The Best Beginner Audio Interfaces of 2024

So you’ve just started putting together your first home studio, and now it’s time to get an audio interface. Awesome! 

You don’t need a complicated setup to record vocals or instruments. In our opinion, the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 offers the best overall value, and could easily be the last interface you ever need.

But there are other interfaces that are also perfect for beginners. Let’s check them out.

Quick Look: The Best Beginner Audio Interfaces

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1. Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen) — The Best All-Around Beginner Audio Interface

Features:

• 2 rear-facing XLR inputs & 2 front-facing line inputs
• 2 Air Mode settings — hi-range boost and mid-range boost
• Auto-Gain and Clip-Safe mode for automated level adjustment
• Optional external power
• Includes software bundle

For a long time, Scarlett devices have been a gold standard for USB audio interfaces. They’re affordable, easy to use, and offer impeccable sound quality.

And for the average bedroom musician, podcaster, or streamer, the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 could easily be the last audio interface you’ll ever need.

The current 4th generation model comes with plenty of features that make it truly compelling for most musicians and creators:

• It comes with better preamps that make it easier to use with quiet broadcast microphones like the Shure SM7B.
• The two “Air Mode” settings give you different EQ options. That way, you can boost certain frequencies to help your sound cut through a mix.
• Clip-safe and Auto-gain take out most of the guesswork involved with setting input levels.

The 2i2 also gives you two XLR and TRS inputs for recording two sound sources at once. So if you want, you could record vocals and guitars, have a guest speaker for your podcast, or record something in stereo.

2. PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 — Also Great

Features:

• 2 XLR/TRS combo inputs
• MIDI in/out
• Native support for Apple Silicon and iOS devices
• Bundled with Studio One Artist (DAW)

The AudioBox is a rugged little machine that lets you record clean high-quality audio right away. 

Like most interfaces, the PreSonus AudioBox has two combo inputs, giving you some options for recording with either a mic or instrument cable. But unlike the other devices on this list, the AudioBox has MIDI In/Out ports. This lets you hook up an additional synth or MIDI controller if you want.

And if you need new recording software, the AudioBox comes bundled with PreSonus Studio One Artist — a fully featured DAW for all your music production needs.

The PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 also offers native support for Apple Silicon and iOS devices. In other words, you can use your Mac, iPhone, or iPad to make music without any problem.

3. Behringer U-Phoria UM2 — Budget Pick

Features:

• 1 XLR/TRS combo input
• 1 line input
• Small form factor

The Behringer UM2 was actually the very first audio interface I ever bought. And for the price, it’s shockingly good.

If you’re on a tight budget and all you need is a basic interface for recording or streaming, the UM2 will do the trick. In terms of features, it’s about as plain as it gets.

On the front are two inputs — one combo XLR/Line input, and another dedicated input for TRS and instrument cables. There’s also a ¼-inch headphone jack, and a button for direct monitoring.

4. Behringer U-Phoria UMC404HD — Best for Multiple Inputs

Features:

• 4 XLR/TRS combo inputs
• MIDAS preamps
• 4 additional line inputs
• Up to 9 audio outputs
• MIDI in/out

If you’re really into home recording and need a more advanced setup, then Behringer has you covered. The Behringer UMC404HD is a no-nonsense interface that gives you plenty of flexibility.

To start off, there are four combo inputs on the front that accept XLR and ¼” cables. Each one has a genuine MIDAS preamp, letting you record crystal-clear vocals and audio with plenty of headroom. 

Then, you have four additional ¼” inputs on the backside, expanding your capabilities even further. You’ll also have up to nine outputs (six ¼”, two XLR, and headphones), letting you test your mixes on different sets of speakers if you need.

And with the addition of MIDI In/Out, you can hook up a synth or MIDI controller for expanded usability.

5. Focusrite Scarlett Solo — Best for Solo Musicians

Features:

• 1 mic input + 1 line input
• Award-winning preamp
• 2 Air Mode settings — hi-range boost and mid-range boost
• Small form factor

If all you want is a quality interface for basic recording by yourself, look no further than the Focusrite Scarlett Solo.

The Solo offers only one XLR port for microphones, plus one 1/4-inch input for instrument cables. But as the little brother of the Scarlett family, it has the same rugged build and offers pristine sound quality.

Like the 2i2 model, the Scarlett Solo comes with two Air Modes that boost your signal in different ways:

• Presence — Boosts the high-range of a signal to help it cut through a mix.
• Harmonic Drive — Boosts a signal’s mid-range for more punch and body. It’s especially useful for instrumentalists, but vocalists can put it to good use too.

All in all, the Scarlett Solo is definitely worth looking into if you want the Focusrite sound, but don’t want to fuss with all the extra features that the 2i2 has.

For a deeper dive, check out our head-to-head comparison of the Focusrite Scarlett Solo and Scarlett 2i2.

How We Chose These Beginner Audio Interface

This list only scratches the surface. There are plenty of other great options out there, and you could honestly do just fine with these or almost any other interface.

But there are some things you should still consider when choosing a beginner audio interface.

Budget

One of the first things beginners probably ask themselves is how much to spend.

The truth is, you don’t need to spend a lot to get good results. I started with a cheap $45 interface and got paid to record voiceovers with it.

You can find an audio interface in just about any price range. So the question comes down to your other needs.

Ease of Use

This is arguably the most important factor when choosing a beginner audio interface. Some have so many buttons, dials, and functions that it can overwhelm a new user.

All the interfaces on this list are pretty simple to set up and use. Once they’re connected to your computer, you can plug in your microphone, turn on phantom power, and start recording.

Audio and Hardware Quality

Obviously, an audio interface with better electronics under the hood will give you better quality recordings. Plain and simple.

Poor quality interfaces can taint your recordings with static or hissing. This makes it frustrating and discouraging to record sometimes.

The build quality is also a factor, since you’ll want it to last a good long while. Interfaces like the Scarlett 2i2 or the Audiobox come in a durable metal chassis, protecting the hardware inside from unnecessary damage.

Size and Portability

If you’re a beginner, then chances are you don’t have a rack to mount heavy-duty equipment. That’s okay. All you need is space on your desk.

You’ll notice that most of the interfaces on this list are fairly small. They take up little space on your desk and can easily be transported around.

This makes them particularly handy for on-site recording. I’ve taken my laptop with an interface for plenty of sessions.

Not What You’re Looking For? Try These Other Resources

We think these are all great options for beginner audio interfaces. That said, you might be looking for other gear. In which case, you should check out these other resources:

• For Mac users, check out our picks for the best audio interfaces for Mac.
• If you’re a beginner, we have a guide for building a cheap home studio under $200.