The market is filled up with a variety of creative sound cards, but the best creative sound cards that suits your needs can be a bit difficult to find. But, if you leave it in the hands of experts, like us, then you can be assured that you will land up with a reliable and trusted creative sound cards. So, without wasting any further time, let’s dive into the article.
We spent hours scouring the internet for the best creative sound cards, reading reviews and pulling from our own personal experiences to bring you our list of the top ten available on the market right now. We have presented a variety of options, so that there’s something out there for everyone. If you ask us personally, then the ultimate choice, that we would recommend you is Creative Labs Sound Blaster Play! 3 External USB Sound Adapter for Windows and Mac. Plug and Play (No Drivers Required). Upgrade to 24-Bit 96Khz Playback. If you are looking for something a bit on the cheaper side, then you have got your Creative Sound Blaster Z SE Internal PCI-e Gaming Sound Card and DAC, 24-bit / 192 kHz, 116 dB SNR, ASIO, 600Ω Headphones Amp, Mic EQ, Discrete 5.1 / Virtual 7.1, Supports Dolby Digital Live, DTS. For the rest options, read the article till the very end.
All ten of the options on our list have their own unique features that make them great, it’s up to you to decide which one makes the most sense for you. if you are looking for an efficient and effective creative sound cards, our comparison chart should be of great help to you. Here is our comparative guide to the creative sound cards available as well as our recommendations
Best creative sound cards
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Product Title
Score
Creative Sound Blaster Audigy FX PCIe 5.1 Internal Sound Card with High Performance Headphone Amp for PCs
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9.8
Creative Sound Blaster AE-7 Hi-Res Internal PCIe Sound Card, Quad-Core Processor, 127dB DNR ESS SABRE-class 9018 DAC, Xamp Discrete Custom Bi-amp, Discrete 5.1/Virtual 7.1, Dolby, DTS Encoding (Black)
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9.4
Creative Sound Blaster Audigy PCIe RX 7.1 Sound Card with High Performance Headphone Amp
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9.1
Creative Sound Blaster Z SE Internal PCI-e Gaming Sound Card and DAC, 24-bit / 192 kHz, 116 dB SNR, ASIO, 600Ω Headphones Amp, Mic EQ, Discrete 5.1 / Virtual 7.1, Supports Dolby Digital Live, DTS
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8.9
Sound BlasterX G6 Hi-Res 130dB 32bit/384kHz Gaming DAC, External USB Sound Card with Xamp Headphone Amp, Dolby Digital, 7.1 Virtual Surround Sound, Sidetone/Speaker Control for PS4, Xbox One
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8.5
Creative Sound Blaster X4 External USB DAC Amp with Super X-Fi, 7.1 Surround, Optical I/O, Mic/Headset/Line-in – For PC and Mac
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8.1
Creative Labs Sound Blaster Play! 3 External USB Sound Adapter for Windows and Mac. Plug and Play (No Drivers Required). Upgrade to 24-Bit 96Khz Playback
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7.8
Creative Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus Black SABRE32-class Hi-Resolution PCIe Gaming Sound Card and DAC (Renewed)
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7.5
Creative Sound Blaster X4 Hi-Res 24bit/192kHz External USB DAC and Amp Sound Card – SB1815 (Renewed)
Buy Now
Buy Now
7.1
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Product Title
9.8
Creative Sound Blaster Audigy FX PCIe 5.1 Internal Sound Card with High Performance Headphone Amp for PCs
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9.4
Creative Sound Blaster AE-7 Hi-Res Internal PCIe Sound Card, Quad-Core Processor, 127dB DNR ESS SABRE-class 9018 DAC, Xamp Discrete Custom Bi-amp, Discrete 5.1/Virtual 7.1, Dolby, DTS Encoding (Black)
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9.1
Creative Sound Blaster Audigy PCIe RX 7.1 Sound Card with High Performance Headphone Amp
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8.9
Creative Sound Blaster Z SE Internal PCI-e Gaming Sound Card and DAC, 24-bit / 192 kHz, 116 dB SNR, ASIO, 600Ω Headphones Amp, Mic EQ, Discrete 5.1 / Virtual 7.1, Supports Dolby Digital Live, DTS
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8.5
Sound BlasterX G6 Hi-Res 130dB 32bit/384kHz Gaming DAC, External USB Sound Card with Xamp Headphone Amp, Dolby Digital, 7.1 Virtual Surround Sound, Sidetone/Speaker Control for PS4, Xbox One
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8.1
Creative Sound Blaster X4 External USB DAC Amp with Super X-Fi, 7.1 Surround, Optical I/O, Mic/Headset/Line-in – For PC and Mac
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7.8
Creative Labs Sound Blaster Play! 3 External USB Sound Adapter for Windows and Mac. Plug and Play (No Drivers Required). Upgrade to 24-Bit 96Khz Playback
Buy Now
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7.5
Creative Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus Black SABRE32-class Hi-Resolution PCIe Gaming Sound Card and DAC (Renewed)
Buy Now
Buy Now
7.1
Creative Sound Blaster X4 Hi-Res 24bit/192kHz External USB DAC and Amp Sound Card – SB1815 (Renewed)
Buy Now
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6.3
Creative Sound Blaster Z SE Internal PCI-e Gaming Sound Card and DAC (Renewed)
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Creative Sound Blaster Audigy FX PCIe 5.1 Internal Sound Card with High Performance Headphone Amp for PCs
Creative Sound Blaster Audigy FX PCIe 5.1 Internal Sound Card with High Performance Headphone Amp for PCs
$39.99 in stock
3 new from $39.99
5 used from $24.86
5 used from $24.86
Free shipping
Amazon.com
as of May 25, 2024 3:17 am
Features
- Easily converts the PC into a cinematic entertainment system by providing a compelling 5.1 surround sound
- Advanced Audio Processing with SBX Pro Studio, a suite of Sound Blaster audio processing technologies that let you bring out the best in your audio
- Supports Windows 11 and includes both half-height and full-height brackets for most PC builds, as well as the Sound Blaster Audigy Fx Control Panel, a PC software that puts you in full control of the SBX Pro Studio suite of technologies
- 600 ohm headphone amp for high performance, studio grade monitoring
- 106 SNR and 24-bit 192kHz DAC (Playback) and 96kHz ADC (Recording)
Creative Sound Blaster AE-7 Hi-Res Internal PCIe Sound Card, Quad-Core Processor, 127dB DNR ESS SABRE-class 9018 DAC, Xamp Discrete Custom Bi-amp, Discrete 5.1/Virtual 7.1, Dolby, DTS Encoding (Black)
Creative Sound Blaster AE-7 Hi-Res Internal PCIe Sound Card, Quad-Core Processor, 127dB DNR ESS SABRE-class 9018 DAC, Xamp Discrete Custom Bi-amp, Discrete 5.1/Virtual 7.1, Dolby, DTS Encoding (Black)
$209.99 in stock
38 new from $199.99
20 used from $126.40
20 used from $126.40
Free shipping
Amazon.com
as of May 25, 2024 3:17 am
Features
- Pristine Audio Output | Supreme Audio Fidelity With 127 Db Dnr Hi-Res 32-Bit / 384 Khz Playback Via Ess Sabre-Class 9018 Dac And Dsd64 Playback Support That Satisfies Even The Most Demanding Needs Of Audiophiles For Incredibly Clean Audio
- Massively Powerful Headphone Audio | Custom Xamp Discrete Headphone Bi-Amp Powers Each Earcup Separately With 1Ω Output Impedance And Drives Studio-Grade Headphones Of Up To 600Ω, Including High-End Planar-Magnetic Headphones. And With The Audio Control Module, Gain Quick Access To The Volume Control Knob, As Well As The ¼” And ⅛” Mic And Headphones I/O Connectors – All Within Your Fingertips
- Theatrical-Grade Discreet And Virtual Surround | Supports Discrete 5. 1 On Speakers With Dolby Digital Live / Dts Connect Encoding, And Up To 7. 1 Virtual Surround On Headphones And Speakers. To Top It Off, We Have Also Integrated Sound Blaster’S Surround Virtualization Technology Onto Ae-7 So That You Can Conveniently Enjoy Surround Sound On Most Form Of Media
- True Hardware Accelerated Audio | Dedicated Quad-Core Processor Designed To Deliver Incredibly Pristine And Enhanced Sound On Your Pc Without Overstressing Your Cpu. Sound Blaster Manages Audio Processing On The Card Itself, Freeing Your Cpu To Handle Other Tasks
Creative Sound Blaster Audigy PCIe RX 7.1 Sound Card with High Performance Headphone Amp
Creative Sound Blaster Audigy PCIe RX 7.1 Sound Card with High Performance Headphone Amp
$59.07 in stock
42 new from $58.99
12 used from $29.57
12 used from $29.57
Free shipping
Amazon.com
as of May 25, 2024 3:17 am
Features
- Advanced chipset is designed to process the legendary EAX reverb engine for powerful enhanced audio
- Immerse yourself in full cinematic 7.1 multi-channel audio, perfect for games, movies and music
- 106dB SNR ensures a high level of audio quality and supported operating systems is Windows 8, Windows XP SP2 or higher, Windows Vista SP1 or higher, Windows 7, Windows 10
- 600 ohm headphone amp provides studio grade monitoring
- High quality 24-bit 192 kHz stereo direct playback
Creative Sound Blaster Z SE Internal PCI-e Gaming Sound Card and DAC, 24-bit / 192 kHz, 116 dB SNR, ASIO, 600Ω Headphones Amp, Mic EQ, Discrete 5.1 / Virtual 7.1, Supports Dolby Digital Live, DTS
Creative Sound Blaster Z SE Internal PCI-e Gaming Sound Card and DAC, 24-bit / 192 kHz, 116 dB SNR, ASIO, 600Ω Headphones Amp, Mic EQ, Discrete 5.1 / Virtual 7.1, Supports Dolby Digital Live, DTS
$99.99 in stock
30 new from $99.99
22 used from $49.29
22 used from $49.29
Free shipping
Amazon.com
as of May 25, 2024 3:17 am
Features
- PRISTINE AUDIO CLARITY – With up to 116 dB SNR at an amazing bit rate of up to 24-bit / 192 kHz, enjoy impressive audio quality for your every need. The sound card also features gold-plated connectors, speaker optimization technology, and digital content encoding capability for the best digital audio performance. Coupled with Audio Stream Input / Output (ASIO) support, Sound Blaster Z SE delivers low-latency and high-fidelity audio, even for your recordings
- SBX GAMING EQ PROFILES – Emerge as the last man standing with our updated SBX Gaming Profiles for hot titles such as Apex Legends, Fortnite, Overwatch, PUBG, and more. In-house tuned and optimized to sound the best for the respective games, you can get started right away or further tweak the EQs, instead of having to create the profiles from scratch. Simply select the respective game from our latest Sound Blaster Command software’s menu, and be battle-ready instantly
- IMMERSIVE SURROUND SOUND – Get fully immersed and stay focused on your games with our surround sound. The Sound Blaster Z SE now supports 7.1 virtual on headphones and speakers alongside discrete 5.1 for speakers. You can even switch between headphones and your speakers via the software for those times you want to pump the bass, or go stealthier with your headphones. For extra delivery options to your external devices, the Z SE also supports Dolby Digital Live and DTS Encoding
- CRYSTAL CLEAR COMMUNICATION – Comes with a list of Microphone EQ Presets that compensates for your headset’s built-in mic so you can be heard clearly–whether it is to reduce the harshness of your tonality, sound more natural, or to increase the mids for vocal clarity. Together with our Sound Blaster Command Software’s CrystalVoice technology that helps remove echoes and ambient noises, the Z SE is perfect for games and even video conferences while working from home for better communications
Sound BlasterX G6 Hi-Res 130dB 32bit/384kHz Gaming DAC, External USB Sound Card with Xamp Headphone Amp, Dolby Digital, 7.1 Virtual Surround Sound, Sidetone/Speaker Control for PS4, Xbox One
Sound BlasterX G6 Hi-Res 130dB 32bit/384kHz Gaming DAC, External USB Sound Card with Xamp Headphone Amp, Dolby Digital, 7.1 Virtual Surround Sound, Sidetone/Speaker Control for PS4, Xbox One
$119.89 in stock
27 new from $119.89
8 used from $79.95
8 used from $79.95
Free shipping
Amazon.com
as of May 25, 2024 3:17 am
Features
- UPGRADE YOUR GAMES ON PS4, XBOX ONE, NINTENDO SWITCH, AND PC | Get immediate increased enjoyment over basic motherboard and controller audio! Apart from incredible audio quality, the Sound BlasterX G6 boasts gaming-centric features such as Sidetone volume control and easy-to-reach profile buttons
- INDUSTRY-LEADING AUDIO PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY Enjoy full audio customization and enhanced audio realism with immersive 7.1 surround virtualization, accurate cues, bass boost and in-game voice communication enhancements. It also has Scout Mode than enhances in-game audio cues, letting you hear your enemies before they hear you
- 7.1 VIRTUAL SURROUND SOUND AND DOLBY DIGITAL Enjoy the latest in immersion technology with Dolby Digital decoding or Sound Blaster’s proprietary surround sound perfect for games and movies
- DISCRETE HEADPHONE AMP Custom-designed Xamp headphone amplifier features discrete components through all stages of amplification in a bi-amp design. Each audio channel is individually amplified to deliver a whole new level of pristine audio fidelity in an authentic, unaltered lossless model. The ultra-low 1 Ohm output impedance perfectly drives performance-grade sensitive 8W in-ear monitors all the way to studio-grade 600W headphones
- 130dB DNR, 32-bit 384kHz DAC Advanced 32-bit oversampled multi-bit modulator with mismatch shaping technology eliminates distortion, ensuring audio is streamed with the highest level of detail and fidelity
Creative Sound Blaster X4 External USB DAC Amp with Super X-Fi, 7.1 Surround, Optical I/O, Mic/Headset/Line-in – For PC and Mac
Creative Sound Blaster X4 External USB DAC Amp with Super X-Fi, 7.1 Surround, Optical I/O, Mic/Headset/Line-in - For PC and Mac
$127.49
in stock
12 new from $127.49
1 used from $232.15
1 used from $232.15
Free shipping
Amazon.com
as of May 25, 2024 3:17 am
Features
- 7.1 DISCRETE SURROUND WITH SUPER X-FI AND DOLBY DIGITAL LIVE - Supports up to 7.1 discrete for multi-channel speakers and virtual for headphones
- IMPROVED COMMUNICATION WITH SMARTCOMMS KIT AND CRYSTALVOICE - Features our SmartComms Kit, a suite of smart communication features that simplify the way you take work calls on Windows 10 platform. Turn on VoiceDetect to auto mute and unmute your mic, or get rid of static background noise in your own environment as well as the other parties' via our two-way noise cancellation feature NoiseClean. In tandem, CrystalVoice technology enhances voice for clear recordings and in-game communications
- CONNECT WITH EVERYTHING - With a newly added optical-in port, it is now much easier to connect multiple audio devices, from external microphones and headsets, to platforms like your PC, Mac, gaming consoles, and even your multi-channel speaker systems. Just power up the Sound Blaster X4 via the USB-C port, and enjoy high-quality audio with everything. The Sound Blaster X4 is also a headphone amplifier that is capable of driving studio-grade headphones of up to 600Ω
- EASY ACCESS TO ALL CONTROLS - Pick between three EQ modes or re-program them, and save your settings on the device. There are also the Direct Mic Mute, Direct Mode, Super X-Fi and SXFI BATTLE Mode on/off buttons, as well as a speaker (Line-out) and headphones switch button. After a one-time setup, instantly adjust the volume levels between two audio sources (SPDIF / Optical / USB) with the Audio Balance feature via the volume knob, perfect for communicating with music on
- GAME AND HEAR YOUR WAY – Choose between SXFI BATTLE Mode or Scout and get to winning your FPS game. Configure each element of your audio settings or switch them off completely via the Creative app. Access the full range of audio adjustments via the PC app, or make quick adjustments to your EQ settings from your phone. All these are powered by our Sound Blaster’s audio promise with 114 dB audio clarity and hi-res 192 kHz/24-bit playback
Creative Labs Sound Blaster Play! 3 External USB Sound Adapter for Windows and Mac. Plug and Play (No Drivers Required). Upgrade to 24-Bit 96Khz Playback
Creative Labs Sound Blaster Play! 3 External USB Sound Adapter for Windows and Mac. Plug and Play (No Drivers Required). Upgrade to 24-Bit 96Khz Playback
$17.19 in stock
27 new from $17.19
Free shipping
Amazon.com
as of May 25, 2024 3:17 am
Features
- power source type: Corded Electric
- No drivers needed -- works straight out of the box.
- Works with PC and Mac -- Compatible with Windows 10, 8.1, 7; and Mac OS x10.9 or higher. Enhance your listening experience -- Upgrade your existing on-board sound to a USB DAC capable of 24-bit 96kHz playback Instantly!
- Easy Headphone connectivity -- Compatible with all analog headsets, from standard mobile phone earbuds to gaming and studio-grade headphones. Connect your headsets with single or split stereo/mic connector easily without the use of a Y-splitter cable.
- Powerful downloadable software -- control panel software gives powerful Audio Enhancements and unprecedented control. Also includes optimized profiles for multiple earphone brands.
Creative Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus Black SABRE32-class Hi-Resolution PCIe Gaming Sound Card and DAC (Renewed)
Creative Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus Black SABRE32-class Hi-Resolution PCIe Gaming Sound Card and DAC (Renewed)
$89.98
in stock
Amazon.com
as of May 25, 2024 3:17 am
Features
- SUPPORTS DOLBY DIGITAL AND DTS – Now with support for Dolby Digital Live and DTS Encoding for even more delivery options to your external audio devices The AE-5 Plus also supports 5.1 discrete and 7.1 virtual surround, as well as Sound Blaster’s Surround Virtualization technology
- POWERFUL DISCRETE HEADPHONE AMP – Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus features Xamp, our custom-designed discrete headphone amp that utilizes bi-amplification technology to power each earcup individually with 1 ohm output impedance and drives studio-grade headphones of up to 600Ω, including high-end planar-magnetic headphones
- PRISTINE AUDIO QUALITY – Featuring the SABRE32 ultra-class PCI-e DAC to deliver up to 32-bit , 384 kHz playback with a 122 dB DNR, ultra-low distortion and jitter, the AE-5 Plus is more than capable of hi-res audio for games, music, and movies
- RGB YOUR GAMING RIG – The AE-5 Plus has customizable RGB LEDs on its body, and also features an included RGB LED strip
Creative Sound Blaster X4 Hi-Res 24bit/192kHz External USB DAC and Amp Sound Card – SB1815 (Renewed)
Creative Sound Blaster X4 Hi-Res 24bit/192kHz External USB DAC and Amp Sound Card - SB1815 (Renewed)
$89.95
in stock
2 new from $89.95
Free shipping
Amazon.com
as of May 25, 2024 3:17 am
Features
- IMPROVED COMMUNICATION WITH SMARTCOMMS KIT AND CRYSTALVOICE - Features our SmartComms Kit, a suite of smart communication features that simplify the way you take work calls on Windows 10 platform. Turn on VoiceDetect to auto mute and unmute your mic, or get rid of static background noise in your own environment as well as the other parties' via our two-way noise cancellation feature NoiseClean. In tandem, CrystalVoice technology enhances voice for clear recordings and in-game communications
- CONNECT WITH EVERYTHING - With a newly added optical-in port, it is now much easier to connect multiple audio devices, from external microphones and headsets, to platforms like your PC, Mac, gaming consoles, and even your multi-channel speaker systems. Just power up the Sound Blaster X4 via the USB-C port, and enjoy high-quality audio with everything. The Sound Blaster X4 is also a headphone amplifier that is capable of driving studio-grade headphones of up to 600Ω
Creative Sound Blaster Z SE Internal PCI-e Gaming Sound Card and DAC (Renewed)
Creative Sound Blaster Z SE Internal PCI-e Gaming Sound Card and DAC (Renewed)
$64.98 in stock
Amazon.com
as of May 25, 2024 3:17 am
Features
- PRISTINE AUDIO CLARITY – With up to 116 dB SNR at an amazing bit rate of up to 24-bit / 192 kHz, enjoy impressive audio quality for your every need. The sound card also features gold-plated connectors, speaker optimization technology, and digital content encoding capability for the best digital audio performance. Coupled with Audio Stream Input / Output (ASIO) support, Sound Blaster Z SE delivers low-latency and high-fidelity audio, even for your recordings
- SBX GAMING EQ PROFILES – Emerge as the last man standing with our updated SBX Gaming Profiles for hot titles such as Apex Legends, Fortnite, Overwatch, PUBG, and more. In-house tuned and optimized to sound the best for the respective games, you can get started right away or further tweak the EQs, instead of having to create the profiles from scratch. Simply select the respective game from our latest Sound Blaster Command software’s menu, and be battle-ready instantly
- IMMERSIVE SURROUND SOUND – Get fully immersed and stay focused on your games with our surround sound. The Sound Blaster Z SE now supports 7.1 virtual on headphones and speakers alongside discrete 5.1 for speakers. You can even switch between headphones and your speakers via the software for those times you want to pump the bass, or go stealthier with your headphones. For extra delivery options to your external devices, the Z SE also supports Dolby Digital Live and DTS Encoding
- CRYSTAL CLEAR COMMUNICATION – Comes with a list of Microphone EQ Presets that compensates for your headset’s built-in mic so you can be heard clearly–whether it is to reduce the harshness of your tonality, sound more natural, or to increase the mids for vocal clarity. Together with our Sound Blaster Command Software’s CrystalVoice technology that helps remove echoes and ambient noises, the Z SE is perfect for games and even video conferences while working from home for better communications
This article was created with a hope that you will able to find the best creative sound cards, suiting your requirements and we wish that we were able to succeed in our mission to do so. If you are looking for a cheap creative sound cards because you will be making limited use of it, go for the Creative Labs Sound Blaster Play! 3 External USB Sound Adapter for Windows and Mac. Plug and Play (No Drivers Required). Upgrade to 24-Bit 96Khz Playback which will give you what you pay for. That being said, don’t forget to share the article with your friends and keep visiting geekydeck.com for more such informative and reviews articles.
