The “ultra-compact” USB DAC/amp, better known as a “USB headphone adapter” is generally classified as a dongle, a term used for devices that plug into the port of a device to provide additional functionality or allow ” pass-through” for connecting another device.
The main function of the USB DAC/amp is to allow the connection of a wired (wired) headphone to a cell phone or other device that does not have a 3.5mm output (P2), but depending on the hardware used, the user may get more than that. A second benefit of using a USB DAC/amp is a higher output power than is normally offered in notebooks and smartphones, thanks to a more robust amplification system.
Due to the fact that most cell phones currently no longer have a headphone output and that a quality DAC/amp can deliver even greater sound quality than what is normally available in “common” mobile devices, we will list here the best ones “USB headphone adapters” (USB DAC/amps) from 2023.
Before starting the list of “USB adapters for headphones” (USB DAC/amps), it is important to emphasize that these indications are not a ranking, but suggestions of portable USB DAC/amps that stood out in the market. Some of them I had the opportunity to experience, but others I wasn’t so lucky, but I was able to collect information regarding them that I mightn’t “take with my hands” through friends who had. Others, on the other hand, I might only read reports regarding through specialized websites from abroad.
The Best “USB Headphone Adapters” (USB DAC/Amps) of 2023
How to Choose a Good “USB Headphone Adapter” (USB DAC/Amps)
Although there are several models of “USB headphone adapter” (USB DAC/amps) with considerably different price ranges today, there are some points to consider when buying these dongles. The first of these is, of course, the output power, but note that there can be two outputs on Bluetooth DACs/amps: 3.5mm SE (single-ended) and balanced (2.5mm or 4.4mm, depending on your choice of manufacturer).
The balanced output will always provide greater power compared to the P2 output (3.5mm), but to use it, it is necessary to have a headphone with a balanced cable (access our article to understand more deeply regarding what are the balanced cables).
Tip: If your headphones have a detachable cable, simply replace the cable with a model that has a balanced plug.
The second point is the cable that makes the connection between the cell phone and a DAC/amp. There are “USB headphone adapters” (USB DAC/amps) with fixed and detachable cable. It is interesting to opt for those models that have a removable USB cable, as most of the time the dongle will remain in your pocket the whole time, the tendency is for the useful life of the cable to decrease due to the constant twisting (folding) of the copper wires. .
For those who have a Nintendo Switch or PS5 (PlayStation 5), as it is a portable console, it may be interesting to use a “USB headphone adapter” (USB DAC/amps) to get better sound quality. However, USB Audio Class 1 (UAC1) support is required, something that only some dongles have.
Lastly, important for users of the Tidal streaming service, is support for the MQA format. Most USB DAC/amps do not, but there are some models capable of playing the audio format.
List of Best “USB Headphone Adapters” (USB DAC/Amps) of 2023
Check out the list of the best “USB headphone adapters” (USB DAC/amps) of 2023 below. Keep in mind that this selection may change all the time according to new releases happening in the market.
Attention: The models listed are not sorted by quality (the best at the top and the worst at the bottom) but in alphabetical order. If you are accessing via cell phone, slide the table to the side to view all the information.
| SE power | Potency Bal. | QA | 3.5mm output | 2.5mm output | output 4.4mm | removable cable | Price | |
| Cayin RU6 | 138mW | 213mW | No | Sim | No | Sim | Sim | US$ 238 |
| FiiO KA1 | 45mW | There is not | Sim | Sim | No | No | No | US$ 50 |
| Fiio KA2 | There is not | 152mW | No | No | No | Sim | No | US$ 45 |
| Fiio KA3 | 130mW | 240mW | No | Sim | No | Sim | Sim | US$ 68 |
| Hiby FC1 | 70mW | There is not | No | Sim | No | No | Sim | US$ 31 |
| Hiby FC3 | 70mW | There is not | Sim | Sim | No | No | Sim | US$ 42 |
| Hiby FC4 | 110mW | 340mW | Sim | Sim | No | Sim | Sim | US$ 99 |
| iBasso DC03 Pro | 98mW | There is not | No | Sim | No | No | Sim | US$ 59 |
| iBasso DC04 Pro | 2Vrms | 280mW | No | Sim | No | Sim | Sim | US$ 100 |
| iBasso DC04 | There is not | 195mW | No | No | No | Sim | No | US$ 76 |
| iBasso DC05 | 93mW | There is not | Sim | Sim | No | No | No | US$ 53 |
| iBasso DC06 | 80mW | 320mW | Sim | Sim | No | Sim | Sim | US$ 88 |
| iFi Go Link | 70mW | There is not | Sim | Sim | No | No | No | US$ 59 |
| iFi Go Bar | 300mW | 475mW | Sim | Sim | No | Sim | Sim | US$ 282 |
| Lotoo Paw S1 | 70mW | 120mW | No | Sim | No | Sim | Sim | US$ 196 |
| Lotoo Paw S2 | 125mw | 150mW | Sim | Sim | No | Sim | Sim | US$ 255 |
| Shanling UA1 Pro | 80mW | There is not | No | Sim | No | No | No | US$ 45 |
| Shanling UA2 | 125mW | 195mW | No | Sim | Sim | No | Sim | US$ 70 |
| Shanling UA3 | 125mW | 210mW | No | Sim | No | Sim | Sim | US$ 109 |
| Shanling UA5 | 137mW | 211mW | No | Sim | No | Sim | Sim | US$ 235 |
| Violectric Chronos | 30mW | There is not | No | Sim | No | No | No | US$ 320 |
| Xduoo link2 bal | 125mW | 270mW | No | Sim | No | Sim | Sim | US$ 149 |
Use: The power values at the outputs are considering an impedance of 32 Ohms.
Below A list of “USB headphone adapters” (USB DAC/amps) compatible with USB UAC1 (Audio Class 1) displayed by Nintendo Switch and PS5 (PlayStation 5) consoles:
- Lotoo Paw S1
- Lotoo Paw S2
- Shanling UA2
- Shanling UA3
- Shanling UA5
- Xduoo link2 bal
Also check out the list of “USB headphone adapters” (USB DAC/amps) compatible with cables that have a built-in CTIA microphone:
- Hiby FC1
- Hiby FC3
- Hiby FC4
- Hiby FC5
