The BlasterX Acoustic Engine Pro software has plenty of SBX presets for all popular games so you can quickly switch between different ones to immerse yourself in gameplay.
The LED backlighting is bright enough to be distracting when it's dark.
This is a high-end card that automatically changes the sound settings with hundreds of presets for the user's benefit. Its fidelity and STN ratio are some of the highest we've seen and though the price is steep, this kind of quality is worth it.
7.1
1 x 3.5mm line/optical in
1 x 3.5mm line/optical out
1 x 3.5mm jack for mic/line in
1 x 3.5mm jack for headphones
1 x USB-port for connecting devices
1 x microUSB-port for power supply (cable included)
24-bit / 192kHz
Up to 120 dB
Scout Mode, 3 SBX profiles, Backlit Volume Control knob with Illuminated Volume Indicator, BlasterX Acoustic Engine Pro Software
1 year
The card supports Full-Duplex operation and can both receive and send audio signals simultaneously, which will come in handy for recording and playback of voice, music, and other sound outputs.
The ports are on 3 sides of the device so when they're plugged up the device looks more like a pin cushion.
Not everybody has the budget for a high-end sound card but aspiring artists deserve to be heard so this budget-friendly card with 7.1 audio is a real bargain. Its fidelity is lower than the more expensive models but it's a nice compromise and a good choice for amateur musicians.
7.1
4 x 3.5mm jacks (Front, Side, Rear, C/Sub) for speaker out
1 x optical in
1 x optical out
1 x 3.5mm jack for line in
2 x 3.5mm jack for mic in
1 x 3.5mm jack for headphones
1 x Type B USB-port for power supply (cable included)
16-bit / 48 kHz
Up to ~100 dB
Built-in control panel with LED-indicators
2 years
The cable has triple-shielding that includes braided copper shield, aluminium foil shield, as well as a soft, flexible PVC jacket to protect it from interference and physical damage.
The mic jack is only compatible with 2-pin TRS connectors.
This is a basic model that combines high quality and affordability and while it's not great for professional use, it's a shoe-in for boosting your laptop audio. If you just need to improve the sound of your PC, this is a great option.
2.0
1 x 3.5mm jack for mic/line in
1 x 3.5mm jack for headphones
0.5-ft hard-wired USB-cable
16-bit / 48 kHz
Up to ~100 dB
Cable with Triple-shielding Technology
1.5 years
A compact, portable sound card that operates from a USB cable, which saves space on your desktop and frees the occupied audio ports. The hardware-boosted mid and low frequencies combined with a digital equalizer also help in achieving the perfect sound.
The high-frequency sound quality is a bit mediocre.
The solid-quality desktop application combined with a digital equalizer and excellent sound quality of 24-bit channel makes this particular model one of the best contenders for the role of both portable and dedicated sound card. A good option for PC, laptops, and even some gaming consoles.
7.1
1 х 3.5mm 4-pole Headphone-out with Mic
1 х 3.5mm Microphone-in jack (Mono)
1 x USB-port for power supply (cable included)
24-bit / 96 kHz
Up to 93 dB
Headphone connectivity without Y-Splitter, Fuss-free, Plug-and-Play, Comes with Control Panel software for PC and Mac
1 year, limited
The adapter has a user-friendly interface that can be used with both laptop and desktop systems. No driver is required, as it uses plug-and-play for instant audio playback. Fully compatible with all major operating systems.
TRRS is not configured.
The Sabrent AU-MMSA Excellent stands out for its sound quality and compact size. You can take it with you on a trip or use it as a spare sound card. The playback quality is quite high for such a miniature model, too. A real find for users of Linux-based operating systems.
2.0
1 x 3.5mm jack for mic/line in
1 x 3.5mm jack for headphones
1 x USB type A
16-bit / 48 kHz
Up to ~100 dB
Plug-and-Play, No external power is required
1 year
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Creative Sound BlasterX G5
Game On with Sound On
Those who play online games know how important sound can be, both in terms of immersion and gameplay. After all, if your audio quality is low and the sound is too quiet, you won’t be able to hear an enemy approaching. So if you want to kick things up a notch and get great sound quality without spending too much time on setup, choose the Creative Sound BlasterX G5 SB1700.
This model comes with a myriad of preset SBX profiles thanks to the BlasterX Acoustic Engine Pro software, supplied for free with your purchase. What this means is you get special sound settings that can be changed in a single click and are specifically designed for various games. From CS GO to Dota 2 to Call of Duty, every popular title has its own preset so you can optimize your sound for online play. In addition to that, the software serves up several presets for different music genres so audiophiles can enjoy tunes with the volume blasting loud.
As if that wasn’t enough, the body of the card has a special button that lets you switch between 3 of your favorite SBX profiles. Sadly, the design isn’t flawless as the red backlighting here is a bit too bright and might get annoying, especially if you tend to spend evening or nights in front of your laptop as the light would be a source of distraction.
Unrivaled Sound Quality
In terms of interfaces, the Creative Sound BlasterX G5 SB1700 is a clear winner with two 3.5 mm line/optical ports (in and out) a mic jack and a separate jack for headphones. Connectivity shouldn’t be an issue for this portable card and neither is the power supply. The microUSB cable comes with the purchase and is a pretty easy way to keep your card working.
We have to admit that this might not be the best choice for music production as it’s clearly a card aimed at producing good sound for home theaters and PCs. But it’s definitely one of the best USB sound card models for that purpose thanks to 7.1 channels and 24-bit/192kHz fidelity. Plus, nothing short of an airplane taking off in your backyard will drown out the sound from this one, thanks to the 120 dB STN ratio.
Last but not least. The mini TOSLINK ports keep the decoding quick with no audio loss so the quality of your sound won’t diminish as the data is converted.
All things considered, the Creative Sound BlasterX G5 SB1700 is one of the best USB cards for home use with computers and sound systems. It has excellent Windows 10 compatible software to go along with it and delivers unrivaled quality. If you’re ready to pay more to get more, this is a no-brainer.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | $94.38 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B018JUPY3A |
What customers say about this product
Key Specs
Features
StarTech.com ICUSBAUDIO7D
Connectivity for All
Those who record music or have some experience with sound system setup know that sometimes one or two ports is just not enough. For those who want to be able to do a large-scale connection, the StarTech.com ICUSBAUDIO7D is one of the better and more reasonably priced choices.
This small sound card supports Full-Duplex operation and can receive and transmit audio signals simultaneously. That should come in especially handy to those who record music as you can both launch playback of some instruments and layer your voice over them without having to do it in several complicated steps. The process is made as easy as possible so even an amateur should be able to get use out of the StarTech.com ICUSBAUDIO7D.
Now, we’ve already stated that this model has quite a few ports, which includes: an optical in and out, four out 3.5 mm jacks (front, side, rear, C/sub), and four 3.5 mm jacks for line, mic, and headphones. While this is great for connectivity, we have to admit that placing them on three of the card’s sides is a strange design choice. It leaves the card looking like a hedgehog when several cables are hooked up at once and makes placement of the card itself a bit less convenient. It’s not a huge issue but still, smarter design decisions would have greatly improved the card and its usability.
More than Meets the Eye
What the StarTech.com ICUSBAUDIO7D does indisputably well, though, is audio quality. This small box boasts an STN ratio of up to 100 dB so you can rest assured that whatever sounds you play won’t be drowned out by street noise. Couple that with 16-bit / 48 kHz fidelity and you can see that this is a great candidate for both sound systems and recording. It’s not the highest fidelity we’ve ever seen but it’s a great level considering the more than affordable price.
Besides, this model has 7.1 audio support so you can take full advantage of a large sound system complete with subwoofers and multiple extra speakers. And the two mic ports are a perfect match for karaoke nights so you can entertain guests at home.
All things considered, we’d call the StarTech.com ICUSBAUDIO7D a model that might initially be seen as basic but shows its true potential once used. It’s a budget-friendly yet advanced choice, offering many ports to work with and pretty great sound quality both for watching movies and listening to music as well as recording your own tunes. If you want to have an all-in-one USB sound card without making a dent in your budget, choose this model.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | $30.98 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B002LM0U2S |
UGREEN 30724
Back to Basics
Not everybody out there is a sound engineer or an audiophile as some people simply seek an adapter to send audio transmissions to their laptop or TV, converting the signal from their mic or to their headphones. If you’re in the market for a basic model and want an affordable and reliable one, we recommend the UGREEN 30724.
Although the card might initially seem pretty fragile due to how compact it is, there’s no need to worry about durability. The USB cable here has a special triple-shielding technology to protect the cord from mechanical damage and twisting as well as interference. The first layer is a braided copper shield, the second is an aluminum foil one, and the third is a soft PVC jacket to keep flexibility up. With that kind of quality, there’s not a chance of any interference getting through. Admittedly, we wouldn’t have minded a longer cable as 0.5 feet isn’t that convenient if you have a big sound system. But an extender is easy to find so that’s just a minor gripe.
What did disappoint us a bit is the mic jack compatibility. The UGREEN 30724 only accepts 2-pin TRS connectors, not 1-pin or 3-pin ones. This limits your choice of devices somewhat but it’s only going to be a problem if you plan on using the card to record with a mic or do karaoke.
Modesty is a Virtue
The UGREEN 30724 is a great fit for use with a laptop, in particular, as it has great volume boosting and, coupled with an STN ratio of up to 100 dB, you can enjoy loud sound without buying portable speakers for your computer. Despite the modest size and look, this model delivers stereo sound with 2.0 channels. It’s a bit too simple for a sound system but great for phones and laptops as a means of boosting audio quality.
Speaking of which, the fidelity here is 16-bit / 48 kHz, not the highest ever but good enough for watching movies or listening to music. Plus, it’s not like you’ll be connecting it to some high-end tech as the UGREEN 30724 has two basic 3.5 mm jacks for headphones or mic/line.
Combine all of the above with a ridiculously appealing price and you can clearly see where the strengths of this modest USB sound card lie. It’s intended for basic home use and if you want to have loud audio with clear sound when you watch movies or play games on your PC/laptop, this is a fine choice. Sure, the UGREEN 30724 is not going to get you the studio-level quality of audio but it’s a solid and affordable choice for amateur home use. It has a long service life and keeps the signal free of interference thanks to a high-end USB cable, which puts it above the regular competitors.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | $0.00 |
| Stock | May be out of stock |
| ASIN | B01N905VOY |
Creative Sound Blaster Play! 3
Top Bargain
The Creative Sound Blaster Play! 3 is yet another dongle-like USB sound card. However, this time around, it is something that can actually boost your device’s sound output capabilities on top of just extending its effective use.
First things first, let’s talk about compatibility. As an external sound device, it utilizes a USB connection as its main interface and standard 3.5 mm ports for the output of sound, as well as a single 3.5 mm mono microphone port. With these under its belt, it provides you with a good counterpart to built-in sound devices and, at the same time, frees 2 audio ports on your PC or laptop.
The aspect that makes this particular sound card stand out is the output sound quality that elevates the compact device among other similar products in the same price range and even some of the cards included on our list. To explain that, we need to throw in some numbers. Put simply, the output fidelity of the gadget is capped at 24 bits at a maximum of 96 kHz that puts it closer to fully-fledged discrete sound units that can cost up to several hundred dollars.
A Reliable Alternative to Full-Size Cards
Fidelity out of the way, it is important to figure out how useful the sound card actually is and where it can be used. Designed mostly for laptops and for use on the go, this model proves to be a good option for desktop use as well. Given its compact size, plug-and-play nature, and overall ease of use, it is a perfect pick for those needing an edge at gaming, excellent sound quality for listening to music, or simply watching a favorite show or a new movie. As a useful bonus to all of the above, the appliance is supported by special software that allows adjusting the volume levels, sound quality, and using the digital equalizer. What is more, the desktop app is compatible with both Windows and Mac computers.
The reinforced and insulated cable and the housing of the sound card ensures that you are unlikely to experience any interference or pop sounds often affiliated with power spikes that can occur in the electrical grid of your house or apartment. Likewise, the sturdy plastic housing of the audio dongle serves as an additional means of protection of the internal elements of the card so don’t let the compact size of the appliance trick you into thinking that it is fragile.
To sum things up, the Sound Blaster Play! 3 from Creative is a decent budget-friendly option for all enthusiasts of Hi-Fi sound that don’t want to break the bank on a discrete sound card. This model is more than capable of handling surround sound with up to 7 speakers and woofers whilst having a dedicated microphone port so you won’t need to occupy the ones that are built into your computer.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | $18.84 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B06XBZ38ZJ |
What customers say about this product
Key Specs
Features
Sabrent AU-MMSA
Simple Budget Audio Adapter
What is probably already apparent to most people who have read through the reviews of the other audio adapters on this list is that many of them seem to focus on more advanced features, including surround sound and digital audio outputs. This is great for those who need such features, but for those who don't, it only results in an added expense for a necessary device. If you find that your audio needs are a bit more on the simple side, then you can't go wrong with choosing the Sabrent AU-MMSA USB External Stereo Sound Adapter. This simple and cheap USB audio adapter lets you add support for a standard stereo speaker setup to any computer.
What should first be noted about this budget USB audio adapter is that despite its price, it provides excellent sound quality as well as an extremely compact size. In fact, you'll find it to be the most suitable solution for those who will need to use it while on the go. You can take it with you on a trip or use it as a spare sound card, so it has you covered no matter what use case you need it for. The playback quality is also quite high for such a miniature model. What is really nice is that it is a real find for users of Linux-based operating systems, who find many other models that aren't compatible.
Plug and Play Audio
The compatibility and simpleness of this device can't be understated. The adapter features a user-friendly interface that can be used with both laptop and desktop systems, as well as those with any operating system. To further note, no driver installation is required, regardless of what type of computer you use it with. The device uses standard plug-and-play for instant audio playback, so there won't be any settings that you need to change when you first install it. Just plug it in, and it will be ready to go with, letting you get the best audio out of your system.
To go into further details about this device, it provides simple stereo audio output, so there isn't any support for more complex audio technologies such as digital audio standards or surround sound systems using multi-speaker setups. The device includes just two 3.5mm audio jacks, including a line-in for microphones or other audio input sources, as well as a stereo output jack. Most standard 3.5mm audio jacks will work fine with this, although TRRS is not supported on this device, so those who need this kind of support will need to look elsewhere. Despite this small drawback, we're sure that most users who need a simple stereo speaker solution for their PC will find this small and affordable adapter readily able to meet their needs.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | $0.00 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B00IRVQ0F8 |
What Is a USB Sound Card?
This is, admittedly, one of the rare cases where the name may be somewhat self-explanatory but the purpose of the device isn’t inherently clear. Sure, a USB sound card is an external gadget that does the same thing a built-in audio card does but with the added benefit of portability and compatibility. What these small devices do is add audio port options and serve as an adapter for your laptop to get more sound input/output choices. All you need to connect it to your laptop, PC/Mac, or any other device of choice is a USB Port.
Much like the cards hidden deep in your computer, these exterior models convert digital data to sound and songs so you can enjoy music straight from your PC. And though you can rely on the built-in card in your laptop, for example, they tend to deliver quieter sound and seem a bit more fragile overall. Besides, with the right external USB card, you can even get surround sound, which is simply impossible with a regular laptop setup. And, if you’re a musician, you can also use any of these cards for recording music, a first step to making a home studio where you can create the next hit.
What Features to Compare
Although sound cards are a bit of a techy product and do require some knowledge of audio devices, you don’t necessarily need to be an expert. Just knowing the few main parameters that matter should be enough to make your choice among many models available on the market.
Channels
Even if you have zero knowledge of audio tech and how it works, you’re likely familiar with the two numbers you see on every single sound system nowadays: 5.1 or 7.1. These designate channels, which are hugely important when picking out your sound card and aren’t restricted to these two common choices.
To put it simply, the bare minimum is 2.0, meaning that your system has two audio output channels. This is what you’d call stereo and it’s more than enough if you’re not an audiophile. Sure, there’s room for improvement but stereo has been the standard for a while. If you like thumping bass, you could buy an extra subwoofer and go up to 2.1. However, if you decide to actually do an upgrade we’d advise going up to 5.1 or 7.1 (or choosing them right away). These are the channels used in high end home theaters and a sound card that supports these gives you the ability to enjoy movies and music on your laptop paired with some high-quality speakers. Channels from 5.1 and upwards add amplifiers and surround sound so the audio is not just louder but more immersive. This is what you should choose if you like gaming (especially horror games) or really getting into movies. But, if you just have your laptop with no extra speakers, a 2.0 channel level will be fine in the grand scheme of things.
Interfaces
This one’s simple, the more ports your sound card has the more devices you can connect to it without paying extra for adapters and converters. Plus, more ports means more simultaneous connections which is important if you plan on creating a whole sound system grid in your living room.
Power Source
This is an easy one as it just determines where your sound card needs to be plugged in, in order to work. What you should pay attention to on this one is the length of the included cable. If it’s too short - the card will not be practical in use and we’d advise getting a longer backup cord instead.
Audio Fidelity
While this option is aimed more at music lovers who have high end equipment in their homes, the availability of high fidelity is always a good sign. Check to see if your audio card is up to par because a sound system requires high fidelity or else the audio won’t sound as good as it should.
Signal-to-Noise Ratio
This parameter is hugely important for those who don’t live alone. Tired of your kids shouting over a football game you’re watching or a neighbor’s lawnmower drowning out the sound of your favorite album? STN shows what level of loudness the sound card can overturn, meaning that a model with 100 dB ratio will even be able to cover up the noise made by a car. If external sound has been an annoyance for a while, don’t pass this feature by.
Did you know?
Let Your Voice Be Heard
Since USB sound cards are often used for recording music in home studios, there are plenty of amateur musicians trying to find a model that suits them. However, there are a few handy tips and tricks that can help you achieve more with less. One of the easiest is placing your mic in a corner to get an unusual effect of a slight echo. Moreover, sometimes all you need is to move the microphone from a large room, where the sound bounces, to a smaller one where your voice can be heard clearly without you raising it. Also, while it requires a bit more money, we’d suggest using a 24-bit card to record if you can. It delivers better quality than a 16-bit one and in music the mix is what matters most. You could belt out a few perfect takes but the end result depends on how well you record and mix it.
Another common mistake that amateurs tend to make is headphone bleed. Placing your headphones with the beat playing (to keep yourself in tune) too close to the microphone means getting some of that noise into your mix. Try to either keep the volume very low or, if you can, make do without the music helping you along.
It’s All in the Game
We’ve already mentioned that sound cards are a worthy investment for any avid gamer as they can help you hear your favorite game’s sound more clearly. And while some people tend not to notice audio that much, it’s actually an integral aspect of gameplay, especially in stealth and horror genres. After all, it’s much spookier to inch down a dark corridor when you hear creaking in your left ear and some ominous wind whooshing in your right one. The benefits of good sound cards and speakers are reaped in immersion as with the right kind of setup you can just lose yourself in the story and the world of the game. Even for an open-world title where you roam in a big city, the ability to hear cars honking and people chatting on the street draws you in that much deeper. Besides, in online gaming this can even give you an edge over the competitors as you can hear them creeping up to your position before they even know you’re there. Sound might not be everything but it’s an integral part of the game.
What’s in a Subwoofer? That Which We Call the Bass
Although it’s one of the more commonly known speaker types, a subwoofer seems to still largely be a mystery to most people. They tend to know it “does bass” and “makes things louder” which is, technically, true. But what do you need a subwoofer for after all and why is paying for one worth it?
Well, in a good sound system, a subwoofer will be the sole part responsible for low frequencies in your audio. And while it’s just the .1 in a 5.1-channel system, this makes for a crucial part of your listening experience. Ever felt that deep rumble in a movie theater when planes fly overhead or the troops roll in? That’s what you could achieve with a good subwoofer in your sound system and it’s what makes the sound you get truly immersive. Without that three-dimensional richness of audio, you might as well be watching a movie on your basic laptop.
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