Best DACs for Android in 2023

Bluetooth audio has made huge improvements over the last few years. But despite these strides, it still falls short of the kind of audio quality that you’ve been able to get since the 80s when using a decent set of wired headphones. Wireless audio is super convenient, yet there will always be folks who prefer to trade that in for better sound quality. It doesn’t hurt that making that jump also makes earbud battery life a non-issue.

While Bluetooth still tries to take on the 1980s audio wirelessly, audio engineers haven’t been twiddling their thumbs. Spotify may be dragging its feet in launching a lossless tier, but there are plenty of other services that will stream music to your phone at quality levels significantly beyond what can be delivered over Bluetooth. Whether you’re buying tracks from HDTracks or NativeDSD, listening to MQA files through Tidal, or streaming your lossless HiFi from Qobuz or Apple Music, there’s no shortage of services that will give you higher-quality music that can only be enjoyed through wired listening — and that’s best done with a DAC.

DACs range between those that run into hundreds of dollars and others that are available for pocket change, so there’s something for any budget. Whether you’re just an aspiring audiophile or looking to upgrade to an even better DAC, we’ve got something for you.

Our picks for top-quality DACs to get for Android devices in 2023

The FiiO BTR5 2021 has all the normal appeal of a mobile DAC and ample Bluetooth codec support, giving it extra functionality as a wireless headphone receiver. Support for high bit rate audio, full MQA decoding, and high impedance outputs are enough to land it on this list, but the added flexibility of Bluetooth support makes it even harder to pass up. In addition, the built-in 550mAh battery even makes it possible to use high-impedance headphones without your phone’s battery life taking a nosedive, even when it’s plugged in. All of these features make the BTR5 2021 a Swiss army knife for the audiophile on the go.

With a standard 3.5mm and a 2.5mm balanced jack, the BTR5 works great for most headphones already in your collection, as well as plenty of fancy in-ear monitors you can pick up down the road. It’s also capable of playing the highest resolution files available on lossless streaming services like Qobuz, Deezer, and Apple Music, so you’d have to make a real effort to find something it can’t handle.

ifi GO bar

Premium pick

Small, yet powerful enough to handle just about anything you throw at it

Despite being made from high-end components typically found in standalone players, the Ifi GO bar is one of the most compact DACs on the market, sporting multiple full-power outputs with support for high-impedance headphones and all the hi-res audio formats you need.

Pros

• Ultra-compact
• Supports a wide range of headphones
• Full power on all outputs

The Ifi GO bar is simultaneously one of the smallest portable DACs on the market and one of the most powerful. With playback modes optimized for super sensitive IEMs or even demanding cans with up to 600 Ohms of impedance, the GO bar is just as useful for popping in your favorite earbuds on the go or sitting down with your most demanding headphones for some critical listening.

While there is no shortage of DACs sporting multiple outputs, one thing unique to the GO bar is how these outputs are wired. With most balanced outputs, whether a 2.5mm TRRS connector or a 4.4mm Pentaconn jack, a second set of DAC and amp chips are used to process both audio channels separately. This normally means that the non-balanced jack will only have half the output power as the balanced jack, but since the GO bar handles this with a single DAC and amp set, the full power is always available no matter which output you’re using.

Jsaux Type-C to 3.5mm adapter

Best value

A simple and affordable way to add a higher-quality headphone jack

As the name suggests, the Jsaux Type-C to 3.5mm adapter is more of a headphone adapter than a traditional DAC, but it’s still likely to give you better quality than your phone’s built-in headphone jack — if it even has one. You won’t get the highest bit rate lossless codecs, but it’s a great way to dip your toes into the world of DACs.

Pros

• Very affordable
• Portable
• Supports lossless CD-quality audio

Cons

• Lacks support for hi-res codecs
• Only supports 3.5mm headphones
• No advanced features

The Jsaux Type-C to 3.5mm adapter isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you hear “DAC,” but there’s still a DAC chip doing the hard work of turning your ones and zeros into music. While it’s nowhere near as powerful as the other DACs on this list, unless your phone is one of the increasingly rare ones that still comes with a headphone jack, it’s still good enough to give you a boost in quality over most Bluetooth options.

This adapter, plus something like the Moondrop Chu IEMs, is a hard-to-beat budget combo that outclasses Bluetooth buds costing nearly ten times as much. While having a good DAC can be a serious audio quality upgrade, this option is still closer to a baby step and will give you a good idea if a higher-quality choice is right for you. It won’t give you access to anything fancy like DSD files or even high-bit-rate FLACs, but it’s enough to try out lossless CD-quality files, and that’s a great place to start.

FiiO BTR7

For dedicated audiophiles

A nice step up for serious audiophiles

The FiiO BTR7 is a more advanced version of the versatile and affordable BTR5, sacrificing some portability to pack in a larger 4.4mm balance jack, more battery capacity, and a larger screen. It’s a pricier package but well worth it for dedicated audiophiles.

Pros

• Bluetooth support
• 4.4mm balanced output
• Larger battery to support high-impedance headphones

The FiiO BTR7 has all the same features as the BTR5, along with some spec bumps for the audiophile elitist crowd. With a larger display, bigger battery, and a 4.4mm balanced output instead of the BTR5’s 2.5mm port, it’s easy to see where the extra cost comes from. Some improvements are clearly from the land of diminishing returns and also make the BTR7 less portable than the BTR5, so it clearly isn’t for everyone.

The 4.4mm Pentaconn jack is quickly becoming more common than the 2.5mm 4-pole connector found on the BTR5, so that upgrade makes the BTR7 a bit more tempting for anyone that doesn’t already have a collection of balanced cables or cans. If you have your eyes on any of those headphones, like the Sony MDR-Z7M2, the BTR7 is one of the best pocket DACs you can choose.

iBasso DC04Pro

Broad format support

The iBasso’s DC04Pro offers a pair of 3.5mm and 4.4mm balanced outputs in a remarkably small package that can handle just about any audio format you throw at it. While it doesn’t deliver all the advanced features of pricier DACs, it has all the hi-res audio support you’ll need, plus a multicolor LED to let you know which format is being streamed to it.

Pros

• Supports a broad range of formats
• Multi-color status LED shows file type
• Balanced output with dual DAC/amp chips

Cons

• Lacks more advanced features
• Doesn’t support high-impedance headphones

The iBasso DC04Pro can handle some of the most demanding audio files you’re likely to encounter and has surprising output power for its diminutive size. Dual pairs of DAC and amp chips drive its 4.4mm balanced output to let you hear details you’ve never noticed in your favorite albums, but you’ll get a noticeable bump in quality even with the standard 3.5mm jack.

While it lacks many features that make more expensive DACs so nice to use, like different listening modes and support for high-impedance headphones, the DC04Pro is a great option for anyone looking to play massive song files without a huge upfront cost. The color-changing LED also lets you know at a glance what kind of file you’re listening to, so if you’re a Tidal HiFi+ subscriber, you can be sure you’re getting the MQA files you paid extra for.

Helm Audio Bolt

Ultra-portable

A small but powerful entry-level DAC with support for the most common formats

At the size of a 3.5mm USB adapter, Helm Audio’s Bolt is one of the most portable USB DACs you’ll find, yet it still delivers support for the most important hi-res audio formats, including Tidal’s MQA audio.

Pros

• Barely larger than a basic 3.5mm adapter
• Supports popular hi-res audio formats
• Non-removable USB cable

Cons

• No on-board volume controls
• No balanced output

The Bolt by Helm Audio is a powerful entry-level DAC with a focus on the files you’re most likely to encounter. It doesn’t have a balanced output and isn’t suggested for headphones over 150 Ohms, but those features aren’t exactly common for casual music listening. If you want to make the most of your Tidal Hifi Plus subscription, the Bolt is one of the most affordable options on the market.

While it doesn’t have volume controls, the Bolt automatically increases power to the amp whenever it detects higher resistance from harder-to-drive headphones; however, this makes it a lot less convenient to adjust the volume if your phone is in your pocket. While the integrated USB cable makes the Bolt less flexible, it’s still very small — barely any larger than a Type-C to 3.5mm adapter.

Lavaudio DS100

A solid entry-level DAC

Portable and convenient with support for most hi-res audio formats

The Lavaudio DS100 is an impressively thin and portable entry-level DAC that can handle most common high-quality audio formats and higher-impedance headphones than most DACs in its class. It also features integrated play/pause and volume controls, so you can leave your phone in your pocket.

Pros

• Integrated volume and pause controls
• Can handle higher-impedance headphones
• Thin and portable

Cons

• Lacks MQA support
• No balanced output

The Lavaudio DS100 has integrated volume, pause controls, and 32bit 384 kHz or DSD256 files. If you’re in the market for an entry-level DAC, those features are probably more than enough to satisfy, but it doesn’t give you much room to grow. Most people are probably fine with these limits, but if you want a single extra feature, you’re out of luck.

It may not support MQA or have a balanced output, but that doesn’t stop the DS100 from being able to deliver high-quality audio. In addition, it’s impressively thin, making it super convenient to bring with you, and more than capable of playing the most demanding files most people will ever encounter. The built-in controls of the DS100 may be hit or miss on your computer, but if you’re listening on the phone in your pocket, they’re definitely an appreciated convenience.

Moondrop Dawn

A budget DAC

A proper DAC that offers good bang for your buck

The Moondrop Dawn punches well above its price tag, with support for DSD256 audio, although it’s a bit awkward to travel with due to its blocky design and non-removable USB cable. It also includes a 3.5mm headphone jack wired like a balanced audio output.

Pros

• Support for hi-res DSD256 audio
• 3.5mm balanced audio output

Cons

• Awkward design
• May not work with higher-impedance headphones

Moondrop is a leader in affordable audio, and the Dawn is another great example of that. It delivers well above its price tag with support for files up to 32bit 768kHz or DSD256, but it’s still a budget DAC at the end of the day. The square body can be a bit awkward to pocket, and the integrated USB cable doesn’t help on that front, either. There’s also no listed maximum suggested impedance, but that’s unlikely to be an issue if you’re in the market for an entry-level DAC.

Dawn may lack a balanced output, but the 3.5mm jack is still wired the way a balanced output is wired. This may be a cost-saving measure since Moondrop also sells a version of the Dawn with the same internals and a 4.4mm balanced Pentaconn jack, but the result remains the same. Physically separating the audio processing for both channels can lead to less interference, although being concerned with that is well into diminishing returns.

What to look for in a DAC

There are a few specs to keep in mind when DAC shopping. First up is the audio it can handle, which is usually listed by bit rate and format. Without getting too much into the weeds, higher bit rates at higher frequencies lead to three things — bigger files, harder processing, and better sound. The highest bit rate you’re likely to encounter is 24bit 96kHz (unless you’re a classical fan), but that’s not the only way DACs can process audio. MQA unfolding and DSD streaming are also important considerations for some people, but you aren’t likely to just stumble onto those files.

The DAC chip isn’t the only important hardware in a DAC, though. Amp chips determine how much power is sent to your headphones. The higher the resistance rating of your headphones, measured in ohms, the more powerful your amp needs to be to achieve the same volume. Most standard headphone jacks are acceptable for 30–50 ohms, but with much more impedance than that, you’ll need extra amplification if you actually want to hear your music.

If you’re trying to squeeze every bit of quality out of your DAC, you might also be interested in balanced audio. Balanced connections promise a cleaner signal with less noise and interference, depending on how much audiophile snake oil you’re willing to buy into. Grain of salt aside, there’s an unintended benefit to balanced outputs: because the vast majority of balanced outputs are wired with two DAC chips through two amps, most of them can drive much more demanding headphones.

What’s the right DAC for you?

If all you want is to surpass Bluetooth quality while spending as little as possible, the Jsaux adapter is the clear answer. It’s also the smallest option here, so you can leave it attached to the end of your daily carry earbuds if you’re worried about losing it. For a similar form factor with a huge upgrade, the Bolt by Helm Audio isn’t much bigger and offers a similar plug-and-play experience; however, it also supports full MQA unfolding to let you make the most of your Tidal Hifi Plus subscription. If you want to stay closer to the lower price tag of the Jsaux, and awkward size isn’t an issue, the Moondrop Dawn offers a great middle ground between the two.

For anyone who doesn’t want to give up Bluetooth for good, the BTR5 is the audiophile jack of all trades for you. It can handle the same heavy-duty files that all the more expensive DACs on this list can, comes with a balanced output, and can also be used as a high-quality Bluetooth receiver if you want to keep listening while you plug your phone in to charge. This combination of power and versatility made it a clear pick for our Best Overall choice. The closest thing it has to an Achilles heel is that it’s not good at driving high-impedance headphones; if that’s what you want from a DAC, the iFi GO bar is your best option.

While any of these DACs can be used with your computer in a pinch, the GO bar is the only one I’d put in the same class as a full-blown desktop DAC/amp setup. It may be the most expensive option here, but it’s also the most feature-rich and the most powerful. With a rated max of 600 ohms, it keeps up with amps that plug into a wall. There’s plenty of good to say about it, but if all you’re trying to do is get better audio with a DAC, all the more affordable ones on this list can do that too.

FiiO BTR5 2021

Best overall

The FiiO BTR5 2021 gives you everything you’d want in a high-end mobile wired DAC, plus a full collection of advanced Bluetooth codecs that turn it into a powerful wireless headphone receiver.