Your First Audio Interface? Our Top 5 Picks for 2025

Looking for the best audio interface money can buy in 2025? We’ve got you covered.

In this guide, we run you through our best audio interface picks for every budget bracket.

So whether you’re just getting started with music production, or looking to upgrade your studio with the latest tech, this guide should provide you with a great starting point.

Let’s explore 👇

So… What is an Audio Interface?

Before we get started, let’s clarify what an audio interface is. Because chances are you might not even need one…

An audio interface is a device that bridges the gap between instruments, microphones, speakers, etc., and your computer.

Without getting too technical, an audio interface can convert an analog signal (from a microphone for example) into a digital signal that your computer understands. Let’s say you want to record yourself singing. Chances are you won’t be able to connect your mic to your computer – that’s where an audio interface comes in.

But do you even need an audio interface to start with?

Do I need an audio interface…?

Here are a few questions you can ask yourself before going out and spending your hard-earned cash:

• are you planning on recording instruments (an electric guitar or a synthesizer for example)?
• are you planning on using a microphone in your music production (to record vocal samples or an acoustic guitar)?
• do you have studio monitors you plan on using some? Or are you going to use regular headphones/earbuds?

If you’ve answered “No” to most of these questions, then you probably don’t need an audio interface.

The truth is, your computer already has its own internal soundcard. This means you don’t need an “external soundcard” (another name people use to refer to audio interfaces) to use a DAW. You could start producing music right away on your laptop with your computer speakers if you wanted.

Note that most MIDI controllers don’t need an audio interface to work either. Many of them are powered through USB, which means you can plug them straight into your computer.

However, if you’re serious about music production, you will quickly face limitations without an audio interface:

So let’s dive into what makes an audio interface a must-have for many producers.

Best Audio Interface: Key Features

We’ve touched on it already, but here are a few reasons you might want to use an audio interface:

• recording instruments;
• recording vocals;
• connecting monitors to your computer;
• better control over the latency of your sound card.

Audio interfaces all come with a variety of features. Depending on your needs, you need to know what to look for. Here are the 5 main factors you need to consider:

1. Connection: how does your audio interface connect to your computer?
2. Input and outputs: how many inputs does the audio interface have, and what kind of output does it have?
3. Compatibility: is the audio interface compatible with your DAW?
4. Extras: what additional features are included (free software, slick design, etc.)

Let’s explore each of these in more detail.

Audio interface connection

There are many types of connections possible between your audio interface and computer. Here are the main ones:

• USB – The most common form of interface connector, as it plugs directly into a USB 2.0 or 3.0 socket. 99% of audio interfaces connect in this way and are compatible with both Mac and PC.

• Thunderbolt – The second most common connector, favorable due to fast speed and compatibility with most Macs.
  
• Firewire – An older Mac connector that historically had faster transfer speeds, but is less ideal than Thunderbolt.
  
• PCIe – A different type of connector used on internal interfaces that connect directly to your motherboard. Very fast, low latency, and the most reliable (and expensive).

Input and Output (I/O)

Inputs and outputs (I/O) are one the most important things to look at when picking an audio interface.

Practically speaking, I/O determines what you can connect to your audio interfaces, both in terms of source of sound and output.

There are 2 things you need to look at here:

• how many inputs and outputs do I need?
• what types of inputs and outputs do I need?

For example, you might only need to record 2 microphones at a time (acoustic guitar + singing for example). In this case, 2 inputs are all you need. For the types of inputs, you’ll need XLR (because that’s the format most microphones use).

Here’s an example of an audio interface that would suit this setup:

In this example, you’ve got 2 inputs, with both accepting and XLR cable.

In terms of outputs, this will depend on what your setup is. Do your monitors need jack cables? RCA? XLR? This will determine what types of outputs your audio interface should have.

Let’s look at the outputs of the Duo-Capture Ex:

Here, under “OUTPUT”, we can see two outputs (“L” for the left speaker, and “R” for the right speaker). This means we actually only have 1 output for 1 pair of speakers. And the only cables this audio interface accepts are 1/4 inch jacks.

Let’s say I’m using a pair of Presonus monitors. Let’s check what they need in terms of input on their side:

Luckily for me, you can connect the Presonus monitors with both 1/4-inch jacks or RCA cables (the red/white inputs).

So whether you’re building your setup or already have a pair of monitors, this is a key area to check before picking an audio interface.

Audio interface compatibility

Not all interfaces are compatible with all DAWs.

Sometimes, a manufacturer will make an interface specifically for a certain environment. This is especially true of high-end interfaces (we’re looking at you, Avid).

However, most consumer-grade (under $1500) interfaces are fine with pretty much any DAW.

Depending on your OS, you just need the right drivers – but those are always provided with the audio interface.

Extras

Finally, every audio interface comes with its own bells and whistles. Let’s look at some of the most common ones, and whether they should influence your decision:

• Size: This is often correlated with the number of inputs and outputs. Some audio interfaces are super lightweight, allowing you to easily travel with them. Others will want to stay put on your desktop.
  
• MIDI input and output: does the audio interface include connectors for MIDI synthesizers (such as the Duo-Capture EX)?
  
• Battery-power: can you power the audio interface with batteries, or only through a USB cable?
  
• Software bonuses: some audio interfaces include some goodies (the Komplete Audio 6 for example includes multiple plugins such as Monark and Replika).
  
• Phantom power: this function allows you to feed power to a dynamic microphone. Make sure to check if the microphone you plan on using needs phantom power or not.
  
• Noise levels: depending on the audio interface’s build quality, the input/outputs will be more or less clean. The Duo-Capture Ex for example mentions -94dBu, while the Komplete 6 stands at -99dBu (both are extremely good levels and will be barely noticeable).

Our Top 5 Picks for Best Audio Interfaces

Let’s now dive into our picks for the best audio interfaces in 2025, ranging from budget-friendly to rather-expensive.

Note that we do not have any affiliate links for any of these products, nor are we sponsored to talk about any of them. These are just our favorite picks 🙂

Behringer U-Phoria UMC22

The cheapest audio interface on this list, but don’t let that fool you. For many producers, this is all they need:

At US$41, you won’t find anything cheaper, yet without compromising on quality. It includes:

• 2 inputs (one line/mic, one line only)
• phantom power
• 1/4 inch jack output
• Signal and clip display
• USB connected and powered

Note however that the max resolution is 16-bit, while the standard is 24-bit nowadays. However, for most producers, this won’t make a big difference.

One downfall compared to some of its competitors is the noise level, which can get a bit high. However, for home recording (which is definitely its target market), it will get the job done. If you’re looking for the cheapest option out there, then look no further.

Check out the UMC22 here

Universal Audio Volt 2

The Volt 2 is Universal Audio’s entry into the lower-priced market. And it’s insanely good value for what you pay:

You get what you’d expect from an interface at this price point – 2 inputs and 2 outputs, but there are a lot of premium features too, such as the Vintage Mic Preamp and MIDI in/out.

Plus, it looks great in general!

Features:

• 2 XLR/quarter-inch inputs
• 2 quarter-inch output
• Phantom Power (+48V)
• Headphones Output with a dedicated output knob
• Instrument mode
• Vintage Mic Preamp mode
• MIDI in/out
• USB-C Connectivity and power

Price point: US$188

Check out the Volt 2 here

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Gen 4

The Scarlett by Focusrite has become a bit of a legend at this point. There are even memes around it, such is its popularity:

If you do a bit of research online, you’ll find a lot of negative opinions on this audio interface.

The fact is that this is one of the most popular audio interfaces in the world. Nearly every aspiring producer started on one of these.

And with popularity comes hate. But don’t let that detract you from the fact that this is a great audio interface. At a price point of US$188, it’s own of the main rivals of the Volt 2. So what sets them apart?

To be honest, there’s very little that sets the two apart. The main difference is that the Scarlett does not have any MIDI input/output. The preamp technology is also slightly different, with the Volt 2 being modeled around vintage mic preamps.

Features

• 2 XLR/quarter-inch inputs
• 2 quarter-inch output
• Phantom Power (+48V)
• Headphones Output with a dedicated output knob
• Intuitive ring signal indicator
• Quality build
• USB Powered
• Desktop use
• Compatible with most major DAWs
• Comes with a suite of FX plugins included

Check out the Scarlett Focusrite 2i2 here

Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 Gen 4

At the other end of the spectrum, we have the 18i20, featuring a MASSIVE 18 inputs and outputs that can be used simultaneously.

At a price point of US$735, this audio interface is obviously targeted at another market compared with the previous ones we looked at. But if you need the flexibility to record multiple instruments or microphones at the same time (such as a drum set), this is a no-brainer.

Oh, and it comes with a version of Pro Tools.

Features

• 8 XLR/quarter-inch inputs with preamps
• 2 instrument inputs
• 10 quarter-inch balanced outputs
• Rackmount format
• Intuitive metering
• 2 headphones out
• On-off switch
• Included plugins (Addictive Keys, Focusrite, Softube)

Check out the Scarlett 18i20 here

Solid Stage Logic SSL 2+ MKII

Introduced in October 2024, this audio interface is definitely a newer entry on the market:

I’ll be honest – this is probably going to be my next daily driver in the studio. Not only does it sound great, but it’s simple and affordable.

If you want to spend a little more than the basic Scarlett series, go for this one. I think the form factor is much better due to the I/O section being on the back.

Features

• 2 XLR/quarter-inch input channels
• USB-C connectivity
• 2 headphones outputs
• 1 quarter-inch outputs/RCA outputs + 1 dedicated RCA output
• Legacy 4K mode preamp switches inspired by SSL consoles (sounds great on certain instruments)
• MIDI in/outs

Check out the SSL2+ MKII here

Still Unsure About Your Next Audio Interface?

If these options have you overwhelmed, chances are you’re probably a new producer and don’t know what to choose.

I’d highly recommend the under $300 options as a great place to start.

But an audio interface is likely one of many things you are considering.

Monitors. Plugins. Headphones. Samples. Resources.

These are all things we look for, which is why we created the free EDM Starter Kit.

You’ll get:

• 700+ samples for any time of EDM production
• A selection of high-quality EDM Serum presets
• Our best resources for making music, including the ‘How To Make Electronic Music’ mega guide

Grab it below!

And that’s a list of the best interfaces available (in our opinion 🙂 ) in 2025! Did we miss one you’ve heard of? Then let us know in the comments or drop us a line at [email protected].

Note: All prices were current at the time of writing this article.