As modern smartphones continue to phase out the traditional 3.5mm headphone jack, mobile audiophiles are increasingly turning to external digital-to-analog converters (DACs) to elevate their listening experience.
While standard USB-C adapters and built-in hardware can manage basic audio playback, dedicated external DACs offer noticeable improvements under the right conditions. They are especially useful for listeners using demanding, high-impedance wired headphones or those who frequently stream high-resolution, lossless music tracks that standard hardware cannot fully resolve.
However, adding an external DAC may not make sense for everyone. Everyday listeners who primarily rely on Bluetooth headphones or standard compressed streaming services are unlikely to see a meaningful return on the extra expense and pocket clutter.
Check the original report on Engadget for the full breakdown and detailed recommendations.
