The best headphone DACs 2025: top desktop and portable DACS to make your music sing, all tested by TechRadar

The Chord Mojo 2 against a yellow background
(Image credit: Chord Electronics)

Upgrade your audio setup with one of the best headphone DACs – whether for your smartphone or home hi-fi system – and experience a noticeable improvement in sound quality. Our team of experts has selected and reviewed only the best DACs available. Each model has been rigorously tested using high quality audio sources and premium headphones to ensure audiophile-grade performance. And then some of them make it here.

A DAC, or digital-to-analog converter, is crucial for transforming digital audio files into the analog sound we actually hear. While every digital music source includes a built-in DAC – since our ears can’t process digital signals directly – these default components are often low-cost and not optimized for high-fidelity sound.

This is where the best portable and desktop DACs come in. These specialized devices provide far superior digital-to-analog conversion, handling high-resolution audio formats that built-in DACs in smartphones and laptops often struggle with.

By integrating a high-quality DAC into your setup, you bypass the limitations of your device’s standard chip, unlocking clearer, more detailed, and dynamic sound – especially when paired with the best wired headphones. Whether you're looking to elevate your listening experience with the best headphones or simply want crisper, more immersive sound, these DACs offer a significant audio upgrade.

The quick list

Looking for a simple way to find the best portable DAC with the features and price range you want? Use our quick list below and click to see a longer write-up of each product for more in-depth information.

Written by
Senior audio staff writer Becky Scarrott, in a field
Written by
Becky Scarrott

I've reviewed over 150 audio products since becoming a tech journalist, ranging from super-budget earbuds to high-end Hi-Res Audio music players. Before joining TechRadar, I spent three years at What Hi-Fi? testing everything the world of audio had to offer; before that, I was a professional dancer. My love of music ties it all together.

Recent updates

January 30, 2025
Refreshed the introduction. Added the iFi Go Link Max as our 'Best budget portable USB-C DAC' pick in the no. 1 spot. Moved the Helm Audio Bolt, which was previously in that top position, to the no. 8 pick as our 'best step-up portable USB-C' DAC option. Added a gallery of images to each entry so readers can get a better look at our recommendations before they decide.

Best portable DACs of 2025

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The best budget portable USB-C DAC

The best budget portable USB-C DAC

Specifications

Inputs: USB-C
Outputs: 1 x 3.5mm, 1 x 4.4mm
Bluetooth: No
Dimensions: 150 x 15 x 10 mm (28.35g)
Sample rate: 384kHz

Reasons to buy

+
Forward, direct and musical sound
+
Balanced and unbalanced outputs
+
Good hi-res file compatibility

Reasons to avoid

-
Can sound slightly musclebound
-
Cable feels vulnerable
BUY IT IF

✅ You care about portability: This is a small, compact, no-frills device. If you want a simple way to get the best audio, this is it.

You have a decent pair of headphones: All of the recommendations in this guide truly shine with great headphones, especially this DAC.

DON'T BUY IT IF

You want something super durable: There's nothing wrong with the cable here, we just thought it felt a little vulnerable during testing.

You don't need the 4.4mm balanced output: If that's the case, you might be better off considering the smaller, lighter iFi GO Link USB DAC.

The iFi GO Link Max is a newer addition to our guide and instantly takes the top spot, as it's an accomplished little device that makes a hi-res audio player using your average smartphone for a very affordable and great value price.

It's similar to other GO Link models before it from the iFi brand, but this version also adds a 4.4mm headphone out and gets rid of MQA (the Master Quality Authenticated audio format) compatibility, which we said in our review is no major loss for most people.

This Max version is a little larger and more expensive than the iFi GO Link USB DAC but c'mon, it's not like it's big – it'll still slip into a pocket nicely. We also noted during our testing that any added bulk here isn't really noticeable thanks to the sleek-looking metal casing. The only design downside is the exposed braided cable that connects the DAC to the part that then plugs into a source device, which felt a little vulnerable. We're not saying it'll break, but we wouldn't class this as a durable device.

The iFi GO Link Max performed incredibly well throughout our testing, you'll just need a decent pair of headphones to get the most from it. It's positive and punchy, revealing impressive levels of detail and dynamism.

The (extra) good news is, it offers significant value for money and, by DAC standards, is an affordable pick that won't disappoint anyone looking to seriously upgrade the sound of their computer of phone. In our review, we called the difference "remarkable", which pretty much says it all. Not bad for something that comes in under $80 / £80, eh?

Read the full iFi GO Link Max review

The best budget desktop portable DAC

The best budget desktop portable DAC

Specifications

Inputs: USB-C
Outputs: 1 x 3.5mm
Bluetooth: No
Dimensions: 88 x 81 x 26mm (150g)
Sample rate: Up to 384kHz

Reasons to buy

+
Robust, confident and informative sound
+
Excellent specification at the money
+
Usefully compact

Reasons to avoid

-
Lopsided output at very low volumes
-
Can sound slightly edgy at bigger volumes
BUY IT IF

✅ You prefer laptop-based listening: Let your computer handle storage and streaming while this takes care of digital-to-analog conversion.

You have a range of hi-res audio formats: The iFi Uno can handle everything you throw at it.

DON'T BUY IT IF

You like extreme volumes: It performs best at moderate listening volumes, so very loud or very quiet playback won't showcase its full potential.

You want a premium look and feel: The design and build works perfectly well, but it's basic.

The iFi Uno DAC is one of the most affordable options on our list, but during our testing we were surprised to find that the improvements it makes to your sound experience are massive.

We learned that, as long as you don’t intend to listen at either very quiet or very loud volume levels, the sound of your laptop once the Uno is plugged in is improved dramatically. We think even those who don't consider themselves audiophiles will recognize the improvement and agree that it's up there with the best portable DACs.

In our iFi Uno review we commended this portable DAC for its detail retrieval, low-frequency extension, sound staging, transient response and stereo focus. These are all essential qualities that go towards delivering a genuinely enjoyable and convincing sound reproduction.

Read our full iFi Uno review

The best premium portable DAC

The best premium portable DAC

Specifications

Inputs: USB-C, 3.5mm digital coaxial
Outputs: 3.5mm and 4.4mm
Bluetooth: Yes
Dimensions: 123 x 75 x 19 mm
Sample rate: 32bit/768kHz

Reasons to buy

+
Eloquent, informative and entertaining sound
+
Thoroughly specified and then some
+
Appropriately well made and finished

Reasons to avoid

-
Interface is not exactly intuitive
-
Needs decent headphones
-
Doesn’t really look like the money’s worth
BUY IT IF

✅ You listen to lots of audio file types: The xDSD is versatile, with compatibility for virtually any digital audio file you send it.

You want desktop and portable use: Designed to work seamlessly in different setups, and compact enough to be considered portable.

DON'T BUY IT IF

You want high-end: While well-built, the design doesn’t exude a premium aesthetic that matches its price tag.

❌ You don't have the energy for a confusing interface: The controls have color-coded indicators, making it tricky if you don't memorize them.

The iFi xDSD Gryphon widens the operability and relevance of audio company iFi's DAC and headphone amp range by offering wireless, as well as wired, connectivity in a design that's small, light and portable. No, the xDSD Gryphon is not cheap, but the way it performs justifies the price and means it's our top premium portable pick.

The iFi xDSD Gryphon brings you major flexibility in terms of connectivity and digital audio content. It'll happy work with digital files of many types. In fact, we bet there’s no chance it can’t deal with what you give it. From there, it delivers what we described as "a completely confident and convincing sonic attitude" in our review – just make sure you use headphones that are up to the iFi xDSD Gryphon's high standards.

If you're looking for a device that’s more than capable of doing the audio business, regardless of which digital film you're using and whether you want desktop or portable listening, it’s a no-brainer.

Read our full iFi xDSD Gryphon review

The best mid-range desktop portable DAC

The best mid-range desktop portable DAC

Specifications

Inputs: USB Type-C
Outputs: 6.35mm and 4.4mm
Bluetooth: No
Dimensions: 158 x 115 x 35mm (456g)
Sample rate: 768kHz

Reasons to buy

+
Clean, punchy and convincing sound
+
Good feature set, great specification
+
Nicely made and finished

Reasons to avoid

-
No fan of sub-standard headphones
-
Not all that impressed by small, compressed digital audio files either
BUY IT IF

✅ You want a high-end desktop audio experience: With the iFi Zen DAC 3 your laptop sounds like a high-end source of music.

You care about looks: Not the best-looking or most premium pick here, but its built to a high standard.

DON'T BUY IT IF

You don't have great headphones: To fully appreciate its capabilities, you’ll need headphones that can deliver on its potential.

You listen to lower resolution audio: Yes, it can handle Spotify. But it can’t work miracles with sub-CD-quality files.

Our best mid-range desktop portable DAC pick is the iFi Zen DAC 3, effectively turning your laptop or phone into a hi-fi system. It's incredibly easy to set-up with a simple USB-C input for both power and data, with multiple power options to pick from. It also boasts the ability to function as a decoder, too.

Assuming you're using a good pair of headphones and high-quality digital audio files, the iFi Zen DAC 3 makes music sound excellent. In our review, we wrote that it delivers a "musical, informative and entertaining listen". We particularly rated this DAC for its punchy sound and tonal balance. But we were also incredibly impressed by the soundstage, writing in our review that the soundstage is "open, properly defined and allows every element of the recording the space it needs in which to express itself."

With a metal exterior crafted into a vaguely trapezoid shape that looks like a beautiful hip flask, this DAC definitely looks like it belongs to the iFi family. Although some minor design changes have been made, including a recessed fascia that serves as the bulk of the chassis. It's not the most portable device on the list, but it's not so bulky that it won't fit nicely on your desk.

Read our full iFi Zen DAC 3 review

The best premium desktop portable DAC

The best premium desktop portable DAC

Specifications

Inputs: Five digital inputs: coaxial, dual-data coax, optical, Micro-USB and USB-C
Outputs: 2 x 3.5mm
Bluetooth: No
Dimensions: 23 x 83 x 62mm / 185g
Sample rate: Up to 768kHz

Reasons to buy

+
Eloquent, engaging and endlessly listenable sound
+
Extensive specs and lots of input options
+
Can drive two pairs of headphones at once

Reasons to avoid

-
Staggeringly unintuitive interface
-
A bit big and heavy to be a truly mobile device
BUY IT IF

✅ You want to elevate desktop audio: The improvement Mojo 2 brings to your laptop’s sound is truly impressive.

You want support for dual headphone use: It's capable of powering two pairs of headphones simultaneously, perfect for sharing.

DON'T BUY IT IF

You're colorblind: The interface relies heavily on distinguishing between subtle color variations.

You only want to listen on-the-move: While compact and lightweight, it’s not the most portable option available.

The original Chord Mojo DAC was at the top of our best portable DAC list for a long time, but it's been replaced by the Chord Mojo DAC 2, which is our top premium pick for desktop listening. Replacing a product that’s borderline iconic can’t be easy - which is maybe why it’s taken Chord Electronics seven years to replace its original Mojo DAC / headphone amp.

The Chord Mojo DAC 2 is very easy to use. All you need to do is hook a digital source into one end of the device, and some wired headphones into the other.

During testing, we found this to be a brilliantly accomplished device, able to deliver all the musicality, all the detail, all the refinement and all the excitement hidden in what previously sounded like quite humdrum digital audio files. In pure performance terms, the Chord Mojo 2 almost constitutes a bargain.

But there are several drawbacks, too. The Mojo 2 is bulky (the same size and weight as the original it's replacing) and it doesn't have wireless connectivity. What's more, its control interface can be confusing. Given its size, we'd recommend it as a desktop option and given its high price tag, it's our premium pick.

Read our full Chord Mojo 2 review

The best portable DAC for design