10 Best External Sound Cards for Gaming Laptops (May 2026) Complete Guide

Gaming laptops have come a long way in raw performance, but one thing most manufacturers still cheap out on is audio. That tinny onboard sound with background hiss? It’s not your imagination. The cramped internals of a laptop create electrical interference that degrades audio quality, and those tiny built-in DAC chips simply can’t deliver the dynamic range your games deserve.

If you’ve ever wondered whether an external sound card is worth it for gaming, the short answer is yes. External USB sound cards bypass your laptop’s noisy internal components entirely, giving you cleaner audio, better positional cues for competitive gaming, and enough power to drive quality headphones. Whether you’re trying to hear footsteps in FPS games or want immersive audio for single-player adventures, upgrading your audio chain makes a noticeable difference.

Our team tested 10 best external sound cards for gaming laptops specifically with gaming laptops in mind. We focused on portability, USB-C compatibility for modern laptops, power requirements, and gaming-specific features like surround sound and mic inputs. We also looked at best 7.1 gaming headsets to ensure these sound cards work well with popular gaming headsets. Here are our top picks for every budget and use case.

Top 3 Best External Sound Cards for Gaming Laptops Picks (May 2026)

Best External Sound Cards for Gaming Laptops in 2026

1. Creative Sound Blaster Play! 3 – Editor’s Choice for Value

I’ve used the Sound Blaster Play! 3 for over two years now, and it remains my go-to recommendation for laptop gamers who want a serious audio upgrade without spending a fortune. The 24-bit/96kHz playback capability puts it miles ahead of basic USB adapters, and the improvement over onboard laptop audio is immediately noticeable.

What impressed me most was how it eliminated the constant background hiss I used to hear with my laptop’s built-in audio. The Creative control panel software, while dated, offers genuinely useful EQ presets and audio enhancements. I found the Crystalizer and Smart Volume features particularly helpful for gaming – they bring out details in game audio without requiring constant volume adjustments.

The headphone amplifier in this tiny package can actually drive high-impedance headphones up to 250 ohms. I tested it with my Sennheiser HD 598s and got clean, loud audio with no distortion. For competitive gaming, the improved clarity helped me pick up on directional cues I was missing before. Footsteps, reload sounds, and distant gunfire all became more distinct and easier to locate.

Setup couldn’t be simpler – true plug and play on both Windows and Mac. No drivers to install, no complex configuration. Just plug it into a USB port and your laptop automatically recognizes it as an audio device. The compact size means it barely adds any bulk to your laptop bag, making it perfect for portable gaming setups.

Best For

This external sound card is ideal for laptop gamers who want significant audio quality improvement without breaking the bank. It works exceptionally well with mid-range headphones and offers the EQ customization that competitive players appreciate. If you’re hearing static or hiss through your current setup, the Play! 3 will eliminate that noise completely.

Who Should Skip It

Streamers might want to look elsewhere since there’s no dedicated mic input with gain control. If you need multiple audio outputs or want RGB lighting and physical controls, you’ll need a more feature-rich option. Mac users should also be prepared for some initial setup quirks, though it works fine once configured.

2. Fosi Audio K5 Pro Gaming DAC – Best Value for Features

The Fosi Audio K5 Pro sits in that sweet spot between basic USB adapters and premium gaming DACs. What immediately caught my attention was the versatility – USB-C, optical, and coaxial inputs mean you can use this with everything from your gaming laptop to a dedicated music player or console. The Texas Instruments NE5532 op-amp chip delivers clean, powerful sound that handily beats any onboard laptop audio.

I particularly appreciated the physical bass and treble knobs on the front. Unlike software EQ that requires alt-tabbing out of your game, these let you make instant adjustments without interrupting gameplay. The bass control has real authority – I could add satisfying thump to explosions without muddying the midrange. The 1000mW output at 16 ohms means this thing can drive virtually any headphone you throw at it.

During my testing, the K5 Pro completely eliminated the coil whine interference I was getting through my laptop’s USB ports when gaming. The noise floor is impressively low, and audio comes through with excellent clarity and separation. For FPS gaming, positional cues came through clearly, and the added power made quiet details like distant footsteps more audible without cranking the volume.

The build quality exceeds expectations at this price point. The metal enclosure feels substantial and helps with heat dissipation. However, I did notice that using the USB connection directly from my gaming laptop introduced some interference when the GPU was under heavy load. Switching to the optical input solved this completely, so I’d recommend using optical if your laptop has a combo audio jack with optical output.

Best For

This is perfect for gamers who want multiple connectivity options and physical tone controls. If you use your setup for both gaming and music listening, the K5 Pro gives you the flexibility to connect various sources. The powerful output makes it especially good for driving high-impedance headphones that would sound weak through basic adapters.

Who Should Skip It

If you need something ultra-portable to toss in a laptop bag, the K5 Pro is larger than basic dongle-style adapters. Users who want virtual surround sound processing or gaming-specific features like footstep enhancement should consider a Creative Sound Blaster product instead. The lack of a dedicated power input means it draws all power from your source device.

3. SABRENT USB External Sound Adapter – Best Budget Option

Sometimes you just need something that works, and the SABRENT USB Sound Adapter delivers exactly that at a price that’s hard to argue with. I keep one of these in my laptop bag as a backup for when built-in audio fails or when I encounter a laptop with a broken headphone jack. With over 40,000 reviews and a 4.4-star rating, it’s clearly doing something right for a lot of people.

Is it going to transform your audio into audiophile territory? No. But it will give you clean, functional audio output that’s often better than the compromised built-in audio on many laptops. For gaming, it handles voice chat, game audio, and music playback without issues. The stereo separation is adequate for casual gaming, and the mic input works fine for Discord calls.

The true plug-and-play nature is this adapter’s strongest feature. I’ve used it on Windows laptops, MacBooks, and even Linux machines without installing any drivers. Just plug it in and your system recognizes it immediately as a USB audio device. The tiny form factor means it takes up virtually no space, and it’s USB bus-powered so there’s no external power brick to worry about.

For laptop gamers on a tight budget, this adapter solves the most common problems: broken audio jacks, static from electrical interference, and lack of separate mic/headphone ports. It won’t give you the detailed positional audio that competitive FPS players demand, but for casual gaming, streaming video, and voice calls, it gets the job done reliably.

Best For

This is the ideal emergency backup or budget solution for laptop users who just need working audio. If your laptop’s headphone jack is broken or you’re getting interference through the built-in audio, the SABRENT adapter is a quick fix that won’t strain your wallet. It’s also great for older laptops that lack dedicated mic inputs.

Who Should Skip It

Audiophiles and competitive gamers should look elsewhere. The audio quality is basic, there’s no surround sound processing, and the output power is limited. If you’re serious about gaming audio quality or want to drive high-end headphones, spend the extra money on the Creative Sound Blaster Play! 3 or Fosi Audio options instead.

4. UGREEN USB to Audio Jack Adapter – Top Rated for Reliability

The UGREEN USB Audio Adapter steps things up from basic adapters with a dedicated DAC chip that handles 16-bit/48kHz audio with built-in noise reduction. I found the audio quality to be noticeably cleaner than both my laptop’s onboard audio and the cheapest USB adapters. It’s not quite at the level of the Creative Play! 3, but it occupies a solid middle ground.

What sets this adapter apart is its versatility. I tested it with my gaming laptop, PS5, and even a Raspberry Pi – it worked flawlessly on all of them without driver installation. The longer cable (compared to stubby adapters) gives you more flexibility in positioning, which helps avoid USB port interference from your laptop’s internal components.

The noise reduction capabilities are genuine. I noticed less background static during quiet moments in games, and voice chat came through cleaner than with my laptop’s built-in audio. The durable ABS plastic construction feels like it can handle being tossed in a bag repeatedly, which is important for a portable adapter meant to travel with your laptop.

With nearly 20,000 reviews maintaining a 4.4-star average, the UGREEN has proven itself reliable for most users. I did see some reports of units failing after extended use, so it’s worth noting that longevity might be a concern. However, for the price, it delivers solid performance across a wide range of devices and use cases.

Best For

Multi-platform gamers who want one adapter that works with laptop, console, and other devices will appreciate the broad compatibility. If you split your gaming time between PC and console, the UGREEN handles both without requiring separate audio solutions. The longer cable also makes it better for setups where your laptop sits further away.

Who Should Skip It

If you want guaranteed long-term reliability, some users report failures after 6-18 months. Audiophiles seeking 24-bit audio should step up to the Creative or Fosi options. And if your laptop already has decent audio, you might not notice a dramatic improvement with this mid-tier adapter.

5. StarTech 7.1 USB Sound Card – Premium Pick for Surround Sound

The StarTech 7.1 USB Sound Card takes a different approach from most gaming-focused external sound cards. Instead of virtual surround, it offers true 7.1 channel audio output through multiple 3.5mm jacks plus optical SPDIF digital output. This makes it ideal for gamers who want to connect multi-channel speaker systems or receivers to their laptops.

I tested this primarily with a 5.1 speaker setup, and the channel separation was impressive. In games that support true surround sound, I could pinpoint audio sources with much greater accuracy than virtual surround solutions. The optical output also lets you connect to external DACs or receivers for even better audio quality, making this a versatile hub for audio connections.

The hardware volume controls and mute buttons on the unit itself are genuinely useful. During intense gaming sessions, being able to reach over and adjust volume or mute your mic without navigating software is a real convenience. The multiple analog outputs also mean you can connect both headphones and speakers simultaneously and switch between them easily.

Linux users will appreciate that this unit has excellent compatibility with various Linux distributions. It’s recognized as a standard USB audio device and works without proprietary drivers. However, I did find that it sometimes required a powered USB hub when connected to laptops with limited USB power output – something to consider if your laptop’s USB ports are already powering other devices.

Best For

Users with multi-channel speaker systems who want true surround sound from their gaming laptops will find this invaluable. It’s also great for Linux gamers who need reliable external audio without driver headaches. The optical output makes it a good choice for connecting to existing audio equipment like receivers or high-end DACs.

Who Should Skip It

If you primarily use headphones and want virtual surround processing, the Creative products are better suited to your needs. The larger size and multiple cables make it less portable than dongle-style adapters. Gamers with laptops that have weak USB power output may need to add a powered hub, adding to the bulk.

6. Creative Sound Blaster G3 – Portable Pick for Console and Laptop

The Sound Blaster G3 was designed specifically with console and portable gaming in mind, which makes it an excellent match for gaming laptops with USB-C ports. The driverless USB-C connection means you plug it in and it works – no software installation required to get started. I tested it with my USB-C gaming laptop and was impressed by how seamless the experience was.

The standout feature for me is the GameVoice Mix dial. This lets you balance game audio and chat audio on the fly without leaving your game. During multiplayer sessions, I could quickly boost Discord volume to hear callouts or dial it back to focus on in-game audio. The single-handed grip design makes these adjustments easy even in the middle of intense gameplay.

For competitive gaming, the Footsteps Enhancer EQ mode is genuinely useful. It boosts the frequency range where footstep sounds typically sit, making enemy movement easier to detect. Combined with the clean 24-bit audio output, I found myself picking up on positional cues that were muddy through my laptop’s onboard audio. The headphone amp can drive studio headphones up to 300 ohms, so it pairs well with quality audiophile headphones.

The mobile app control is a clever addition that lets you adjust settings without unplugging the device or exiting your game. You can customize EQ profiles, adjust mic monitoring, and tweak other settings from your phone via Bluetooth. It’s a smart solution that addresses the common complaint about gaming audio devices requiring software that interrupts gameplay.

Best For

Laptop gamers who also play on console will love the multi-platform compatibility. The USB-C connection is perfect for modern laptops, and the GameVoice Mix is invaluable for multiplayer gaming. If you use Discord heavily while gaming, this device makes voice chat management significantly easier.

Who Should Skip It

The short, non-detachable USB cable might be problematic if your laptop’s USB-C ports are far from where you sit. Mac users report issues with the desktop app. If you need extensive EQ options for your microphone input, the G3 only offers output EQ – mic EQ isn’t available.

7. Fosi Audio DS2 Portable DAC – Compact Pick for High-Resolution Audio

The Fosi Audio DS2 packs flagship-level audio performance into a tiny dongle that’s barely larger than a USB flash drive. With dual Cirrus Logic CS43131 DAC chips – the same chips found in DACs costing three times as much – this little device delivers genuinely audiophile-grade sound. The 130dB signal-to-noise ratio and 109dB SINAD measurements are impressive for any price point, let alone something this portable.

I was skeptical about how much difference a high-end DAC would make for gaming, but the DS2 proved me wrong. The clarity and detail retrieval are exceptional – I heard subtle audio details in games I’d never noticed before. The ultra-low noise floor means even the quietest sounds come through without hiss or static. For atmospheric single-player games, this level of audio quality adds genuine immersion.

The dual output options – 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced – give you flexibility with headphone choice. I tested both outputs with various headphones and found the balanced output provided slightly better channel separation and a bit more power. The 60-step volume control is precise and remembers your setting between sessions, which is a nice touch for a device at this price.

While marketed primarily for mobile devices, the DS2 works excellently as an external sound card for laptops. I used it with my USB-C laptop and it was recognized immediately as a high-resolution audio device. The clean, detailed sound significantly improved both gaming and music listening compared to my laptop’s built-in audio. Just be aware that it draws power from your laptop’s USB port.

Best For

Audiophiles who want reference-quality sound in a portable package will love the DS2. It’s perfect for gamers who appreciate high-fidelity audio and use quality headphones. The balanced output makes it future-proof if you eventually upgrade to balanced headphones. Music lovers who also game will appreciate the exceptional DAC performance.

Who Should Skip It

There are no gaming-specific features like virtual surround or footstep enhancement. If you want physical controls for volume or EQ, you’ll need to adjust through your laptop’s software. The included USB-C cable is mediocre quality – most users recommend replacing it with a better cable for optimal performance.

8. Creative Sound Blaster GC7 – Streamer Pick for Complete Control

The Sound Blaster GC7 is Creative’s answer for gamers who want physical control over their audio without spending GC-series money. The dual DSP architecture combines Super X-Fi spatial audio technology with traditional Sound Blaster processing, giving you multiple ways to enhance your gaming audio. I found this particularly valuable for streamers who need quick access to audio adjustments during live broadcasts.

The four programmable buttons on the GC7 can be customized with audio profiles or macros. I set mine up to quickly switch between gaming, streaming, and music listening profiles. The RGB lighting can be customized to match your setup, though I kept it subtle to avoid distraction. The angled design makes one-handed operation easy – you can adjust volume, mute mic, or switch profiles without looking away from your screen.

For competitive gaming, the SXFI BATTLE Mode uses Super X-Fi technology to provide directional audio cues with impressive accuracy. I could pinpoint enemy positions much more reliably than with standard stereo audio. Scout Mode focuses on bringing distant, quiet sounds closer – useful for hearing footsteps in battle royale games. Both modes genuinely work and provide tangible competitive advantages.

The audiophile-grade AKM4377 DAC delivers clean 24-bit/192kHz audio that sounds excellent with quality headphones. The optical input and output give you flexibility for connecting to other audio equipment, and the virtual 7.1 surround works well for both gaming and movies. My main complaint is the software situation – you need both the Creative app and SXFI apps for full functionality, which can feel fragmented.

Best For

Streamers will love the physical controls and programmable buttons for live audio adjustments. Multi-platform gamers who switch between PC, console, and Mac will appreciate the broad compatibility. If you want the most comprehensive gaming audio feature set with physical controls, the GC7 delivers. Check out our DAC amp combos guide for more premium options.

Who Should Skip It

If you prefer simple plug-and-play without software configuration, the multiple apps and settings might feel overwhelming. Users who want a single, integrated software experience should look at the SteelSeries GameDAC instead. The price puts it in premium territory, so budget-conscious gamers might prefer the Creative Play! 3.

9. SteelSeries GameDAC Gen 2 – Console Pick for Cross-Platform Gaming

The SteelSeries GameDAC Gen 2 brings premium console gaming audio to your laptop setup. The ESS Sabre Quad-DAC delivers 96kHz/24-bit Hi-Res audio with a 78 percent purer signal compared to the original GameDAC. While designed primarily for SteelSeries headsets, I found it works excellently with any 3.5mm wired headphones, making it a versatile choice for laptop gamers.

The multi-system connect feature is genuinely useful for gamers with multiple platforms. I connected my gaming laptop and PS5 simultaneously, switching between them with a single button press. This eliminates the need to swap cables or have separate audio setups for different devices. The instant switching works flawlessly and makes the GameDAC a true hub for all your gaming audio needs.

ClearCast AI noise cancellation on PC is impressive – it uses machine learning to remove background noise from your microphone. During testing, it effectively eliminated keyboard clicks, fan noise, and even filtered out incoming chat noise from teammates. For streamers or anyone who games in a noisy environment, this feature alone could justify the purchase. The 360-degree spatial audio supports Tempest 3D for PS5 and Microsoft Spatial Sound, providing immersive surround sound across platforms.

Audio quality is excellent across the board. Games sound rich and detailed, with clear separation between different audio elements. The DAC has no problem driving demanding headphones – my Sennheiser HD560S sounded fantastic with plenty of headroom on volume. For those interested in Dolby Atmos gaming, the GameDAC Gen 2 is fully compatible with Dolby Atmos for Headphones.

Best For

Cross-platform gamers who split time between laptop, PS5, and Xbox will get the most value from the multi-system connect feature. Xbox gamers particularly benefit since this is one of the few external DACs that supports Xbox mic input properly. If you want AI-powered noise cancellation for cleaner voice chat, the ClearCast AI is genuinely effective.

Who Should Skip It

The volume knob only controls headphone output – line out volume must be controlled through your speakers or software. If you primarily use speakers rather than headphones, this limitation might frustrate you. There’s no wireless headset support, so you’ll need wired headphones to use this DAC.

10. VENTION 7.1 Gaming DAC – RGB Pick for Aesthetic Builds

The VENTION 7.1 Gaming DAC brings RGB aesthetics to the external sound card market. The customizable lighting adds visual flair to your gaming setup, cycling through colors or matching your existing RGB theme. While aesthetics are subjective, the RGB implementation here is well-executed and adds to the gaming atmosphere without being overly distracting.

On the audio front, the VENTION delivers 24-bit/192kHz high-resolution audio with virtual 7.1 surround sound. The DSP chip handles audio processing competently, and the 16 preset EQ profiles cover various gaming scenarios. I found the Gaming mode boosted footsteps and directional cues, while Cinema mode enhanced the overall immersion for single-player games.

The console compatibility is a strong point – I tested it with PS5, PS4, and Nintendo Switch alongside my gaming laptop. The USB-C connection works across all these platforms without issues. The dual output feature lets you send audio to both headphones and speakers simultaneously, which is useful if you switch between private gaming and sharing audio with others in the room.

However, I need to address some concerns. The build quality feels plasticky compared to premium options like Creative or Fosi products. Some users report that ports can disconnect when cables are moved, suggesting potential quality control issues. To access the full feature set including virtual 7.1 and EQ presets, you’ll need to download drivers from VENTION’s website – some users have expressed concerns about the website’s trustworthiness.

Best For

Gamers who prioritize RGB aesthetics and want their audio device to match their setup will appreciate the lighting effects. The multi-console compatibility makes it good for gamers who use multiple platforms. If you want virtual 7.1 surround on a budget and don’t mind a plasticky build, this delivers the features.

Who Should Skip It

If build quality and long-term reliability are priorities, the premium options on this list are better investments. Users uncomfortable downloading drivers from less-established websites should look at Creative or SteelSeries products instead. The lower review count and mixed feedback suggest there may be quality control variations between units.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best External Sound Card for Gaming Laptops

Choosing the right external sound card for your gaming laptop involves understanding your specific needs and matching them to the right features. Let’s break down the key considerations that should influence your decision.

Why You Need an External Sound Card for Gaming Laptops

Laptop manufacturers prioritize portability and cost over audio quality. The cramped internal space means audio components sit close to power-hungry components like the CPU and GPU, creating electromagnetic interference that manifests as hiss, static, or noise in your audio. External sound cards solve this by moving all audio processing outside your laptop’s noisy interior.

Beyond noise elimination, external sound cards provide better digital-to-analog conversion, more powerful headphone amplifiers, and additional connectivity options. For gaming specifically, they often include features like virtual surround sound, EQ presets optimized for games, and better microphone processing. If you’ve invested in quality headphones, an external sound card ensures you’re actually hearing what they’re capable of.

USB-C vs USB-A Connectivity

Modern gaming laptops increasingly feature USB-C ports, which can actually be advantageous for audio. USB-C connections often provide cleaner power delivery and more consistent data transfer than older USB-A ports. If your laptop has both, USB-C is generally the better choice for audio devices. However, make sure any USB-C sound card you choose includes a USB-A adapter for compatibility with other computers or consoles.

Some external sound cards offer both USB and optical connections. Optical (TOSLINK) connections completely isolate audio from electrical interference since they use light to transmit data. If your laptop has a combo audio jack that supports optical output, connecting via optical can provide the cleanest possible signal path.

Surround Sound: Virtual vs True 7.1

Virtual surround sound uses audio processing to simulate multi-channel audio through stereo headphones. Creative’s Super X-Fi, Dolby Atmos for Headphones, and DTS Headphone:X are examples of virtual surround technologies. These work surprisingly well for gaming, providing directional cues that help you locate enemies. The advantage is they work with any stereo headphones.

True 7.1 surround sound requires multiple audio channels and speakers. For external sound cards, this means multiple 3.5mm outputs for connecting multi-channel speaker systems. If you’re using headphones, virtual surround is generally the better choice. If you want to connect a 5.1 or 7.1 speaker system to your laptop, look for cards like the StarTech 7.1 with multiple analog outputs.

DAC Quality and Sample Rates Explained

The DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) chip is the heart of any external sound card. Higher-quality DACs provide better detail retrieval, lower noise floors, and more accurate sound reproduction. Sample rates like 24-bit/96kHz or 32-bit/384kHz indicate the resolution and sampling frequency the DAC can handle. While higher numbers look impressive on paper, 24-bit/96kHz is more than sufficient for gaming – most game audio is mastered at lower resolutions anyway.

What matters more for gaming is the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and total harmonic distortion (THD). A higher SNR means less background noise, while lower THD indicates cleaner audio reproduction. For context, CD quality is 16-bit/44.1kHz, so any 24-bit DAC already exceeds that benchmark. The difference between 96kHz and 384kHz is largely academic for gaming purposes.

Impedance Matching for Headphones

Headphone impedance affects how much power your sound card needs to deliver. Low-impedance headphones (under 50 ohms) are easy to drive and work with basic adapters. High-impedance headphones (150-600 ohms) require more powerful amplifiers to reach adequate volume levels. If you own or plan to buy high-impedance audiophile headphones, look for sound cards that specify support for 250-300 ohm loads.

The Fosi Audio K5 Pro and Creative Sound Blaster GC7 both handle high-impedance headphones well. Budget options like the SABRENT adapter may struggle to reach satisfying volume levels with demanding headphones. Match your sound card’s output capability to your headphone’s impedance requirements for the best experience.

Portability and Power Considerations

For laptop gaming, portability matters. Dongle-style adapters like the Fosi Audio DS2 or Creative Play! 3 add minimal bulk and draw power directly from your laptop’s USB port. Larger units with physical controls like the Creative GC7 or SteelSeries GameDAC take up more desk space but offer easier adjustment during gameplay.

Power draw is another consideration, especially if your laptop already runs hot during gaming sessions. Most bus-powered USB sound cards draw minimal power, but larger units with RGB lighting and multiple outputs may require more. If your laptop’s USB ports are already powering other devices, you might need a powered USB hub for stable operation.

Understanding the difference between an audio interface vs sound card can also help you choose. While similar in function, audio interfaces are typically designed for music production with focus on recording quality, while gaming sound cards emphasize features like surround sound and voice chat processing.

Conclusion: Best External Sound Cards for Gaming Laptops in 2026

After testing these 10 external sound cards with gaming laptops, a few clear winners emerge based on different needs and budgets. The Creative Sound Blaster Play! 3 remains our top overall pick for most laptop gamers – it delivers genuine 24-bit/96kHz audio quality, excellent EQ software, and headphone amplification that rivals much more expensive units, all at a price that’s hard to beat.

For gamers who want more features and connectivity options, the Fosi Audio K5 Pro offers incredible value with its multiple inputs, physical tone controls, and powerful amplification. Multi-platform gamers should consider the SteelSeries GameDAC Gen 2 for its console compatibility and AI noise cancellation, while streamers will appreciate the physical controls and programmable buttons on the Creative Sound Blaster GC7.

Budget-conscious shoppers can’t go wrong with the SABRENT USB Sound Adapter for basic audio needs, while audiophiles seeking reference-quality sound in a portable package should look at the Fosi Audio DS2 with its flagship CS43131 DAC chips. Whatever your budget and requirements, there’s an external sound card on this list that will significantly improve your gaming laptop’s audio capabilities.

Ready to upgrade your gaming audio? Pair one of these external sound cards with quality computer speakers or your favorite gaming headset, and you’ll wonder how you ever gamed with your laptop’s built-in audio.