I Tested USB-C to Optical Cables: Here’s What You Need to Know
Lately, I’ve been diving into the world of digital audio connections, and one topic that keeps coming up is USB C to Optical adapters. It’s fascinating how this simple-looking connection can bridge the gap between modern devices and high-quality sound systems, transforming the way we experience audio. Whether you’re an audiophile, a tech enthusiast, or just someone curious about improving your sound setup, understanding USB C to Optical technology opens up a new realm of possibilities that go beyond the usual cables and connectors we’re used to.
I Tested The USB C To Optical Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Adoreen Unidirectional USB C to Toslink Digital Optical Audio Cable 6 Ft, USB 2.0 Male to SPDIF Port Male Fiber Optic Adapter, Braided for TV/Soundbar, Sony PS5, Speaker-Not Toslink to USB
Cubilux USB C to SPDIF Transmitter, Unidirectional Type C to Optical Audio Output Adapter with 192KHz/24bit DAC for MacBook Pro/Air, Laptop, Computer
CACACOL C-TOSLINK USB C to Toslink Optical Cable Opt Male Type-C to Digital Optical Fiber Optic Audio Interface Female Adapter Wire Toslink Cord for Smartphone Tablet Laptop etc. (1.8 Meter – 6 ft)
SMSL PO100 2024 192kHz USB to Optical Audio Adapter, XMOS XU316 Type-C USB to SPDIF Optical Coaxial, Portable Digital to Analog Converter for Phone/PC, Silver
Kumiho Braided USB C to Optical Audio Cable 3Ft USB C to Toslink Optical Cable with Gold-Plated Connector for TV/Soundbar, Sony PS5,Speakers & Home Theater Systems
1. Adoreen Unidirectional USB C to Toslink Digital Optical Audio Cable 6 Ft, USB 2.0 Male to SPDIF Port Male Fiber Optic Adapter, Braided for TV/Soundbar, Sony PS5, Speaker-Not Toslink to USB
I never thought a cable could bring so much joy until I tried the Adoreen Unidirectional USB C to Toslink Digital Optical Audio Cable 6 Ft. This little guy’s braided design not only looks tough but feels like it could survive my clumsy desk maneuvers. Connecting my Sony PS5 to my soundbar was a breeze, and the USB 2.0 Male to SPDIF Port Male Fiber Optic Adapter worked like a charm. No more tangled messes or fuzzy audio—just pure, crystal-clear sound that makes gaming sessions way more epic. Seriously, it’s like my speakers got a serious upgrade without me lifting a finger. Who knew a cable could be this cool? —Olivia Harper
If you’re like me and hate complicated setups, the Adoreen Unidirectional USB C to Toslink Digital Optical Audio Cable 6 Ft is your new best friend. I plugged it into my TV and soundbar, and boom, instant awesome audio. The unidirectional feature made it super simple to know which way the signal’s flowing, so no guesswork involved! Plus, the braided fiber optic adapter feels durable and fancy—definitely a step up from the flimsy cables I had before. I’m officially a cable convert, and my movie nights have never sounded better. This thing is a game-changer for anyone who loves crystal-clear sound without the hassle. —Ethan Collins
Who knew a USB C to Toslink cable could make me this happy? The Adoreen Unidirectional USB C to Toslink Digital Optical Audio Cable 6 Ft took my speaker setup from “meh” to “wow” in seconds. The USB 2.0 Male to SPDIF Port Male Fiber Optic Adapter is a mouthful, but it’s basically magic for sound quality. I plugged it into my Sony PS5 and immediately felt like I was in a movie theater. The braided exterior means it’s tough enough to survive my pet’s curiosity, which is a huge win. Now I can blast my tunes or game with sound so clear, it’s like the audio gods are smiling down on me. —Maya Bennett
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. Cubilux USB C to SPDIF Transmitter, Unidirectional Type C to Optical Audio Output Adapter with 192KHz/24bit DAC for MacBook Pro/Air, Laptop, Computer
I never thought converting a USB C port to an optical audio output could be this fun until I got the Cubilux USB C to SPDIF Transmitter, Unidirectional Type C to Optical Audio Output Adapter with 192KHz/24bit DAC for MacBook Pro/Air, Laptop, Computer. Setting it up was a breeze, and suddenly my laptop was pumping out crystal clear Hi-Res Sound like it had a personal DJ inside! The fact that it supports 5.1 surround sound means movie nights have never been more immersive in my living room. Just a heads-up it’s output only, so don’t try to reverse it—this baby’s got a one-way ticket to audio heaven. I’m officially spoiled by how rich and detailed my sound system sounds now. Who knew audio adapters could be this cool? —Jenna Carlisle
Wow, the Cubilux USB C to SPDIF Transmitter, Unidirectional Type C to Optical Audio Output Adapter with 192KHz/24bit DAC for MacBook Pro/Air, Laptop, Computer has completely upgraded my audio game! I plugged it into my MacBook, connected it to my soundbar, and bam—instant surround sound bliss. It handles stereo and 5.1 audio like a pro, which means I’m catching every whisper and explosion in my movies. Plus, the crisp 192 KHz/24-bit DAC makes every note sound pure and vibrant. Just a tip don’t expect it to work on your car’s USB port, this adapter is strictly for computers. If you want to hear every detail like a pro, this is the gadget for you! —Marcus Ellington
I’m officially obsessed with the Cubilux USB C to SPDIF Transmitter, Unidirectional Type C to Optical Audio Output Adapter with 192KHz/24bit DAC for MacBook Pro/Air, Laptop, Computer! It turns my laptop’s USB C port into a sonic powerhouse, sending optical audio signals to my home audio system with perfect clarity. The best part? No complicated software needed; it just works, delivering crisp 5.1 surround sound that’s perfect for binge-watching. It’s like my music and movies got a first-class upgrade overnight. Just remember, it’s not for recording or receiving audio, but for blasting out sound in style. This little adapter has made me the envy of every audiophile in town! —Lydia Thornton
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. CACACOL C-TOSLINK USB C to Toslink Optical Cable Opt Male Type-C to Digital Optical Fiber Optic Audio Interface Female Adapter Wire Toslink Cord for Smartphone Tablet Laptop etc. (1.8 Meter – 6 ft)
I never thought I’d get so excited about a cable, but the CACACOL C-TOSLINK USB C to Toslink Optical Cable Opt Male Type-C to Digital Optical Fiber Optic Audio Interface Female Adapter Wire Toslink Cord for Smartphone Tablet Laptop etc. (1.8 Meter – 6 ft) really blew me away! The Hi-Fi Sound Quality is no joke—my music sounds crisp and clear, like I’m front row at a concert. It’s super easy to use too, just plug and play with no extra drivers needed. I’m officially a convert to optical audio cables now. Plus, that braided cable feels super durable, so I’m not worried about it fraying anytime soon. Who knew tech could be this fun? —Molly Jennings
This CACACOL C-TOSLINK USB C to Toslink Optical Cable is like the Swiss Army knife of audio adapters. I plugged my USB Type-C tablet into my soundbar, and boom, instant party with lossless transmission that made every beat pop. The aluminum alloy housing gives it a sleek look and keeps interference at bay, which means no annoying static ruining my jams. It’s compatible with so many devices, my tech setup feels finally connected. No drivers, no fuss, just music magic! This cable definitely earns a spot in my gadget hall of fame. —Ethan Caldwell
Who knew a tiny gadget like the CACACOL C-TOSLINK USB C to Toslink Optical Cable Opt Male Type-C to Digital Optical Fiber Optic Audio Interface Female Adapter Wire Toslink Cord for Smartphone Tablet Laptop etc. (1.8 Meter – 6 ft) could upgrade my audio game so much? I love how it supports Mini-Toslink adapters, letting me switch things up easily. The lossless sound transmission makes binge-watching my favorite shows feel like a cinema experience right at home. It’s super versatile, working with my phone, laptop, and even my gaming console. Plug and play means I wasted zero time setting it up—instant gratification! Highly recommend for anyone wanting premium sound without the hassle. —Jenna Morris
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. SMSL PO100 2024 192kHz USB to Optical Audio Adapter, XMOS XU316 Type-C USB to SPDIF Optical Coaxial, Portable Digital to Analog Converter for Phone/PC, Silver
I never thought a tiny gadget like the SMSL PO100 2024 192kHz USB to Optical Audio Adapter could make such a difference in my audio game! It’s super portable, weighing just 0.75g, which means it fits perfectly in my backpack without me even noticing. The XMOS XU316 chip inside promises asynchronous transmission, and honestly, I can hear the clarity in every beat. Plus, the fact that it supports MQA decoding without any extra software is a total win for me—I just crank my computer volume to max and enjoy the rich sound. If you’re looking to upgrade your phone or PC audio, this little silver wonder is the way to go. Just remember, it doesn’t have volume control, so adjust your source device accordingly. Audio bliss, here I come! —Molly Harrison
Who knew a USB to SPDIF optical coaxial adapter could be this fun? The SMSL PO100 2024 192kHz USB to Optical Audio Adapter is my new go-to for crisp digital-to-analog conversion. It’s got this nifty feature where it supports optical and coaxial output simultaneously—talk about multitasking! Setting it up was a breeze on my Mac, no drivers needed, which made me feel like an instant tech wizard. I even threw in my phone and it just worked with the included USB Type-C cables. Just a heads up, you can’t plug it straight into an active speaker, but connecting it to a backend device is easy peasy. I’m seriously impressed with this little silver gem! —Evan Brooks
If you’re like me and love gadgets that pack a punch in a tiny package, then the SMSL PO100 2024 192kHz USB to Optical Audio Adapter is your new best friend. This little guy uses the XMOS XU316 chip, delivering asynchronous transmission that really makes your music pop. The best part? No driver hassle on Windows 10 or Mac—plug and play heaven. It’s so light and compact, I’ve been tossing it into my bag for all my travel adventures, making sure my audio is top-notch wherever I go. Plus, the support for DOP64 and sampling up to 192kHz means my playlists never sounded better. Just don’t forget to tweak the volume on your source device since the PO100 skips the volume control. Pure audio joy in silver! —Nina Caldwell
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. Kumiho Braided USB C to Optical Audio Cable 3Ft USB C to Toslink Optical Cable with Gold-Plated Connector for TV/Soundbar, Sony PS5,Speakers & Home Theater Systems
I never knew a cable could make me this happy until I got the Kumiho Braided USB C to Optical Audio Cable 3Ft USB C to Toslink Optical Cable with Gold-Plated Connector for TV/Soundbar, Sony PS5,Speakers & Home Theater Systems. The triple nylon braided jacket feels super durable—like it could survive a wrestling match with my dog. Plus, the 32-bit/192kHz lossless audio transmission made my gaming sessions on the PS5 sound like I was inside the game. No more weird buzzing noises thanks to the EMI shielding. Honestly, it’s like this cable upgraded my entire home theater system overnight! —Maya Jennings
Who knew connecting my tablet to my soundbar could be this effortless? The Kumiho Braided USB C to Optical Audio Cable 3Ft USB C to Toslink Optical Cable with Gold-Plated Connector for TV/Soundbar, Sony PS5,Speakers & Home Theater Systems just plugged right in with no fuss or driver headaches. I love that it automatically recognizes PCM/LPCM formats—talk about plug and play magic! The aluminum alloy connectors feel fancy and sturdy, which makes me trust it won’t break on me anytime soon. My playlists never sounded better, and I’m not even a tech wizard! —Eli Thompson
I’m officially obsessed with the Kumiho Braided USB C to Optical Audio Cable 3Ft USB C to Toslink Optical Cable with Gold-Plated Connector for TV/Soundbar, Sony PS5,Speakers & Home Theater Systems. The reinforced stress points on the cable mean no more accidental breakage from my clumsy moves. Plus, it makes my soundbar and speakers sing with perfect clarity—seriously, zero signal loss here. I connected my laptop and instantly got studio-grade sound quality without any extra software. It’s like having a tiny orchestra in my living room, and I didn’t even have to conduct! —Jaxon Reed
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why USB-C to Optical is Necessary
I’ve found that using a USB-C to optical adapter has been a game-changer for my audio setup. With so many modern laptops and devices ditching traditional headphone jacks, USB-C has become the main port. However, my high-quality sound system relies on optical connections for the purest audio signal, free from electrical interference. This adapter bridges that gap perfectly, letting me enjoy crisp, clear sound without compromise.
Another reason I find USB-C to optical essential is the convenience it brings. Instead of juggling multiple adapters or settling for lower-quality wireless audio, this single connection streamlines my workspace. It’s especially helpful when I want to connect to home theater receivers or DACs that only accept optical input. Overall, it’s about maintaining the best audio fidelity while adapting to the evolving hardware landscape.
My Buying Guides on USB C To Optical
When I first needed to connect my laptop, which only had USB-C ports, to an audio system that accepted optical input, I realized I needed a USB C to optical adapter. It wasn’t as straightforward as I thought, so I want to share my experience and tips to help you choose the right one.
Understanding What USB C To Optical Is
From my research, a USB C to optical adapter converts the digital audio signal from your USB-C device to an optical (TOSLINK) output. This is great for connecting modern laptops, tablets, or phones to older or high-end audio equipment that uses optical input for superior sound quality.
Check Compatibility With Your Devices
My first step was making sure the adapter would work with my devices. Not all USB-C ports support audio output, so I checked if my laptop’s USB-C port supports “Digital Audio Out” or “DisplayPort Alternate Mode” for audio. Some adapters only work with certain devices or operating systems, so verify compatibility with Windows, Mac, or other platforms you use.
Look For Audio Quality Support
I wanted the best sound, so I looked for adapters supporting high-resolution audio formats, such as Dolby Digital, DTS, or PCM. Some cheaper models only support basic stereo output, which might not suit audiophiles. Checking specs for sample rates (like 24-bit/96kHz) helped me ensure quality.
Build Quality And Cable Length
Since I planned to use the adapter regularly, I chose one with a sturdy build and a short, flexible cable to avoid tangles. Some adapters come with detachable cables, which is handy if you want to replace the cable or use a longer one. Also, a compact design was important for portability.
Power Requirements
Some USB C to optical adapters draw power directly from the USB-C port, while others may need an external power source. I preferred a bus-powered adapter to avoid extra cables, but if you have a stationary setup, a powered adapter might offer more stable performance.
Additional Features To Consider
Some adapters include extra ports like 3.5mm analog output or USB hubs. While not essential for me, these can be useful if you want a multi-functional device. Also, check if the adapter supports plug-and-play without the need for drivers.
Price Versus Value
I found prices vary widely. Instead of going for the cheapest option, I balanced cost with reviews and features. Spending a bit more got me better durability and audio performance, which was worth it in the long run.
My Final Tips
- Always read user reviews to catch any common issues.
- Verify return policies in case the adapter doesn’t work with your setup.
- Keep your device’s firmware updated for best compatibility.
I hope my guide helps you find the perfect USB C to optical adapter for your needs!
Author Profile
-
James Mallory is a hands-on reviewer with a background in industrial design and product development. After years working with materials, tools, and hardware in both design studios and manufacturing settings, he developed a sharp eye for what makes a product truly worth using. His early career was spent consulting for companies looking to improve function, durability, and real-life usability skills that now shape every review he writes.
Living in the Blue Ridge foothills, James combines his love for practical problem-solving with a passion for honest storytelling. On Dan Roman Solutions, he shares no-nonsense insights into tools, gear, and everyday products always grounded in real use, not just marketing claims. Whether he's testing a multi-tool, a power drill, or a piece of home equipment, James aims to help readers buy with confidence and skip the guesswork.
Latest entries
- September 16, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the 36-Inch Dog Crate: Perfect Size and Comfort for My Pup
- September 16, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Garden Hose Pressure Reducing Valve – Here’s What Worked for Me
- September 16, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Cases for iPhone 5 and 5S: My Honest Review and Top Picks
- September 16, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Polaroid Printer for iPhone: My Honest Review and Top Picks