Are you trying to find usb dacs 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 usb dacs 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 29 hours of research and did 40 usb dacs 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 usb dacs you can buy today
- 2 in 1 USB Audio Adapter: UGREEN USB to 3.5mm jack audio adapter supports both listening and talking. In-line control and microphone function allows you to chat while gaming. This USB Aux adapter enables you to connect headphones, headset, speakers with 3.5mm jack to your PC through the USB A port.
- 24bit 96KHz High Quality Sound: Built-in advanced smart chip, USB sound card supports CTIA and OMIP standard headsets. The USB to Aux adapter facilitates high-resolution audio output and noise reduction up to 24bit/96kHz (others are 16bit/48kHz)to enhance the original sound quality of your PC devices.
- Built to Last: With aluminium alloy shell, the Aux to USB adapter is more durable and portable than other plastic USB audio adapter. Nylon braided design of USB to audio jack adapter ensures stable audio transmission. 10000+ bend tests prove that USB headset adapter can prevent damage caused by tangling and scratching.
- Broad Compatibility: This USB external sound card is compatible with Windows 11/10/98SE/ME/2000/XP/Server 2003/Vista/7/8, Linux//Raspberry Pi, MacBook Pro 2019, MacBook Air 2018, PS5/ PS4, Google Chromebook, Windows Surface Pro 3.
- Plug and Play: No driver is required, just plug and play. USB bus-powered, no external power is required for this convenient sound card.
- [192KHz/24bit USB External Sound Card] – With the built-in optimized DAC of ultra-low distortion and noise, Cubilux USB A to 3.5mm audio jack adapter reproduces clean, natural sound with abundant details and amazing clarity to greatly upgrade the listening experience for music, movies and gaming.
- [Support Virtual Surround Sound] – Cubilux USB AUX Dongle delivers spacious surround sound for gaming, letting you perceive sound sources form all directions and always be prepared for next combat.
- [Portable Aluminum Housing Design] – Measured at only 1.8” x 0.6” x 0.33” (44.5mm x 14.5mm x 8.3mm), this is one of the smallest dongles with full Aluminum alloy enclosure to block any electrical interference.
- [Crystal Clear Talking] – Built-in 48KHz/24-bit ADC enables crystal clear talking for game chat. The adapter also supports 3.5 mm TRRS microphone to capture studio grade audio quality for singing, vlog, on-line meeting, livestreaming etc.
- [Driverless Plug &Play] – Just plug it to the USB port and you're good to go. Works with Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/Vista/2003/XP, Mac OS, Linux, Raspberry Pi. Compatible with Mac Pro/Mini, Microsoft Surface laptop, PS4, PS5, Lenovo ThinkPad Yoga Legion and other PC computer with USB A port. Not for TV or Car USB port.
- [Supports high resolution sound]: KA1 headphone amps supports up to 32bit/384kHz PCM and DSD512 high-end decoding.
- [Compatible with Android/Windows]: KA1 tiny amplifier can support multi-devices, supports smartphones/portable player/tablet/computer.
- [Supports MQA 8x rendering]: KA1 portable dongle supports MQA rendering. You could get a lossless sound when you are listening music or others.
- [Lightweight but useful and powerful]: The tiny USB DAC KA1's body size is only 43x15x8mm, and it is just about 10g. It is convenient and portable for you to take it anywhere.
- [Multi-playing ways and portable]: KA1 amplifier with a USB Type-C connector, you could use it to get a high resolution sound for listening music, playing game, doing chatting, doing living when you are at home or at office.
- 32-bit ESS 9010 Sabre DAC
- Offering tremendously enhanced sound, higher value, and significantly lower power consumption than the original award-winning DragonFly
- Works with Apple and Android phones and tablets when paired with a simple adapter
- This versatile DAC improves everything detail, transparency, immediacy, richness, tone associated with your music
- Plays everything from MP3s to 24-bit/96kHz high-resolution files
- Connector type: USB 2.0
- The Q4 DAC headphone amplifier is a versatile device that can connect with most home audio systems and headphones. It has various inputs, a 3.5mm headphone output, and a Hi-Fi headphone amp chip that can power headphones with impedance ranging from 16 Ohm to 200 Ohm. However, it doesn't support microphones. The device also has an RCA output to connect to an amplifier or powered speakers on a desktop.
- The Q4 headphone USB DAC incorporates high-performance operational amplifier chips from Texas Instruments, specifically the NE5532, which combines exemplary DC and AC characteristics. The device features very low noise, high output-drive capability, high unity-gain bandwidths, low distortion and high slew rate, as well as input-protection diodes, and output short-circuit protection. The Fosi Audio Q4 has a specified maximum limit for the equivalent input noise voltage.
- The desktop DAC Q4 is capable of delivering 160mW RMS (32 ohms, 20 Hz - 20 KHz, 0.01% THD) of power and comes equipped with bass and treble controls, making it suitable for use as a preamp or volume controller for your PC/computer/MAC/headphones/speakers system. The device is simple to set up and requires no special software, app, or driver installation, as it is a true plug-and-play digital audio adapter.
- The DAC audio is a mini compact D/A converter with a full metallic shell that ensures high quality. It streams bit-perfect 24bit/192KHz HD with low jitter(24bit/96KHz for USB), with an output protection circuit to safeguard your expensive audio system.
- What You Get: Q4 USB DAC x1, USB charging cable x1, optical cable x1, PC-USB to type B cable, User Manual x1, our worry-free 24-month warranty, as well as friendly customer service.
- 【USB DAC Audio Converter】 Computer or Game machine Audio Signal Through The USB Port .Covert Audio to Digital Optical, Coaxial or Analog Stereo RCA L/R,3.5mm Headphone Jack .Can Also Be Used As An External Sound Card.
- 【USB to Optical Coaxial Converter】Support you convert the Audio signal for the USB port to the digital optical spdif or coaxial .it could work well with the sound bar and optical bluetooth headphone (5.1 channel is incompatible, please set the audio output to PCM or LPCM)
- 【USB to Analog RCA L/R and 3.5mm headphone Converter】Support convert the Audio signal for the USB port to Analog RCA L/R and 3.5mm headphone.Support all the 3.5MM headphone and the2.0ch speaker.
- 【Plug and Play】No driver required, plug-and-play for instant audio playing and compliant with all mainstream operating systems. no external power required.(Windows or ios system need to choose the right sound card)
- 【Good Compatibility】Compatible with both Windows XP and Mac OS-X, For best playback in Windows. Compatible with PS3, PS4, PS5，which can be connected your headphones by USB DAC for playing games.
- The upgraded version of Fosi Audio Q4 adds microphone function, K5 Pro headphone DAC amp combo, next-generation audio converter with unrivaled internals, more outstanding performance, and richer audio details. Born for Gaming. K5 Pro stereo DAC headphone amplifier is perfect for your home gaming system, equivalent to an external sound card, suitable for PS5/Computers/PC/MAC/active speakers, etc.
- K5 Pro USB DAC converts USB Type C/Optical/Coaxial signals to 3.5MM AUX and RCA signals with low distortion and great dynamic range. Unique design: 2-in-1 USB Type C interface charging port and audio input means K5 Pro is compatible with your phones(Note: Your audio source must be connected to the USB-A/C port.). RCA output can be connected to an amplifier or powered speakers on your desktop. 3.5 MM AUX and microphone interface can drive 16 Ohm to 300 Ohm headphones.
- K5 Pro headphone DAC adopts the Texas Instruments NE5532 op-amp chip. The circuit design implementing this DAC has been optimized for a low-noise floor and clean sound. K5 Pro has noticeably improved on overall sound quality, so you can get immersed in your music even more easily. Volume button and on button are combined into one, long press to switch on.
- Product Specifications: K5 Pro with master volume/bass/treble control and input mode switch. USB Type C rate: up to 24 bit/96 kHz, Optical/Coaxial sampling rate: up to 24 bit/192 kHz, THD ≤0.003%, SNR ≥110dB. Output power: 1000mw@16Ω, 500mw@32Ω, 300mw@64Ω, 150mw@128Ω, 80mw@300Ω.
- What You Get: K5 Pro DAC amp x1, 3.5MM headphone splitter x1, 2-in-1 USB Type A/C to Type C cable x1, User Manual x1, Optical Cable x1, our worry-free 24-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
![USB C DAC [♪Hi-Res 32bit 384KHz♪] USB C to 3.5mm Audio Adapter with ALC5686 Chip, USB C Headphone Adapter, USB to 3.5mm Jack Audio Adapter, 3.5mm to USB C, USB C to Headphone Jack for Type C Devices](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41aw-OBTFrL.jpg "The 8 Best usb dacs of %currentyear% 35")
- Hi-Fi Audio Performance: This USB C to 3.5mm audio adapter delivers high-fidelity audio performance with a Hi-Res DAC chip that provides excellent and stable decoding performance. It supports a maximum sampling rate of 32bit/384Khz, which is higher than most other USB C headphone adapters available on the market.
- Exceptional Sound Quality: This adapter produces a balanced, natural, and realistic sound quality, with sparkly clean timbre, great treble textures and extensions, visceral mid-bass punch, rich sub-bass, and highly transparent details retrieval. It has a proper-sized soundstage with natural feel to the spatial imaging, great separation of layers, and precise holographic projection.
- Distortion-Free Audio: This USB C to 3.5mm audio adapter provides distortion-free audio transmission from your USB-C device to your headphones or virtually any other 3.5mm AUX device, with no drop in quality. It also features powerful noise reduction, ensuring that you can enjoy your music without any interference or distraction.
- Easy to Use: This USB C to 3.5mm audio adapter is plug-and-play, with no driver needed. It is ultra-portable, with a super-slim design that lets you connect to headphones and smartphones anytime, anywhere. It is also versatile, allowing you to connect your USB-C devices to headphones, headsets, speakers, and other audio devices.
- Multi-Functional: This USB C to 3.5mm audio adapter is more than just a headphone adapter, it has function keys that allow you to control the call, volume, and pause features on your headphones. It is also compatible with a wide range of USB-C devices, including iPhone 15 15 Plus 15 Pro 15 Pro Max, Galaxy, iPad, MacBook, Pixel, Huawei, OnePlus, and more.
- Supports true 7.1 channel audio input signals for realistic virtualization of gaming effects and audio cues with perfect accuracy and positioning
- Enhance your gaming experience through the headphone amplifier, capable of driving a wide range of gaming to studio-grade headphones.
- Powerful and fully customizable BlasterX Acoustic Engine, powers the Sound BlasterX G1 to deliver various audio enhancements for optimized gameplay
- X-Plus Mode when paired with the Sound BlasterX H5 - X-Plus mode accentuates the audio for things that really do matter in a competitive game while playing down emphasis on things that do not
- Instantly upgrade any headset or speakers - simply plug into a PC, Mac or PS4 and connect any headset or speakers to instantly boost your listening and gaming experience
- [Instantly Connect your USB A Devices to S/PDIF Sound System] – Cubilux USB A to S/PDIF Optical Audio Converter lets you easily connect your USB Type A laptop, computer or gaming console with sound bar, home audio system, external DAC, amplifier, preamp or speaker to enjoy lossless surround sound music, no need for bulky cable connection or set up.
- [Crystal Clean Hi-Res Sound] – The USB Type A to TOSLINK Connector delivers crisp and clear High-Resolution sound at 48KHz/24-bit, 96KHz/24-bit, 192KHz/24-bit with great clarity and rich audio details.
- [Plug & Play] – No driver required; no need for external power. Works with Windows, Mac OS and Linux computer, laptop, PC with USB Type A port and PS4/PS5 gaming console. NOT compatible with TV, Xbox One, Switch.
- [Compact and Durable] – Made with Aluminum alloy case and braided cable, the adapter isolates EM/RF interference and offers great durability as well. Measured at 0.6in x 0.6in x 8in (cable included), this adapter is super portable to carry.
- [Important Note] – This adapter does NOT support TV for audio output.
- HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER AND USB DAC AMP: Play high-resolution 32 bit music from Apple Music, Amazon Music and Tidal with stunning clarity you'll notice immediately. An external desktop headphone amp and digital audio converter allows you to hear the detail in music the way the artist intended.
- PROFESSIONAL FEATURES: USB and optical audio inputs for computers/phones/tablets, RCA line-output, precise front panel volume control, and audiophile-quality components inside and out. The D1 can be powered by a phone or tablet yet still drives high-performance headphones.
- HI-RES AUDIO: Our headphone amp has a 32 Bit ESS ES9018 DAC, ES9601C SABRE driver, and CT7601CR USB streamer or (Audio Bridge).
- WHAT’S INCLUDED: D1 headphone amplifier and DAC, USB cable, setup guide, microfiber product bag.
- 3 YEAR WARRANTY: Stellar US based customer support and 3 year product warranty is included. Based in TX, Audioengine has been changing the way people listen to music since 2005.
- 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
- ENJOY INSTANT AUDIO UPGRADE – Plug in the Sound Blaster X1 to any of your PC, Mac, or gaming consoles, and experience an instant audio boost with enhanced audio clarity, made possible by its built-in AKM DAC. Delivering high-resolution 24-bit / 96 kHz playback, enjoy detailed audio with clarity and accuracy from your favourite apps and music players, including Netflix, Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube
- AWARD-WINNING SUPER X-FI - Experience the familiar surround effects effortlessly from your headphones, especially spoken dialogs in shows, with natural and lifelike soundstage that's deeply immersive and highly realistic, akin to the movie theater. Perfect for bingeing on your favorite shows, so you don’t miss out on audio cues and immersive ambient effects
- LIGHTWEIGHT, POWERFUL AMPLIFIER - Weighing at just 15g / 0.5 oz, the Sound Blaster X1 is so portable, it is basically a professional audio system that fits in your pocket. It also features a 600Ω headphone amplifier so you can maximize the full performance of what your favorite pair of headphones is capable of, wherever you are with this portable audio accessory
- PLUG-AND-PLAY WITH CONVENIENT CONTROLS - The Sound Blaster X1 connects directly to your device via the included USB-C cable and does not require any driver for setup. It also acts an inline remote for you to toggle between mic mute and unmute, especially useful if you are using your headset for calls
- FURTHER ENHANCEMENT WITH CREATIVE APP - Personalize your audio by tweaking EQ presets and access a comprehensive suite of audio enhancements such as Dialog+, Scout Mode, and CrystalVoice via the app. It also comes with a suite of smart communication enhancements features from SmartComms Kit to improve the way you communicate during online meetings, in-game communications, and more
- Converts Coaxial/Optical/USB digital audio to analog L/R RCA and AUX 3.5mm audio simultaneously.
- Supports 192kHz 24bit high resolution, with HIFI sound quality and Bass Boost function, ideal for watching movies, listening to music and playing games.
- This product only supports audio format PCM, doesn't support Dolby, DTS etc. Please set the output format of audio output devices (PS4, DVD, etc.) to PCM
- USB digital input, please set the output of smartphone to OTG. To connect with usb-c port, please use a usb-c to usb-c data cable without OTG function, or usb-c male to usb-a female OTG converter. For Android phone with mirco usb, please add an extra OTG cable, mirco male to usb-a female; For iPhone with Lightning port, please add an extra Lightning to usb-a camera adapter.It is unavailable when connected to the USB of TV
- Contents, DA-Super*1, USB-A male to Type-C male Cable*1, Optical Cable*1, Quick Start Guide*1, Warranty Card*1
- Mini type-c headphone amps with 3.5mm jack, plug-and-play on smartphones and computers (Mac and Windows 10 and above), no charging required. For use with iOS smartphones, a cable with OTG capability is required(not included,camera adapter recommended).
- HiFi DAC ES9270 to bring high resolution sound quality, Support for PCM up to 32bit/384kHz and DSD128 DoP.
- 70+70mW@32Ω is a high output power for a USB headphone dongle, to power all sorts of HiFi earphone. Low power consumption reduces smartphone power consumption.
- FC1 can be used together with HiBy Music on the cell phone to turn on its HQ USB audio access mode and enjoy the happy experience of HiFi audiophile.
- 30 step volume control via hardware buttons and The indicator light light comes up in different colours according to the currently playing music format / sample rate. Support Microphone (Available in non-exclusive mode)
- [Get lossless sound]: KA3 headphone amps equipped with the powerful and proven ESS ES9038Q2M, supporting 32bit/768kHz and DSD512.
- [Get dual headphone outputs]: KA3 mini amplifier comes equipped with 2 headphone outputs, a 3.5mm single-ended and a 4.4mm balanced output, both powerful to easily drive a variety of your headphones.
- [Compatible with lots of systems]: Portable USB DAC KA3 compatible with various OSes like Android/iOS/Windows/Mac, you could use it connect with your smartphones/computer/players.
- [Practical and beautiful RGB touch]: Besides exuding elegance, the RGB light indicator usefully indicates the current sampling rate. Blue light: 48kHz and below sampling rate; yellow light: 48kHz and above sampling rate; green light: DSD
- [Low noise floor]: Clean sound for a great sound, featuring abundant power with high signal-to-noise ratio, low distortion, and almost 0 noise – this is true high-fidelity sound.
- Dual ES9219 HiFi DAC 2.5mm Balanced (4V RMS) 3.5mm Unbalanced (2V RMS)
- Qualcomm QCC5124 Bluetooth Chipset HFP / HSP / A2DP / AVRCP LDAC / aptX Adaptive / aptX HD / AAC
- Bluetooth and USB DAC 96KHz/24bit with embedded double-precision equalizer
- 500mA Li-Po Battery / 6~20 hours streaming
- Plastic Body (Black) with anti-scratch UV Coating / Aluminium Clip (Dark Gray) / 52.8(H) x 26.7(W) x 15.6(D) mm (including Clip) / 25g
- Using a piece of AKM’s new AK4493S, and carefully adjusted to achieve an unprecedented 0.00013%.
- Simple desktop machine, Compact design, easy to use, and support a variety of placement methods. Professional shape design with anodized CNC aluminum housing.
- Built-in high performance power filtering system for optimal performance using only USB port power! Support 32-bit 768kHz and DSD512. CK-03 clock system.
- Built-in gravity acceleration sensor automatically switches the screen. The design purpose is: to occupy minimal space on the desktop, it has three placement modes as shown below, in these three placement modes, because it has a built-in digital acceleration sensor, so it will automatically switch the direction of the display.
- 12-month warranty, you can return the item or replace a new one if you have any problems.
How to choose a good usb dacs
Does the idea of finding a fantastic usb dacs 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 usb dacs. 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 usb dacs 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 usb dacs 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 usb dacs 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 usb dacs 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 usb dacs 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 usb dacs, 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 usb dacs.
Durability: Durability and reliability are closely related concepts. You will benefit from a strong and long-lasting usb dacs 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 usb dacs. 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 usb dacs 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 usb dacs.
