We analyze the seven best external sound cards for PCs and laptops that you can find on the market.
The sound card is a component of your computer that deals with the input or output of all sound elements: voice, music, and sound system. The USB audio card is a particularly useful tool for anyone who needs voice recording, using a microphone, acoustic instruments, or electric instruments such as bass or guitar. The external sound card is a very convenient and versatile device. On the market, you can find different types of USB sound cards. To help you find the best external sound cards for laptops and PCs, today we will review the top options in terms of price and quality.
The best external sound card for laptops and PCs in the market.
If you see the need to install a sound card to your computer or update the sound card you already have, you have several options. Many specialized PC audio sound cards are available to choose from. For this reason, we have made a selection of the best sound cards on the market.
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen
The Focusright Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen takes the title of the best value sound card of the year. This sound card is perfectly suitable for producers who want to record their instruments, such as guitars or synthesizers. It is light, easy to transport, and surprisingly robust.
It is self-powered via USB, so there are fewer cables. Plus, ProTool and Ableton Live Lite software are included with the purchase. Although it only has two inputs, this sound card is very stable and responsive. It’s a great product and will be perfect for solo producers looking to invest in good equipment on a budget.
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PreSonus Studio 24c
Do you want to start your music production journey? PreSonus Studio 24c is one of the most affordable options you can currently find on the market. It has two inputs and two outputs, so you can record voices, guitars and other instruments.
Without a doubt one of the best sound cards on the market in relation to quality and price on the market. Its design is modern, it has metallic finishes and it feels professional.
It features ultra-quiet preamps, smooth potentiometers, and firm connections. Ideal for broadcasting and streaming. Its features and benefits are surprising, especially the software package it includes.
It’s definitely a powerful enough card to start producing music at a reasonable price.
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Yamaha Steinberg UR22MKII
The Steinberg UR22 MK2 sound card is one of the flagship sound cards for music production. Indeed, the latter offers a level of professional sound quality and, at the same time, a simplicity that makes it accessible to beginners and amateurs. The metal box is quite heavy. This could be considered a disadvantage. But instead of looking at the glass as half empty, consider that you won’t be able to let it go if you pull the plug on your guitar when it’s plugged in. In addition, it is also very durable, and you can move it without problems.
In short, this is a sound card that will be perfect for those who want to do some DAW from home. Although the software configurations to eliminate latency are a little complicated, with a little practice, they are not insurmountable. Additionally, purchasing this sound card gives you access to the Cubase AI download. What more could you want?
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M-Audio Fast Track II
Perhaps this is one of the best options on the list due to the balance it maintains between its features and price.
We are talking about a USB interface with an XLR microphone input and, yes, 48V phantom power. It also includes a 1/4 jack instrument input and both inputs include a clipping indicator to prevent distortion when recording.
Regarding the outputs, you have at your disposal one of the headphones in 1/4 jack and 2 lines in RCA format (a shame). Their converters work at 24 bits and 48Khz.
To tempt you, it includes a cropped copy of pro tools.
Despite its limitations, I think it is a great option for the price it has, and if you do not need several entrances and exits, perhaps it is your choice.
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Sound BlasterX G6
The G6 PC sound cards are based on the popular E5 and G5. The new model maintains the functions of previous versions and improves the hardware. This USB external sound card is designed for game consoles, PCs, and laptops. The gray plastic shell does not get dirty with dust, is compact, and does not take up much space on your desk. The material is durable, and the bottom is covered with a solid rubber.
It is an excellent, affordable, and versatile product that allows you to enjoy great sound quality. It is, without a doubt, one of the best external sound cards on the market.
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FiiO E10K USB DAC and Headphone Amplifier
This is probably the best USB sound card for a PC or laptop. This compact USB DAC and headphone amp perform fantastically. It’s small, well-built, and well-designed. The device offers a simple but premium design: just a 3.5-millimeter headphone out on its front and a coaxial and 3.5-millimeter line out on the back. Its volume knob feels solid and has just the right amount of resistance to it. The device will greatly improve the audio output quality of your computer and boost its bass without the need to install any drivers. You can customize the sound of your audio to your tastes.
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ASUS Xonar U3
The ASUS Xonar U3 sound card is the cheapest one we could advise you. This product is very compact, USB flash drive size, and takes up as much space as an ordinary USB flash drive. It is connected to the computer via a USB connector, so you do not need to throw additional cables.
The maximum frequency of the DAC here is 48 kHz. The resolution of the DAC is 16 bits. Despite its tiny size and rather simple characteristics, already on such a sound card, you will hear differences from the built-in chip. True, there will not be any improved positioning in games or anything like that. The sound became clearer, and some frequencies were auditioned, although before they were not, and that’s it. The distinctive quality is the ability to connect the card to a Mac in order to secure the game headphones with two plugs.
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Conclusion
That’s all for now, folks. These are our selections of the best external sound cards for PCs and laptops. Did we miss anyone who has great quality and a good price? Let us know the name in the comments. We will review the USB sound card and add it as soon as we can. Don’t forget to share this with your social friends. Thank you.