Best External Sound Cards for PC of 2025

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External sound cards for PC are an essential accessory for anyone who wants to enhance their audio experience while using their computer. These sound cards are designed to provide high-quality sound output, making them ideal for gamers, audiophiles, and music producers. With a wide range of features such as multiple input and output channels, high-resolution audio playback, and customizable sound profiles, external sound cards offer a significant improvement over the built-in sound cards found in most PCs. They are also compact and easy to install, making them a convenient and cost-effective way to upgrade your computer's audio capabilities.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 External Sound Cards for PC
StarTech.com 7.1 USB Sound Card
The StarTech.com 7.1 USB Sound Card is an external sound card that supports up to 7.1 channels of audio through a single USB port. It upgrades the existing integrated audio on a desktop or laptop computer, with support for analog and digital audio output for stereo to 7.1 channel audio applications. The sound card is easy to install with plug and play support in Windows 7/8.1/10. It features easy-to-use volume controls and mute buttons, and the audio outputs are selectable via the included software.
VENTION USB Sound Card Adapter
The VENTION USB Audio Adapter is a versatile external sound card that enhances your audio experience. It connects easily to any device with a USB port and supports various audio devices such as headphones and microphones. With no drivers needed, you can simply plug it in and start enjoying instant audio playback. The built-in volume control knob and sound switch buttons make it easy to adjust settings on the fly, whether you're gaming, video chatting, or watching movies. Its compact design allows you to take it anywhere, ensuring you always have quality sound at your fingertips.
Creative Sound Blaster Play! 3 USB Sound Adapter
The Creative Sound Blaster Play! 3 External USB Sound Adapter for Windows and Mac is a corded electric device that allows for plug and play use without the need for drivers. It offers an upgrade to 24-bit 96Khz playback, making it a great option for improving audio quality.
Creative Sound Blaster X4 Sound Card
The Creative Sound Blaster X4 is an external USB DAC and amp sound card that supports up to 7.1 discrete and virtual surround sound, including Super X-Fi technology and Dolby Digital Live. It also features SmartComms Kit and CrystalVoice for improved communication, an optical-in port for easy connection to multiple audio devices, and easy access to all controls including three EQ modes, Direct Mic Mute, and Audio Balance feature. Users can also game and hear their way with SXFI BATTLE Mode or Scout for FPS games. Powered by 114 dB audio clarity and hi-res 192 kHz/24-bit playback.
PHOINIKAS T10 External Sound Card
The PHOINIKAS T10 External Sound Card is a 6-in-1 audio adapter that can be easily plugged into a computer's USB port to add a 3.5mm audio jack. It has a variety of personalized functions including volume control, microphone and speaker mute, and sound effects. The sound card is compatible with Windows, Mac, and other common systems, and has stable and high-quality 360° stereo sound surround. With 6 ports, including 3 USB2.0 and 3 3.5mm audio ports, you can connect multiple devices at the same time without additional adapters.
StarTech.com USB External Sound Card
The StarTech USB Sound Card offers an excellent solution for enhancing your audio experience. It features SPDIF digital output, allowing you to enjoy high-quality audio formats like Dolby Digital and DTS. With external volume and EQ controls, you can easily fine-tune your sound output to match your preferences. This compact device serves as a great replacement for your internal sound card on laptops or PCs, making it a convenient choice for those seeking portability. Additionally, it supports home-theater surround sound, bringing your entertainment to life with immersive audio.
UGREEN USB to Audio Jack Sound Card Adapter
Upgrade the sound quality of your laptop or desktop computer with UGREEN USB to Audio Jack Sound Card Adapter. It offers crystal-clear sound and high-resolution audio output with noise reduction up to 16bit/48kHz. The plug-and-play feature makes it easy to use for gaming, recording music, or watching movies. It is widely compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux, PS5, PS4, and more. The compact and portable design makes it easy to take on the go.
Cubilux 7.1 USB Sound Card
The Cubilux USB Sound Card offers an immersive audio experience with its 7.1 and 5.1 surround sound capabilities, making it ideal for gaming, movies, and music. You can enjoy high-resolution music with sampling rates up to 384KHz, enhancing your listening experience on platforms like Spotify and YouTube Music. Its durable aluminum alloy casing ensures that you get clear audio without interference or noise. Plus, with its plug-and-play functionality, you won't have to deal with compatibility issues, making it easy to use with your PC or MacBook that lacks a built-in sound card.
Creative Sound Blaster X4 DAC Amp
The Creative Sound Blaster X4 enhances your audio experience with its impressive features. Enjoy immersive 7.1 surround sound, making your movies and games come alive. The SmartComms Kit ensures clear communication during work calls, automatically managing your microphone for convenience. With the new optical-in port, you can easily connect various audio devices, streamlining your setup. Plus, as a headphone amplifier, it drives studio-grade headphones effortlessly, ensuring you hear every detail in your music and gaming. This versatile device is perfect for anyone looking to elevate their audio quality.
Creative Sound BlasterX G1 7.1 Portable HD Gaming USB DAC and Sound Card
The Creative Sound BlasterX G1 is a portable HD gaming USB DAC and sound card that enhances your gaming experience. With support for true 7.1 channel audio input signals, it provides realistic virtualization of gaming effects and audio cues with perfect accuracy and positioning. The built-in headphone amplifier is capable of driving a wide range of gaming to studio-grade headphones, delivering an immersive sound experience. The BlasterX Acoustic Engine, which is powerful and fully customizable, allows you to optimize gameplay by providing various audio enhancements. Additionally, when paired with the Sound BlasterX H5, the X-Plus mode accentuates the audio for important elements in competitive games. Whether you're using a PC, Mac, or PS4, the Sound BlasterX G1 instantly upgrades any headset or speakers, boosting your listening and gaming experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use an external sound card on my PC?
Yes, you can connect an external USB sound card to your PC or laptop. USB sound cards are designed to provide audio input and output capabilities to devices that may not have a built-in sound card or require additional audio functionality.
2. What does an external sound card do for a PC?
An external sound card, usually connected via USB, improves the audio performance of a computer. It includes digital-to-analog converters (DACs) to prevent sound distortion caused by electrical interference. It provides audio inputs and outputs, allowing you to connect various devices like headphones, speakers, and microphones, making it useful for mixing or capturing performances.
3. Will a sound card improve audio on a computer?
Yes, a sound card can significantly improve the audio performance of a computer. It enhances the sound quality and provides various audio connectivity options like RCA, 3.5mm, optical, and MIDI ports. This makes it ideal for connecting headphones, speakers, and microphones, enhancing the overall audio experience on your PC.
4. How do I know if I need a sound card for my PC?
Having a sound card is technically optional, but it is necessary if you want to listen to sound from your PC through wired headphones or speakers, or if you want to connect a microphone with an analog output. If you require these audio functionalities, then getting a sound card is recommended.
5. What are the disadvantages of sound cards?
Some disadvantages of external sound cards include their cost, as they can be expensive depending on their type and features. Additionally, they require additional hardware and take up space on your computer or laptop, making them bulky. Some computers may not have enough space to accommodate an external sound card.
6. Do I need a sound card if I have speakers?
Having speakers alone does not necessarily require a sound card. However, if you want to listen to sound from your PC using wired headphones or speakers, or if you want to connect a microphone with an analog output, then a sound card is necessary to provide the required audio connectivity.
During our external sound card for pc research, we found 24 external sound card for pc products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 117,933 customer reviews through our big data system to write the external sound cards for pc list. We found that most customers choose external sound cards for pc with an average price of $17.24.
The external sound cards for pc are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of external sound cards for pc, including StarTech.com, VENTION, Creative, PHOINIKAS, UGREEN. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Mike Davis is a professionally trained electrician with six years of working experience in the electronics industry. He has written an array of web and mobile-based articles for e-magazines and blogs. He loves trying out some novel and popular gadgets and his expertise is in the areas of electronics and computers which is built over many years of working and personal experiences.