The Best External Soundcard For 2025
By, Nicolas WardUpdated
If you want to get the best recording quality possible out of your computer, investing in an external sound card is the way to go. A good soundcard will not only improve your in-game audio but also make it easier for you to record and produce high-quality audio.
It’s also a great way to add some extra oomph to your recordings as well as reduce any unwanted background noises that might be coming from your computer. In this guide, we’ll discuss the Best external soundcard on the market today and help you choose which one is right for you.
Our team had to focus on researching and sifting through many hours to get such results for readers. These studies are based on customer star reviews and interviews about their feelings when using the product. When it comes to finding the best external soundcard, we believe Sound BlasterX G6 Hi-Res 130dB Gaming DAC is worth the product to buy. If you're looking for additional options and more in-depth advice, you may check out the following.
Our Top Picks
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 7.1 DISCRETE SURROUND WITH SUPER X-FI AND DOLBY DIGITAL LIVE - Supports up to 7.1 discrete and virtual surround with three types of surround sound delivery: 1. Super X-Fi technology that recreates the listening experience of a multi-speaker system in headphone, 2. Sound Blaster Surround Virtualization’s famed surround processing that is driven by algorithms that are capable of optimizing spatial information of incoming audio for a complete and immersive auditory experience, 3. Dolby Digital Live
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
QUICK CONNECTIVITY - Micro USB connectivity; 3.5 mm headset socket and 3.5 mm microphone socket make for fast setup
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
EXTERNAL SOUND CARD - Easy-to-install external sound card delivers high-resolution audio for acoustic clarity and audio realism
BUILT-IN HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER WITH AUDIO ENHANCEMENTS AND CUSTOMIZABLE EQ - Giving you audio enhancement not only via hardware but also through software, the sound card is capable of driving 600Ω studio-grade headphones and achieve enhanced audio realism through Sound Blaster Acoustic Engine’s suite of technologies via the Creative app. It also comes with customizable EQ profiles and is coupled with Scout Mode that enhances important in-game audio cues
HIGH-RESOLUTION AUDIO 5.1 SURROUND - Upgrade from your PC's default sound and offload your CPU's processing with Sound Blaster Audigy Fx V2. With up to 24-bit / 192 kHz playback and 120 dB DNR clarity, enjoy high-resolution audio without overstressing your CPU, so it can handle other tasks efficiently, like your graphics. It also comes with 5.1 discrete and virtual surround capabilities, so you can stay immersed in your media, on both your speakers and headphones
BOOSTED PERFORMANCE WITH DAUGHTERBOARD EXPANSION CARD - Enjoy the maximum performance of Sound Blaster Audigy Fx V2 with an optional daughterboard expansion card (sold separately). The addition of Sound Blaster Audigy Fx V2 DBPro enhanced your audio to deliver DSD256 playback, with two more channels to achieve 7.1 discrete surround sound, as well as an included optical-out port to complement your PC audio upgrade journey
- USB OPTICAL AUDIO: Supports 44.1 and 48 KHz sampling rates for analog playback and recording or 48 KHz for SPDIF.【The audio adapter's SPDIF optical pass-through port supports two-channel audio, this port does not support 5.1 or 7.1 audio.】
- 7.1 USB AUDIO ADAPTER: High Speed USB 2.0 compliant host interface, with transfer rates up to 480 Mbps.
- EXTERNAL 7.1 USB SOUND CARD: Full 7.1 / 5.1 / 2.1 audio outputs via 3.5mm mini-jacks | Dual microphone input. (VLC media player suggested)
- OS COMPATIBILITY: Compatible for Win 11 / 10 / 8 / 7 (Included Software Only for Win 11/10/8/7).
- USB SOUND CARD: Optical S/PDIF input (pass through) and output | Built-in volume control buttons | Full-duplex recording and playback.
- 【Warranty】Plug and play; USB bus-powered, no external power required. CableCreation provides 24-month product warranty and lifetime technical support backed by 24/7 friendly customer service.
- 【High Quality Sound】Built-in with HS-100B chip, 48K / 44.1KHz sampling rate for both Playback and Recording, Skype / Hangout / Live Games / TeamSpeak ; protects against electromagnetic interference and enjoy the stable and best sound quality.
- 【Audio Interface】Provides an alternative solution to a damaged sound card, allows you to get access to plug-n-play sound with your headphones; supports single pin TRRS earphone (with* microphone) and TRS earphone (without* microphone). NOTES: 1. EarPods were tested not* to support mic input with this adapter, however audio output functions and allows you to enjoy music, movies,etc; 2. Not working on most Car system or smart TV.
- 【Wide Compatibility】Support USB 2.0 Full Speed (12Mbps) Specification, compatible with PS4, Raspberry Pi, Surface Pro, MacBook Pro; Windows 7/8/8.1 /10 /XP/Vista, Mac OS X 8.6 or above, macOS, Linux and other mainstream systems. NOT WORKING ON PS3.
- 【Connectivity】CableCreation USB audio adapter adds a mono microphone-in (Pink one) and a stereo audio-out (Black one) port to your computer through a USB port, enables you to connect your existing headphones, headset, speakers, or microphone with 3.5mm jack to your PC, laptop, through a USB interface.
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.
【Plug & Play】No need to worry about compatibility and no external power– this sound card works seamlessly with PCs and MacBooks that lack a built-in 7.1 sound card.
【Compact Design】Input - 1*Line-In；1*TRS Mic-In；|Output - 1*TRRS Headphones；4*3.5mm Audio Interfaces；
【Durable Aluminum Alloy Case】Full Aluminum alloy housing enables full isolation of electronic interference and ensures no-loss transmission of an audio signal without static or ground noise.
EASE OF USE - Switch between headphone dac sound and speaker sound without tapping or unplugging cables. The EPOS GSX 1000 2nd Edition can also easily be used as a pc sound card or as an external sound card
ADJUSTABLE SIDETONE - This DAC amp audio amplifier will also work as a sound card for pc with a sidetone, so you can hear your own voice in real time at a level you set
BUILT FOR COMPETITIVE GAMING - Aluminum volume wheel and high-quality materials are designed to last. It can also be used as an audio mixer for pc
What to Look For in a best external soundcard?
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Swappable OpAmp
DAC Quality
How can you determine the quality of a DAC's DAC? The SNR (Signal to Noise Ratio) is a common indicator of the DAC's quality. It simply refers to the volume of the intended useful sound compared with the noise that is not being used.
High-end sound cards can provide a SNR of up to 124 dB. The majority of motherboards that have onboard audio solutions offer an SNR between 80 and 90 dB. This is quite a difference considering decibels can be logarithmic.
Moreover, in addition to the SNR, the DAC also controls bit depth and audio sampling rates.
The latest high-end sound card can provide 24-bit, 32-bit and even 32-bit audio at a sampling rate of 192-kHz to 384-kHz. These specifications roughly define the audio quality of the sound card, although there are other factors included such as gold-plated connectors, Electromagnetic-Interference shielding, etc.
Software Features
Virtual Surround Sound is the most prominent feature. It's often used with headsets to improve spatial awareness in games, particularly in esports. These software solutions can also provide advanced audio features like customizable frequency response, equalizer settings and other options.
Channel Support
Only the sound card can provide separate channels to the system. Many sound cards can provide virtual 7.1 sound through audio processing, but only a handful of cards offer true surround sound support. If you have a high-end, 7.1 home theatre system you may be using costly external audio solutions. However, if this is the case, then you should consider upgrading to the most recent 7.1-channel sound card.
For headphone users, the majority of high-end headphones can be used as stereo headphones. You will only get surround sound via the sound card's Digital Signal Processing.
Dolby Atmos' latest format provides 3D sound, but comes with a lot of requirements. Although there are some 7.1 surround headphones on the market with as many as ten drivers, their audio latency makes them less appealing than high-end stereo headphones.
Additional Power And Connectors
Interface
The audio interface must be inspected at the ports of the sound card. Some sound cards support multichannels via RCA jacks, while others utilize 3.5mm jacks. Some sound cards have 3.5mm headphones whereas others provide 1/4-inch or 6.3mm headphones.
Headphone Amplifier
Studio-grade headphones that have poor audio solutions will result in low volume. If you wish to purchase studio-grade headphones with poor audio solutions, ensure that you get a sound card that has a dedicated amplifier for your headphone. The supported impedance should be greater than the rating of the headphones.
FAQs
What Alternatives To Sound Card Do Exist?
A comparison of sound cards and alternatives to them. The most popular alternative is the USB headset. It can play both music and voice. The downside is that USB headsets are limited in audio quality, typically 16-bit 48kHz. They cannot produce high frequency frequencies sufficiently well to reproduce music and speech. There may also be latency problems with USB headsets for playing digital audio streams from computers.
Are USB Audio Cards Good?
If you're a filmmaker or video editor, USB cards may be your best choice. An external chipet can be used to connect it to other consoles, whether it's a computer or laptop. If you are looking to enhance your audiophile level, USB audio cards can be very useful.
Do Audio Cards Really Make A Difference?
An audio card's main purpose is to enhance sound quality when playing video games or listening to the in-game sounds. Even with a high-end headset, the inbuilt sound card on a PC or gaming console may be dull. You need a sound card with balanced sound to balance the sound.
What Is The V8 Soundcard?
The version number V8 indicates the type of audio card that you'll be using. Multi-function models are the basis of this audio card. This is currently the only chip that allows dual-mobile use. Both iOS and Android smartphones can use the sound card to play games.
How Long Does The Soundcard Battery Last?
These chipsets are available in two versions. The one you see will likely be an internal PCIe card, while the other might be an exterior card. The power source for your motherboard will supply the internal cards with the power. They do not need a battery. To get power, some external devices can be connected to the computer via a USB connector.
Which Is The Best Audio Card?
It can be difficult to find the right audio card. The right card will improve surround sound capabilities and provide great results.
What Makes A Good Sound Card?
High signal-to noise ratios and low distortion are the hallmarks of a sound card. Your soundcard's SNR (signal-to-noise ratio) will have a greater ability to reproduce audio signals and not introduce unwanted artifacts.
Conclusion
Its features, not its name, are what define best external soundcard in 2025. This may seem self-evident, but it's easy to become fixated on a specific company or brand due to its reputation. We strongly advise you to consider your needs and determine which products will assist you in meeting them. With our options above, if you can't choose any suitable one, let's check Audient Audio Interface iD4 MKII. Wish you a nice shopping day!
About Nicolas Ward
