Short answer: the Fosi Audio DS1 for better measured performance, the Samsung USB-C to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter for the lower price. The Fosi Audio DS1 ranks #10 of 14 usb-c dongle DACs, rated 3.4/5, at $55.99. The Samsung USB-C to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter ranks #11, rated 2.9/5, at $16.29, $39.70 cheaper.
The Fosi Audio DS1 is the better-sounding choice. Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 104 dB, which is clean for nearly all listening. Watch for: Fosi Audio doesn’t publish a 32 ohm power figure, so it is hard to know which headphones it can drive well.
The case for the Samsung USB-C to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter: 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. The tradeoff: At 96 dB SINAD, sensitive in-ear monitors may reveal some hiss or noise.
Buy the Fosi Audio DS1 when measured performance outweighs the price for you, and the Samsung USB-C to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter when the price outweighs measured performance instead.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Fosi Audio DS1 | Samsung USB-C to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $55.99 | $16.29 |
| Ranked | #10 of 14 in USB-C Dongle DACs | #11 of 14 in USB-C Dongle DACs |
| Device Type | USB-C dongle | USB-C dongle |
| SINAD | 104 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 96 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm balanced | 3.5 mm |
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm) | No |
| Inputs | USB-C | USB-C |
| DAC Chip | ES9038Q2M | - |
| Volume Control | Digital (buttons) | None (phone/PC volume) |
| Weight | 0.1 lbs (38 g) | - |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
How Fosi Audio DS1 compares with other leading options:
- TempoTec Sonata BHD Pro vs Fosi Audio DS1
- Fosi Audio DS2 vs Fosi Audio DS1
- JCALLY JM20MAX vs Fosi Audio DS1
- FiiO KA11 vs Fosi Audio DS1
- Fosi Audio DS1 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
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
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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