Sound card comparison test results: The best products at a glance 2023

How to find the best product in the sound card comparison

Sound cards enable PCs, laptops and tablets to process analog and digital audio signals and sounds. Typically, these tasks are performed by onboard sound cards that can be installed in most computers. Alternatively, many computers have built-in sound cards; USB models are also available on the market. By your sound card upgrade, you can improve the overall quality of the sound in your system. For example, buying a Raspberry Pi 3 sound card will improve the sound quality for Raspberry Pi 3 devices. Additionally, purchasing an external or built-in sound card can improve sound quality for PCs, laptops, Tablets and improve game consoles like the PS4. By comparing different versions and models of sound cards, you can learn more about them through test results and user reviews. Then you can make an informed decision when purchasing a sound card.

Find more sound Cards Recommendations see our table with our sound Cards buy recommendations. If you choose the sound Cards Reviews interested and which ones sound Cards Bestsellers there is, this guide will give you a lot of useful information about it.

Pros and cons of different types of sound cards 

The sound quality of the integrated sound card is often poor. However, you can retrofit them. If you have a external sound card want to connect, it makes sense whether the sound card supports USB. You can also install an internal sound card if you have the necessary expertise feature. Basically, each type has its own advantages and disadvantages. We show you these in the following overview.

When do I need to replace the integrated sound card? 

Internal sound card or external sound card not always useful. For example, if you use your PC or laptop primarily for work, you do not necessarily need a built-in sound card or an external USB sound card. Instead, the onboard sound card is usually sufficient here. On the other hand, if you choose a PC model with an integrated sound card for your Home theater or a sound card USB variant for a variety of video games, if so, it might be worth it. A professional sound card is also recommended if you are a DJ, recording music, mixing or editing videos.

Do you need a sound card oscilloscope? 

To a PC as oscilloscope to use it, you can install sound card software that provides data for a digital oscilloscope. Alternatively, you can build your own oscilloscope with a built-in circuit.

Is the sound card compatible with the motherboard and operating system? 

When purchasing PC variants with a built-in sound card compatibility is important. The sound card should be able to connect to the motherboard. If you have an older model, the motherboard may only have one sound card PCI slot. In this case, the sound card should be able to connect to PCI. On the other hand, modern mainboards usually offer PCIe slots for sound cards. If this is the case, you can of course also look around for the sound card PCIE variant. You should also make sure that the shell enough space for the sound card offers. A distance of four centimeters between the graphics card and the sound card makes sense. It is also important that the sound card is compatible with the operating system. For example, if you are using the Windows 10 operating system, you should make sure that your sound card is compatible with Windows 10. 

How low should the volume be? 

If you want to know how good the volume of the sound card is, you should check the model resolution view. Manufacturers usually indicate this in bits. The lower the volume, the more you hear each volume. Good sound cards usually offer a 24-bit resolution. However, depending on the intended use, a 16-bit sound card can also be sufficient. If you are after a professional sound card search, it is best to choose a 32-bit sound card.

Where do you want to connect the sound card? 

The required connection depends on the device you want to connect to the sound card. to a external playback device To connect, you need a line-in connection. The line-out connection is also important. This allows audio files to be played through the speakers. Even multiple line-out ports make sense if you're using a surround sound system. Sometimes RCA connections are used instead of line-in and line-out connections. There should be a microphone input for you to use Microphone can connect. The speaker connection required for connecting headphones is also practical. But HDMI ports and SPDIF ports are also an advantage because they enable digital playback of the signal. MIDI ports are also interesting for musicians. This connector can be used to external instruments to connect.

You can also check if the model supports 5.1 or 7.1 sound system by checking the connection of each sound card.

The most common sound card manufacturers

You can e.g. B. Buy a Raspberry Pi 3 sound card. Sound cards are in different Electronics-specialty shops and specialist dealers. There are different brands of sound cards. Popular manufacturers are: 

• ASUS
• LogiLink 
• ESI 
• Steinberg 
• Speedlink 

Buying recommendations for sound cards

There are different types of sound cards. If you want a good sound card, the specifications of the device are important. SIt is also useful to take a closer look at the sound card test. This is usually where you can view leaderboards or rankings and various reviews read. This way you can find the sound card that suits your needs. If you want to shop as cheaply as possible, you should also carry out a price comparison. The prices can sometimes vary greatly. However, your decision is best not to do it. Just look at the price. Finally, the sound card should also best possible quality ready. There are many different brands of sound cards. 

• AD and DA converters: A crucial criterion in the sound card test is often the audio-to-digital converter (AD converter). This can process analogue audio signals. Pay particular attention to the data size. This size mainly depends on the speed of the input data transmission and the sampling rate. The following applies: the larger the amount of data that the converter can process, the better the sound. Also check whether your sound card is equipped with a DA converter. In this case the sound card can do it convert digital signal to analog signal.
• Sampling rate: Before buying a sound card, check the sample rate of the model. This represents the sample rate, given in kHz. The sampling rate should be as high as possible. Higher frequency transmission is better due to the higher sampling rate. Therefore, the sound card should be equipped with a sample rate of at least 44,1 kHz. However, there are also sound cards with significantly higher sampling rates.
• Signal to noise ratio: Signal-to-noise ratio is usually measured in decibels (dB). It shows the difference between a useful audio signal and a noisy signal. Make sure that the signal-to-noise ratio of your sound card at least 90 dB amounts to. But the same applies here: the higher the signal-to-noise ratio, the better.
• Driver: The sound card driver often plays a major role in testing sound cards. There are now even one or the other model of Windows 10 sound cards with Windows 10 drivers, so they also work with the Windows 10 OS. But even if you use another operating system, you should make sure that the sound card compatible with it. That's why it's important to take a look at sound card drivers before you buy one.

How long does it take to publish a Stiftung Warentest sound Cards Selection?

At the Stiftung Warentest, there are currently various items in the test phase and are being examined on the test bench from various points of view. If a Stiftung Warentest sound Cards Test is included, it will be published in the month of its testing in the magazine "Test" or can be accessed online at test.de.