Portable audio options continue to improve, offering a level of sound quality that rivals flagship desktop stacks of years past. Some portable products aim to bring that level of sound quality down to the smallest size possible, while others blur the line between desktop and portable gear both in terms of power and form factor – often dubbed “transportable.” In this guide, We’ll look at some of the best portable and transportable DACs on the market today, to help you find the best one for you.

Note: If you’re looking specifically for dongles, we have a separate guide just for ultra-portable, battery-free devices coming soon.

FiiO BTR17 - $219.99

At first glance, you might think that FiiO BTR17 is just a larger than average dongle DAC, but it’s actually a portable powerhouse, with solid power output, Bluetooth support, and app integration for iOS and Android. BTR17 can be used in Bluetooth mode, PC Mode (receives signal and power from the connected device,) and Phone Mode (only receives signal from the connected device.) There’s also separate charging and data ports so that you can use an external charger while connected to your phone.

BTR17 provides a clean, reference sound signature out of the box, but the EQ features and presets allow you to adjust that sound to your preference. The output power is good enough for more efficient over-ear headphones, but using the Direct Power mode improves the dynamics with many harder to drive headphones.

Cayin RU9 - $449

Cayin RU9 provides an all-around great experience in a portable DAC/Amp under $500. RU9 looks great and has a nice feel and ergonomic design. The magnetic back means that it can be easily attached to the back of most newer phones for convenient carrying. RU9 gives you three timbre options for sound, ranging from the warmer classic tube sound, to the more neutral solid state option. RU9 has separated charging and data ports (with the option to use the data port for charging as well), and also provides a miniCOAX option for S/PDIF input.

RU9 has a nice selection of cables in the box, including low profile angled USB-C to make it more streamlined when it’s on the back of your phone. It also includes a case, and an adhesive backed magnet that you can use to make any surface or device compatible with the device’s magnetic back.

xDuoo XD05T - $499.99

XD05T moves our discussion from genuinely portable devices to “transportable” ones, with a large chassis that holds a lot of features, but probably won’t fit in your pocket. XD05T can operate as either a DAC/Amp with USB or miniCOAX input, or as a standalone amp, with 4.4mm and 3.5mm line inputs. It’s also optimized for using in a desktop scenario, with line out options and a desktop mode for more power.

You don’t get multiple timbre or sound options here, but it does have three gain modes, as well as a bass boost option. Like some other transportable devices, XD05T provides a 6.3mm full-sized headphone output as opposed to the portable 3.5mm standard, along with a balanced 4.4mm output.

Questyle Sigma - $599

Questyle Sigma is a follow-up to the brand’s CMA18 portable DAC, which maintains the same core design, but adds some new features like IEM mode, which reduces the noise level when using sensitive IEMs. Sigma offers input via USB-C or Bluetooth 5.4, and output through 3.5mm or 4.4mm headphone jacks. Sigma has a detailed but warm sound with a little extra weight and impact, and also offers impressive output power.

Questyle includes everything you need to get started in the package with a short USB-C to USB-C OTG cable for mobile use and a longer one for charging or connecting to a computer, as well as a USB-A adapter. While it doesn’t provide the magnetic option that RU9 has out of the box, you can purchase a case separately which adds a magnetic back to more easily stack it with your phone.

Questyle Sigma Pro - $799

Sigma Pro shares some similarities with the standard Sigma, but it changes the form factor, as well as the DAC configuration, making the device more “transportable” than truly portable. Sigma Pro improves the level of detail and dynamics significantly, giving you sound quality on par with a flagship-level device. In addition to the sonic changes, Sigma Pro adds a full sized S/PDIF Digital Coax input and a full sized Optical Digital input, as well as analog input via 3.5mm or 4.4mm.

The device feels great and is easy to use. While the standard Sigma requires you to read various LED lights on the circuit board to know what’s going on, Sigma Pro has a monochrome screen to view the current mode, volume, and other info.

iFi iDSD Valkyrie - $1499

If you need something that you can use for listening anywhere, and aren’t worried about size or bulk, iFi Valkyrie offers an option that’s not going to fit in anyone’s pocket, but is packed to the gills with features. With multiple levels of XBass bass boost, upsampling options, and filters like XSpace, Valkyrie has probably the most advanced digital processing of any portable DAC on the market.

For inputs, Valkyrie provides USB-C, miniToslink, and Bluetooth 5.4 digital out, along with 3.5mm and 4.4mm line/aux input. For outputs, you get 3.5mm and 4.4mm headphone and line outputs, as well as RCA output. Valkyrie provides impressive headphone output, with a maximum of 2.2W through the 4.4mm headphone jack, giving you a great combo of elite digital processing, excellent sound quality, and pure power.

iBasso D17 Atheris - $1699

iBasso D17 Atheris takes a totally different approach to high end portable DACs. It has a similar transportable form factor to the Questyle Sigma Pro, but with a smaller set of input and output options: USB-C (with separate charging of course) and a hybrid mini-COAX and Optical combo for inputs, and 3.5mm and 4.4mm headphone outputs (switchable to line out via software.) D17’s focus isn’t on a myriad of features, but honed in on providing a unique, flagship portable DAC setup with R2R and 1-Bit DSD DAC options built-in.

Using the R2R DAC you get a full bodied, smooth delivery, while the 1-Bit option turns on the detail and precision. While the output power isn’t best in class, getting 1.2W at 32ohms is plenty of power for a good range of headphones. The device has a heavy duty, vintage inspired chassis, and the included case and cable round out the package nicely.

The Bottom Line

If you need just a little bit more from your DAC than the average dongle provides, BTR17 gives you a ton of features for the price, including the freedom to connect to your phone wirelessly for untethered listening. For a little more power and better sound quality, Cayin RU9 and Questyle Sigma remain very much portable and pocketable, but are a step up from BTR17 – and most dongles. RU9 is probably the best tube option for the money, while Sigma delivers excellent sound quality and musicality.

If you’re not worried about size or pocketability, XD05T, Sigma Pro, and Atheris move the sound quality up to the next level while still being reasonably sized to have in a sweatshirt pocket or backpack. XD05T and Valkyrie are going to give you the most power – and Valkyrie has by far the most advanced filtering and processing options  – but other than that, your sound preference and specific connectivity needs can make the final decision for you.