Top 10 Best USB Sound Cards of 2024

Although computers are popular nowadays, not everyone understands every component of these machines. One of the important components that makes a computer enjoyable are the sound cards. Every device comes with inbuilt sounds cards and eliminates hassles when listening to audio. However, when it comes to dedicated high sound, you can now upgrade your machine by getting USB sound cards. They are cheap and non-complicated to use like the inbuilt ones, hence easy for everyone to fix.

Most of the computers come with basic sound cards integrated into the motherboards. But, sometimes, it is boring as they don’t support high-quality sound, especially when listening to audio in high volume. Thus, opting for USB sound card always ensures top quality sound without distracting noise especially for connected external speakers. Unlike changing the sound cards supplied in a computer, the external ones help in upscaling your sound hence improving its quality. For newbies, there is no need to strain, here are top performing USB sound cards in 2021.

List of Best USB Sound Cards

10. Creative Sound Blaster Omni Surround 5.1 USB Sound Card

Creative Sound Blaster Omni Surround 5.1 USB Sound Card

The creative sound blaster is among the best-rated USB sound card that can enhance efficient audio output. It is the best way to increase the number of audio ports on your computer without losing the sound quality. It works on Mac and Windows computers to ensure enhanced audio output. The SBX pro studio and crystal voice technology ensure an advanced audio technology. It precisely delivers 5.1 discreet channels for a vibrant sound and digital entertainment.

Pros
  • Compatible with various OS
  • Dual microphone technology
  • Compatible and durable construction
  • Compelling sound
Cons
  • Works well but a bit pricey

9. Sabrent USB External Stereo Sound Card Adapter for Windows and Mac

Sabrent USB External Stereo Sound Card Adapter for Windows and Mac

Are you looking for the best external stereo sound adapter? Well, Sabrent USB sound card features a state of the art construction to ensure you get an optimized functionality. It feels so good to pay for such a professionally designed computer device. It boasts easy installation with no drivers needed. Thus, it is fully compatible with Windows operating systems, Linux, Mac OS, and others. The fact that it is USB powered means that it is plug and play with no external power needed.

Pros
  • Highly flexible interface
  • Driverless design
  • Wide range compatibility
  • High-quality hardware
Cons
  • Price is high, but the quality matches it

8. EC Technology Audio Adapter with 3.5mm Stereo Headphone

EC Technology Audio Adapter with 3.5mm Stereo Headphone

Are you searching for an ideal way to bypass a faulty sound card? EC technology has something great to offer to all computer users. It is one of the few best sound cards available on the market. This sound card adapter is a great deal to replace your faulty sound card or for a replacement of a malfunctioned USB audio adapter. It is very efficient because you don’t require a power source since it is USB powered. It has a 3.5mm port audio output. Hence, you will have an easy time with your headphones, microphones, and speakers.

Pros
  • Lightweight adapter
  • Rigid construction
  • Perfect compatibility with different operating systems
  • Beautiful black finish
Cons
  • Creates a buzz when the computer is turned off

7. UGREEN USB External Stereo Sound Card Audio Adapter

UGREEN USB External Stereo Sound Card Audio Adapter

Are you searching for the best-rated USB sound card? The UGREEN external stereo sound card is a perfect solution. It works great with ps4, desktops, laptop ad all the mainstream operating systems. It is a practical stereo sound card adapter that operates quite exceptionally compared with other competitors. It boasts interference free. By eliminating electromagnetic interference, you can enjoy the best sound quality. It provides a stable second sound source to enable simultaneous operating of loudspeakers and earphones.

Pros
  • Excellent 3.5 mm audio port
  • No drivers needed
  • Compact and lightweight
  • Compatible with all mainstream operating systems
Cons
  • Audio quality is not very outstanding

6. Micolindun External Sound Card USB Hub

Micolindun External Sound Card USB Hub

The best USB sound cards are meant to provide exquisite sound quality regardless of the number of devices connected to the hub. The Micolindun sound card provides exactly that, and that’s why it has continued to increase in popularity. It is USB connected and provides a number of 3.5mm ports to connect your different devices. It provides a perfect solution to replace your faulty devices. With the Micolindun external sound card, you can replace broken USB card, damaged 3.5mm port or simply replace a faulty sound card.

Pros
  • Compact and lightweight
  • Wide range compatibility
  • Textile flexible cable
  • Offers additional USB ports
Cons
  • Pretty good quality though it has a problem working with earphones

5. Optimal Shop USB 2.0 External Sound Card

Optimal Shop USB 2.0 External Sound Card

As this product title implies, it is the best sound card to optimize audio transmission and conversion. It supports sound recording and output from your PC and laptop. It is compatible with various operating systems that are mostly used in modern digital devices. The 5.1 channel output delivers surround audio, and it can serve several devices simultaneously. The 5.1 channel output supports 3D games, HD movies but the source must have similar qualities too. However, you can just choose two channel effect for the mp3 and general two channel effect.

Pros
  • Sleek and sturdy construction
  • Beautiful finish
  • Excellent fiber signal output
  • Affordable
Cons
  • Does not support decoding

4. BENGOO External Audio Adapter-Stereo Sound Card Converter

BENGOO External Audio Adapter-Stereo Sound Card Converter

This is one of the bestselling and top-rated USB sound cards. It produces crystal clear and louder sounds than most of the competitive sound cards. It creates surround sound that your computer can’t produce on its own. It features a state of the art design that provides a reliable alternative for a sound card that has ceased to function. It is designed for normal stereo, headphone, earphone, headset, ps4, microphone and another gadget that need excellent audio connections.

Pros
  • Plug and play
  • Solid design
  • Great compatibility
  • Driverless installation
Cons
  • Sound tends to deteriorate for higher impedance

3. Akfun External Stereo Sound Card Portable USB Audio Adapter

Akfun External Stereo Sound Card Portable USB Audio Adapter

Among the most affordable USB sound cards available, Akfun is a reliable brand. It features a stunning designed that matches the superb audio quality it provides. It features a simple yet functional interface that ensures simplicity. It features dual microphone and headset ports to provide incredible usability. It is multisystem compatible, and you don’t need to download any drivers. It accepts all mainstream operating systems and the sound quality is equal in all. Moreover, it uses special technology that eliminates the effects of electromagnetism to ensure perfect sound stability.

Pros
  • Affordable
  • Compact and lightweight
  • Dual port for enhanced functionality
  • Durable hardware and software
Cons
  • Doesn’t reach the normal volumes but the audio quality is excellent

2. BENGOO External USB Virtual 7.1 Channel Sound Card Adapter

BENGOO External USB Virtual 7.1 Channel Sound Card Adapter

Featuring the 7.1 channel sound and multiplexing technology, this is one of the best USB sound cards available today. It is built with excellent construction to ensure three-dimensional positional sounds. You only need to press the 7.1 CH key to start the virtual 7.1 channel audio and get to enjoy the highest audio effect. Moreover, the product delivers multiple functions saving you time and money that would otherwise be spent on buying other peripheral devices. It acts as a reliable audio converter which collects audio via USB information. Equally, it collects outside audio information via microphone and records it into your computer.

Pros
  • Premium sound quality
  • Reliable sound converted
  • High-quality microphone sound trapping
  • Incredible manual volume tuning
Cons
  • Cable quite short

1. PHOINIKAS Audio Adapter-USB Hubs External Stereo Sound Card

PHOINIKAS Audio Adapter-USB Hubs External Stereo Sound Card

By turning a single USB port into several 3.5mm audio ports, you get more fun and productive. A certified and high-quality PHOINIKAS Audio Adapter is one of the best external sound cards you can ever have. It features a built-in audio chip and has the capacity to reduce electromagnetic interference. Thus, it ensures stable sound transmission on either inwards or outwards. You can record the best sound quality with this sound adapter. It provides exceptional sound quality for apps such as Skype, hangouts, TeamSpeak among others. Further, it provides a unique second sound source for excellent simultaneous loudspeakers operations.

Pros
  • Easy to install
  • Hard and durable case
  • Great user interface
  • Two-way audio functionality
Cons
  • A bit pricier than the majority of other models