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

Typical price i
15.– to 31.–

Comprises two audio channels (left and right) for basic sound separation and balance.

Ideal for casual listening and music, providing a simple yet effective way to enjoy sound without complex setups.

Typical price i
22.– to 61.–

Includes five speakers and one subwoofer, creating a surround sound experience for movies and games.

Great for home theaters, enhancing immersion with directional sound that makes you feel part of the action.

Typical price i
27.– to 80.–

Features seven speakers and one subwoofer, offering an even more detailed surround sound experience.

Best for avid gamers and movie enthusiasts, providing enhanced audio precision and depth for a truly cinematic experience.

Typical price i
17.– to 38.–

A single 3.5mm jack output for audio connections, commonly used for headphones and speakers.

Ideal for users who need a straightforward connection to standard audio devices without complex setups.

Typical price i
15.– to 27.–

Two 3.5mm jacks allow for separate headphone and microphone connections, providing flexibility.

Useful for gamers and content creators who require a distinct input/output setup for communication and audio playback.

Typical price i
17.– to 29.–

Dedicated headphone output optimized for driving headphones with improved sound quality.

Ensures a better audio experience, especially for audiophiles who prioritize clarity and detail in their listening.

Typical price i
48.– to 80.–

Coaxial S/PDIF output provides a digital audio connection for high-fidelity sound systems.

Perfect for connecting to advanced audio equipment, minimizing signal loss and enhancing sound quality for home theaters.

Typical price i
17.– to 54.–

Standard audio input commonly used for headphones and microphones, featuring a compact design.

Ideal for users seeking a simple and widely compatible connection for personal audio devices.

Typical price i
15.– to 31.–

Modern and versatile connection option that supports high-quality audio transfer and is reversible.

Great for users with newer devices, providing a reliable connection for various USB audio interfaces and accessories.

Typical price i
22.– to 38.–

Designed specifically for connecting microphones and line-level audio sources, offering optimized signal input.

Perfect for musicians and content creators who need to capture high-quality audio with minimal interference.

Typical price i
17.– to 40.–

USB sound cards are easy to install and portable, connecting directly to your computer's USB port.

Ideal for users seeking convenience, they provide a straightforward solution for upgrading audio quality without opening the computer case.

Typical price i
18.– to 48.–

USB-C sound cards offer faster data transfer speeds and reversible connections, making them more versatile.

Perfect for modern devices, they ensure better audio performance and compatibility with laptops and smartphones that feature USB-C ports.

Typical price i
61.– to 120.–

PCI Express x1 cards are installed directly onto the motherboard, providing stable and high-speed audio processing.

Recommended for serious audio production, they offer superior performance and lower latency compared to external options.

Known for high-quality audio solutions and innovative features in sound cards.

Ideal for gamers and professionals requiring immersive sound and advanced audio processing.

Recognized for cost-effective and reliable sound cards aimed at everyday users.

Perfect for casual listeners or those on a budget wanting decent audio performance.

Specializes in versatile audio interfaces and sound cards that support various connectivity options.

Great for musicians and content creators needing flexibility in their audio setup.

Renowned for incorporating advanced audio technologies and high-fidelity components in their products.

Best suited for audiophiles and gamers who demand superior sound quality and customization options.

Offers a range of user-friendly sound cards with straightforward installation and operation.

Great for users looking for plug-and-play solutions without extensive technical knowledge.