Quick answer

Choose the Astell&Kern HC3 if you need microphone support for calls and want the lowest-cost entry into Astell&Kern's USB DAC sound. Choose the HC4 if you want the newer model in the line and are willing to pay more for it, primarily for music listening rather than headset use.

The real differences: price, mic, and generation

The HC3 and HC4 share the same basic job: turning a phone or laptop's USB-C port into a cleaner headphone output. The HC3 is the more affordable option and is explicitly built with microphone connectivity, so it can handle voice calls and headset mics as well as music. The HC4 is positioned as the newer, higher-priced model in the same family, continuing the design approach of its predecessors. If your daily use includes calls or a headset, the HC3's mic support is a concrete advantage that the HC4's catalog description does not claim. If you only listen to music, the HC4's higher price buys you the newer generation, but the supplied specifications do not give a measurable reason to expect a specific sound difference.

What the catalog does not tell you

Neither product record lists output power, supported sample rates, or included cable types. That means you cannot use this comparison to predict which dongle will drive a specific pair of high-impedance headphones or which will decode a particular file format. Treat the choice as a feature-and-budget decision: the HC3 covers mic input and costs less; the HC4 is the newer model at a higher price. If you need a guaranteed specification match for a hard-to-drive headphone, check the full product page or ask before buying rather than assuming.

Phone versus laptop: same dongle, different priorities

On a phone, the HC3's microphone support matters most if you take calls or use a headset with a mic. The lightweight aluminium build described in its catalog copy also suits pocket carry. On a laptop, the dongle mostly stays plugged in, so the HC4's newer status may matter more than portability. Neither record specifies a USB-C-to-USB-A adapter, so if your laptop lacks USB-C, plan for an adapter separately.

Decision rules

  • If you take calls or use a headset mic: Pick the HC3. Its catalog description explicitly includes microphone connectivity, while the HC4's does not. Check whether your headset uses a 3.5mm TRRS plug or USB-C mic before ordering.
  • If you want the lowest-cost Astell&Kern dongle: The HC3 is the cheaper of the two at catalog prices of USD 215.28 versus USD 304.59 for the HC4.
  • If you want the newest model and only listen to music: Choose the HC4. It is the newer generation in the line, but the supplied records do not specify a measurable sound advantage over the HC3. Do not pay the premium expecting a documented power or format upgrade that the catalog does not list.
  • If you need a specific output power or sample rate: Neither record lists those specifications, so this comparison cannot confirm compatibility with difficult headphones. Verify the missing specifications on the product page or with support before buying.

Product facts

Who each dongle fits

Best for

  • Phone users who want one dongle for music and calls
  • Buyers who want the lower-priced Astell&Kern USB DAC
  • Listeners who value a lightweight aluminium build for pocket carry

Not for

  • Buyers who need documented high output power for hard-to-drive headphones
  • Listeners who require a specific sample rate or format that the catalog does not list
  • Anyone who needs a USB-A connection without a separate adapter