Best Portable USB DACs 2021: Comparison & Review

What is a DAC?

Yet our ears and speakers can’t hear stored data, so we need a device that converts this data into an analog format, hence, a Digital-to-Analog Converter (or DAC for short). Sources like AM/FM radio, a turntable, etc. do not need conversion since they are already analog. CDs, digital downloads, and streaming on the other hand are all digital formats and need to be converted before they are able to be heard. The DAC is like the "Google Translate” of your audio system. The converter is a "translator” like English to Spanish, or in this case from Digital to Analog. It’s only one piece of the puzzle, but it is an integral one.

(Our general criteria in selecting USB DACs do not include those with internal batteries, but rather those that are used to run on the host's power via USB connection only. Typically battery life and plug-and-play functionality play a role in overall portability, but we are going to focus on those DACs without a battery due to their smaller size, price, and ease of use. Sorry Chord Mojo and Ultrasone Panther.)

Devices

A note here about compatible devices: These products are meant to be connected via a USB Type-A or Type-C connection. This means that all computers are compatible since most PC's and macs have these types of connections. Tablets should also be compatible with most of these DACs via a USB-C connection. Phones on the other hand are limited to Android-based devices since Apple utilizes their own proprietary lightning connector on their phones. Sorry iPhone users. Newer iOS models like the iPad that replace the lightning connector with USB-C will work, but you'll need some extra adapters to make your DAC work with most Apple products.

Materials & Quality

First off, not all DACs are created equal. Seems simple enough, given their relative price points, but the quality of USB DACs varies greatly. The materials and quality of the device do not necessarily impact the overall performance of the DAC, but like we always say materials matter. If the DAC is made with shoddy materials then it doesn't bode well for the longevity of the DAC or the overall confidence of the buyer.

Earmen's DAC on the other hand is smooth and sleek, protected in a lovely glass finish. It looks and feels refined. We're combining these two for the review because, well, they're basically the same product with a different application. The Eagle is the USB Type-A version connector, which is excellent for a small-form and cable-free dongle. The Sparrow is the USB Type-C variant, offering an additional 2.5mm headphone jack paired with the 3.5mm, and utilizing a detachable cable system. I really like this approach as opposed to a fixed or attached cable design, because in those scenarios if the cable fails then you are left with a dead device. With Earmen's design, simply replace the cable if it goes bad and you're back in business.

iBasso's design of the DC03 is pretty much identical to the AK USB Dual DAC cable, with an attached USB-C connector on a short cable. Both units have a 3.5mm headphone jack at the opposite end of the connector side. The AK DAC is substantially heavier, however, due to its construction with a full metal housing. The DC03 is a plastic build, but a relatively sturdy one. In cases where there is an attached cable, I would prefer the lighter devices due to the fact that they will cause less strain on the connector and the cable over time. Not that I'm worried about the cable failing on either of these models, but it is just a design choice that I would not prefer personally.

Lastly, the Dragonfly is the weakest of the bunch in regards to build quality. Made with durable but cheap-feeling plastic, it'll likely handle a few falls, but it just looks like a consumer-grade product. Constructed like a flash drive, the USB Type-A connector did not fit flush in my computer and I could jiggle the DAC when it was inserted. It didn't result in any audio dropouts, fortunately, but I'm not optimistic about the longevity of the device.

Sound Quality

Now, let's get to why you're really here. Sound.

I'll start off with the lowest score on this one: the Dragonfly. The Dragonfly series DACs are popular among consumers because they're one of the oldest names in town when it comes to external USB DACs. For all intents and purposes, yes, a Dragonfly USB DAC will make your music sound better than your factory-installed, mass-produced internal DAC chip. The issue with the Dragonfly series DACs however is that they have a digital filter that over-processes the sound in our opinion. The audio produced by the DAC sound digitalized and dry. The internal ESS ES9016 chip is great, but the circuitry affecting the overall sound left us wanting. Supposedly the flagship Cobalt model fixes this, but it is especially present in the Dragonfly Black and Red models.

The iBasso DC03 is built with dual Cirrus Logic CS43131 MasterHIFI DAC chips, providing clean sound with a neutral sound signature. Given the price point of the iBasso DAC, it's hard to find a better deal for easily enhancing the fidelity of your audio. The Astell&Kern USB-C Dual DAC Cable (PEE51) is another great product, offering Astell&Kern's signature analytical sound without the bulk of a digital audio player. Astell&Kern provides a more forward presentation, bringing out details and clarity in your music. If you are a fan of their DAPs, then you'll be right at home with the AK USB DAC. Check out our review of the Astell&Kern USB-C Dual DAC Cable review HERE.

Sound Signature Recap: 

Dragonfly Red: Forward Leaning / Digitalized filter

iBasso DC-03: Neutral / Clean

AK USB DAC: Analytical

Clarus CODA: Analytical

Earmen Eagle: Balanced / Forward Leaning

Earmen Sparrow: Balanced / Forward Leaning

A Note about Safety

Apart from the Clarus Coda, most USB portable DACs do not include a built-in volume control. When plugging in an external DAC to your music source, always check the audio output level as in some instances, like the AK USB Dual-DAC Cable, it will default to the maximum audio level on some Android devices. Before beginning audio playback, make sure that the audio signal is turned down so that you don't unintentionally damage your gear, or even worse, your hearing.

Verdict

Who is this for? Everyone.

There's really not a winner or loser here. The bottom line is that ANY external DAC is going to sound infinitely better than your consumer-grade DAC chip in your phone, laptop, or desktop computer. Your best bang for the buck is the iBasso DC03 - at just $69, it's hardly considered a risk for those sitting on the fence about stepping into the world of audiophilia. You can go for all the bells and whistles with the Clarus CODA as well - and in the scheme of things - you're still looking at the low end of the price range for an exponential improvement of your sound quality. The biggest decision would be in determining what sound signature you prefer. If you like warmer and more musical presentations, then you do not want to select an analytical DAC (and vice versa). If you don't know, then just try them out - A/B test and see what you prefer.

In fact, it doesn't even have to be about consumer versus audiophile. It's really a matter-of-fact conversation here - about wanting your music to sound the best it can. For anyone who primarily listens to their music on their consumer-grade mobile devices - I dare you to connect an external USB DAC and go back to listening to your music without one. It's a small investment to get so much more out of your music. Sometimes you just need to take the leap and do it. You won't regret it - and you won't look back.

Featured Products

Specifications

Videos

Reviews

What to Read Next