The 30 best external sound cards brands
Behringer, Creative and Ugreen lead our ranking of 30 external sound cards brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
External Sound Cards brands, ranked
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1
Behringer
Since 1989, Behringer has been engaged in the production of professional audio equipment like Microphones and Amplifiers. They make portable sound systems used in DJ and EDM, and their equipment can also be found in major studios worldwide. They are a German company and are considered one of the leaders in manufacturing music equipment. The brand offers performance and quality, and some highly renowned musicians and DJs use its products.
Website: behringer.com |Brands like Behringer
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
Creative
Sound is a significant element in the field of entertainment. Without sound, everything feels dull and incomplete. Creative comes up with solutions to problems like these. The company produces audio accessories for your entertainment systems, PCs, and many more. Established in Singapore, they are famous for their Sound Blaster sound cards, which made them a globally renowned producer of sound systems. Creative offers products ranging from soundbars and speakers to headphones and other accessories.
Website: us.creative.com |Brands like Creative
Popularity 7.8/10
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3
Ugreen
Technology is moving very fast these days, and so are its developments. Areas like communication and transport are constantly growing, and fields related to these grow with them. That is why Ugreen stands out as one of the leading suppliers of mobile, home, and automobile appliances. They are currently serving around 40 million customers in over 100 countries. They offer a wide range of products, from chargers and earbuds to hubs and cables.
Website: ugreen.com |Brands like Ugreen
Popularity 6.8/10
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4
ORICO
Orico is a leading consumer electronics manufacturer primarily dealing with USB storage and charging products. Their solutions can be used on both mobile devices and PCs. The brand's charging and storage solutions are very efficient and technologically advanced, making work much more manageable. The product line has items like adapters and hard drives. The brand also offers other products and accessories, including USB hubs and power banks.
Website: orico.shop |Brands like ORICO
Popularity 6.2/10
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5
StarTech
With the development in the field of electronic devices, another area that undergoes positive change is the accessories section. Technology has several problems, and StarTech was established to cure them and find a solution so that they won't happen again. They develop products that are useful in the daily lives of a person, for example, dock stations for different devices, hard drive accessories, cables, and many more. StarTech is a solution to all the problems.
Website: startech.com |Brands like StarTech
Popularity 5.8/10
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6
Plantronics
Plantronics is built with the confidence of the future. Plantronics has been in business since 1969. They have made their appearance on the moon too! Don't believe us? The brand developed the headsets that were used by the crew to communicate. They have been dealing with technology and machines for a long time, so they know about the industry. They were so advanced 50 years ago, and now they have grown as a brand even more.
Website: plantronics.com |Brands like Plantronics
Popularity 4.2/10
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7
Manhattan
Manhattan is a German beauty brand making high-quality, fun makeup products to help people enhance their natural features. They have a diverse catalog of products to help people create new looks and showcase their personalities. The company has been in the cosmetic industry for over fifty years and makes innovative products that inspire creativity. Their makeup is clean and cruelty-free. They have a diverse shade range and are also environmentally friendly.
Website: manhattan.de |Brands like Manhattan
Popularity 3.9/10
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8
Sabrent
Sabrent designs and produces various products that help make life easier. The Sabrent product line includes a full range of add-ons, including cables, chargers, and more. They also offer computer components such as hubs, card readers, and internal hard drives that are sure to meet any need at an affordable price. Sabrent aims to create functional, well-designed products that solve everyday problems. Whether at home or on the go, they make it easy to stay connected with their wide range of innovative accessories and devices.
Website: sabrent.com |Brands like Sabrent
Popularity 3.6/10
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9
ICY BOX
ICY BOX was established not too long ago in 2004 that offered storage solutions. The company has expanded its catalog and portfolio a lot in the past years, and now they are known worldwide. ICY BOX products make the workspace...
Website: icybox.de |Brands like ICY BOX
Popularity 3.2/10
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10
HyperX
HyperX started in 2002 with the world of technology taking significant steps. Gaming was also becoming increasingly popular during that time, and the founder took the opportunity to create a space where technology and innovation could meet with gamers. HyperX...
Website: hyperxgaming.com |Brands like HyperX
Popularity 3.2/10
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11
Syba
Syba specializes in the design and manufacture of PC components for connection requirements. The company's guiding ideals are "great quality control, competitive yet affordable pricing, and good customer service." PC components and peripherals, laptops, tablets, servers, and smartphones are among...
Website: sybausa.com |Brands like Syba
Popularity 2.8/10
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12
LogiLink
LogiLink represents the next generation of computer and networking solutions. Whether you are a small or large corporation, pick from their extensive choice of solutions that have been created to improve your computer experience. Cables, connectors, accessories for PCs, laptops,...
Website: logilink.eu |Brands like LogiLink
Popularity 2.8/10
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13
Plugable
Plugable is one of the most acclaimed names for adaptable docking stations. The thunderbolt collection is compatible, equipped with dual displays, and provides the fastest charging. To improve performance and professional gaming, scan through their graphic adapters with upgraded technology....
Website: plugable.com |Brands like Plugable
Popularity 2.8/10
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14
SIS
SIS is a film that is known as the Sisters With Transistors. It is a story about female pioneers in the field of electronic music. This film maps the journey of these incredible and talented women. These women have redefined...
Website: sisterswithtransistors.com |Brands like SIS
Popularity 2.8/10
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15
ADS Technologies
Based in Pune, the 2015-established brand caters to the industrial market with premium technological and digital automation products. The brand offers cutting-edge technology and state-of-the-art products to its broad customer base. Its product portfolio brings devices such as a range...
Website: adstechnologies.co.in |Brands like ADS Technologies
Popularity 2.8/10
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16
Sennheiser
Sennheiser is the future of audio. They believe they can change their users' auditory experience with their exceptional products and top-notch technology. Sound is everywhere, and we live and breathe in it. They aim to shape the future of audio...
Website: en-us.sennheiser.com |Brands like Sennheiser
Popularity 2.3/10
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17
Avid
Avid Cycles is a family-run motorcycle parts and accessories shop that serves the upper desert. Avid Cycles, founded in 2010, is one of the region's major retailers of motorcycle parts, accessories, apparel, and protective gear. Only the finest-quality brands are...
Website: avidcycles.com |Brands like Avid
Popularity 2.3/10
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18
SPEED LINK
SPEED LINK has a large assortment of gaming and PC accessories. Whether you are an eSports enthusiast or want to give your desktop or laptop computer a new appearance, they have the appropriate product for you. They provide items not...
Website: speedlink.com |Brands like SPEED LINK
Popularity 2.3/10
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19
Hercules
Hercules provides the most effective and creative digital music services for you and your family to enjoy. Enjoy millions of more great tracks worldwide, created by a diverse range of artists and composers. You may receive help with everything, from...
Website: hercules.com |Brands like Hercules
Popularity 1.6/10
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20
Focusrite
Reducing the gap between an aspiring musician and their dream, Focusrite provides audio interfaces that are easy to use and record audio precisely the way it is. They strive to make it simpler to create and record music through PCs...
Website: focusrite.com |Brands like Focusrite
Popularity 1.6/10
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21
Numark
Numark is a company focused on sound and audio. This company is specially dedicated to the DJs and their cause. They improve their products by incorporating the new technology in them. They have provided top-quality mixers and audio systems to...
Website: numark.com |Brands like Numark
Popularity 1.6/10
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22
PreSonus
PreSonus is a maker of professional audio equipment based in St. Cloud, Minnesota, USA. Ernie and Gerhard Schmidt, two brothers, created the firm. Its focus on low-cost devices for home recording studios has made it one of the most well-known...
Website: presonus.com |Brands like PreSonus
Popularity 1.6/10
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23
TASCAM
TASCAM is a music industry pioneer because of its products' quality. They have a worldwide professional customer base that loves their audio applications and solutions. The company encapsulates the sound of modern technology. They were established in 1971, and since...
Website: tascam.com |Brands like TASCAM
Popularity 1.6/10
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24
AUDIOTRAK
A medium of versatility, MAYA66 eXpress is a state-of-the-art audio interface-card for musical entertainment. Since it is built on PCI Express Generation 2 technology, there are no compatibility issues when installing it on any PC. One Mic PreAmp (with +48V...
Website: audiotrak.jimdofree.com |Brands like AUDIOTRAK
Popularity 1.6/10
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25
Sweex
Sweex is a brand of consumer electronics that sells electronic gadgets and appliances for households and essential everyday products. With 35 years of experience inventing technology, it covers a huge array of daily needs, including safety & security products, media...
Website: sweex.com |Brands like Sweex
Popularity 1.6/10
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26
Vantec
Vantec is a leading maker of drive enclosures in the industry. With their NexStar External Hard Drive Enclosure Series, they develop and manufacture a wide selection of external hard drives. The series aims to provide consumers with a simple, easy-to-use...
Website: vantecusa.com |Brands like Vantec
Popularity 1.6/10
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27
TeckNet
TeckNet is a tech gadget company engaged in manufacturing innovative and high-tech products. They primarily sell electronics and other PC accessories like Webcams and Keyboards. The brand also offers smart home products and car gadgets. Their products are faster and...
Website: tecknet.co.uk |Brands like TeckNet
Popularity 1.6/10
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28
FiiO
FiiO is all about the music. The company sells high-quality sound systems that range from small to big. The company was first established in 2007. Portable music is the main selling slogan of the company. They believe in superior products...
Website: fiio.com |Brands like FiiO
Popularity 1.6/10
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29
Sharkoon
Sharkoon is a well-known producer of computer accessories for PC users and gamers. It was started in 2004 and had since been generating significant items. The firm sells various entities, including gaming devices, mobile accessories, cooling systems, headsets, and keyboards....
Website: en.sharkoon.com |Brands like Sharkoon
Popularity 1.6/10
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30
Shintaro
You want the world of music at your convenience; wherever you go, wherever you at, the melody needs to follow your ears all the time with comfort, style, efficiency, and best sound quality. You can get the best headsets and...
Website: shintaro.com.au |Brands like Shintaro
Popularity 1.6/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Behringer | behringer.com | /BEHRINGER | behringer | @BEHRINGER | behringer |
| Creative | us.creative.com | /CreativeLabs | creativelabs | @creativelabs | – |
| Ugreen | ugreen.com | /ugreen.fans | ugreen_official | @Ugreen_Official | Ugreen Official |
| ORICO | orico.shop | /OricoNL | orico_nld | @ORICO_nl | Orico NL |
| StarTech | startech.com | /Startechdotcom | – | @STARTECHdotCOM | StarTech.com |
| Plantronics | plantronics.com | /polycompany | polycompany | @polycompany | – |
| Manhattan | manhattan.de | /manhattan | manhattancosmetics | – | MANHATTANCosmetics |
| Sabrent | sabrent.com | – | – | – | – |
| ICY BOX | icybox.de | /icybox | icyboxofficial | – | ICYBOXMovies |
| HyperX | hyperxgaming.com | /hyperxcommunity | hyperx | @hyperx | – |
External Sound Cards Buying Guide
Sound cards are an essential part of building or upgrading a computer. They control how the computer interacts with any audio devices connected to it, such as speakers, headphones, or microphones. An external sound card is an option for those who don't want to use the internal card built into their computer. It can offer superior sound quality and more control. This guide will help you decide what to look for when buying an external sound card.
What is an external sound card?
An external sound card, also known as an external audio interface, is a device that connects to your computer's USB port, Firewire port, or Thunderbolt port, and provides additional audio connections. It can offer better sound quality, lower latency, and more control than the internal sound card built into your computer. An external sound card can also be used to expand the number of audio inputs and outputs available to you.
Why buy an external sound card?
There are several reasons why you might want to buy an external sound card. First, if you're an audiophile or a music producer, an external sound card can provide better sound quality than the built-in sound card that came with your computer. Secondly, external sound cards can offer lower latency, which is the time it takes for the audio signal to travel through the computer and out to your speakers or headphones. This can be important for musicians who need to play in time with a metronome or together with other musicians. Finally, an external sound card can allow you to connect more audio devices to your computer.
What to look for when buying an external sound card?
When shopping for an external sound card, there are several factors to consider. Here are the most important ones:
1. Audio quality
The most important factor to consider when buying an external sound card is audio quality. Look for a sound card that supports high-quality audio formats, such as 24-bit/192kHz or 32-bit/384kHz. These formats offer better sound quality than standard CD-quality audio (16-bit/44.1kHz) and are ideal for music production and audiophile listening.
2. Number and type of audio inputs and outputs
Another important factor to consider is the number and type of audio inputs and outputs that the sound card supports. If you're a musician, you may need multiple inputs for different instruments or microphones. If you're a DJ, you may need multiple outputs for different speakers. Make sure the sound card you buy has enough inputs and outputs to meet your needs.
3. Latency
The latency of an external sound card is the time it takes for the audio signal to travel through the computer and out to your speakers or headphones. A lower latency means less delay between when you play a note or sound and when you hear it. If you're a musician or a gamer, low latency is important to keep everything in sync. Look for a sound card with a low latency, ideally under 10ms.
4. Compatibility
Make sure the sound card you buy is compatible with your computer's operating system. Some sound cards may only work with specific versions of Windows, macOS, or Linux.
5. Compatibility with audio software
If you're a music producer, make sure the sound card you buy is compatible with the audio software you use. Some sound cards may only work with specific Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) or plugins.
6. Build quality
The build quality of the sound card is also an important factor to consider. Look for a sound card that is well-built and won't easily break or malfunction. A sound card with a metal casing may be more durable than one made of plastic.
Types of external sound card
There are several different types of external sound card available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are the most common types:
1. USB sound card
A USB sound card connects to your computer's USB port and is the most common type of external sound card. They are affordable, easy to use, and often have a good balance of audio quality and features. However, they may not offer the best sound quality compared to other types of external sound card.
2. Thunderbolt sound card
A Thunderbolt sound card connects to your computer's Thunderbolt port and is the fastest and most capable type of external sound card. They offer low latency, high-quality audio, and fast transfer speeds. However, they are often more expensive than USB sound cards and may not be compatible with all computers.
3. Firewire sound card
A Firewire sound card connects to your computer's Firewire port and offers similar performance to a Thunderbolt sound card. They can offer low latency, high-quality audio, and fast transfer speeds. However, they are less common than USB and Thunderbolt sound cards and may not be compatible with all computers.
Conclusion
An external sound card can offer better sound quality, lower latency, and more control than the built-in sound card that came with your computer. When shopping for an external sound card, make sure to consider factors such as audio quality, number and type of audio inputs and outputs, latency, compatibility, and build quality. Choose the type of sound card that best meets your needs, whether it's a USB, Thunderbolt, or Firewire sound card.
