Best Audio Interfaces of 2026

"After upgrading to the Scarlett, I noticed a major improvement in my recording quality. The ability to hear my co-host in real time, without any lag, made a huge difference. I love that I can record each input to its own track and use virtual channels for live audio processing during streams. The physical knobs and premium build really stand out. Just be mindful that only two inputs use XLR; upgrading to TRS cables reduced noise for me. Overall, this was a fantastic investment for anyone looking to up their podcast or music production game."

"This device delivers professional-grade sound at an affordable price. The AIR feature really brings vocals forward, giving recordings a polished, studio-quality feel. The build feels premium, and the halo lights are super helpful for monitoring levels. My only tiny gripe is the included USB cable isn’t Type C to Type C, but that's minor. Plus, it comes with major DAWs like Pro Tools and FL Studio ready to go. If you're thinking about it, go for it—you won't be disappointed!"

"Having used every generation of the Scarlett 2i2, I can confidently say the 4th Gen maintains excellent low noise and distortion. It consistently meets the specs, and reliability has been solid over years of use. My only concern was the packaging, which could use better shock protection. Setup info could also be clearer, but once running, the device performs flawlessly. This is a fantastic tool for audio experiments and test setups, not just music."

"I spent a lot of time trying different recording setups, but the M-Audio interface finally gave me clear, publishable sound quality. I used it to record 20 songs for copyright, and the clarity and response were impressive, especially compared to far more expensive gear. My only minor issue is that the clipping adjustment is sensitive at high levels, which means I have to keep an eye on levels for different inputs. Also, the free software doesn't work on my older PC, but it's flawless with Windows 10. Overall, it works really well!"

"As a beginner learning both recording and editing, the M-Audio M-Track Duo has been a fantastic fit for my needs. It connects perfectly with my lapsteel guitar and pedals, and the signal is always clean and quiet. I love that it's easy to set up, integrates seamlessly with Audacity and Windows 11, and is affordable. The only thing is that the input channel knobs are a bit touchy—most of the volume comes in a small range, so avoiding clipping can be tricky, but it hasn't been a dealbreaker for me."

"I got this interface for podcasting with my wife, and it’s been super easy to use with my Mac. The plug-and-play setup made getting started a breeze and the sound quality is excellent with no noticeable noise. It’s made our setup both fun and portable."

"For my recording needs on Linux with Audacity, this audio interface has been a fantastic find. Setup was super easy—just plug it in and go. The sound quality is impressive, picking up every nuance when I record my sax. Even though I encountered one faulty unit from a third-party seller, the other two worked flawlessly. I haven’t needed the Shure software, and the affordable price point makes this a great value. I still give it 5 stars!"

"In my work producing voice drops for satellite radio, the MVX2U connected to my Neumann U87 delivers sound as clean as my much pricier UA interface. It’s tiny, USB-powered, and never overheats, even during marathon audiobook sessions. The live headphone monitoring is low-latency and reliable. I’ve also used it with a Sennheiser boom and iPhone for indie film work—no issues at all. Just bought a second for my travel kit."

"After trying several bulky interfaces, I found the MVX2U to be so much simpler to use and adjust. No knobs to accidentally move—just set it and forget it. I love the versatility: I use one for vocals and another for ambient recording, both easily configured and stable. The slim form factor keeps my desk tidy, and it saves settings even after power cycles. Highly recommended for practical, high-quality audio needs."

"I was looking for an affordable, quality audio interface to upgrade my mic setup, and this one exceeded my expectations. The audio quality is fantastic, the setup was straightforward, and the gain controls with color indicators make adjustments easy. I love that it uses a 6.3 mm headphone jack, which works perfectly with my equipment. The only minor hassle is that phantom power turns off when you power down, but it’s a quick fix. For anyone on a budget, I highly recommend this interface!"

"The Focusrite Vocaster Two completely transformed my podcasting workflow. Its compact, lightweight design makes it super portable, and having two mic inputs and headphone outputs is perfect for recording with a guest. Features like Auto Gain and Enhance take the guesswork out of setup, and the mute button is a lifesaver during live recordings. The combination of user-friendly features and professional audio quality makes this a top pick for podcasters."

"I needed a better solution for my voiceover work and moved from USB mics to XLR with the Vocaster One. It’s budget-friendly and delivers clean gain for both my dynamic and condenser mics. The auto gain is handy, and the included software effects are a nice bonus for quick tone adjustments. The built-in phantom power works great for my condenser mic, and overall, I’m really enjoying the improved sound and ease of use."

"The MOTU M2 instantly worked with my MacBook Pro and Logic Pro—no drivers needed. The front metering makes gain staging simple, and the sound is impressively clean with very low noise. I do wish the headphone amp had a bit more power for my DT-770 Pros, but for the price, it's more than adequate. Overall, the ease of use and build quality are top-notch."

"As an audiophile, I was surprised by the quality of the Motu M2's integrated ESS DAC, which delivers an impressively neutral sound and low noise floor. The mic preamp adds a pleasant, tube-like warmth to my recordings, and the headphone output is stronger than most interfaces in this range. For anyone considering a practical, great-sounding interface, the M2 is absolutely worth it."

"The MOTU M2 is a reliable, compact audio interface that was easy to set up and worked right out of the box. I love that it’s USB-powered and came with all the necessary cables. It's a fantastic choice for both Mac and PC users, and I appreciated how quickly it got me back up and running after my previous interface failed."

"As a professional audio engineer, I found this interface to be straightforward and versatile, especially for both recording and live streaming. Input options are flexible, and the app is user-friendly, but I did notice that the monitoring switch behaves unexpectedly and the LED level indicators are somewhat limited. Despite these quirks, it’s a handy device for the price."

"Recording audio and video for my social media has never been easier. The iRig Stream is simple to set up and delivers excellent audio quality. I recommend purchasing the optional power supply to avoid draining your phone battery during longer sessions—it keeps everything charged and running smoothly."

"I tried using the iRig Stream Pro for guitar recording and streaming on TikTok, but I struggled to get clean, high-volume sound—there was quite a bit of noise and distortion with guitar inputs. Using an amp and external gear helped a little, but I still couldn't achieve the tone I wanted. Customer support didn’t respond promptly, which was disappointing. However, the device worked decently for line-level RCA sources."

"As a beginner, I found the AudioBox 96 incredibly simple to set up and use. The included software was easy to navigate, and the robust construction gave me confidence that it would last. The clear audio quality and responsive controls helped me avoid rookie mistakes, making it perfect for anyone new to home recording."

"With the PreSonus AudioBox 96 25th Anniversary Bundle, I received professional-level equipment at an affordable price. The M7 microphone and HD7 headphones delivered impressive sound, and everything worked smoothly with my existing software. Setup was quick and hassle-free, allowing me to start recording right away. I highly recommend this bundle to anyone wanting to upgrade their studio."

"For my needs—recording instruments straight into my computer—the AudioBox 96 performed exactly as expected. It’s reliable and straightforward for basic home recording tasks."

"I use this interface with my iPad Pro while traveling, and it’s been a game-changer for practicing and managing last-minute changes. The setup is straightforward, and I appreciate having volume controls and a headphone jack right on the unit. It’s super portable and the sound holds up great for both AmpliTube and YouTube sessions. My only minor gripe is that the device is so light that it can get dragged around by the cables, but overall, I’m really happy with how it fits into my routine."

"As someone with a busy lifestyle and limited time for guitar practice, this device has streamlined my setup and made it incredibly simple to just plug in and play. The latency is practically nonexistent, and the audio quality is consistently good. I can quickly jump right into playing with my tabs and apps, which has kept me motivated and made practice enjoyable again. I’d recommend it to players of any level."

"After finally getting my hands on this interface, I’ve found it to be easy to use and very portable, with a sound that genuinely mimics a classic amp, especially when paired with the right presets. It works flawlessly on Apple devices, but I did notice some audio issues on my Windows PC. Still, for anyone interested in exploring virtual amps, this is a solid, affordable choice—especially if you’re mostly using iOS."

"The plug-and-play setup was a breeze—just connected the USB and my computer recognized it instantly. The controls are laid out intuitively and the build feels solid and compact. The included loopback feature is a real bonus for streaming and podcasting, and I love that it supports ASIO for low latency monitoring. Overall, it has elevated my recording experience."

"I was impressed by how my mic now sounds louder and clearer. It's so simple to use, and I can plug instruments straight in. For the price, the performance and easy setup are outstanding."

"This interface is incredibly sleek and modern—plus it lights up! It really makes my studio feel high-tech. The audio quality is top-notch as long as you have a good mic. My only wish is that it had a bit more weight, but you really can't beat the simplicity, functionality, or design at this price."

"For me, the EVO 4 packs impressive functionality into a small, affordable box. I love having two XLR inputs, an instrument input, and easy monitoring options, plus the Smartgain feature makes sound checks a breeze. My voice comes through crystal clear for online gaming, and even with no room treatment, background noise is barely noticeable. While you can't use speakers and headphones at the same time, that doesn't bother me, and the included DAW software is a great bonus. I honestly think it's perfect for recording podcasts, music, or just high-quality communication."

"As someone who isn't a pro with audio gear, I found the EVO 4 to be incredibly user-friendly and straightforward to set up. I use it with my Shure SM7B and, although an inline preamp like a Cloudlifter helps, the interface itself feels intuitive with solid build quality for the price. For its price point, it's a reliable and accessible choice."

"I mainly use the EVO 4 for silent guitar practice and travel, and the setup couldn't be easier—just plug in and play. Auto gain works well and I love how compact it is for traveling. Practicing in silence whenever I want has never been simpler."