This page ranks 14 USB-C dongle DACs, the small adapters that plug into a phone or laptop and drive headphones better than a built-in jack. Each rating combines its SINAD as measured by Audio Science Review (how far noise and distortion sit below the music) with its rated output power, since a dongle that can’t push enough current will run out of volume on harder to drive headphones. The best are at the top.
| Select to compare | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | FiiO KA15 | $99.99 | 115 dB | 560 mW | Yes | USB-C dongle | |
| 2 | E1DA 9039S | $139.00 | 125 dB | 400 mW | Yes | USB-C dongle | |
| 3 | TRN Black Pearl | $35.00 | 117 dB | 320 mW | Yes | USB-C dongle | |
| 4 | Fosi Audio DS3 | $99.99 | 116 dB | 220 mW | Yes | USB-C dongle | |
| 5 | TANCHJIM Space | $89.99 | 115 dB | 230 mW | Yes | USB-C dongle | |
| 6 | TempoTec Sonata BHD Pro | $69.90 | 112 dB | 280 mW | Yes | USB-C dongle | |
| 7 | Fosi Audio DS2 | $59.99 | 117 dB | 170 mW | Yes | USB-C dongle | |
| 8 | JCALLY JM20MAX | $39.99 | 113 dB | - | No | USB-C dongle | |
| 9 | FiiO KA11 | $32.99 | 110 dB | 200 mW | No | USB-C dongle | |
| 10 | Fosi Audio DS1 | $55.99 | 104 dB | - | Yes | USB-C dongle | |
| 11 | Samsung USB-C to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter | $16.29 | 96 dB | - | No | USB-C dongle | |
| 12 | AudioQuest DragonFly Red | $149.95 | 88 dB | - | No | USB-C dongle | |
| 13 | Rode AI-Micro | $79.00 | 80 dB | 125 mW | No | USB-C dongle | |
| 14 | Periodic Audio Rhodium | $49.00 | 82 dB | 31 mW | No | USB-C dongle |
Prices on this page were last checked October 11, 2026 at 4:59 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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#1 FiiO KA15: $99.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 115 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. Its rated 560 mW into 32 ohms from the balanced output in desktop mode is unusually strong for a dongle, enough for most full-size headphones. It adds a 10-band parametric EQ, a 4.4 mm balanced jack and a coaxial digital output, and it rates higher than the Fosi Audio DS3 for the same price.
Cons: The headline power figure needs the balanced output in desktop mode, and it falls to 78 mW into 300 ohms, so high-impedance headphones may run short. The TRN Black Pearl measures slightly cleaner for much less. Volume is set with buttons rather than a knob.
Full FiiO KA15 review and specifications →
| Released | Sep 2024 (2 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm) |
| DAC Chip | 2 x CS43198 |
| Device Type | USB-C dongle |
| Dimensions | 2” x 1” x 0.4” (52 x 25 x 11 mm) |
| Equalizer | Yes (10-band parametric) |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm balanced |
| Inputs | USB-C |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 78 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 560 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced, desktop mode) |
| Outputs | Coaxial S/PDIF (shared 3.5 mm jack) |
| SINAD | 115 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Digital (buttons) |
| Weight | 0 lbs (21 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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#2 E1DA 9039S: $139.00 Linsoul eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 125 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible, even with sensitive in-ears. E1DA rates it at 400 mW into 32 ohms balanced, enough for most headphones from a 10 g USB-C dongle with dual ES9039Q2M chips.
Cons: Its only headphone output is a 2.5 mm balanced jack, so most headphones need an adapter or a new cable. The FiiO KA15 rates higher with more balanced power for less.
Full E1DA 9039S review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | Yes (2.5 mm) |
|---|---|
| DAC Chip | 2 x ES9039Q2M |
| Device Type | USB-C dongle |
| Dimensions | 1.9” x 0.4” x 0.9” (48 x 9 x 22 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 2.5 mm balanced |
| Inputs | USB-C |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 400 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| SINAD | 125 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 0 lbs (10 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
#3 TRN Black Pearl: $35.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 117 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. A rated 320 mW into 32 ohms from its 4.4 mm balanced output drives most headphones, and it adds a 3.5 mm output and an 8 band EQ app. It rates higher than the Chord Mojo 2 for a small fraction of the price.
Cons: It only takes USB-C input, with no optical, coaxial or Bluetooth. The FiiO KA15 rates higher and is rated for more balanced power, though it costs more.
Full TRN Black Pearl review and specifications →
| Released | Apr 2025 (1 year ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm) |
| DAC Chip | 2 x CS43131 |
| Device Type | USB-C dongle |
| Dimensions | 2.2” x 0.9” x 0.5” (57 x 23 x 13 mm) |
| Equalizer | Yes (8-band, app) |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm balanced |
| Inputs | USB-C |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 320 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| SINAD | 117 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Digital (buttons) |
| Weight | 0.1 lbs (25 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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#4 Fosi Audio DS3: $99.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 116 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. A 32-band parametric EQ gives unusually fine tuning control for a dongle, and it offers both 3.5 mm and 4.4 mm balanced outputs. At 16 g and 55 mm long, it is very light to carry.
Cons: Its rated 220 mW into 32 ohms drives most headphones but leaves less headroom than the FiiO KA15, which costs the same and rates higher. The TRN Black Pearl also rates higher and measures slightly cleaner for much less. Volume is button controlled.
Full Fosi Audio DS3 review and specifications →
| Released | Nov 2025 (11 months ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm) |
| DAC Chip | ES9039Q2M |
| Device Type | USB-C dongle |
| Dimensions | 2.2” x 0.8” x 0.4” (55 x 20 x 11 mm) |
| Equalizer | Yes (32-band parametric) |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm balanced |
| Inputs | USB-C |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 220 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| SINAD | 116 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Digital (buttons) |
| Weight | 0 lbs (16 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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#5 TANCHJIM Space: $89.99 HiFiGo eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 115 dB SINAD, right at the level where noise and distortion become inaudible, so this dongle is effectively transparent. A rated 230 mW into 32 ohms drives most headphones, and it offers both a 3.5 mm jack and a 4.4 mm balanced output with dual CS43131 DAC chips. Button volume control lets you adjust level on the dongle itself.
Cons: It rates below the FiiO KA15 for a similar price, and that rival publishes more than twice the power from its balanced output. The TRN Black Pearl rates higher and measured cleaner for much less. The 230 mW figure suits most headphones but leaves little headroom for hard to drive planar magnetic models.
Full TANCHJIM Space review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm) |
|---|---|
| DAC Chip | 2 x CS43131 |
| Device Type | USB-C dongle |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm balanced |
| Inputs | USB-C |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 230 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| SINAD | 115 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Digital (buttons) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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#6 TempoTec Sonata BHD Pro: $69.90 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 112 dB, clean for nearly all listening. A rated 280 mW into 32 ohms from the 4.4 mm balanced output drives most headphones, and a 3.5 mm output is also included. At 18 g it is easy to keep attached to a phone, and it costs less than the Fosi Audio DS3.
Cons: Its SINAD is lower than most rivals here, and the TRN Black Pearl rates higher with 117 dB and more rated power for less. There is no EQ listed and volume is button controlled. The rated power figure applies to the balanced output only.
Full TempoTec Sonata BHD Pro review and specifications →
| Released | Jun 2023 (3 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm) |
| DAC Chip | 2 x CS43131 |
| Device Type | USB-C dongle |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm balanced |
| Inputs | USB-C |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 280 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| SINAD | 112 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Digital (buttons) |
| Weight | 0 lbs (18 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- TempoTec Sonata BHD Pro vs TANCHJIM Space
- TempoTec Sonata BHD Pro vs Fosi Audio DS2
- TempoTec Sonata BHD Pro vs Fosi Audio DS3
- TempoTec Sonata BHD Pro vs JCALLY JM20MAX
- TempoTec Sonata BHD Pro vs FiiO KA11
- TempoTec Sonata BHD Pro vs TRN Black Pearl
- TempoTec Sonata BHD Pro vs E1DA 9039S
- TempoTec Sonata BHD Pro vs Fosi Audio DS1
- See all 11 comparisons
#7 Fosi Audio DS2: $59.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 117 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are transparent. It offers both a 3.5 mm jack and a 4.4 mm balanced output, with physical volume buttons, from a USB-C dongle. It rates higher than the FiiO KA11 and JCALLY JM20MAX.
Cons: A rated 170 mW into 32 ohms, and only from the balanced output, drives most headphones but leaves little headroom for planar magnetics. The TRN Black Pearl rates higher with more balanced power and the same SINAD for less, and at 91 g it is heavy for a dongle.
Full Fosi Audio DS2 review and specifications →
| Released | Mar 2024 (2 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm) |
| DAC Chip | 2 x CS43131 |
| Device Type | USB-C dongle |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm balanced |
| Inputs | USB-C |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 170 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| SINAD | 117 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Digital (buttons) |
| Weight | 0.2 lbs (91 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
#8 JCALLY JM20MAX: $39.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 113 dB SINAD, which is clean for nearly all listening. At 6.5 g it is a tiny USB-C dongle that adds a 3.5 mm jack to a phone or laptop for little money.
Cons: The maker doesn’t publish a 32 ohm power figure, so its ability to drive harder headphones is unknown. There is no balanced output, and the Fosi Audio DS2 rates higher with a 4.4 mm balanced jack, while the FiiO KA11 matches its rating for less.
Full JCALLY JM20MAX review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | No |
|---|---|
| DAC Chip | CS43131 |
| Device Type | USB-C dongle |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm |
| Inputs | USB-C |
| SINAD | 113 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 0 lbs (6.5 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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#9 FiiO KA11: $32.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 110 dB SINAD, which is clean for nearly all listening. A rated 200 mW into 32 ohms drives most headphones, impressive from an 8.5 g USB-C stick, and a Lightning version is also sold for older iPhones. It costs less than the JCALLY JM20MAX for the same rating.
Cons: There is only a 3.5 mm output, with no balanced jack. Power falls to a rated 22 mW into 300 ohms, too little for high impedance headphones, and the Fosi Audio DS2 rates higher with a balanced output and lower measured distortion for more money.
Full FiiO KA11 review and specifications →
| Released | Jan 2024 (2 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | No |
| DAC Chip | CS43131 |
| Device Type | USB-C dongle |
| Dimensions | 1.8” x 0.4” x 0.4” (44.5 x 9.7 x 10.5 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm |
| Inputs | USB-C (Lightning version also sold) |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 22 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 200 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| SINAD | 110 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 0 lbs (8.5 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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#10 Fosi Audio DS1: $55.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 104 dB, which is clean for nearly all listening. It offers both a 3.5 mm output and a 4.4 mm balanced output in a light 38 g body with button volume control.
Cons: Fosi Audio doesn’t publish a 32 ohm power figure, so it is hard to know which headphones it can drive well. It rates lower than the Fosi Audio DS2, which costs about the same and measured transparent at 117 dB, and the FiiO KA11 rates higher for less.
Full Fosi Audio DS1 review and specifications →
| Released | Aug 2022 (4 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm) |
| DAC Chip | ES9038Q2M |
| Device Type | USB-C dongle |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm balanced |
| Inputs | USB-C |
| SINAD | 104 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Digital (buttons) |
| Weight | 0.1 lbs (38 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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#11 Samsung USB-C to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter: $16.29 Amazon eBay
Pros: It is a tiny, inexpensive way to add a 3.5 mm headphone jack to a USB-C phone or laptop, with volume handled by the device. Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 96 dB, clean enough for most headphones and well ahead of the far pricier AudioQuest DragonFly Red.
Cons: At 96 dB SINAD, sensitive in-ear monitors may reveal some hiss or noise. Samsung does not publish a power figure into 32 ohms, so it is best kept to earbuds and easy headphones. The FiiO KA11 rates higher, measures cleaner and is rated for 200 mW into 32 ohms for only a little more.
Full Samsung USB-C to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | No |
|---|---|
| Device Type | USB-C dongle |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm |
| Inputs | USB-C |
| SINAD | 96 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | None (phone/PC volume) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
#12 AudioQuest DragonFly Red: $149.95 Amazon eBay
Pros: It is a compact USB stick DAC with a 3.5 mm headphone jack and a high resolution digital volume control set from the phone or computer.
Cons: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 88 dB, a real audible weakness with sensitive in-ear monitors. AudioQuest does not publish a power figure into 32 ohms, and it plugs into USB-A, so phones need an adapter. The Samsung USB-C to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter measures cleaner and rates higher for a fraction of the cost.
Full AudioQuest DragonFly Red review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | No |
|---|---|
| DAC Chip | ES9016 |
| Device Type | USB-C dongle |
| Dimensions | 0.7” x 0.5” x 2.4” (19 x 12 x 62 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm |
| Inputs | USB-A |
| SINAD | 88 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Digital (64-bit, on DAC chip, set from phone/PC) |
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#13 Rode AI-Micro: $79.00 B&H Photo eBay
Pros: It doubles as a small audio interface, with two 3.5 mm microphone inputs alongside its headphone jack, and weighs just 13 g. A rated 125 mW into 32 ohms drives most headphones. It rates higher than the Periodic Audio Rhodium.
Cons: Audio Science Review measured only 80 dB SINAD, a level where noise and distortion can be audible, especially with sensitive in ear monitors. There is no balanced output. The FiiO KA11 rates far higher with much cleaner measurements for less.
Full Rode AI-Micro review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | No |
|---|---|
| Device Type | USB-C dongle |
| Dimensions | 1.6” x 1.5” x 0.4” (40 x 38.2 x 11.1 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm |
| Inputs | USB-C, 2 x 3.5 mm TRS/TRRS microphone |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 125 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| SINAD | 80 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 0 lbs (13 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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#14 Periodic Audio Rhodium: $49.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: It is extremely small and light at 4.4 g, adding a 3.5 mm headphone jack to any USB-C device with volume set from the phone or computer.
Cons: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of only 82 dB, a real audible weakness that sensitive in-ear monitors will reveal as hiss or noise. It is rated for just 31 mW into 32 ohms, which suits in-ear monitors and easy headphones only. The Samsung USB-C to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter rates higher and measures cleaner for less.
Full Periodic Audio Rhodium review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | No |
|---|---|
| Device Type | USB-C dongle |
| Dimensions | 0.4” x 0.3” x 4.6” (10.8 x 6.9 x 117 mm) (overall length incl. cable) |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm |
| Inputs | USB-C |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 31 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| SINAD | 82 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | None (phone/PC volume) |
| Weight | 0 lbs (4.4 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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