10 Best Computer Sound Cards 2021

Reviewed by Gareth Otwell | Last Updated: Feb 13, 2020

Creative Sound Blaster Audigy FX PCIe 5.1 Sound Card with – ⭐ Best Overall Computer Sound Card

SB1570 by Creative

Release date: 07/31/2019
Weight: 0.4 pounds
Dimensions: 5.4 x 4.8 x 0.7 inches
Warranty: 1 year limited

Creative Sound Blaster Audigy FX PCIe 5.1 Sound Card with

Easily converts the PC into a cinematic entertainment system by providing a compelling 5.1 surround sound
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
600 ohm headphone amp for high performance, studio grade monitoring
106 SNR and 24-bit 192kHz DAC (Playback) and 96kHz ADC (Recording)

ASUS XONAR SE 5.1 Channel 192kHz/24-bit Hi-Res 116dB SNR PCIe

XONAR SE by ASUS

Release date: 07/02/2019
Weight: 0.6 pounds
Dimensions: 9.3 x 2.4 x 6.5 inches
Warranty: 1 Year Warranty

ASUS XONAR SE 5.1 Channel 192kHz/24-bit Hi-Res 116dB SNR PCIe

5.1 channel, 192kHz/24-bit Hi-Res audio with a 300ohm headphone amp for detailed, immersive sound with punchy, defined bass
Realtek ALC1220X codec delivers a crystal clear 116dB signal-to-noise ratio (SNR)
ASUS Hyper Grounding Technology ensures minimal audio distortion and interference
Xonar Audio Center enables full audio control via an intuitive, spacious interface
Included Low Profile Bracket allows the Xonar to fit perfectly into most systems

Sound BlasterX G6 Hi-Res 130dB 32bit/384kHz Gaming DAC

70SB177000000 by Creative

Release date: 05/20/2020
Color: 32-bit/384kHz + Dolby Digital
Weight: 0.44 pounds
Dimensions: 4.4 x 0.9 x 2.8 inches
Warranty: Limited warranty

Sound BlasterX G6 Hi-Res 130dB 32bit/384kHz Gaming DAC

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
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
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
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

USB-C Microphone Adapter – 💲 Best Budget Computer Sound Card

CD0483 by CableCreation

Color: black
Dimensions: 0 x 0 x 0 inches

► CableCreation USB-C audio adapter is an ideal alternative to bypass a damaged sound card. It provides a solution to connect your existing headsets, earplugs, speakers, microphones and aux cables to your USB-C equipped computer and cellphone.
► Stereo audio-out jack (black color) supports TRRS earphone (with built-in microphone) and TRS earphone (without microphone); Mono microphone-in jack (pink color) for Skype/Google Hangout / Live Games / TeamSpeak / Recording, etc. ★Apple AirPods and earphones were tested not support microphone input but only audio output with this adapter;
► NOT WORKING with Pixel Phones and GoPro. Compatible with Windows 10 / 8.1 /8 /7 / XP / Vista, Mac OS X, macOS, Linux, Android, Chrome OS; Compatible with type-c device like iPad Pro 2020 / iPad Pro 2018 (11 inch / 12.9 inch), MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, Surface Pro, ASUS T303U, Razer Book, Lumia 950, LG G5, Honor 8, Samsung S8/ S9/ S10 Plus / S20 / S20 Ultra, Moto z play, OnePlus 8 Pro, OnePlus 7 Pro; EDIFIER R101V, EDIFIER K800 and other USB-C devices.
► Plug and play, easy installation, USB bus-powered; gold-plated connectors, aluminum housing and braided jacket provide ultra durability.
► CableCreation provides 24-month warranty and 24/7 lifetime technical support. Any questions, please feel free to contact us first at any time.

Sound Blaster Z PCIe Gaming Sound Card with High Performance

SB1500 by Creative

Color: Red
Weight: 0.4 pounds
Dimensions: 5.4 x 5 x 0.9 inches
Warranty: 1-year

Sound Blaster Z PCIe Gaming Sound Card with High Performance

Includes an external high quality dual-microphone array standard with card. Supported operating systems: windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10
Features Sound Core3D Audio Processor for accelerating advanced audio and voice technologies
SBX Pro Studio sound technologies create unprecedented levels of audio realism including stunning 3D surround effects for your speakers and headsets
Delivers 116dB SNR, plus audiophile-grade capacitors and gold-plated I/O connectivity and Stereo Direct lets you listen to your music pure and unprocessed at the amazing bit rate of 24-bit 192 kHz.
Use the Sound Blaster Control Panel just toggle between you headphone and speakers system with a flip of a switch
OS : windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10

PHOINIKAS External Sound Card

T-10 by PHOINIKAS

Color: Black
Dimensions: 4.3 x 1.2 x 4.7 inches

PLUG & PLAY USB SOUND CARD: PHOINIKAS USB audio adapter can be used to replace a faulty sound card or audio port. Add a 3.5mm port to the computer through the USB port. You can connect devices with 3.5mm jacks /2.0 USB jacks through the USB interface: headphones, speakers, microphone or USB device. Plug and play, no driver required.
COMPATIBILITY: Compatible with all common systems, including Windows XP, 7, 8, 8.1, 10, Mac IOS, etc. At the same time, you can connect multiple USB devices or 3.5mm interface devices to PC, laptop, PS4, Xbox One, etc., such as keyboard, mouse, card reader, webcam, MP3 player, earphone, microphone, etc.
PERSONALIZED FUNCTION & 4 FEET CABLE: The sound card has a variety of sound effects, you can switch by "EQ", also has mini LED indicator, surround sound, unique volume control keys, microphone mute, speaker mute and volume up / down function keys, You can change traditional volume controls and increase the level of game audio. In addition, with a 4 feet cable, you can place your sound card anywhere.
STEREO SOUND ADAPTER: The External sound card has 360 ° stereo sound surround to prevent electromagnetic interference, and has stable and best sound quality. Ideal for Skype / ICQ / Google Hangouts / Team Speak, it is also suitable for operating a second source of speakers and headphones simultaneously.
MULTI-PORT SOUND CARD: PHOINIKAS external sound card is a sound card with audio chip, it has 6 ports, 3 of which are USB2.0 ports, and the other 3 are 3.5mm ports. Multiple ports can be plugged in at the same time, no additional adapters are required.

EVGA Nu Audio Card – 👑 Premium Pick

712-P1-AN01-KR by EVGA

Release date: 01/16/2019
Weight: 1.6 pounds
Dimensions: 3 x 10.6 x 15 inches
Warranty: 3 year manfacturer

Audio-grade components deliver lifelike Audio
Native DSD Audio support (up to x256)
Engineered by EVGA and audio Note (UK), Ltd.
Ambient RGB lighting, switchable op-amps

StarTech.com 7.1 USB Sound Card

ICUSBAUDIO7D by StarTech

Release date: 03/03/2020
Color: Silver
Weight: 0.2 pounds
Dimensions: 3.9 x 1 x 2.4 inches
Warranty: 2 Year

This 7.1 USB sound cards offers a high quality solution for upgrading desktop or laptop sound. Home Theater-Ready Audio Solution Providing a robust USB audio experience, the external sound card for your laptop or PC connects to a host computer through a single USB 2.0 connection, to deliver impressive external audio capability that can instantly be swapped between systems, without having to open the computer case for installation. Cost-Saving Solution Supporting analog and digital audio for 2 to 7.1 channel audio applications, the SPDIF output sound card provides a cost-saving upgrade from built-in/on-board sound that turns desktop/laptop sound into a home theater-ready audio solution. The audio to USB adapter features easy-to-use volume control and two external microphone inputs, for applications requiring high quality sound with multi-input capability with support for 44.1 KHz and 48 KHz sampling rates for analog playback and recording or 48 KHz for SPDIF. Easy Setup A more than suitable solution for home theater, gaming or multi-media presentations, the External USB Sound Card is easy to install with plug and play support in Windows XP and Windows Vista operating systems. The USB stereo audio adapter is backed by our 2-year warranty and free lifetime technical support. Note: 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 Sound card: This 1.7 USB Sound card turns your laptop or desktop PC into a 7.1-channel home theater-ready sound system through a single USB 2.0 connection.
Cost-saving upgrade: With support for analog and digital audio output for stereo to 7.1 channel audio applications, the audio to USB adapter upgrade the existing integrated audio on a laptop or portable computer.
Built-in features: The external sound card features easy-to-use volume control and two external microphone inputs. It also supports 44.1KHz and 48KHz sampling rates for analog playback and recording or 48KHz for SPDIF.
Easy installation: The digital audio adapter is easy to install with plug and play support in Windows XP and Windows Vista operating systems.
Reliable support: Backed by a 2-year StarTech.com warranty, this 7.1 USB sound card also comes with free lifetime technical support.

USB Sound Card

8541610117 by TechRise

Color: S1 Black
Weight: 0.07 pounds
Dimensions: 6.9 x 1.3 x 0.6 inches

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.
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.
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.