Best Sound Card 2022 – Buyer’s Guide and Reviews

Are looking to enhance your gaming experience? Well, there so many ways to do so and getting a new sound card is one way to do so. You have to understand that the sound card is not just for gaming, you can use it for watching movies or listening to music.

The work of the sound card is to enhance the type of audio quality that you get from the computer. You always want to end up with the best sound if you want to enjoy gaming or any other activity.

We can help you find the best sound card that will work great for you. Check out the list below for some of the top models.

Top 10 Best Sound Card 2019 Reviews

1 ASUS Strix Soar Sound Card

Type: Internal

SNR: 116dB

Channel Output: 7.1

Crystal clear audio – any gamer who enjoys the best sound loves it when it is crystal clear at all times. It is the reason you might want to get this type of sound card. The manufacturer has made sure that you will always experience a supreme audio performance as compared to the other types.

From the moment you see that word “Strix” on an Asus product, just know it is a performance product. The company also uses the name on other products such as graphics cards.

Intuitive audio software – the way you can control the audio helps you a lot when it comes to enjoying the sound. Asus understands this and that is why you get the intuitive controls from their audio software.

The software allows you to easily make changes to the settings for a better sound. You can always play around with the settings so as to help customize it further.

Sonic radar pro – this is some kind of technology that is important for the delivery of sound to the gamer. It works by offering in-game overlay visualizing of the incoming audio position. What you get is a sound that is perfect for those who might have hearing impairment. Another reason is if you are looking to have a sci-fi type of radar.

Powerful amp – of course, any user would want to learn more about the power of the amp. You will be happy to know that the model comes with an impressive 600ohms amp. The results are that you get a clear detailed sound all the time.

Static lighting effects – this is something huge for many users. They always want a model that looks as gaming as possible. With the addition of lights to the sound card, your gaming rig should now be complete with all the LED lighting.

Our Rating: (3.4 / 5)

2 Sound Blaster Z PCIe Gaming Sound Card with High Performance Headphone Amp

Type: Internal

SNR: 116dB

Channel Output: 5.1

SNR figure – this is the signal to noise ratio. For anyone who knows a thing or two about sound quality, then the SNR figure is an important consideration. For this model, you get that it comes with an SNR of 116dB. This simply means that up to 99.99 percent of pure audio will be transmitted using the sound card.

From such a figure, you can conclude that it is 34.4 times better than what you would get with the motherboard audio. This is something that you would always want.

SBX Pro studio performance technology – yes, the name might be lengthy, it is all about good news. The use of this technology gives you an inspiring audio that you will always love. This type of technology will make it possible to immerse you in the gaming mood in no time.

It is still amazing just you will experience the 360-degree true sound stage. The surround sound should always make gaming fun than when using sound straight from the motherboard.

No ambient noises – it seems like that manufacturer was trying to make this sound card have the best sound ever. The use of the crystal voice technologies helps in eliminating the echoes and ambient noises. It also helps with picking up your voice if the headset has a mic.

With proper voice levels, you can have an easy time communicating with the other people who are playing the same game. This could be online gaming.

Sound processor – yes, the sound card also comes with an audio processor. The manufacturer has designed this type of sound card to have this processor for effective sound processing. It is now possible to get it giving different and detailed levels of sound.

Our Rating: (4.1 / 5)

3 Creative Sound Blaster Audigy FX Sound Card

Type: Internal

SNR: 106dB

Channel Output: 5.1

New sound upgrade – the chances are that you are using the motherboard sound card for gaming. Well, it is time for an upgrade when you decide to pick this one up. The manufacturer made it to be simple, but yet deliver on performance that you will love at all times.

5.1 channel sound – if you have used a home theatre system with a 5.1 channel sound output and you liked, then you will also love this one. The manufacturer had the idea of making sure that you enjoy the surround sound as much as possible.

You will definitely note a difference when it comes to the sound the next time you are gaming, watching movies or listening to music.

Independent input sources – more ports always mean good news for the user of the sound card. In this case, the model has independent input sources you can use. You will get independent line-in and microphone connectors. What this simply means is that it is possible for you to connect two different audio sources to the PC.

You could be listening to your MP3 player in one section and recording another session. There is so much versatility you could use as a gamer with such a sound card.

Powerful amp – without a powerful amp, you will not be in a position to play the game just as you want. Luckily, this model will give you what you want. The powerful 600 ohms of power will deliver on the best sound amplification.

This power of the amp easily exceeds what you get even with the most demanding headphones.

Customize the sound – yes, it is possible for you to customize the sound to how you want it to be. This is thanks to the software that comes with the sound card. You can adjust the EQ settings and enjoy the sound just at the right level.

Our Rating: (4 / 5)

4 ASUS Xonar DGX PCI-E Sound Card

Type: Internal

SNR: 105dB

Channel Output: 5.1

Budget sound card – most of the sound cards we have reviewed above are expensive. This often makes a gamer think sound cards are always expensive. Well, that is not always the case. It is possible that you can get top quality cards at affordable prices.

Top quality performance – you can always find that is possible to enjoy using this sound card since it has top quality performance. We get to start with the SNR of 106dB. This is good for sound performance as you will not worry much about the ambient noises in the sound.

The best part is that it can support 24-bit/96KHz audio fidelity. This should mean that the sound clarity that you get with the model is at its best. You can start to see why it is cheap but still gets the best ratings.

Multiple I/O – these are the jacks that you get on the sound card. You will get up to three analog audio jacks, an S/PDIF output, and a microphone jack. You can see that there are many options you could use for audio input and output.

Enhanced sound experience – the manufacturer claims that with this sound card, you can add up to 128 effects to the audio. Mostly the aim is to help you an unforgettable gaming experience than what you have used before.

You can now those explosions being more pronounced for you to feel as if you are in the same battlefield as the game.

Setup – just like other many sound cards, it should be easy to install this one. You simply have to slot it into position. You will still have to install the drivers for it to work properly.

Our Rating: (4 / 5)

5 Asus Xonar DSX 7.1 Audio Engine

Type: Internal

SNR: 107dB

Channel Output: 7.1

Realistic gaming audio effects – there is nothing as good as ending up with a sound card that can deliver on more sound effects. Thanks to the GX 2.5 technology, you will always experience 3D sound quality. This is the type of sound that makes you enjoy gaming further.

The best part is that it will restore surround gaming Windows 7 without necessarily adding a new software.

7.1 channel surround – you might have experienced that the other sound cards would have a 5.1 channel capability. This one went a step further to give you 7.1 channel surround. This type of technology is what you need for the best sound performance ever.

You can now be sure that the sound card will turn your PC into a console and a Hi-Fi system with such a sound.

Tuning the sound – it is always possible that you can tune the sound the way you want it. This feature is realizable as this sound card allows for swapping the operational amplifiers. The swapping is easy and will not involve any soldering.

Such versatility means that you can the sound card delivering the best sound just as you would want.

Easy to use software – if you have used the software that works for the DGX model, then you will have an easy time using the DSX software too. This is because the manufacturer made these two almost the same.

It is from the software you can make several adjustments to the sound. You will always be happy with how easy it is to use the software.

Our Rating: (4.1 / 5)

6 Asus Essence STXII

Type: Internal

SNR: 124dB

Channel Output: 7.1

High fidelity audio – having the best audio makes it worth spending your money on such a sound card. Considering that it is expensive, it should then be worth it.

Do not worry about its worth, as the type of audio fidelity that you get will always work for you. It is among the best sound cards to have a high SNR. With an SNR of 124dB, you should find that it performs just as good as it says on the spec sheet.

7.1 channel capability – since many people are often obsessed by just how good the channel capacity a model has, then this should be good news. It is not just a gimmick to get you buying the sound card. You will actually get to enjoy the sound that comes from this sound card.

You should now be in a position to setup several speakers for you to enjoy gaming. Even if you use headphones, you can always feel that surround sound.

Swappable OP-Amp – it seems like Asus is always looking to help you have a better sound by allowing you to swap some components. In this case, you can swap the OP-Amps if you want to further tune the sound coming from the card. For many gamers, they might not necessarily do it, but it is just good to know it is possible.

Dolby surround – it is good to know that this sound card will offer Dolby surround that you will love. With this card, you can now experience immersive gaming thanks to such technologies. Gaming should be more fun when using this sound card.

Our Rating: (4.2 / 5)

7 U-Mest® PCI Express PC Sound Card

Type: Internal

Channel Output: 5.1

Affordable – gaming does not always have to be expensive. If you are frugal, but still want to enjoy the best gaming experience, then you have the option of picking the best sound card such as this one.

The manufacturer made it possible for several people who are on a budget to still use this one for better sound experience. What is for sure is that the sound will be better than what you get with the motherboard only.

Home theater surround – for many gamers or just users, they want a surround sound effect. Worry no more whenever upgrading to this type of PC sound card. It will simply upgrade the sound too, so that you get the performance you have always wanted. The 5.1 channel surround sound is going to get you excited always.

3D sound effect – on top of being a 5.1 surround sound mode, you still get the option of using it with the 3D sound effects. You will always feel that you are immersed into the game with such a sound effect.

To make it work this way, the manufacturer had to include the Direct Sound 3D, and Aureal A3D extension positional audio. Do not worry about the jargon much, just know it works great.

Playback and recording – yes, you should be in a position to record sounds other than just listening to playbacks. The sound card has independent line-in and that for a microphone for playback and recording respectively.

Our Rating: (3.6 / 5)

8 Creative Sound Blaster Omni 5.1

Type: External

SNR: 100dB

Channel Output: 5.1

Portability – all the other sound cards mentioned above are internal. This one is external. Being external should mean that you will have an easier time moving around with it. You can easily pick it up and use it with different computers. This is unlike the internal where you have to open up the PC to get it.

You also have an easy time setting it up because of the USB connectivity. Once connected you should be ready to start listening to some nice music or even the sound when playing games.

 The control panel – having a control panel simply means that you can make different types of settings to the sound at all times. Leveling up your audio does not have to be hard since the control panel is easy to use. From it, you can make as many changes as possible to enhance the audio.

Awesome surround sound – there is no doubt you will always want to have the best sound experience. This sound card is here to give you the awesome surround sound that you have always wanted. The best part is the 5.1 channel sound is both supported for the PC and Mac.

Such a feature should make it possible for you to enjoy sound on both platforms with ease.

Microphones – the sound card comes with dual microphones built into it. The aim is that you will always have optimal far-field voice input. You will not even need headset microphone to make it work.

The sound card having this feature is important to help focus on the voice of the user. It will also help reduce the noise of the signal.

Our Rating: (4 / 5)

9 ASUS Sound Card Xonar U5

Type: External

SNR: 114dB

Channel Output: 7.1

Good value – coming from a brand such as ASUS, it should easily appeal to many people who might be thinking of getting the best sound card. For its price, it will give you the best sound you might be looking for.

The best part is that you get 7.1 surround support. This is the kind of feature you often only get in the high end sound cards only. This just goes on to show that the sound card will be worth every amount of money spent on it.

Sound quality – you will find that the sound card has an impressive 114dB SNR. Such a value for SNR is good for the audio performance so that you will like using it all the time. The clarity of the sound is also unmatched at such SNR levels.

The sound quality is still good thanks to the Cirrus Logic DAC headphone jack. The aim is that you have a sound experience not easily forgettable.

Sound processor – the model comes with the C-media 6632A sound processor. This is not your ordinary sound chip. This is because the sound processor has the features of a high end sound card. It will always provide you with enhanced sound quality. There is no doubt you will find this external sound card the best just yet.

Easy to use software – the manufacturer’s design of the software makes it easy to use always. Many people who might want to use it will have it easy making the changes.

The overall design of the software is also easy on the eyes so that you can enjoy using It also. Within a few mouse clicks, you should be done with the settings.

Our Rating: (3.5 / 5)

10 StarTech 7.1 USB Audio Adapter External Sound Card

Type: External

Channel Output: 7.1

Compact and portable – since it is portable and compact, you should find more people easily going for it. They understand that it will be easy to take it from one place to another with ease.

Also, setting up does not have to be hard like the internal sound card. This external one only need to be connected by using the USB cable. Once that is done, you should start enjoying your sound output.

Plug and play – it is common that with other sound cards you have to download the drivers and install them before the sound cards can work. The simplicity of this model is good as it allows for ease of setup with simply plug and play.

If you find your PC does not support plug and play, do not worry as the model still comes with an installation CD.

7.1 audio support – you will now be in a position to experience the home theater surround with the sound card. The best part is that it comes with a 7.1 channel audio support. It can be ideal for the laptops or small form factor systems that have no internal expansion slots.

Our Rating: (4 / 5)

Best Sound Card Buying Guide

The frequency response

Most manufacturers will always include the information about the frequency response you can get with their sound card. The frequency response is simply the delivery of the clear and crisp audio to the listener. You should have an easier time using a model with the best frequency response.

It is stated that the ideal audible range for human ear when it comes to frequency is 20Hz to 20KHz. If you want to purchase a sound card, you need a frequency range higher than this stated value.

Surround sound

Thanks to the advancement in technology, you should find that many sound cards will offer the surround sound support. This has made these sound cards popular among gamers. The gamers want a surround that can help them hear the enemy walking towards them and a lot more.

You will also enjoy the surround capabilities when watching movies or listening to music. All that cinematic experience is what often drives more people to picking the best sound card.

Nowadays you will get sound cards offering either 5.1 or 7.1 channel system. This is done to help with enhancing the surround system. You then have to consider the best model that can work for you.

Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR)

The SNR of a sound card is another important thing to consider. The work of the SNR is to measure just how much of the desired signal will exist in the audio output then put against the power of unwanted noise.

So, how do you know that a model is good? You have to look at the SNR value. The higher the value, the clearer and quality the signal becomes.

For the best performance, you might want to consider getting a model with SNR value more than 105dB. This will always ensure that you have better sound quality always.

Compatibility

This is very important when it comes to picking your sound card. It has to be compatible with the system you intend to use with. It all comes down to the interface that your soundcard uses. For older sound cards, you will find that it comes with the PCI interface. This is a common slot so finding it should not be a problem.

You should note however that the slot is slowly being phased out. The newer motherboards at the moment will have the PCI Ex1 slot. This is a slight upgrade that you can use right now. Make sure that the sound card you get can with such motherboards.

Software

The sound card coming with a software for settings manipulation is important. Most of the top brands will make their models to have the necessary software for more settings.

The software will always give you more audio processing options. It is the reason you might want to pick a card that delivers on a robust software suite.

Ease of setup

Setting up is another thing to keep in mind when buying your next sound card. Depending on the type, sometimes you can have it easy or spend more time working on it so that it can work. For the internal sound cards, mostly you have to open the PC for installation. Depending on the space in the system, it can be easy or hard. It is generally easy.

You will also have to install the drivers important for running the sound card. Some models would come with an installation CD while others will be simply plug and play.

Many would love the plug and play option, but sometimes the additional drivers enhance the sound even further.

Budget options

Do not let the budget constrains let you end up with a sound card that does not work great. This statement does not mean there are not budget sound cards. In fact, we have listed a number of such sound cards on our list.

The aim is for you to find a sound card that delivers on bother performance and audio quality.

Sometimes you may want to keep the budget slightly flexible. This gives you more room to find the best sound card even if it is slightly expensive than what you planned for.

Conclusion

The list does not contain all the sound cards available on the market. However, you should now be in a position to understand what are some of the top sound cards. The design and functionality of these sound cards are what makes it the best. You will always have an easy time listening to the best sound coming from these sound cards. Pick one right now that see it will enhance your gaming experience all the time when used.