Too many sound cards? Here's how to find the right one

Typical price i
14.– to 54.–

Provides a single 3.5mm audio input, commonly used for headphones or mics.

Ideal for users with basic audio needs, offering easy connectivity for portable devices.

Typical price i
15.– to 45.–

Features a USB Type C input for digital audio connections, allowing for high-quality sound transfer.

Perfect for modern devices, ensuring compatibility with the latest laptops and smartphones.

Typical price i
18.– to 45.–

Includes two 3.5mm audio inputs, suitable for connecting multiple audio devices.

Great for users who need to switch between headphones and microphones without hassle.

Typical price i
43.– to 120.–

Offers a single coaxial S/PDIF input for high-quality digital audio connections.

Best for users who want to connect to high-end audio systems, providing superior sound fidelity.

Typical price i
51.– to 180.–

Features a single optical TOSLINK input, enabling digital audio transmission via fiber optics.

Ideal for connecting to surround sound systems, ensuring minimal signal loss and high-quality audio.

Typical price i
14.– to 33.–

Provides a single 3.5mm audio output for basic headphone or speaker connections.

Ideal for users with standard audio devices, offering a straightforward solution for personal listening.

Typical price i
14.– to 35.–

Includes two 3.5mm outputs, allowing for separate connections for headphones and speakers.

Great for multitasking, letting users easily switch between listening modes without disconnecting devices.

Typical price i
57.– to 120.–

Features a coaxial S/PDIF output for high-quality digital audio transmission.

Perfect for connecting to high-end audio equipment or home theater systems that support digital audio, ensuring superior sound fidelity.

Typical price i
33.– to 89.–

Offers four 3.5mm audio outputs for connecting multiple audio devices simultaneously.

Ideal for setups requiring multiple outputs, such as gaming systems or studio equipment, enhancing versatility and convenience.

Typical price i
15.– to 29.–

Designed specifically for headphones with a dedicated output, ensuring optimal sound quality.

Recommended for audiophiles and gamers who prioritize a superior audio experience, providing enhanced clarity and detail.

Supports eight audio channels, providing a full surround sound experience with additional rear channels for depth.

Ideal for home theaters or advanced gaming setups, allowing for a more immersive sound environment that enhances audio cues and overall enjoyment.

Covers six audio channels, including a dedicated subwoofer for bass, creating a balanced surround sound experience.

Great for standard home theater systems or casual gaming, delivering clear audio and an engaging atmosphere without needing extensive equipment.

Typical price i
14.– to 29.–

A widely used connection that allows for easy plug-and-play setup with most computers and laptops.

Ideal for users looking for convenience and portability, as USB sound cards can be easily moved between devices.

Typical price i
18.– to 110.–

A modern connection type that offers faster data transfer rates and reversible plug orientation.

Perfect for newer devices and laptops, providing a sleek design while ensuring compatibility with high-performance audio applications.

Typical price i
15.– to 33.–

An older USB standard known for its reliability, capable of supporting various sound card features.

Suitable for general use; however, it may not support the highest audio quality or speeds compared to newer standards.

Typical price i
61.– to 140.–

A dedicated internal connection that provides a direct link to the motherboard, enabling lower latency and higher audio fidelity.

Best for serious audio professionals or gamers seeking optimal sound performance without the limitations of external connections.

Recognized for its innovative audio technology and high-performance sound cards.

Ideal for gamers and digital content creators seeking immersive sound experiences.

Offers budget-friendly sound cards that provide essential audio functionalities.

Great for casual users needing basic sound enhancement without high costs.

Known for versatile external sound cards that support multiple audio formats.

Perfect for users requiring portability and easy setup across different devices.

Famous for high-quality gaming sound cards with customizable features.

Best suited for serious gamers who want superior audio fidelity and performance.

Provides reliable and user-friendly sound cards for everyday use.

Recommended for those looking for straightforward audio solutions with good compatibility.