The Best Soundcard For Pc In 2024
The Rundown
1. Best Overall: Sound BlasterX G6 Hi-Res 130dB 32bit/384kHz Gaming DAC
Improve your enjoyment of basic motherboard and controller audio right away! The Sound BlasterX G6 has outstanding audio quality in addition to gaming-specific features like Sidetone volume control and easily accessible profile buttons. Read Review
2. Best For The Price: ASUS XONAR SE 5.1 Channel 192kHz/24-bit Hi-Res 116dB SNR PCIe Gaming Sound Card
The ASUS Xonar SE features a 5.1-channel, and a built-in 300ohm headphone amplifier for rich, immersive sound with punchy, defined bass. The exclusive Hyper Grounding technology provides signal insulation to reduce interference and distortion. Read Review
3. Best Performance: Creative Sound Blaster AE-7 Hi-Res Internal PCIe Sound Card
Adding AE-7 to your computer rig means that you are adding a quad-core processor with one goal - to provide superior sound quality and enhance your CPU's performance. Sound Blaster manages audio processing, which frees up CPU resources for other tasks. Read Review
4. Best Quality: Creative Sound Blaster Z SE Internal PCI-e Gaming Sound Card a
The Sound Blaster Z SE, the Special Edition of OG Sound Blaster Z has new features that allow for easy audio enjoyment. It features the same high-quality audio specifications as its predecessor, but it also has additional gaming acoustic profiles, microphone EQ presets and other enhancements that will enhance your gaming and entertainment experience. Read Review
In this digital era, everyone loves to listen to music. And when we talk about listening to music on a PC, the first thing that comes to mind is getting a sound card. A sound card is an external device that enhances the audio quality of your PC by reducing noise and improving clarity. It also has several other benefits like reducing background noise, recording audio directly from your microphone, etc.
Whether you’re an audiophile or just someone who appreciates good audio in their games and media, adding a dedicated soundcard is something you should look into. There are multiple sellers of these devices online, but knowing which one will suit your needs can be challenging. To help you in this regard, we have developed a list of the best soundcards for PC.
Our team spent about hours researching, sifting, and selecting many high-quality models. Sound BlasterX G6 Hi-Res 130dB 32bit/384kHz Gaming DAC with a built-in DAC high-resolution chip is the product that receives the highest award from us. In addition to the other suggestions on this list, which equally deserve your consideration, we have compiled a helpful buyer's guide to assist you in making your decision.
RELATED: We have found top 10 best gaming soundcard based on 5,875 consumer reviews. See our top picks of 2024.
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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 5.1 channel, 192kHz/24-bit Hi-Res audio with a 300ohm headphone amp for detailed, immersive sound with punchy, defined bass
- Included Low Profile Bracket allows the Xonar to fit perfectly into most systems
- ASUS Hyper Grounding Technology ensures minimal audio distortion and interference
- Xonar Audio Center enables full audio control via an intuitive, spacious interface
- Realtek ALC1220X codec delivers a crystal clear 116dB signal-to-noise ratio (SNR)
- Massively Powerful Headphone Audio | Custom Xamp Discrete Headphone Bi-Amp Powers Each Earcup Separately With 1Ω Output Impedance And Drives Studio-Grade Headphones Of Up To 600Ω, Including High-End Planar-Magnetic Headphones. And With The Audio Control Module, Gain Quick Access To The Volume Control Knob, As Well As The ¼” And ⅛” Mic And Headphones I/O Connectors – All Within Your Fingertips
- Theatrical-Grade Discreet And Virtual Surround | Supports Discrete 5. 1 On Speakers With Dolby Digital Live / Dts Connect Encoding, And Up To 7. 1 Virtual Surround On Headphones And Speakers. To Top It Off, We Have Also Integrated Sound Blaster’S Surround Virtualization Technology Onto Ae-7 So That You Can Conveniently Enjoy Surround Sound On Most Form Of Media
- True Hardware Accelerated Audio | Dedicated Quad-Core Processor Designed To Deliver Incredibly Pristine And Enhanced Sound On Your Pc Without Overstressing Your Cpu. Sound Blaster Manages Audio Processing On The Card Itself, Freeing Your Cpu To Handle Other Tasks
- Pristine Audio Output | Supreme Audio Fidelity With 127 Db Dnr Hi-Res 32-Bit / 384 Khz Playback Via Ess Sabre-Class 9018 Dac And Dsd64 Playback Support That Satisfies Even The Most Demanding Needs Of Audiophiles For Incredibly Clean Audio
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 600 ohm headphone amp for high performance, studio grade monitoring
- 106 SNR and 24-bit 192kHz DAC (Playback) and 96kHz ADC (Recording)
- 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
- Includes the Sound Blaster Audigy Fx Control Panel, PC software that puts you in full control of the SBX Pro Studio suite of technologies
- Easily converts the PC into a cinematic entertainment system by providing a compelling 5.1 surround sound
- UGREEN Aux to USB adapter offers an easy and portable way to upgrade the sound quality of your favorite laptop or desktop computer. This USB to audio jack gives you easy access to a wide selection of audio input and output ports so you can plug in a microphone, a gaming headset, or speakers. You could even use the external sound card to plug in a home theater sound system or to assist in recording music or podcasts.
- 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. Please kindly note. Not compatible with PS3.
- Seductive Sound for You: With a built-in DAC high-resolution chip, UGREEN USB to headphone jack for PC provides you with high fidelity audio. Up to 16bit/48kHz of sampling rate, this audio adapter could enhance the original sound quality of your devices.
- Plug and play: No driver required, just plug and play! USB bus-powered, no external power required for this convenient sound card. In addition, UGREEN Aux to USB can work as a second sound source for simultaneous operation of speakers and headphones.
- Compact and Portable: Durable ABS material make the USB to headphone jack compact and lightweight. IMPORTANT NOTE: This usb sound card only supports mono microphone TRS, DOES NOT support TS, TRRS.
- Smart Chip: Built-in with advanced smart chip supports automatic recognition of CTIA and OMIP standard headsets, This USB to Audio jack efficiently decoding the signal of sound ensures the minimum distortion rate, offering you better listening experience.
- Universal Compatibility: This external sound card can work with any standard USB Audio Class enabled system including Windows 10/8.1/8/7/Vista/XP, Mac OS X, Linux, and PS5 PS4, Google Chrome book, Windows Surface 3 pro, Raspberry Pi etc. Note: Does Not Work for TV or Car.
- Compact and Portable: The Aux to USB is slim size with ultra compact design and durable aluminum housing, Plug and Play, no driver required & USB bus-powered. Note: This audio adapter works with 3.5mm TRRS headphones.
- USB External Sound Card: 2 in 1 USB audio adapter supports listening & speaking, easily adds a 3.5mm aux TRRS port (integrated audio-in and audio out interface) to your devices. Note: It does not work with headset with separated headphone and microphone 3.5mm audio port.
- Superb Sound Quality: USB external sound adapter adopted Advanced C-Media IC technology for optimal sound quality and device performance. Which enables you to bypasses a broken sound card or audio jack of your computer to regain audio function.
- 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
- 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
- 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
- GREAT REPLACEMENT - Perfect for bypassing a faulty usb sound card, audio port, or as a replacement for a broken USB audio adapter
- EASY INSTALL - No additional drivers necessary, plug-and-play on many devices. Compatible with Windows 11, 10, 8.x, 7, Vista, and XP, Linux, macOS, and Chromebooks. Not compatible with USB ports on car audio systems. Not suggested as a microphone adapter for lapel microphones
- ALWAYS READY - Leave connected to a USB hub or dock to avoid unplugging. USB Sound Adapter is lightweight, compact, and constructed of durable aluminum in a black finish
- CONVENIENT AUDIO - Enable USB connectivity with your existing 3.5mm audio headphones, headset, speakers, or microphone with this USB to Audio Jack Adapter
- 2 YEAR WARRANTY - We love our Plugable products, and hope you will too. All of our products are backed with a 2-year limited parts and labor warranty as well as Seattle-based email support
- 3.5mm JACK DEVICE: USB audio sound card, 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. International standard USB replaces traditional sound card. You can also use microphone and headphones together on iMac/Mac Mini devices with our product.
- OPERATIING 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/ Win 7/8/10, Linux, Mac OS, etc.
- ADJUSTABLE AUDIO SOUND: The volume of the output audio can be adjusted by the volume roller on the control panel. Adjust the appropriate sound volume according to your needs.
- NO DRIVER REQUIRED：Headset USB adaptor, 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.
- MIXER FUNCTION: Multi-channel will bring you a “surround sound” experience. Mini LED and surround sound can improve the level of gaming audio. Microphone/Headphone mute function allows the headset and loudspeaker mode to switch freely providing 16 kinds of rhythmic pattern and 23 kinds of environment mode, without unplugging from the computer.
What to Look For in a best soundcard for pc?
Actually, when you decide to invest in best soundcard for pc for yourself, lots of things to consider! It's harder to choose since the product comes with many types, functions, and features from different manufacturers. That’s why you should find a reliable space to acquire knowledge related to the item.
We’ve highlighted the essential features of the best soundcard for pc below. Along with checking out the list of best models in the list, you should also carefully read the buying guide here:
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.
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.
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.
Swappable OpAmp
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.
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.
RELATED: We did the research for you. With our tests and trials, here are accurate descriptions of the best soundcards available in the market.
FAQs
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 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.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.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.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.After knowing the suitable kinds of best soundcard for pc and the features you wish, it’s high time for you to start your shopping. Note that you shouldn’t run out to a particular store or start scrolling through online sales just yet. With the development of technology, especially the expansion of sale sites, you can easily find your buddy.
Remember to check out our site weekly round-up to ensure that the current sales on best soundcard for pc perform well in our tests. So you can catch up with them as soon as possible. Would you please give us your feedback for better service? Many thanks!
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