Update: Find the latest Dongle DAC Editors’ Choice awards here. Some products mentioned below may no longer be available and pricing may have changed since originally published on November 4, 2022.
A Dongle DAC is a small adapter the connects between a smartphone/laptop and a wired headphone to improve the digital audio quality from such devices. It is important to remember that not every Dongle DAC works with every phone so selecting the best option isn’t as simple as grabbing the best one and thinking that you just improved the sound of your headphones.
Apple users have a more limited pool of Dongle DACs to choose from due to the more limited power available via the lightning port and the fact that Apple puts more restrictions on devices and demands licensing fees to be Apple certified.
Most devices will work with Android phones but even then some dongles trade battery life for features so it’s still important to find the best balance for your use case.
This is made more difficult by the myriad of devices available as trying to audition all of them can be overwhelming (believe me). We had nearly 30 different models at our booth at T.H.E. Show, and that barely scratches the surface. All of our picks work equally well with Android and Apple smartphones.
Related video: DAP, Dongle DAC or DAC-AMP: Which should you choose?
Smallest Dongle DAC
DDHifi TC35
For those looking for the smallest dongle on the market, look no further than the DDHifi TC35 models. These are available in either Lightning or USB Type-C port and dispense with the cable altogether. We had these at T.H.E Show and most listeners were taken back not only by the size but also the sound quality and price of these tiny wonders.
At $42 USD, the TC35 is less expensive than the adapter cables for other dongles on our list. The base Lightning model (TC35i) supports 24-bit/48kHz playback while the TC35B model (USB Type C) supports 32-bit/384kHz. An upgraded Lightning model (TC35C) also supports 32-bit/384kHz and is available for $59.99.
These Dongle DACs don’t sport a lot of extra features; those looking for MQA support, balanced outputs, or LED indicators of file type will want to continue their search.
The reality is that the build quality on these Dongle DACs is superior to some more expensive options and they really do improve the sound quality of your smartphone and don’t take up a lot of space.
Pros: simple, affordable, great Build and sound quality.
Cons: Not well known, outside of Head-Fi circles, no balanced output.
Where to buy:
- TC35i (Lightning 2021) – $42 at Linsoul | Amazon | Amazon.ca | Amazon.co.uk
- TC35B (USB-C) – $42 at Linsoul | Audio46 | Amazon | Amazon.ca | Amazon.co.uk
- TC35i (Lightning 2022) – $49.99 at Linsoul | Amazon
- TC35C (Upgraded Lightning) – $59.99 at Linsoul
Best Value Dongle DAC
Hidizs S9 Pro
The Swiss army knife in the category is the Hidizs S9 Pro which offers 32-bit/384kHz PCM playback, MQA support, DSD Support, Apple lossless support, both 3.5mm and 2.5mm outputs, and the logo doubles as an indicator of the sampling rate.
Build quality is first rate, and it comes with a pocket clip and both USB Type-C and Lightning cables. Amazon has the S9 Pro listed for $116.99 USD which makes it one of the best value Dongle DACs available. It is one of the most capable units anywhere near that price. If there is a drawback to the S9 Pro it is that it gets fairly hot during use and may struggle driving high impedance or low sensitivity headphones.
Pros: Solid build, supports both balanced and single-ended, good format support.
Cons: Can get hot during use, may not drive high-impedance headphones well.
Where to buy: $116.99 at Amazon | Linsoul | Amazon.ca | Amazon.co.uk
Best Dongle DAC Under $150
Questyle M12
For those wishing to power their over-ears with a dongle, the Questyle M12 is our top pick in the $150 USD price bracket. The M12 auto-detects the headphone plugged in and adjusts accordingly; it will work just fine with IEMs like the UE Live, high-sensitivity over-ear headphones like the Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X, and even powered loudspeakers.
One quirk is that the Questyle M12 will not be visible to the phone until a headphone is plugged into the dongle. This prevents wasting power when playback isn’t possible but it does take some getting used to. The $149 USD price is a true bargain considering the power, sonic performance, and format support.
Pros: Build quality, format support, sound quality, power.
Cons: Unit doesn’t power on until headphone is plugged in, no balanced output, price.
Where to buy: $149 at Amazon
Note: M12i has replaced the M12
Best Audiophile Dongle DAC
Questyle M15
Questyle has a long track record of success in the DAP and desktop amplifier categories and the M15 offers some interesting trickle down technology from its lineup. High-end Dongle DACs are starting to offer sonic performance that rivals many of the DAPs currently available; the issue is these rather powerful options also come with heat and battery issues, and not every smartphone will work with them.
The Apogee Groove ($249) is a fantastic option but only for Android users. Apple iPhone owners won’t have much success with it.
Similarly, the Cayin RU6 is a superb ladder DAC but it also suffers from some heat build-up and signal cut-out issues with Apple iPhones. If you use a Samsung smartphone — this could be your audio nirvana when streaming.
The best universal audiophile high-end Dongle DAC is the Questyle M15; which is the big brother to the M12 and offers both balanced and single-ended outputs, excellent industrial design with its clear top exposing the internals, and it works equally well with both Android and Apple devices (a huge plus).
File format support includes 32-bit/384kHz PCM, DSD, and MQA-encoded files. Like its little brother, the M15 uses current mode amplification and adjusts to the headphones or earphones being used. The M15 offers a very low noise floor, a high level of resolution, detail, and can drive a wide range of headphones and IEMs.
The $249 USD asking price makes it more expensive than the aforementioned Cayin and Apogee Dongle DACs but we think the sound and build quality, along with its ability to work with Apple and Android devices makes it the clear choice.
Pros: Good power, balanced output is able to drive most headphones, format support, build quality, sound quality.
Cons: Higher battery drain than some, some heat build-up, price.
Where to buy: $249 at Amazon
Note: M15i has replaced the M15
Honorable mention
iFi Go bar
The iFi Go bar earns an honorable mention in the category because it offers so much flexibility, a wide range of connectivity options, and excellent format support. Bassheads might select the iFi Go bar for its xBass boost and xSpace setting that increases the spaciousness of the sound, but the $329 price is a rather significant premium over the M15 which offers the same level of sonic performance.
Where to buy: $329 at Amazon | Crutchfield
Update: This story was originally published November 4, 2022. Find out the latest Dongle DAC Editors’ Choice awards or view all Editors’ Choice Awards.
