10 Best Audio Interfaces 2026 in the United States

The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen is a solid choice for anyone looking to record or stream with professional-sounding quality without needing complicated gear. It offers 2 inputs and 2 outputs, which suits solo musicians, podcasters, and small setups. The audio quality is impressive, featuring a 120dB dynamic range and the same converters used in top studio equipment, ensuring clear, detailed sound. Its USB-C connection makes it easy to plug into most computers and even some tablets and smartphones, offering good versatility. It provides phantom power for condenser microphones, which is essential for many vocal and instrument mics.

The built-in preamps are highly regarded, delivering clean and transparent sound with an added “Air” mode that brightens vocals and guitars for a more polished result. Latency is kept low, so you won’t notice delays while recording or performing live. The unit’s aluminum body is compact and sturdy, making it portable and durable for home or on-the-go use. One big plus is the included software bundle, which gives you popular recording programs and plugins to get started right away without extra purchases.

On the downside, with only 2 inputs, it’s less suitable if you plan to record multiple sources simultaneously or larger bands. Also, while the USB 2.0 interface is reliable, it’s not the fastest standard available, though this rarely impacts typical home recording. The Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen delivers excellent sound quality, user-friendly features, and decent portability, making it among the best options for beginner to intermediate audio interfaces aimed at recording, streaming, and songwriting.

The Universal Audio Apollo Twin X DUO Gen 2 Studio + Edition Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface is a high-quality option for those serious about audio recording and mixing. With 32 channels, it offers ample input and output capabilities for various recording needs. The audio quality is outstanding, thanks to its high bit depth and sample rate, ensuring precise sound reproduction. The Unison preamps are a notable feature, providing authentic emulations of classic analog tones from brands like Neve and API, which is excellent for achieving professional sound quality in real-time recordings.

The inclusion of over 200 UAD DSP and Native plugins further enhances its versatility and creative potential. Connectivity is robust with Thunderbolt 3, ensuring fast data transfer and low latency, which is crucial for seamless recording sessions. The interface also supports phantom power, making it suitable for use with condenser microphones. Latency is minimal, allowing for smooth, uninterrupted recording and monitoring. The preamp quality is top-notch, delivering clear and detailed sound. Build quality is solid and portable, making it suitable for both studio and mobile setups. However, it is relatively heavy at 4.4 pounds.

On the software side, it is compatible with major DAWs like Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Cubase, and more, which is a big plus for users working across different platforms. The Apollo Monitor Correction and Auto-Gain features are user-friendly and enhance the recording experience. Despite its many strengths, the product does have a few drawbacks. It is relatively expensive, which might not be ideal for beginners or those on a tight budget. Additionally, the software setup might be complex for those not familiar with high-end audio gear. In summary, this audio interface is best suited for professional musicians, producers, and audio engineers who require high-quality sound, extensive features, and reliability in their recording setup.

The Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen USB Audio Interface is a robust choice for anyone involved in multitrack recording, music production, or podcasting. It offers an impressive 18 inputs and 20 outputs, which is excellent for complex audio setups. The inclusion of eight high-quality mic preamps, versatile connectivity options like Hi-Z, line inputs, ADAT, S/PDIF, MIDI I/O, and Word Clock, makes it highly adaptable for various recording scenarios.

The audio quality is top-notch with 24-bit, 192kHz converters and a 122dB dynamic range, ensuring detailed and high-fidelity recordings. The Air mode feature is a significant plus, adding classic studio console character to vocals and instruments, elevating the sound quality. Additionally, the Auto Gain and Clip Safe features are incredibly useful for maintaining optimal recording levels and preventing audio clipping, enhancing the recording workflow. The interface is compatible with all major audio recording software and comes with a comprehensive software bundle, including Pro Tools Intro+, Ableton Live Lite, and FL Studio Producer Edition, adding significant value.

The build quality is solid with an aluminum body, and while it's not the lightest interface at 8.04 pounds, it is durable and built to last. The USB-C connectivity ensures fast data transfer, though some users may need to ensure they have the necessary ports on their devices. One potential drawback could be its size, which might be cumbersome for those with limited space or who need a highly portable setup. Despite this, the Scarlett 18i20's blend of high-quality audio, versatile connectivity, and professional-grade features makes it an excellent choice for both home studios and professional environments.