Top DACs of 2025: Premium Digital Converters for Perfect Sound

Explore the best DACs of 2025 to elevate your audio experience with superior digital converters.

What is a DAC?

Digital-to-Analog Converters (DACs) might not be terms you hear every day, but they play an essential role in our audio experiences—often without us even realizing it. Every device that plays digital sound, be it your smartphone, laptop, gaming console, or portable music player, has a built-in DAC. This tiny chip converts digital audio into an analog signal, making it audible through speakers, headphones, or any other analog device that outputs sound.

In an age where music streaming dominates our listening habits, digital sound is everywhere—and so are DACs. Although they are critical components in playing digital music, the DACs integrated into most everyday devices often don't execute their conversion tasks accurately, negatively impacting audio quality. That's where external DACs come into play. These external devices, positioned between the source and headphones/speakers, focus solely on conversion, providing superior audio quality.

Let’s dive into the best DACs available on the market right now. Whether you're looking for portable, desktop, or high-fidelity devices, we’ve got you covered to fully enjoy your wired headphones or digital Hi-Fi system.

Best DACs: Quick List

Best Hi-Fi DAC

Chord Qutest

This award-winning DAC does not include a headphone amplifier, serving as the ideal bridge between your digital source and amplifier.

Best Budget Portable DAC

iFi Go Link Max

This tiny and affordable DAC from iFi boasts impressive portability and performance for your phone or laptop.

Best Premium Portable DAC

Chord Mojo 2

This palm-sized, battery-powered DAC helps any device realize its full potential.

Best Budget Desktop DAC

AudioQuest Dragonfly Cobalt

The sound produced by this tiny USB DAC far exceeds its size, making it perfect for your laptop or phone.

Best Premium Desktop DAC

Chord Hugo 2

This standout device from Chord not only grabs attention but also delights your ears with its detailed and dynamic sound.

Best High-End DAC

dCS Rossini Apex DAC

With exceptional detail and dynamic expression, it's hard to imagine a DAC that could outperform this one—especially considering it costs as much as a small car.

Best DACs: In-Depth Reviews

Best Hi-Fi DAC

Chord Qutest: The Best DAC for Upgrading Your Hi-Fi System

Specifications

• Inputs: Coaxial, Optical, USB (Type-B)
• Outputs: RCA
• Bluetooth: No
• Max File Support: 32bit/768kHz PCM, DSD512
• Dimensions (H x W x D): 4.1 x 16 x 7.2 cm
• Weight: 770 g

Pros:

• Clear, precise sound reproduction
• Excellent timing
• Well-equipped

Cons:

• No Bluetooth
• No headphone jack

While the Qutest lacks Bluetooth connectivity and a built-in headphone amplifier, its sole function is to serve as a digital-to-analog converter between your digital source and amplifier, and it excels at this task.

This product is a benchmark for lesser-known competitors in its price bracket. The award-winning DAC delivers a clear, clean, and concise sound with Chord's signature neutral tonal balance, surpassing its predecessor by offering more nuances, textures, and space. As noted in our five-star review, “Notes have clearer, more pronounced beginnings, convey warmth and texture abundantly, and never fade prematurely—even when subsequent notes overlap.”

Like all decent Hi-Fi gear, the Qutest may require a little time to fully perform, but when it does, you’ll be pleasantly surprised; songs reveal a sense of scale, with ample warmth and textures.

Qutest features Chord’s signature color-coded buttons indicating the source of the signal: white for USB-Type-B (supports 32bit/768kHz PCM/DSD512), yellow for the first coaxial BNC input, red for the second (24bit/384kHz), and green for optical (24bit/192kHz/DSD64).

This unique yet undeniably talented device is the simplest recommendation for anyone wanting to upgrade their digital Hi-Fi system, provided they can afford it.

Best Budget Portable DAC

iFi Go Link Max: Compact Powerhouse for Your Devices

Specifications

• Inputs: USB-C with Lightning and USB-A adapters
• Outputs: 4.4mm balanced, 3.5mm
• Bluetooth: No
• Max File Support: 32bit/384kHz PCM, DSD256
• Dimensions (H x W x D): 1.5 x 1.5 x 1 cm
• Weight: 14.5 kg

Pros:

• Bold, piercing sound
• Strong bass reproduction
• Good hi-res file compatibility

Cons:

• Potential cable fragility
• The standard Go Link has a more flexible sound

Go Link Max is an upgraded version of the Go Link, which earned five stars a couple of years ago. The price difference is partly due to its balanced 4.4mm headphone output for use with balanced headphones, in addition to the standard (unbalanced) 3.5mm output.

While both models offer high resolution (far better than your computer or phone), they sound slightly different; your preference will likely dictate which you prefer. In our five-star review of Go Link Max, our testing team noted, "The standard Go Link provides a more dynamic and clear sound, showcasing the older model’s vocal superiority. For delivering the right tunes with good power, especially in the low range, the new Max truly excels, but we acknowledge that some listeners may prefer the cleaner and clearer sound of the more affordable Go Link."

Go Link Max is a practical, portable model that’s easy to carry around or store on your desk. It consists of a small DAC unit and a built-in USB-C connector, tethered by a short braided cable, with two handy adapters—Lightning and USB-A—so you won’t be left without sound if you’re using an older iPhone or laptop. It also supports high-resolution PCM and DSD files, outputting up to 100mW power (unbalanced output) into a 32-ohm load, and up to 241mW on the balanced output, plenty for more power-hungry headphones.

This is another excellent portable DAC from iFi, which is popular for its affordable DAC offerings. If you need a DAC primarily for desktop (not portable) use, check out the Zen DAC V2 from this company. Additionally, if your budget is larger, consider the AudioQuest Dragonfly Cobalt for outstanding sound, which is detailed further down this page.

Best Premium Portable DAC

Chord Mojo 2: The Ultimate Portable DAC for Superior Audio Quality

Specifications

• Inputs: Optical, 3.5mm coaxial, USB-C, Micro USB
• Outputs: 3.5mm x2
• Bluetooth: No
• Max File Support: 32bit/768kHz, DSD256
• Dimensions (H x W x D): 2.3 x 8.3 x 6.2 cm
• Weight: 185 g

Pros:

• Benchmark transparency
• Lively, musical, open sound
• Multiple customization options

Cons:

• Folded color display

Mojo 2, aptly named, is a long-awaited, redesigned replacement for the original Mojo released in 2015, which became a true benchmark in the nascent world of portable DACs/headphone amplifiers. While those familiar with Chord’s most affordable product will notice minimal changes in external appearance, significant improvements have been made in other aspects to maintain its position as the best portable DAC.

Quoting our five-star review of Mojo 2, "We do not exaggerate when we say Chord has improved Mojo in almost every aspect of sound. The soundstage of Mojo has expanded in the sequel, and this additional depth and spaciousness have been filled with higher resolution, which is not only unmistakably recognizable due to a significant increase in clarity but is also positioned more accurately."

In terms of performance, this award-winning Mojo 2 can equally enhance the performance of Hi-Fi systems. However, some looking for upgrades may prefer specialized alternatives with more suitable connections, such as the Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M. iFi also offers the lower-priced GO Blu, which benefits from Bluetooth connectivity between it and the source. But rest assured, Mojo 2 undoubtedly performs better.

For those who need primarily a portable or desktop DAC within this price range and can't triple their budget to enter the Chord Hugo 2 category (see below), deciding to purchase Mojo 2 or forgoing it is much easier. And what about existing Mojo owners? Honestly, Chord had no choice but to recommend an upgrade.

Best Budget Desktop DAC

AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt: Brilliant Portable DAC for PCs, Laptops, and Phones

Specifications

• Inputs: USB
• Outputs: 3.5mm
• Bluetooth: No
• Max File Support: 24bit/96kHz PCM, MQA
• Dimensions (H x W x D): 1.2 x 1.9 x 5.7 cm
• Weight: 20 g

Pros:

• Clear, penetrating sound
• Excellent timing and dynamics
• Extensive file support

Cons:

• Not the most relaxed sound
• Installing the adapter can be tricky

Looking for a compact sound amplifier that looks great on your desk and fits in your pocket? If so, you should try the latest model in AudioQuest's portable DAC series—DragonFly Cobalt. Although it’s the most expensive model in the DragonFly lineup (the most affordable being the five-star DragonFly Black, and the mid-range model being the five-star DragonFly Red), it’s also the most cost-effective in terms of quality and price, making it highly recommended.

Previously, the iFi Zen DAC V2 held this position as a more traditional desktop DAC due to its more robust design and connectivity, as well as being powered from an outlet (AudioQuest draws power from the device it’s plugged into). However, it has since been discontinued, and its successor, the DAC V3, although very good, does not sound as good as the DragonFly Cobalt at the same price point.

The renowned and award-winning AudioQuest resembles a USB flash drive and connects directly to the USB-A port of a laptop or PC or to a phone with a USB-A to USB-C (or Lightning) adapter. It features a more advanced DAC chip than the DragonFly Red model and a new microprocessor that consumes less power and speeds up DAC processing.

Yes, it’s a bit pricier, but it elevates performance to a new level. “Cobalt” works wonders, boosting our laptop’s performance, regardless of the files we send it, whether streaming from YouTube, Spotify, Tidal, or playing from our own high-resolution library. “The lines at the edges of each instrument are clearly drawn, and the detail complements the clarity and military precision,” reads our five-star review of DragonFly Cobalt. In comparing the more functional iFi Zen V3 DAC with Cobalt, our testing group noted that “it lacks the liveliness, dynamism, and rhythmic complexity of Audioquest, which prefers to offer listeners a more smoothed-out version of events.”

Once connected to a device and selected as the output, the LED on the DAC glows one of six colors, indicating the sampling frequency: red when in standby mode, green at 44.1kHz, blue at 48kHz, yellow at 88.2kHz, light blue at 96kHz, or purple when decoding MQA. It’s an excellent feature for a quick check.

Best Premium Desktop DAC

Chord Hugo 2: The Ultimate Desktop Device for Most Users

Specifications

• Inputs: Coaxial, Optical, Micro USB
• Outputs: 3.5mm, 6.3mm, RCA
• Bluetooth: Yes (aptX)
• Max File Support: 32bit/768kHz PCM, DSD512
• Dimensions (H x W x D): 2.1 x 10 x 13 cm
• Weight: 450 g

Pros:

• Detailed, dynamic, and open sound
• Well thought out and specified
• Exotic multi-color control system

Cons:

• All those colors can be confusing
• Not exactly portable

The excellent Hugo 2 features all the inputs and outputs needed in such a device, including digital optical, coaxial, and mini-USB. Music can also be wirelessly streamed via aptX Bluetooth headphones. It also has outputs for 3.5mm and 6.3mm headphones as well as a pair of RCA stereo outputs for connecting an amplifier. Therefore, to say that this is a versatile device is an understatement.

To say that it sounds good would also be an understatement. Hugo 2 delivers a smooth, neutral sound—neither overplays nor underplays. For some DACs, this might be a safe option, but the Hugo 2 still manages to maintain interest, creating an immersive sound experience: it merges fragments into a convincing whole where the bass is balanced with the highs in the most effortless and crystal-clear manner. But what’s its main talent? Synchronization. As we noted in our five-star review of Chord Hugo 2, "Synchronization is perhaps the strongest point of Hugo 2—it provides an absolutely believable unity in ensemble music." It possesses a dynamic sound and insight that allows it to outperform competitors like the SPL Diamond and NuPrime DAC-9X.

If your budget is limited and you need alternatives, the Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M and Chord Mojo 2 (above) are worth considering. If you can afford a larger model, the Chord Hugo TT2 should also be on your radar, but there is no other DAC at this price point that interacts so well and effortlessly with other devices. That’s why it's a What Hi-Fi? award winner. We love it and believe it’s the best DAC most people will ever need.

Best High-End DAC

dCS Rossini Apex DAC: Setting the Bar for Performance and Pricing

Specifications

• Inputs: USB Type A, USB Type B, Coaxial BNC, Coaxial RCA, Optical, AES/EBU x 2
• Outputs: RCA, XLR
• Bluetooth: No
• Max File Support: 24bit/384kHz PCM, DSD128
• Dimensions (H x W x D): 12.5 x 44.4 x 43.5 cm
• Weight: 15.6 kg

Pros:

• Outstanding detail, coolness, and persuasive sound
• Expressive dynamics
• Tight and powerful bass
• Excellent build and finish

Cons:

• Streaming module isn't as impressive as the DAC section
• Overwhelming array of filters and sound options

You’re looking at the most powerful digital-to-analog converter we’ve ever reviewed, which is no surprise given its hefty price tag—approximately $32,800.

There’s no denying that the dCS Rossini Apex DAC is incredibly expensive, and in these financially challenging times, it’s easy to dismiss high-ticket items simply because of their cost. However, when evaluated on its specifications, it’s hard to envision anything better. The Rossini Apex DAC offers unparalleled transparency and has continually impressed us with its musical sound during testing. In our five-star review, we noted, "We are impressed with the authority and scale of the Rossini sound. It feels rich and full, like very few digital products. We also admire the stability, focus, and layering of the dCS stereo image."

Rossini also features excellent connectivity options, including USB Type A and B, coaxial, BNC coaxial, optical, and two AES/EBU inputs. While there may be no analog inputs, it does offer unbalanced RCA and balanced XLR outputs. Of course, any product sold at a price point like the Rossini must be of exceptional quality—and it is.

Chord’s DAVE and dCS’s Lina are other high-end options worth considering if Rossini is out of reach. The Nagra HD DAC/MPS will also save you a few thousand dollars. But if you’re fortunate enough to even consider purchasing at this level, we envy you.

How to Choose the Best DAC for You

Without a DAC, your digital music collection is merely an impressive collection of "zeros and ones" that only make sense in digital format. Therefore, DACs play a crucial role in ensuring that digital music holds value for many of us. The right DAC will provide your ordinary digital device or a more complex digital sound source with the necessary level of quality. However, depending on your device and user requirements, you may want to consider different types of DACs.

For Your Phone?

If you want to enhance the sound on your mobile device while on the go, a compact USB-C adapter (with a Lightning-to-USB-C adapter if you have an iPhone 14 or later) will do a great job, acting as a discreet intermediary between your phone and wired headphones. Most connect to both headphones and the sound source, while some (like iFi Go Blu) can connect to the sound source wirelessly via Bluetooth, eliminating one cable. Typically, they draw power from the connected source device.

For Your Laptop/Computer?

There are desktop DACs and USB flash drive DACs that are generally affordable and easy-to-use solutions for improving the sound of your laptop or PC, and they can also work with your phone (if needed via an adapter).

For Your Speaker System?

There are also more serious DACs that can connect to your home Hi-Fi system for enhanced digital source quality. Most are designed for headphone listening and thus have built-in headphone amplifiers; however, like the Chord Qutest listed above, some don't have a headphone jack and are intended for connecting between the source and amplifier/pair of active speakers.

File Support

Most DACs now support a wide range of high-resolution PCM files—like FLAC, often up to 32-bit—but additional compatibility should be considered if you want to play or stream more specialized music formats, like DSD.

Connections

When it comes to connections, simpler portable/desktop devices typically have one USB connection (Type A or C), although some offer additional digital inputs and balanced headphone jacks. Whether you need these depends on your source and the type of headphones you have.

Also Consider

• iFi DAC Zen V3: The new Zen, successor to the award-winning Zen V2, remains a pleasant product with a decent blend of performance, features, and build quality for the money. However, the simpler AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt from our list sounds a bit better.
• NuPrime DAC-9X: While not as transparent as the leading Chord model, this high-quality DAC/preamplifier/headphone amplifier is virtually error-free—it still sounds amazing, offers numerous connections, and works well across a broad range of systems.
• iFi hip-dac 3: The AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt leads in this competition, but the race is very tight—many of AudioQuest's competitors can't compete. This portable DAC is smart, versatile, and enjoyable to listen to.
• iFi Go Blu: If you want to eliminate one of the two wires in your home audio system—specifically, the cable between your source and DAC—this compact and effective iFi DAC will help you do just that. You will still need to connect headphones, but you can stream music via Bluetooth from your phone/laptop to Go Blu.

Feel free to shop for your favorite album cover poster at our store here—it’s the perfect way to showcase your love for music!