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Best audio interfaces

An audio interface connects XLR microphones and instruments to a computer by USB. Count the inputs you need, check that it gives 48 V phantom power for condenser mics, and look for enough clean gain for dynamic mics like the SM7B.

Top 10 of 38 that qualify, from 59 audio interfaces compared. Ranked by how often independent reviewers recommend them.

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  1. Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen

    Top pick

    Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen

    2-preamp USB-C interface with Air and loopback

    • Compact, set it and forget it
    Mic inputs
    2
    Type
    Audio interface
    Best for
    Podcasts, Streaming, Music
    Phantom power
    Yes
    Guitar input
    Yes
    Loopback
    Yes
    What 7 reviews say
    PriceToday's price on AmazonView on Amazon
  2. Universal Audio Volt 2

    Universal Audio Volt 2

    2-preamp USB-C interface with Vintage mode and MIDI

    • Compact, set it and forget it
    Mic inputs
    2
    Type
    Audio interface
    Best for
    Podcasts, Streaming, Music
    Phantom power
    Yes
    Guitar input
    Yes
    Loopback
    No
    What 6 reviews say
    PriceToday's price on AmazonView on Amazon
  3. Audient iD4 MKII

    Audient iD4 MKII

    1-preamp USB-C interface with JFET instrument input

    • Compact, set it and forget it
    Mic inputs
    1
    Type
    Audio interface
    Best for
    Music
    Phantom power
    Yes
    Guitar input
    Yes
    Loopback
    No
    What 8 reviews say
    PriceToday's price on AmazonView on Amazon
  4. PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 25th Anniversary

    PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 25th Anniversary

    2-preamp USB interface with MIDI I/O

    • Compact, set it and forget it
    Mic inputs
    2
    Type
    Audio interface
    Best for
    Podcasts, Music
    Phantom power
    Yes
    Guitar input
    Yes
    Loopback
    No
    PriceToday's price on AmazonView on Amazon
  5. Solid State Logic SSL 12

    Solid State Logic SSL 12

    4-preamp USB-C interface with ADAT, MIDI and loopback

    • Compact, set it and forget it
    Mic inputs
    4
    Type
    Audio interface
    Best for
    Podcasts, Streaming, Music
    Max gain
    62 dB
    Phantom power
    Yes
    Guitar input
    Yes
    PriceToday's price on AmazonView on Amazon
  6. Universal Audio Apollo Twin X DUO Gen 2

    Universal Audio Apollo Twin X DUO Gen 2

    2-preamp Thunderbolt 3 interface with UAD DUO DSP

    • Compact, set it and forget it
    Mic inputs
    2
    Type
    Audio interface
    Best for
    Podcasts, Music
    Phantom power
    Yes
    Guitar input
    Yes
    Loopback
    No
    PriceToday's price on AmazonView on Amazon
  7. Arturia MiniFuse 2

    Arturia MiniFuse 2

    2-preamp USB interface with MIDI I/O and loopback

    • Compact, set it and forget it
    Mic inputs
    2
    Type
    Audio interface
    Best for
    Podcasts, Streaming, Music
    Phantom power
    Yes
    Guitar input
    Yes
    Loopback
    Yes
    What 8 reviews say
    PriceToday's price on AmazonView on Amazon
  8. Universal Audio Volt 276

    Universal Audio Volt 276

    2-in USB-C interface with 76 compressor

    • Compact, set it and forget it
    Mic inputs
    2
    Type
    Audio interface
    Best for
    Podcasts, Streaming, Music
    Phantom power
    Yes
    Guitar input
    Yes
    Loopback
    Yes
    What 6 reviews say
    PriceToday's price on AmazonView on Amazon
  9. Solid State Logic SSL 1

    Solid State Logic SSL 1

    1-preamp USB-C interface with 4K mode and inst input

    • Compact, set it and forget it
    Mic inputs
    1
    Type
    Audio interface
    Best for
    Streaming, Music
    Phantom power
    Yes
    Guitar input
    Yes
    Loopback
    No
    PriceToday's price on AmazonView on Amazon
  10. M-Audio M-Track Solo

    Budget pick

    M-Audio M-Track Solo

    1-preamp USB interface with line/instrument input

    • Compact, set it and forget it
    Mic inputs
    1
    Type
    Audio interface
    Best for
    Podcasts, Streaming, Music
    Phantom power
    Yes
    Guitar input
    Yes
    Loopback
    No
    What 8 reviews say
    PriceToday's price on AmazonView on Amazon

How we picked

We compared 59 audio interfaces with real Amazon listings and kept the 38 that meet all of this:

Every pick fits, so the order is about what to look at first. Models that independent reviewers recommend come first, the most often recommended at the top. The rest follow, best known and best liked first, with the newest model of a line ahead of older ones. No brand pays to be listed or placed higher. Prices change daily, so we never print one; Amazon shows today's price.

Reviews we drew on

We don't test products ourselves. These published roundups recommend picks on this list:

  1. sweetwater.com Best USB Audio Interfaces in 2026
  2. musicradar.com Best budget audio interfaces 2026: Cheap interfaces for all
  3. wired.com The Best Audio Interfaces of 2025: Universal Audio and More
  4. nytimes.com The Best USB Audio Interfaces for Musicians and Podcasters
  5. soundonsound.com Audio Interfaces
  6. soundguys.com Audio Interfaces: Compared & Priced
  7. au.pcmag.com The Best Podcast Equipment for 2026

Questions

What are the best audio interfaces?

Our top three are the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen, Universal Audio Volt 2 and Audient iD4 MKII. Each one meets everything this guide asks for.

What should audio interfaces have?

Compact, set it and forget it. Every pick on this list does.

Are these links sponsored?

Links to Amazon may earn Build Your Setup a commission. It does not change what you pay, and no brand pays to be listed or placed higher.