Best USB Audio Interfaces of 2026
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USB Audio Interfaces are an essential piece of equipment for any musician or sound engineer looking to record high-quality audio on their computer. These devices allow you to connect your instruments or microphones directly to your computer via USB, providing crystal clear sound and a low latency recording experience. With a USB Audio Interface, you can easily record multiple tracks simultaneously, adjust levels and EQ, and even add effects processing in real-time. Whether you're a professional recording artist or just starting out, a USB Audio Interface is an invaluable tool for achieving a polished and professional sound in your recordings.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 USB Audio Interfaces
Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface
The Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface offers pro performance with the finest pre-amps, high headroom instrument input for perfect guitar takes, studio quality recordings, low-noise for crystal clear listening, and an easy start online tool. The Scarlett Solo also includes sound content and software from industry partners.
M-Audio M-Track Solo - USB Audio Interface
The M-Audio M-Track Solo is a portable USB audio interface that provides 48 kHz audio resolution for recording, live streaming, and podcasting. It features a combo XLR/Line input with phantom power and a Line/Instrument input for guitar, vocals, or line input signals. You can monitor your recordings with flexible options including a 1/8" headphone output and stereo RCA outputs with zero latency. The transparent Crystal Preamp ensures optimal sound from all your microphones, including condenser mics. Additionally, the interface comes with MPC Beats Software for essential production tools.
M-Audio M-Track Duo USB Audio Interface
The M-Audio M-Track Duo is a versatile USB audio interface that covers everything from recording to live streaming, with dual XLR, line, and DI inputs. It delivers 48 kHz audio resolution for pristine recordings and features two combo XLR/line/instrument inputs with phantom power, a 1/4" headphone output, and stereo 1/4" outputs for total monitoring flexibility. The USB/Direct switch allows for zero-latency monitoring, while the transparent Crystal Preamps guarantee optimal sound from all your microphones, including condenser mics. Plus, it comes with the MPC Beats software for essential production tools from Akai Professional.
Shure MVX2U XLR-to-USB Digital Interface
The Shure MVX2U Interface is a versatile audio interface that allows you to connect XLR microphones to your computer with ease. With up to 60dB of gain and 48v of phantom power, it can accommodate both dynamic and condenser microphones, giving you the flexibility to use any XLR microphone you prefer. The built-in 3.5mm headphone jack provides zero-latency audio monitoring and playback, ensuring you can hear your recordings in real-time. With the ShurePlus MOTIV Desktop App, you have full control over your mic output, with features such as gain, limiter, compressor, EQ, and more. The compact form factor of the MVX2U makes it a convenient addition to your setup, and its compatibility with both Mac and Windows systems ensures that it can be easily integrated into any audio workflow.
MOTU M2
The MOTU M2 USB-C Audio Interface is a high-quality audio interface that delivers exceptional sound clarity and performance. With the Sabre32 Ultra DAC Technology, it offers a dynamic range of 120 dB on its main outputs, ensuring pristine audio reproduction. The ultra-low 2.5 ms Round Trip Latency allows for real-time monitoring of live inputs, making it ideal for musicians and podcasters. The full color LCD with detailed level meters provides precise volume control and feedback for recording and mixing. Additionally, the M2 features live streaming loopback channels, enabling easy routing of computer output for seamless integration with live mics and guitar inputs. With decades of engineering excellence behind it, the MOTU M2 is a reliable and professional audio interface for all your recording and streaming needs.
IK Multimedia iRig Stream Audio Interface
The IK Multimedia iRig Stream Audio Interface is a 24-bit, 96 kHz audio interface with stereo RCA inputs for recording, live-streaming, and podcasting with any device. It comes with a complete recording package, loopback function, and direct monitoring with no latency or echo. The global audio level LED indicator makes it easy to adjust the gain, and it works great with almost any app like Clubhouse, Instagram, and Zoom.
IK Multimedia iRig 2 Portable Guitar Audio Interface
The iRig 2 Portable Guitar Audio Interface offers plug and play simplicity, allowing users to easily connect to their Apple devices and offers adjustable gain dial to give a true plug-and-play experience. It also has a new 1/4” output jack that does not require an adaptor to be used with an amplifier. It comes with a vast library of virtual stompbox effects, amplifiers and a switch to select between processed and clean input signals.
PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 Recording Kit
The PreSonus AudioBox Kit offers everything you need to start recording and producing music right at home. The durable AudioBox USB 96 interface allows you to easily record vocals and instruments with high-quality audio. Included is the versatile M7 condenser microphone, perfect for capturing clear vocals and acoustic sounds. You also get HD7 headphones, which let you monitor and mix your tracks without disturbing others around you. This all-in-one package makes it simple and convenient for you to create professional-sounding recordings without extra hassle.
IK Multimedia iRig HD X Guitar Interface
The IK Multimedia iRig HD X offers high-quality sound recording with studio-grade 24-bit/96kHz resolution, so you can capture every detail of your guitar playing. It works seamlessly with popular apps on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and PC, giving you access to a wide range of tones through included apps like AmpliTube and TONEX. You’ll appreciate the ultra-low latency performance, which means no distracting delays while you play, allowing real-time monitoring of your guitar. Plus, it’s designed with musicians in mind, featuring a built-in tuner and easy-to-read gain indicator, making setup and tuning quick and simple on any device.
MAONO PS22 Lite Audio Interface
The MAONO PS22 Lite audio interface is designed to enhance your recording experience. With its high-resolution 24-bit/192kHz capability, you can capture every nuance of your sound, making your performances sound incredibly lifelike. If you're a podcaster or voice actor, the interface supports both condenser and dynamic microphones, ensuring rich audio quality for your projects. Guitarists will appreciate the dedicated instrument input, allowing for quick adjustments and effects. Additionally, the powerful ProStudio Routing Software gives you the flexibility to manage your live streams and recordings effortlessly, ensuring a professional output every time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is there an audio interface with USB input?
A USB audio interface gives you the flexibility to record multiple tracks at once using practically any microphone available. You'll also be able to record instruments that use ¼-inch inputs, like electric guitars, by plugging them directly into the interface—rather than placing a USB microphone in front of an amp.
2. What is USB audio interface?
A USB audio interface lets you convert your analog audio signals (i.e. your voice) into a digital signal for your computer. They can vary in quality, features, inputs & outputs, and more. They all have mic preamps built into the XLR inputs, and at least one output for monitoring speakers or headphones.
3. Do USB audio interfaces improve sound quality?
Yes, an audio interface can significantly improve sound quality. Especially with regards to recording. Audio interfaces allow you to record at a high sample rate and bit depth, which means you can record your music at a much higher resolution than normal.
4. What do you need a USB audio interface for?
You'll basically need an audio interface if you want to record to your computer software using microphones, guitar or your keyboard. You'll also need an audio interface if you want to connect your computer to your studio monitor speakers.
During our usb audio interface research, we found 24 usb audio interface products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 286,898 customer reviews through our big data system to write the usb audio interfaces list. We found that most customers choose usb audio interfaces with an average price of $117.28.
The usb audio interfaces are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of usb audio interfaces, including Focusrite, M-AUDIO, Shure, MOTU, IK Multimedia. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.
Joseph Hubbard is a music producer and runs a musical instrument store in Chicago. Joseph is happy to help others choose the instrument that best suits their needs. He loves everything related to music and often publishes articles related to music on key websites.