Looking for the best portable headphone amps that can last long and perform well? Read our review and buying guide on best portable headphone amps below.
In Hurry? Checkout Our Top Pick Of Best Portable Headphone Amps.
Our Top Pick
9.7/10 our score
Best Portable Headphone Amps
Rank | Product Name | Score |
---|---|---|
1 |
AudioQuest Dragonfly Red |
9. 7 |
2 |
Fiio A3 |
9. 5 |
3 |
EarStudio ES100 |
9. 1 |
4 |
Hidizs Type C |
8. 8 |
5 |
NextDrive Spectra X |
8. 6 |
6 |
Topping NX4 |
8. 2 |
7 |
Sony PHA1A |
8. 0 |
8 |
SMSL Idea |
7 .7 |
9 |
Apogee Groove |
7. 4 |
10 |
Fiio Q5 |
7. 2 |
1. AudioQuest Dragonfly Red
9.7/10 our score
- 32-Bit SABRE DAC
- 2.1v Output Drives Almost Any Headphones
- Works With Apple and Android devices when paired with a simple adapter
- Plays everything from MP3s to 24-bit/96kHz high-resolution files
- This versatile DAC improves everything – detail transparency immediacy richness tone
2. Fiio A3
9.5/10 our score
- Make sure this fits by entering your model number.
- Suitable for headphones ranging from 16 to 150 Ohms. Gain switch for matching output to headphone power needs.
- Superior sound quality through expertly selected components and design, utilizing OPA1642 preamp and AD8397 amp section.
- Fully discrete bass boost circuit increases output by 3.5dB at 60Hz, with bypass when off.
- Handsome all aluminum body and chassis is sturdy and shielding against EM interference.
- 1400mAh internal battery powers for up to 16 hours of use.
3. EarStudio ES100
9.1/10 our score
- 24bit Bluetooth receiver designed to deliver studio-quality sound through your ears WIRELESS - using your existing wired headphones, earphones or even speakers.
- Dimension 1 x 2 x 0.5 inch / Weight 20g / 14 hours of continuous playback / Dedicated app featured with 10 band EQ and Ambient mode / USB audio playback / device firmware update
- Including 2 independent Hi-fi DACs and Amplifiers (Asahi Kasei AK4375a) – the optimal Dual DACs/AMP design for both single-ended and full-differential outputs
- Analog volume control allows to keep the optimal audio performance even at low volume level using Programmable Gain Amplifier (PGA) which is known for the best way to control the volume/ Built-in microphone supports answering calls while using earphones without a microphone
- Max. Output Power (No load): 1.1V (3.2V peak-to-peak) at 3.5mm unbalanced output/ 2.2V (6.4V peak-to-peak) at 2.5mm balanced output Output Impedance: Approximately 1-ohm
4. Hidizs Type C
8.8/10 our score
- ♪ HI-FI LOSSLESS SOUND & PLUG AND PLAY: Built in high resolution DAC chip, our portable DAC Amp fully enhance the sound quality of mobile phones while providing excellent headphone drive capability. Ultra-low power dissipation extend the playback time.
- ♪ LOWEST NOISE & HI-RES DAC PERFORMANCE: It improves the signal-to-noise ratio to 114DB, and the sound quality is improved 3 times than your ordinary mobile phones. Delivers an THD+N down to -114dB for you to enjoy matchless hifi sound and maintain original sound quality of headphone.
- ♪ HI-RES AUDIO OUTPUT CAPABILITY: HIDIZS Sonata HD DAC cable passed the Hi-Res certification. Its DAC chip helps your mobile phones achieve 24bit/192kHz Hi-Res output capability.
- ♪ ULTRA PORTABLE & DURABLE DAC: With lightweight design, you can put our Hi-Fi headphone cable anytime anywhere. Pure quad-core copper wire, precision construction and quality materials let the Hidizs Sonata HD cable provides wide-frequency and high resolution sound.
- ♪ GREAT COMPATIBILITY & SATISFACTORY GUARANTEE: A perfect audio solution for all your type C phones, Laptops, Macbook, Speakers, like Google Pixel 3/3 XL/2/2 XL, HTC U 11/HTC U Ultra, Essential phone, LG, Xiaomi Mi Mix 2 and more usb c devices. Compatible with Windows/MacOSX/Android system.( iPhone&iPod excluded) ❤6 months warranty and 24 hours friendly customer service.
5. NextDrive Spectra X
8.6/10 our score
- PREMIUM QUALITY DAC - Enjoy matchless portable Hi-Fi sound from ESS Technology's SABRE 9018Q2C
- RAVE REVIEWS - Professional reviews around the web praise its price, size, soundstage and great sound across bass, mids and treble
- NOTE: iOS 12.1 introduces an update that may not be compatible with Spectra / Spectra X. iPhone users may experience issues with the device. | GREAT COMPATIBILITY - USB and USB-C versions available for plug-and-play connections to Windows, Mac, Linux and Android (iOS devices MUST purchase USB A version and Apple USB 3 adapter or Lightning adapter / camera kit, USB-C is not compatible with iOS devices)
- ULTRA PORTABLE - No batteries and slim design lets you connect to your smartphone or tablet and take it anywhere (adapter may be required, sold separately)
- HI RES AUDIO - Supports PCM audio files up to 32 bits / 384 kHz and DSD up to Quad-rate 11.2 MHz
6. Topping NX4
8.2/10 our score
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- NX4 DSD frequency response range is 20-100kHz, which is far more than CD quality and Hi-Res Audios requirements.Well deserved to get the Japanese Hi-Res Audio certification.
- NX4 DSD Headphone Amplifier Decoder Topping NX4 DSD XMOS-XU208 DAC ES9038Q2M Chip Portable Headphone Amplifier Decoder
- CD sound quality can reach 20-20kHz frequency response range and Hi-Res Audio standard requirements 20-40kHz frequency response range.
- NX4 DSD provides 28 hours playback time for headphone amp and 7.5 hours playback time for USB DAC + headphone amp. Suitable Headphone Impedance:16-300Ω
- You can play almost all kinds of Audio source because NX4 DSD is compatible with 32bit/768kHz、DSD256(Dop) and DSD512(native).
7. Sony PHA1A
8/10 our score
- Compact and lightweight for easy portability and use, Hi-Res audio DAC/amplifier supports up to PCM 192kHz/24 bit, Direct Digital Connection for smartphones, DMPs, iOS devices, and PCs, Solid Sound: Wolfson DAC w/separate operational & headphone amps
- Sleek and durable aluminum enclosure for dependable performance, Built-in Lithium-ion battery for up to 6 hours battery life, Charge the PHA-1A and a Walkman while listening (requires cable, sold separately)
- Selectable gain supports headphone impedance from 8 to 600 Ohm, Includes: Micro-USB and digital cables for Walkman and Xperia, Securely fasten portable devices with included silicone belts (x2)
8. SMSL Idea
7.7/10 our score
- Using the latest vadvanced second generation XMOS USB Audio solution XCore200XU208, supports up to PCM 32bit/768kHz and Native DSD512(22.5792MHZ)
- Using ESS SABRE9018Q2C as DAC chip, ultra-high dynamic range and ultra-low THD+N DAC, with built-in high quality headphone amplifier
- Using ultra-low noise power supply LDO for the best performance,Low phase noise and low clock jitter PLL from Silcon Labs
- Ultra-low power consuption design for most of mobile phones,compatible to work with headphone,amplifier and active speaker
- Featured with function of volume control for DSD files which is the first model can achieve that in this field.Do not have to set volume in computer or phone, volume button in the set itself
9. Apogee Groove
7.4/10 our score
10. Fiio Q5
7.2/10 our score