The sound card is a piece of hardware created for the task of recording and playing audio. There are many types, each with different capabilities and prices. In this article, you can find the cheapest sound card for recording, which does not sacrifice quality for a lower price. Sound cards can be purchased for under $100, and some with all the bells and whistles may even go over $500.
What is a good budget sound card?
Table of Contents
Image | Title | Price | Prime | Buy |
---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | Padarsey PCIe Sound Card, 5.1 Internal Sound Card for PC Windows 7 with Low Profile Bracket, 3D Stereo PCI-e Audio Card, CMI8738 Chip 32/64 Bit Sound Card PCI Express Adapter | PrimeEligible | Buy on Amazon | |
![]() | ASUS XONAR SE 5.1 Channel 192kHz/24-bit Hi-Res 116dB SNR PCIe Gaming Sound Card with Windows 10 compatibility | PrimeEligible | Buy on Amazon | |
Top![]() | Creative Sound Blaster Audigy FX PCIe 5.1 Sound Card with High Performance Headphone Amp | PrimeEligible | Buy on Amazon | |
![]() | Creative Sound Blaster Audigy PCIe RX 7.1 Sound Card with High Performance Headphone Amp | PrimeEligible | Buy on Amazon | |
![]() | Asus Xonar AE Sound Board | PrimeEligible | Buy on Amazon |
The cheapest sound card for recording
Sound Blaster Audigy FX
The Sound Blaster Audigy FX is a high performance sound card that delivers the ultimate audio experience on your PC. It’s designed to take full advantage of the advanced features of today’s games and entertainment applications while also providing unprecedented audio quality for music, movies, and other content played back on your PC.
The Sound Blaster Audigy FX offers an array of cutting-edge technologies, including THX TruStudio ProTM technology with 24-bit 192kHz recording capability for studio-quality playback, 5.1 surround sound.
- 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
- Includes the Sound Blaster Audigy Fx Control Panel, 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 (Recordi
Asus Xonar SE
ASUS XONAR SE delivers a crystal clear 116dB signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and up to 120dB SNR recording for precise voice chats and immersive audio. It also features the ASUS-exclusive GX 2.5 gaming audio engine for an out of this world gaming experience with realistic 3D surround effects, enhanced sound definition, deeper bass, and maximum acoustic performance.
The Xonar SE is perfect for gamers who want to get more from their games – whether it’s getting a competitive edge or an upgraded sound experience.
- 5.1 channel, 192kHz/24-bit Hi-Res audio with a 300ohm headphone amp for detailed, immersive sound with punchy, defined bass
- Realtek ALC1220X codec delivers a crystal clear 116dB signal-to-noise ratio (SNR)
- ASUS Hyper Grounding Technology ensures minimal audio distortion and interference
- Xonar Audio Center enables full audio control via an intuitive, spacious interface
- Included Low Profile Bracket allows the Xonar to fit perfectly into most syst
Padarsey PCIe Sound Card
The Padarsey PCIe sound card is a great choice for your computer, laptop, or netbook. It provides 5.1 stereo surround sound, making you feel like you are in the middle of the action! The Padarsey PCIe sound card will provide you with all of the features that you need to enjoy music and movies at their best.
- PCIe sound card, 5.1 stereo audio card
- Easily convert the PC into a cinematic entertainment system by providing a 5.1 3D stereo surrounding sound
- With low profile bracket for 2U case, your best choice of sound card for PC desktop
- 16-bit multimedia digital signal editing decoder inside, Supports 32/64-bit audio processing, recording and playb
Creative Sound Blaster Audigy
The Creative Sound Blaster Audigy 2 ZS is a multimedia sound card with advanced features for music and movie lovers, gamers, and home-entertainment enthusiasts. It delivers full 7.1 surround sound from a 5.1-channel speaker system and supports EAX Advanced HD3D audio effects for realistic 3D gaming audio environments.
The Sound Blaster Audigy 2 ZS also includes the award-winning SoundFont engine for high-quality 24-bit/192kHz recording and playback of instruments, vocals.
- 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 playb
Asus Xonar AE
ASUS Xonar AE delivers pure audio and video enjoyment with a dedicated headphone amplifier, the ASUS-exclusive GX 2.5 gaming engine for realistic 3D surround effects, and an exclusive version of THX TruStudio PRO provides high-fidelity, multi-channel audio processing tailored to your personal preferences. It’s everything you need for immersive entertainment on your PC!
- Full Product Specifications: Click to view
- Audio Processor Manufacturer: C-Media
- Audio Processor Model: 6632AE
- Host Interface: PCI Express
- Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR): 110
Conclusion
We hope you found the cheapest sound card for recording in our guide! Our recommendation is to stay under $75 for a mix of quality and value for an internal sound card for your computer; whether it be an audio recording, general use, or gaming, these models have excellent reviews.

Michael Ocejo ( Editor-in-chief )
Michael loves audio production. He especially enjoys the technical aspect of making music sound good! Michael also loves spending time with his friends and family and enjoying parties.
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