Top 12 Best Audio Interfaces For Beginners 2025
Choosing the right audio interface is crucial for anyone looking to start recording music, podcasts, or streaming. An audio interface acts as the bridge between your instruments and your computer, ensuring high-quality sound capture and playback. By investing in a good audio interface, you can significantly improve your recording quality, making your projects sound more professional. This guide will help you navigate through the best options available, tailored specifically for beginners like you.
Top Picks
- Best Overall: Behringer U-Phoria UM2 USB Audio Interface – $35.00
- Best Value: Behringer U-Phoria UMC22 USB Audio Interface Original Version – $39.00
- Best for Portability: M-Audio M-Track Duo – $69.00
- Best for Beginners: MAONO USB Audio Interface for PC – $69.99
- Best Bundle: PreSonus AudioBox 96 25th Anniversary Studio Recording Bundle – $169.99
- Best High-End Option: Universal Audio Volt 1 USB Recording Studio Audio Interface – $149.00
Selection Criteria
When selecting the best audio interfaces for beginners, we considered factors such as sound quality, ease of use, compatibility with various devices, and overall value for money. Each of the interfaces listed here has been chosen based on user reviews and expert recommendations, ensuring that you get the best possible start in your audio recording journey.
Behringer U-Phoria UM2 USB Audio Interface
The Behringer U-Phoria UM2 is your go-to audio interface if you’re just starting out in the world of recording. It’s compact, easy to use, and delivers impressive sound quality without breaking the bank. With its studio-grade XENYX mic preamp and a combination XLR/TRS input, you can plug in your microphone or instrument and start recording right away. Whether you’re recording vocals for a podcast, laying down tracks for your music, or even just jamming with friends, this little device has got you covered. Plus, it’s powered through USB, so you won’t need to fuss with extra cables or power supplies. If you’re looking for something reliable and portable, the UM2 is definitely worth considering.
What People Say
Users rave about the UM2’s sound quality and ease of use. Many have found it to be a perfect fit for both music recording and gaming, highlighting its versatility and reliability.
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The Behringer U-Phoria UM2 USB Audio Interface is an absolute game-changer for anyone looking to elevate their audio recording setup. I recently paired it with my Rode PodMic, and the results have been outstanding. This audio interface delivers crystal-clear sound quality, allowing the Rode PodMic to shine and capture every nuance of my voice. Whether I’m recording podcasts, voiceovers, or music, the UM2 ensures that my audio comes through with pristine clarity and accuracy.
– Joe GoodVibes
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Let me start out by saying that I bought this audio interface specifically for gaming. The audio quality is great with this thing. If this interface was $60, I would still buy it without hesitation. The features to control the gain are nice, and the mic monitoring is amazing. You can hear yourself so clearly even while gaming at a high volume.
– Frankie Pezzi
Why You’ll Love It
- Compact and portable design
- Easy plug-and-play setup
- Studio-grade sound quality
- Affordable price for beginners
Perfect For Any Occasion
Whether you’re recording at home, on the go, or even gaming, the UM2 adapts to your needs. Its compact size makes it easy to take along wherever you go, ensuring you can capture high-quality audio anytime.
Current Price: $35.00
Rating: 4.4 (Total: 17156+)
Behringer U-Phoria UMC22 USB Audio Interface Original Version
The Behringer U-Phoria UMC22 is a fantastic entry-level audio interface that makes recording a breeze. With its compact design and user-friendly setup, you can plug in your microphone or instrument and start creating right away. It features a professional-grade Midas-designed mic preamp and a combination XLR/TRS input, ensuring you get great sound quality without the hefty price tag. Whether you’re recording vocals for a podcast, laying down tracks for your music, or just jamming with friends, this little device is reliable and portable. Plus, it’s powered via USB, so you won’t have to deal with extra cables or power supplies. If you’re looking for something that gets the job done without breaking the bank, the UMC22 is a solid choice.
What People Say
Users appreciate the UMC22 for its sound quality and ease of use. Many find it perfect for both music recording and podcasts, highlighting its versatility and reliability.
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Like just about everything Behringer makes at this price point, the UMC22 is chiefly one thing: cost-effective. Setup is easy. Plug it into your computer, and you’re good to go. The sound quality is surprisingly good for the price, and it works well with both mics and instruments. If you’re on a budget and need something reliable, this is a great option.
– Amazon Customer
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I’ve been using a Behringer UMC202HD for 5 years now, and I found this model with essentially all you need to get audio on your computer for very cheap. The Midas preamp makes mic recordings great, and it connects headphones directly for monitoring. If you’re into podcasts or music recording, this is the best choice for beginners.
– Jose F.
Why You’ll Love It
- Compact and lightweight design
- Easy plug-and-play setup
- Professional-grade sound quality
- Affordable for beginners
Perfect For Any Occasion
Whether you’re recording at home, on the go, or even for a live session, the UMC22 adapts to your needs. Its small size makes it easy to take along wherever you go, ensuring you can capture high-quality audio anytime.
Current Price: $39.00
Rating: 4.5 (Total: 11802+)
M-Audio M-Track Duo – USB Audio Interface
The M-Audio M-Track Duo is your go-to audio interface for recording, streaming, and podcasting. With its dual XLR inputs and compact design, it’s perfect for beginners who want to dive into the world of audio production. You can easily connect your microphones or instruments and start creating right away. The interface delivers crystal-clear audio at 48 kHz, ensuring your recordings sound professional without the hefty price tag. Plus, it’s USB-powered, so you can take it anywhere without worrying about extra cables. If you’re looking for a reliable and user-friendly option to kickstart your audio journey, the M-Track Duo is definitely worth considering.
What People Say
Users rave about the M-Track Duo for its sound quality and ease of use. Many find it ideal for both music recording and podcasts, highlighting its versatility and reliability.
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The M-Audio M-Track Duo USB Audio Interface fit my needs perfectly. I was torn between this dual channel model and a more expensive option, but this one delivers great sound quality for the price. It pairs well with my setup and has been easy to use with Audacity for recording and editing. The sound is clean, and I appreciate the flexibility it offers for both vocals and instruments.
– Jumpingjackjim
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I used this interface to record 20 songs for copyright with very good clarity and response. The M-Track Duo has been a game changer for my home studio setup. It works seamlessly with my Windows 10 system and has made my recording process so much smoother. The preamps are solid, and I love the direct monitoring feature. It’s a fantastic entry-level interface that doesn’t compromise on quality.
– J. Holland
Why You’ll Love It
- Dual XLR inputs for versatile recording options
- Compact and portable design
- USB-powered for easy setup
- Includes a software suite to get you started
Perfect For Any Occasion
Whether you’re recording at home, on the go, or even for a live session, the M-Track Duo adapts to your needs. Its small size makes it easy to take along wherever you go, ensuring you can capture high-quality audio anytime.
Current Price: $69.00
Rating: 4.4 (Total: 13665+)
MAONO USB Audio Interface for PC
The MAONO USB Audio Interface is a fantastic entry point for anyone looking to dip their toes into audio recording, streaming, or podcasting. With its sleek design and dual XLR inputs, it’s perfect for connecting microphones and instruments alike. You’ll enjoy high-resolution audio at 24-bit/192kHz, which means your recordings will sound crisp and professional without breaking the bank. Plus, it’s USB-C powered, making it super convenient for on-the-go setups. If you’re just starting out or need a reliable interface for your home studio, this one should definitely be on your radar.
What People Say
Users appreciate the MAONO USB Audio Interface for its impressive sound quality and ease of use. Many find it ideal for both music production and live streaming, highlighting its versatility and reliability.
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The MAONO USB Audio Interface has been a game changer for my home recording setup. It’s incredibly easy to use—just plug it in, and it works seamlessly with my DAW. The sound quality is impressive, especially for the price. I love the direct monitoring feature, which allows me to hear myself in real-time without any latency. It’s perfect for both my vocals and guitar recordings.
– FrostedReviews
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I was pleasantly surprised by how well this interface performs. It captures audio beautifully, and the routing software is a nice touch for managing multiple audio sources. I’ve used it for both streaming and recording, and it handles everything with ease. The build quality feels solid, and it’s compact enough to fit on my desk without taking up too much space.
– JC
Why You’ll Love It
- High-resolution audio recording at 24-bit/192kHz
- Dual XLR inputs for versatile connectivity
- Compact and portable design for easy transport
- User-friendly software for seamless audio routing
Perfect For Any Occasion
Whether you’re recording in your home studio, streaming live, or taking it on the road, the MAONO USB Audio Interface adapts to your needs. Its lightweight and compact design make it easy to carry, ensuring you can capture high-quality audio wherever you go.
Current Price: $69.99
Rating: 4.5 (Total: 152+)
PreSonus AudioBox GO
The PreSonus AudioBox GO is your go-to solution for starting your audio journey, whether you’re recording music, podcasts, or voiceovers. This ultra-compact USB-C audio interface packs a punch with its professional sound quality and portability. It’s designed to fit right in your pocket, making it perfect for on-the-go recording. With a simple plug-and-play setup, you can connect your microphones and instruments without any hassle. Plus, it comes with Studio One Prime software to get you started right away. If you’re looking for an affordable yet powerful interface, this one is definitely worth considering.
What People Say
Users rave about the PreSonus AudioBox GO for its portability and sound quality. Many find it ideal for both home studios and travel, highlighting its ease of use and professional features.
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I just received this product two days ago and I am already extremely shocked and impressed by this thing. The size is perfect for portability, and I can literally fit it into a small pocket. The clarity of the preamp is impressive, and it has a clearer sound compared to other interfaces I’ve used. It’s a great travel interface with all the necessary features for both studio and on-the-go recording.
– Jake
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I have tried many sound interfaces, and this one is small, has USB-C, and all inputs are conveniently placed. The sound quality is great, and it even works with iOS and Android devices. It’s perfect for my workstation and has exceeded my expectations for the price.
– Aaron Feldman
Why You’ll Love It
- Ultra-compact design for easy portability
- Professional sound quality with 24-bit/96 kHz recording
- Includes Studio One Prime software for immediate use
- Bus-powered via USB-C, eliminating the need for extra cables
Perfect For Any Occasion
Whether you’re recording at home, on the road, or in a studio, the PreSonus AudioBox GO adapts to your needs. Its lightweight and compact design make it easy to carry, ensuring you can capture high-quality audio wherever you go.
Current Price: $69.99
Rating: 4.4 (Total: 793+)
Arturia MiniFuse 1
The Arturia MiniFuse 1 is a fantastic entry-level USB audio interface that makes recording music, podcasts, or even just jamming out a breeze. Its compact design means it won’t take up much space on your desk or in your bag, making it perfect for both home studios and mobile setups. With professional sound quality and a straightforward plug-and-play setup, you can easily connect your microphones and instruments. Plus, it comes bundled with a suite of creative software to kickstart your audio journey. If you’re looking for an affordable yet powerful interface, this one is definitely a solid choice.
What People Say
Users appreciate the Arturia MiniFuse 1 for its compact size and impressive sound quality. Many find it ideal for both home recording and on-the-go setups, highlighting its ease of use and the value it offers.
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This MiniFuse is very compact, has excellent audio quality and good value for the money. It has a small learning curve to install app etc. (at least for us old analog dogs;). But this gets your job done well, and doesn’t break your bank.
– James Goodman
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I’ve been using the MiniFuse 2 for almost 6 months now and I couldn’t be happier. The sound is transparent and clean, and it has operated flawlessly with no issues whatsoever. Thank you for a wonderfully designed interface!
– Russell Cederberg
Why You’ll Love It
- Compact and portable design for easy transport
- High-quality audio with 24-bit/192 kHz recording
- Includes a variety of creative software to enhance your projects
- User-friendly setup, perfect for beginners
Perfect For Any Occasion
Whether you’re recording at home, in a studio, or on the road, the Arturia MiniFuse 1 adapts to your needs. Its lightweight design makes it easy to carry, ensuring you can capture high-quality audio wherever inspiration strikes.
Current Price: $99.00
Rating: 4.6 (Total: 1657+)
Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen
The Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen is your go-to USB audio interface for recording high-quality sound, whether you’re a guitarist, vocalist, podcaster, or producer. Its compact design makes it easy to set up in any space, and it connects directly to your computer via USB, so you can start recording right away. With professional-grade 24-bit/192kHz audio quality, this interface ensures that your recordings sound crisp and clear. Plus, it comes with a bundle of software to help you get started on your audio journey. If you’re looking for a reliable and user-friendly interface, the Scarlett Solo is a fantastic choice.
What People Say
Users rave about the Scarlett Solo for its impressive sound quality and ease of use. Many appreciate how it simplifies the recording process, making it ideal for both beginners and seasoned pros alike.
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I started taking vocal lessons recently and bought a kind of cheapo mic. After a software update messed up my settings, I switched to the Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen. It was easy to set up, and now I don’t have to worry about audio issues. The sound quality is fantastic, and the price is great too.
– JL
Why You’ll Love It
- Professional sound quality with 24-bit/192kHz recording
- User-friendly setup for quick and easy recording
- Compact design perfect for home studios or on-the-go
- Includes a suite of software to kickstart your audio projects
Perfect For Any Occasion
Whether you’re recording music at home, podcasting on the go, or laying down tracks in a studio, the Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen fits seamlessly into your workflow. Its lightweight and portable design means you can take it wherever inspiration strikes.
Current Price: $99.99
Rating: 4.6 (Total: 50523+)
Behringer U-PHORIA UMC404HD
The Behringer U-PHORIA UMC404HD is a versatile USB audio interface that’s perfect for beginners looking to dive into the world of recording. With its four inputs and outputs, you can easily connect multiple instruments or microphones, making it a great choice for musicians and podcasters alike. The interface boasts high-quality 24-bit/192 kHz audio resolution, ensuring your recordings sound professional without breaking the bank. Plus, it’s user-friendly, so you can set it up quickly and start creating right away. If you’re searching for an affordable yet reliable audio interface, the UMC404HD is definitely worth considering.
What People Say
Users appreciate the UMC404HD for its excellent sound quality and ease of use. Many have noted how it simplifies the recording process, making it a favorite among both beginners and experienced users.
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I’ve been recording music for years and needed a simple USB interface for mobile recording. The UMC404HD exceeded my expectations. The sound quality is fantastic, and it even outperformed my older, more expensive gear. The mic preamps are impressive, and the inserts for external effects are a game-changer for tracking vocals.
– Martin C.
Why You’ll Love It
- Four inputs and outputs for versatile recording options
- High-quality MIDAS-designed mic preamps for superior sound
- Zero-latency monitoring for real-time feedback
- Compatible with popular recording software like Pro Tools and Ableton Live
Perfect For Any Occasion
Whether you’re recording a full band, podcasting, or laying down tracks at home, the UMC404HD adapts to your needs. Its compact design makes it easy to transport, so you can take your studio wherever inspiration strikes.
Current Price: $139.00
Rating: 4.6 (Total: 2265+)
Universal Audio Volt 1 USB Recording Studio Audio Interface
The Universal Audio Volt 1 is a fantastic entry-level USB audio interface that makes recording a breeze. With its sleek design and user-friendly features, you can start capturing high-quality audio right out of the box. It offers a vintage mic preamp mode that adds warmth to your recordings, making it perfect for singers, songwriters, and podcasters. Plus, it comes bundled with a suite of UAD plug-ins and an award-winning DAW, so you have everything you need to create professional-sounding tracks without a steep learning curve. If you’re looking for a reliable and stylish audio interface, the Volt 1 is a great choice.
What People Say
Users rave about the Volt 1 for its exceptional sound quality and ease of use. Many have highlighted how it simplifies the recording process, making it a top pick for both beginners and seasoned pros.
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Using this is a dream. One button press and I’m ready to record. The compressor is killer! It makes the vocals sound fuller and easier to understand, and it effectively works as a limiter too. This means I can get extra loud or quiet without having to waste time in editing fixing the volume levels. Amazing for my uses and works far better than my previous interfaces.
– Mr Casio
Why You’ll Love It
- Vintage Mic Preamp mode for a warm, professional sound
- High-quality 24-bit/192 kHz audio resolution
- Includes a suite of UAD plug-ins and award-winning DAW
- Compact and portable design for easy transport
Perfect For Any Occasion
Whether you’re recording music, livestreaming, or podcasting, the Volt 1 adapts to your needs. Its compact size makes it easy to set up in any space, so you can create wherever inspiration strikes.
Current Price: $149.00
Rating: 4.6 (Total: 2017+)
PreSonus AudioBox 96 25th Anniversary Studio Recording Bundle
The PreSonus AudioBox 96 is your all-in-one solution for diving into the world of home recording. This bundle comes with everything you need to get started, including the AudioBox USB 96 interface, a versatile M7 condenser microphone, and HD7 studio headphones. It’s designed to capture high-quality audio, whether you’re recording vocals, instruments, or podcasts. Plus, with Studio One Artist DAW included, you can start producing professional-sounding tracks right away. If you’re looking for a reliable setup that won’t break the bank, this bundle is a solid choice.
What People Say
Users appreciate the AudioBox 96 for its ease of use and impressive sound quality. Many have noted how it simplifies the recording process, making it an excellent choice for both newcomers and those looking to upgrade their setup.
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The setup was incredibly straightforward—plug in the interface, install the drivers, and you’re good to go. The AudioBox 96 delivers crystal-clear 24-bit/96 kHz audio, with minimal latency. The M7 microphone captures rich, warm tones that make vocals shine, and the HD7 headphones are comfortable for long sessions. This bundle is a fantastic deal, offering professional-grade equipment at a price point accessible to beginners.
– Hike
Why You’ll Love It
- Complete recording package with all essential equipment
- High-quality audio capture with 24-bit/96 kHz resolution
- User-friendly setup, perfect for beginners
- Includes professional software worth over $1000 USD
Perfect For Any Occasion
Whether you’re starting a podcast, recording music, or doing voiceovers, the AudioBox 96 is versatile enough to handle it all. Its compact design makes it easy to set up in any space, so you can create wherever inspiration strikes.
Current Price: $169.99
Rating: 4.4 (Total: 3238+)
PreSonus Quantum ES 2
The PreSonus Quantum ES 2 is a fantastic audio interface that’s perfect for anyone looking to dive into home recording. With its sleek design and robust features, this interface allows you to capture high-quality audio at 24-bit/192 kHz. It comes equipped with two high-definition MAX-HD mic preamps that provide +75 dB of gain, making it ideal for vocals and instruments alike. Plus, the included Studio One Pro software gives you everything you need to start producing professional tracks right away. If you’re a beginner or a seasoned creator, this interface is a reliable choice that won’t disappoint.
What People Say
Users rave about the Quantum ES 2 for its sound quality and ease of use. Many have highlighted how the auto-gain feature simplifies the recording process, making it a great option for both beginners and experienced musicians.
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I really like this interface. It’s sleek and modern and high performing. Plenty of inputs and outputs for home/small studio use. The pre-amps are dynamite and the auto-gain function is nice for quickly setting up an input channel! Incredibly low-latency drivers on Windows 11. Very flexible routing options, including routing different channels to each headphone jack.
– mBrane
Why You’ll Love It
- High-quality audio capture with 24-bit/192 kHz resolution
- User-friendly setup with auto-gain feature
- Low-latency performance for seamless recording
- Includes professional software worth over $100
Perfect For Any Occasion
Whether you’re recording music, podcasts, or voiceovers, the Quantum ES 2 is versatile enough to handle it all. Its compact design makes it easy to set up in any space, allowing you to create wherever inspiration strikes.
Current Price: $249.99
Rating: 4.4 (Total: 280+)
Apogee Boom USB Audio Interface
The Apogee Boom USB Audio Interface is a game-changer for anyone stepping into the world of audio recording. With its compact design and impressive features, it delivers high-quality sound at a 24-bit/192 kHz sample rate. This interface is perfect for musicians, podcasters, and streamers alike, providing two channels and a studio microphone preamp that ensures your recordings sound professional. Plus, it comes with Ableton Live Lite, so you can start creating right out of the box. If you’re looking for an interface that combines quality and ease of use, the Boom is a solid choice.
What People Say
Users appreciate the Apogee Boom for its impressive sound quality and ease of use. Many have noted how the built-in DSP enhances their recordings, making it a fantastic option for both beginners and seasoned creators.
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This device has helped my recordings sound more compelling in terms of sound. It keeps more of what I like to think of as the ‘soul’ in the sound of what I track through it. Overall, a more full and high-quality sound. I would still recommend it to music producers based on sound alone.
– Jordy
Why You’ll Love It
- Exceptional sound quality with 24-bit/192 kHz resolution
- User-friendly setup with hardware DSP for real-time processing
- Versatile inputs for mics and instruments
- Includes Ableton Live Lite for immediate music production
Perfect For Any Occasion
Whether you’re recording music, streaming live sessions, or producing podcasts, the Boom is versatile enough to meet your needs. Its compact size makes it easy to set up in any environment, allowing you to create wherever inspiration strikes.
Current Price: $249.00
Rating: 4.3 (Total: 33+)
FAQ
What Should I Look For When Buying an Audio Interface as a Beginner?
When you’re starting out, focus on a few key features. First, consider the number of inputs and outputs you need. If you’re planning to record vocals and instruments simultaneously, look for an interface with at least two inputs. Next, check the audio quality specifications, such as sample rate and bit depth; for most beginners, 24-bit/192 kHz is a great standard. Additionally, ensure the interface is compatible with your computer’s operating system and any software you plan to use. Lastly, ease of use is crucial, so opt for a plug-and-play model that doesn’t require complicated setup.
Do I Need Additional Equipment to Use My Audio Interface?
Yes, you might need a few additional items depending on your setup. For instance, if you’re using a condenser microphone, you’ll need an audio interface that provides phantom power. You should also have XLR cables for connecting microphones and possibly instrument cables for guitars or keyboards. If you’re monitoring your recordings, a good pair of headphones or studio monitors will enhance your experience. Lastly, consider having a digital audio workstation (DAW) software installed on your computer to record and edit your audio.
How Can I Minimize Latency When Using My Audio Interface?
Latency can be a common issue when recording, but there are several ways to minimize it. First, make sure you have the latest drivers for your audio interface installed. Lowering the buffer size in your DAW settings can also help reduce latency, but be cautious as too low a setting might cause audio dropouts. Additionally, using direct monitoring features on your interface allows you to hear your input signal without going through your computer, which can eliminate latency during recording. Lastly, ensure your computer is optimized for audio processing by closing unnecessary applications and using a dedicated USB port for your interface.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, investing in a quality audio interface is essential for anyone looking to enhance their recording capabilities. The options listed above cater to various needs and budgets, ensuring that you can find the right fit for your projects. Whether you are recording music, podcasts, or streaming, these audio interfaces will provide you with the tools necessary to achieve professional-sounding results.
