The Best Sound Card for PC

A separate sound card isn’t necessary for every PC user. If you only listen to music or watch different videos on YouTube, the onboard audio of your PC’s motherboard is likely sufficient. However, certain users, like gamers, musicians, editors, and movie enthusiasts, may benefit from investing in an advanced audio system for their PC. A dedicated sound card for your PC allows you to access cool features like different I/O and connectivity options, DACs meant for decoding/encoding audio, and integrated amplifiers.

There are tons of options on the market when it comes to soundcards, and it might be hell for you to go through each worry. Thankfully, we’re happy to help, and we’ve already done all the work for you. In this guide, we’ll list the best sound cards for PCs on the market. We included external and internal options for dedicated gaming, options for cinematic sound, and music recording. Read on to find the perfect sound card to level up your audio experience.

Creative Sound Blaster Audigy FX is an internal sound card compatible with Windows 7,8, 10, and Vista. The card converts your PC’s audio into a cinematic entertainment system, providing surround sound and advanced audio processing with SBX Pro Studio technology.

You can control the sound settings directly from the sound card’s control panel. This software is dedicated to putting you in control of every aspect of your audio with a 24-bit 194 kilohertz bit rate, ensuring the highest quality detail, even when the audio is unprocessed. If pristine audio fidelity is a “must,” this card features a 106-decibel sound-to-noise ratio. The card has five in-line input ports to connect your microphone, headset, speakers, or other external devices.

With 600 ohms of power, Creative Sound Blaster Audigy FX ensures high-performance and clear sound through any device. While internal sound cards generally have a higher noise floor than external options, they offer lower latency and are significantly more affordable.

Pros

• Great value
• Powerful
• Five input ports
• Software to control the audio

Cons

• High noise floor compared to external options
• Not compatible with Linux or Mac computers

Specification

• Price $34.99
• Hardware Interface PCIE x 1
• Audio Output Mode 5.1
• Hardware Platform Headphones
• Item Dimensions 5.43 x 4.76 x 0.71 inches
• Item Weight 6.40 ounces

Made by Creative Sound, the BlasterX AE-5 Plus is engineered to deliver a high-class audio experience to gamers. This sound card is an excellent addition to any gaming rig, featuring customizable RGB lighting. The looks aren’t the most important thing about this card, though.

The Scout Mode gives you a tactical advantage, enabling you to hear every enemy footstep or a reloading gun from a distance. The sound card utilizes Crystal Voice technology that eliminates background noise in your mic for more efficient communication.

This card also comes with Sound Blaster Acoustic Engine software to give you complete control over audio settings. This suite provides stunning 3D surround sound effects and numerous other audio processing and enhancement tools. As for technical characteristics, the card delivers 32-bit 384-kilohertz playback, one of the highest indicators in the industry.

With a 122-decibel dynamic noise reduction and ultra-low distortion, the BlasterX AE-5 sound card ensures clear and crisp audio at any volume level. Discrete 5.1 and virtual 7.1 Dolby surround sound provides a truly cinematic experience.

Lastly, Creative Sound BlasterX AE—5 features five input ports to connect your headset, speakers, mic, or another device. Thanks to the 600 ohms’ power and headphone bi-amplification technology, the card delivers studio-grade audio that the most nitpicking ears will appreciate. The card is compatible with PCs running on Windows 7, 8, 10, and Vista. However, 32-bit playback is only available on Windows 10.

Pros

• RGB lighting
• 32-bit playback
• Headphone amplification
• Specially designated for gaming modes
• Dolby surround sound

Cons

• 32-bit playback is only available on Windows 10
• Pricey

Specification

• Price $149.99
• Hardware Interface PCI Express x4
• Audio Output Mode 7.1
• Hardware Platform Headphones, PC
• Item Dimensions 5.71 x 0.79 x 5.04 inches
• Item Weight 1.00 lbs

If you want to elevate your gaming experience but don’t want to spend much money, this sound card may be a perfect choice. The Blaster Z SE was designed for high-performance PC gaming and other home entertainment.

Although it lacks RGB lighting, this card is not less appealing, encased in a vibrant red metallic body. With discrete 5.1 and virtual 7.1 Dolby Digital Live surround sound, this card offers a cinematic experience in the comfort of your home. The card comes in a set with Sound Blaster Command Center software offering 11 audio settings presets.

It enables you to tweak the EQ, tailoring the in-game and voice chat settings to your preference. A built-in Crystallizer technology improves audio dynamic range, ensuring crisp heights, clear mid frequencies, and deep bass. This sound card provides excellent detail clarity, delivering a 24-bit rate with a 194-kilohertz sound-to-noise ratio.

The ASIO support technology achieves low latency and high fidelity that audiophiles crave. Your sound enjoyment is further enhanced with gold-plated connectors and a multi-core Core 3D processor to deliver pristine, high-performance audio without overstressing your PC’s CPU. Its five input ports and 600 ohms of power enable you to listen to high-quality audio through any external device.

Pros

• Affordable
• Powerful
• Dolby surround sound
• Built-in audio presets

Cons

• Lacks a power setting adjustment for low impedance headphones

Specification

• Price $88.99
• Hardware Interface PCI Express x1
• Audio Output Mode 7.1
• Hardware Platform Headphones, Speakers
• Item Dimensions 5.35 x 5 x 0.87 inches
• Item Weight 0.77 lbs

The Sound BlasterX G6 is a Hi-Res external sound card dedicated to gaming. Designed by Creative Sound, this card is compatible with PC, Nintendo, Play Station, and Xbox, thanks to four input ports and versatile OS compatibility. Creative Sound’s signature Scout Mode gives you an advantage on the field, enhancing every audio detail and enabling you to hear what others don’t.

A 32-bit, 384-kilohertz playback with an ultra-wide dynamic range delivers extremely clear audio at any volume level. A multi-bit modulator with mismatch shaping technology eliminates distortion, providing crisp heights and deep bass. With a custom-designed discrete headphone amplifier and 600 ohms of power, this sound card delivers the highest audio streaming quality through any headphones.

The power output can be regulated for low-impedance earphones, ensuring your gear won’t get overstressed. Dolby Digital 7.1 surround sound provides a cinematic experience, letting you enjoy your favorite content to the fullest.

Pros

• Suitable for PC and consoles
• Dedicated gaming mode
• Surround sound
• 32-bit playback

Cons

• Pricey
• No advanced EQ control

Specification

• Price $129.99
• Hardware Interface PCI Express x4
• Audio Output Mode Surround, Dolby Digital
• Hardware Platform PC, Gaming Consoles, Laptops
• Item Dimensions 4.37 x 0.94 x 2.76 inches
• Item Weight 5.08 ounces

Engineered specifically for Windows 10 PC, this internal Asus sound card delivers pristine audio at an affordable price. This sound card is dedicated to gaming. However, even if you prefer to spend your time differently, you’ll likely appreciate the deep bass and clear detail this card provides.

With a 7.1 surround sound and 24-bit 194 kilohertz sound-to-noise ratio, this card delivers defined sound at any frequency, and a unique EMI back plate eliminates static noise. With the Sonic Studio interface, you have complete control over the audio settings. You can eliminate background noise during communication with peers by activating Perfect Voice mode.

In addition, hyper grounding technology ensures low distortion, providing strong insulation, and reducing component crosstalk. The card features six input channels with a 150-ohm headphone amplifier for immersive sound.

Pros

• Great value
• Headphone amplifier
• Six ports
• Audio control software
• Perfect Voice mode

Cons

• Only compatible with Windows 10

Specification

• Price $79.79
• Hardware Interface PCI Express x4
• Audio Output Mode Surround
• Hardware Platform Headphones
• Item Dimensions 2.52 x 0.71 x 6.69 inches
• Item Weight 2.5 ounces

Creative Sound Blaster AE-7 is one of the most advanced sound cards in our selection. This audio card is engineered to deliver high-resolution audio and is compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10, and Vista PCs.

Incredibly clean audio is achieved by 32-bit, 384-kilohertz pulse code modulation playback, the highest industry standard. DTS Connect Encoding and Dolby Audio discrete 5.1 and virtual 7.1 surround sound technology deliver professional-level sound straight to your door.

If you’re looking for precision audio, the AE-7 has you covered. The Sound Blaster Command Center software gives you complete control over every audio aspect. It includes settings like Scout Mode to gain a tactical advantage in multiplayer games and Crystal Voice mode for more efficient communication.

With five input ports and 600-ohm power output, this card lets you simultaneously deliver studio-grade sound to multiple devices. The output is adjustable to stay safe for low-impedance devices. This sound card features a headphone bi-amplifier for pristine sound.

Pros

• 32-bit rate
• DTS Connect Encoding and Dolby surround sound
• Different audio modes and advanced settings control
• Powerful adjustable output

Cons

• Only compatible with Windows PCs
• High price

Specification

• Price $199.99
• Hardware Interface PCI Express x4
• Audio Output Mode Surround, Dolby Digital
• Hardware Platform Headphones
• Item Dimensions 5.71 x 0.79 x 5.04 inches
• Item Weight 1.60 lbs