The best budget sound cards for the recording guide

  • Time to read: 2 min.
Affiliate Disclaimer

As an Amazon affiliate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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?

Bestseller No. 1
Creative Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus SABRE32-class Hi-res 32-bit/384 kHz PCIe Gaming Sound Card and DAC…
  • SUPPORTS DOLBY DIGITAL AND DTS – Now with support for Dolby Digital Live and DTS Encoding for even more delivery options to your external audio devices The AE-5 Plus also supports 5.1 discrete and 7.1 virtual surround, as well as Sound Blaster’s Surround Virtualization technology
  • POWERFUL DISCRETE HEADPHONE AMP – Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus features Xamp, our custom-designed discrete headphone amp that utilizes bi-amplification technology to power each earcup individually with 1 ohm output impedance and drives studio-grade headphones of up to 600Ω, including high-end planar-magnetic headphones
  • PRISTINE AUDIO QUALITY – Featuring the SABRE32 ultra-class PCI-e DAC to deliver up to 32-bit / 384 kHz playback with a 122 dB DNR, ultra-low distortion and jitter, the AE-5 Plus is more than capable of hi-res audio for games, music, and movies; put simply, for discerning audio lovers of any kind, the AE-5 Plus is set to blow past your expectations with pristine audio and powerful performance
SaleBestseller No. 2
Pyle Portable Bluetooth Live Broadcast Sound Card Pro Audio Interface DJ mixer Condenser…
  • SOUNDBOARD AND CONDENSER MICROPHONE SET: This bundle comes with a sound card, 2 audio cables (3.5mm to 3.5mm), USB charging cable, wired condenser microphone tripod stand with holder, AUX (3.5mm) to XLR cable, and a microphone windscreen sponge
  • NOISE REDUCTION TECHNOLOGY: This 2 channel voice changer for one is equipped with DSP noise reduction chip to eliminate unwanted noise for crystal clear audio. Supports major mainstream live broadcast software such as etc.
  • COMPATIBLE AND MULTIPLE INPUTS: The sound card features Bluetooth compatibility and has a power/OTG jack, 3.5mm AUX output jack, 3.5mm LIVE IN jack, 3.5mm headset (Headphone with Mic) Jack, 3.5mm condenser mic & 6.35mm dynamic mic input
Bestseller No. 3
Audio Interface DJ Mixer Sound Card V8,Remall Podcast Equipment Bundle Studio Guitar Voice Changer…
  • 【Metal Sound card&EASY TO USE】Remall Metal dj mixer sound quality is better than the ABS.Live sound card Works as a USB sound card plus mixing station .easy intuitivily to use that you can jump headfirst into podcasting or streaming shortly.
  • 【Live Sound Card with Multiple Effects and Voice Change Micorphone Modes】multifunctional audio accessories mixer board Live streaming mixer have 6 mode selections, 12 electro-effects options, 12 funny sound effects, 7 different gameplays, 4 Voice Changer.podcast equipment bundle for 2 people with the Voice changer Micrphone excited,baby,male,female,magic voice.
  • 【Multi-Device Support】REMALL studio equipment sound card complete set with microphone Bundle sound effects device can be used on any mobile phone,computer, tablet iPad,Apple iOS systems, Android systems and Any game platform,Change your voice anytime anywhere. But if your phone does not have a 3.5mm jack, you need an OTG adapter (not included).

Last update on 2023-02-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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.

Creative Sound Blaster Audigy FX PCIe 5.1 Sound Card with High Performance Headphone Amp
  • 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

Last update on 2023-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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.

ASUS XONAR SE 5.1 Channel 192kHz/24-bit Hi-Res 116dB SNR PCIe Gaming Sound Card with Windows 10…
  • 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

Last update on 2023-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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.

Padarsey PCIe Sound Card, 5.1 Internal Sound Card for PC Windows 7 with Low Profile Bracket, 3D…
  • 1) PCIe sound card, 5.1 stereo audio card
  • 2) Easily convert the PC into a cinematic entertainment system by providing a 5.1 3D stereo surrounding sound
  • 3) With low profile bracket for 2U case, your best choice of sound card for PC desktop

Last update on 2023-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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.

Sale
Creative Sound Blaster Audigy PCIe RX 7.1 Sound Card with High Performance Headphone Amp
  • 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

Last update on 2023-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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!

Asus Xonar AE Sound Board
  • Full Product Specifications: Click to view
  • Audio Processor Manufacturer: C-Media
  • Audio Processor Model: 6632AE

Last update on 2023-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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.

You May Also Like

Rode Procaster vs Shure SM7b

Previous Post

Rode Procaster vs Shure SM7b comparative guide

Next Post

Audio production vs. music production? What is the difference between each other?