Short answer: the AudioQuest DragonFly Red, though neither ranks well in its class. It ranks #12 of 14 usb-c dongle DACs by measured performance, rated 2.5/5, at $149.95. The Rode AI-Micro ranks #13, rated 2.1/5, at $79, $70.95 cheaper, not enough of a saving to outweigh the sound-quality gap. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 14 usb-c dongle DACs, so if measured performance matters, consider the FiiO KA15 instead, ranked #1 at $99.99.
The AudioQuest DragonFly Red is the better-sounding choice. 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. Watch for: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 88 dB, a real audible weakness with sensitive in-ear monitors.
The case for the Rode AI-Micro: It doubles as a small audio interface, with two 3.5 mm microphone inputs alongside its headphone jack, and weighs just 0 lbs (13 g). Watch for: Audio Science Review measured only 80 dB SINAD, a level where noise and distortion can be audible, especially with sensitive in ear monitors.
Buy the AudioQuest DragonFly Red. It is rated higher, and the $70.95 you would save on the Rode AI-Micro does not close the gap.
Want more options? Browse the full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| AudioQuest DragonFly Red | Rode AI-Micro | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $149.95 | $79.00 |
| Ranked | #12 of 14 in USB-C Dongle DACs | #13 of 14 in USB-C Dongle DACs |
| Device Type | USB-C dongle | USB-C dongle |
| SINAD | 88 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 80 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm | 3.5 mm |
| Balanced Output | No | No |
| Inputs | USB-A | USB-C, 2 x 3.5 mm TRS/TRRS microphone |
| DAC Chip | ES9016 | - |
| Volume Control | Digital (64-bit, on DAC chip, set from phone/PC) | - |
| Dimensions | 0.7” x 0.5” x 2.4” (19 x 12 x 62 mm) | 1.6” x 1.5” x 0.4” (40 x 38.2 x 11.1 mm) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | - | 125 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Weight | - | 0 lbs (13 g) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
How AudioQuest DragonFly Red compares with other leading options:
- FiiO KA15 vs AudioQuest DragonFly Red
- E1DA 9039S vs AudioQuest DragonFly Red
- Fosi Audio DS3 vs AudioQuest DragonFly Red
- Samsung USB-C to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter vs AudioQuest DragonFly Red
- TANCHJIM Space vs Rode AI-Micro
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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The Two Amps and DACs In Full
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) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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
- Head-to-Head Comparisons