Best External Sound Cards for USB 2.0 of 2025

Tom Law Avatar
Tom Law
Last Updated: 31 Jan 2025

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External sound cards for USB 2.0 are innovative audio devices that provide high-quality sound output for computers and laptops with limited internal sound capabilities. These compact and portable sound cards are designed to enhance the audio experience of users, particularly for gaming, music production, and video editing. They offer a range of features, including noise reduction, 3D sound effects, and multiple audio inputs and outputs. These external sound cards are an excellent investment for anyone seeking to improve their audio experience on their computer without having to invest in expensive internal upgrades.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

UGREEN USB Sound Card with Dual Aux Cover #TOP 1
UGREEN USB Sound Card with Dual Aux
ftb score rating icon 9.9
CSL USB 7.1 External Sound Card Cover #TOP 2
CSL USB 7.1 External Sound Card
ftb score rating icon 9.8
CSL USB Mini Sound Card with Virtual Surround Cover #TOP 3
CSL USB Mini Sound Card with Virtual Surround
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 7 External Sound Cards for USB 2.0

#TOP 1

UGREEN USB Sound Card with Dual Aux

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Black
UGREEN USB Sound Card with Dual Aux Cover
UGREEN USB Sound Card USB 2.0 to 3.5mm Jack Audio Adapter Dual Aux Stereo Headphone Microphone Splitter External DAC Dongle Compatible with Laptop PC PS5 PS4 Raspberry Pi 4 Mac Windows Linux Headset

The UGREEN USB Audio Adapter is a versatile external sound card that enhances your audio experience. It adds a 3.5mm audio output and a mic input to your PC or laptop, allowing you to enjoy high-quality sound for gaming, video chats, and music. With its premium stereo audio quality, it converts digital signals to analog, ensuring clear sound without noise. The plug-and-play feature means you can start using it immediately, without the hassle of installing drivers. Additionally, it offers universal compatibility with various operating systems and devices.

What We Like
Multi-function audio input/output
High-quality stereo sound
Easy plug-and-play setup
Compatible with many devices
#TOP 2

CSL USB 7.1 External Sound Card

27730
Black
CSL USB 7.1 External Sound Card Cover
CSL - USB 7.1 external sound card 8-channel - 7.1 Channel USB Soundbox - Dynamic 3D Surround Sound - up to 8 speakers - simultaneous recording and playback - analog and digital audio equipment

The CSL USB Sound Card is a versatile external sound card that supports up to eight speakers, ideal for enhancing your audio experience. With a USB 2.0 connection, it easily connects to your devices, providing multiple audio outputs for your headphones and speaker systems. You can enjoy simultaneous recording and playback, making it perfect for both gaming and music production. Additionally, it supports various speaker modes, allowing you to customise your sound setup to suit your preferences.

What We Like
Multiple connectivity options
Supports 7.1 channel audio
Simultaneous recording and playback
Compatible with various Windows versions
Easy to set up
#TOP 3

CSL USB Mini Sound Card with Virtual Surround

44645
Black
CSL USB Mini Sound Card with Virtual Surround Cover
CSL - USB mini sound card - external - Virtual Surround Sound - for computer notebook tablet PC Macbook - Plug and Play - Windows 10 and Windows 11 compatible - black

The CSL USB Mini Sound Card is a powerful external audio interface designed for seamless use with desktop PCs, notebooks, and tablets. It boasts virtual surround sound, enhancing your audio experience during calls on platforms like Skype and Google Hangouts. With its plug-and-play capability, there’s no need for complicated driver installations, allowing you to get started quickly. Additionally, it features convenient controls for volume adjustment and muting, making it easy for you to manage your audio settings effortlessly.

What We Like
Easy plug-and-play setup
Virtual surround sound capability
Compatible with multiple devices
Convenient audio controls
Lightweight and portable design
#TOP 4

zdyCGTime 5.1 USB Stereo Sound Card

zdyCGTime-00134
black
zdyCGTime 5.1 USB Stereo Sound Card Cover
zdyCGTime External 5.1 USB Stereo Sound Card,USB 2.0 to 3D Virtual 5.1 Channel Audio Adapter,With 3.5mm Mic-in and Audio-Out ports,Compatible With Windows and Mac,PC,Notebook.(2 Pack/Black)

The zdyCGTime Sound Card is an external 5.1 USB audio adapter that offers a simple plug-and-play installation. You won’t need any drivers or external power, making it convenient for use with PCs and notebooks. With its 3.5mm headphone and microphone ports, you can enjoy quality audio and communicate easily during video calls. It supports 3-dimensional sound, allowing you to experience virtual 5.1 sound effects for an immersive listening experience. This product is compatible with various digital devices, ensuring versatility in your audio needs.

What We Like
Easy plug-and-play installation
No drivers or power needed
Supports high-quality 3D audio
Compatible with multiple devices
Ideal for video calls
#TOP 5

Fdit USB 5.1 Sound Card with SPDIF Output

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Fdit USB 5.1 Sound Card with SPDIF Output Cover
USB 5.1 Sound Card, 6 Channel External Digital Optical SPDIF Audio Output Adapter for PC, Laptops, Desktop, Computers

The Fdit USB Sound Card is a versatile audio device that offers easy connectivity with its Plug and Play feature. You can enjoy a sampling rate of 48/44 KHz for both playback and recording, ensuring high-quality sound. It also supports digital playback mode, allowing you to receive audio streams from your PC via USB, which is perfect for enhancing your listening experience. Additionally, in analog playback mode, it offers 6 channels for a rich audio output, making it suitable for various entertainment setups.

What We Like
Easy Plug and Play setup
High-quality audio sampling rates
Supports digital and analog playback
6-channel audio output
#TOP 6

7.1 Channel USB Stereo Audio Sound Card

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Silver
7.1 Channel USB Stereo Audio Sound Card Cover
7.1 Channel External USB 2.0 to 3.5mm Stereo Audio Sound Card Mic Adapter Speaker USB Sound Card for Windows 8,Windows 7,Windows Vista,Windows XP,Mac OS 8.6(Silver)

The ASHATA USB Audio Adapter offers a high-performance 3D stereo experience with its 7.1 channel capability, making it ideal for immersive sound while gaming or watching movies. Its durable aluminium alloy construction ensures longevity, so you can rely on it for consistent use. The plug-and-play feature means you can set it up easily without needing external power or drivers. Additionally, it provides perfect audio output and a microphone input, allowing for seamless communication during Skype calls or while using headphones.

What We Like
Durable aluminium alloy construction
High-performance 7.1 channel audio
Plug-and-play convenience
No external power required
Perfect for Skype communication
#TOP 7

PHOINIKAS T10 USB Audio Adapter with Volume Control

Black
PHOINIKAS T10 USB Audio Adapter with Volume Control Cover
External Sound Card, PHOINIKAS T10 USB Audio Adapter with Volume Adjustment for PC Windows, Mac, Linux, Laptops, Desktops, Stereo Sound Card with 3.5 mm Interface & USB Interface, Plug & Play

The PHOINIKAS T10 Audio Adapter is a versatile external sound card compatible with various systems, including Windows and Mac. You can connect multiple devices, enhancing your setup with features like headphone amplification and a USB hub for your gaming needs. The personalised function allows you to switch sound effects easily, providing an engaging audio experience. With its plug-and-play feature, you can quickly resolve issues with faulty sound ports, making it perfect for everyday use.

What We Like
Compatible with all major systems
Multiple device connections available
Personalised sound effects
Quick plug-and-play setup
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do external USB sound cards work?

These USB sound cards are excellent choices for video editors and music producers, as they can offer audiophile levels of sound for your device. Even if you don't work in audio, but like to listen to music while you get creative, then the best USB sound cards can make a big difference.

2. Is there an external sound card?

An external sound card is an incredibly useful piece of equipment for computers and offices. Its numerous functions and features allow it to turn any average computer into a full home-theater audio solution. To the eye of the consumer, it is simple enough.

3. Is there an audio to USB adapter?

USB C Audio & Charge Adapter - USB-C Audio Adapter w/ 3.5mm TRRS Headphone/Headset Jack and 60W USB Type-C Power Delivery Pass-through Charger - For USB-C Phone/Tablet/Laptop.

4. Do USB sound cards need drivers?

Yes it would need a driver. However, depending on the model, the driver may be built in to windows. If a driver is needed, the manufacturer should include a disk, or at least a link to download the appropriate driver. Sound quality would be dependent on the device you choose.

Editor's Notes

During our external sound card for usb 2.0 research, we found 101 external sound card for usb 2.0 products and shortlisted 7 quality products. We collected and analyzed 113,005 customer reviews through our big data system to write the external sound cards for usb 2.0 list. We found that most customers choose external sound cards for usb 2.0 with an average price of £13.29.

The external sound cards for usb 2.0 are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of external sound cards for usb 2.0, including UGREEN, CSL-Computer, zdyCGTime, Fdit, ASHATA. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 8,649 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Tom Law Avatar

Tom Law is an adventurer who has captured his love for nature into all of his works. A native of Newcastle, Tom has always wanted to share beautiful stories alongside the lovely sights of nature. Fortunately, he took into photography on one of his many journeys and gradually grew a passion for it. Tom Law is now an expert photographer who tours the world while creating and keeping memories of his adventures. He frequently puts his thoughts and experiences into writing.