effort to highlight products that are current and offered by one or more trustworthy sellers, if not more.
Negative Reviews: Yes, we do take that into account as well! The goods with the majority of bad reviews are filtered out and disregarded when we choose the best-rated one on the market.
These are the standards by which we selected our sound cards. Do we end our process there? Hell no. The most crucial fact about us that you should be aware of is that we regularly update our website with current and pertinent information. We have one more layer of filtration since we place the greatest importance on reader satisfaction. Please let us know if any product included here is incorrect, irrelevant, subpar, or simply out of date. We always value your opinions, and we’ll work hard to make any necessary corrections to our list in response to them.
Why should you believe us?
There are now thousands of possibilities for these products on Amazon, but choosing the best one can be difficult and time-consuming. And what sound cards should you purchase in 2022?
This guide is the result of more than 10 years of experience in researching, testing and writing about many topics. Each member of our team is an authority in their area. We read every article we could find online and every consumer review on every retail website for seven hours. Additionally, we discovered a ton of websites that offered helpful resources, including buying tips and thorough information on sound cards.
