Creative
Labs Sound Blaster Play! 3 External USB Sound Adapter for Windows and Mac. Plug and Play (No Drivers Required). Upgrade to 24-Bit 96Khz Playback
*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-05-24. Price and availability subject to change.
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks classifies Creative Labs Sound Blaster Play! 3 External USB Sound Adapter for… as a solid pick with broad community endorsement in the sound cards category, based on 3,645 verified Amazon reviews and our ranking model that weights rating × review-volume × price-fit. Creative's positioning sits comfortably above the category median. Use the Compare tool to put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives before clicking through to Amazon.
Common buyer scenarios for sound cards of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the Amazon listing before purchase. Prices, stock, and Prime eligibility update directly from Amazon's catalog and may have moved since this page was last verified.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Highly rated — 4.5★ average across customer reviews
- ✓ Large, well-vetted feedback pool (3,645 reviews)
- ✓ power source type: Corded Electric
- ✓ Backed by Creative's warranty and support channels
- ✓ Ships via Amazon with Prime eligibility and the standard returns policy
Cons
- ✗ Confirm socket / form-factor / power-rating compatibility against your build before ordering
- ✗ Price, stock, and Prime eligibility update from Amazon and may have changed since this page was last verified
Key Features
- power source type: Corded Electric
- No drivers needed -- works straight out of the box.
- Works with PC and Mac -- Compatible with Windows 10, 8.1, 7; and Mac OS x10.9 or higher. Enhance your listening experience -- Upgrade your existing on-board sound to a USB DAC capable of 24-bit 96kHz playback Instantly!
- Easy Headphone connectivity -- Compatible with all analog headsets, from standard mobile phone earbuds to gaming and studio-grade headphones. Connect your headsets with single or split stereo/mic connector easily without the use of a Y-splitter cable.
- Powerful downloadable software -- control panel software gives powerful Audio Enhancements and unprecedented control. Also includes optimized profiles for multiple earphone brands.
- Product Type - SOUND CARD
Full Specifications
| Brand | Creative |
|---|---|
| Platform | Windows |
| Model Name | sound blaster play 3 |
| Unit Count | 1.0 Count |
| Connectivity | USB |
| Model Number | 70SB173000000 |
| Compatibility | PC, Mac |
| Mfr Part Number | 70SB173000000 |
| Audio Output Mode | Stereo |
| Hardware Platform | Headphones, PC |
| power source type | Corded Electric |
| Compatible Devices | mac |
| Hardware Interface | USB |
| Maximum Sample Rate | 96 KHz |
Ready to buy?
Creative Labs Sound Blaster Play! 3 External USB Sound Adapter for Windows and Mac. Plug and Play (No Drivers Required). Upgrade to 24-Bit 96Khz Playback is available on Amazon with Prime shipping and the full Amazon returns policy. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.
*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-05-24. Price and availability subject to change.
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