10 Best Audio Interfaces 2025 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 x16 Heritage Edition is a high-end audio interface designed for professionals in music production and audio engineering. With 16 channels available, it offers ample inputs and outputs, making it suitable for complex studio setups. The audio quality is exceptional, featuring elite-class A/D and D/A conversion that ensures a wide dynamic range and low noise levels, which is crucial for detailed recording and mixing. Its HEXA Core processing with 6 DSP chips allows for running multiple UAD plug-ins in real time, enhancing creativity and efficiency in your projects.

Connectivity is streamlined via Thunderbolt 3, ensuring fast data transfer and compatibility with modern computers. The switchable +24 / +20 dBu headroom is a nice touch, allowing for flexibility when connecting different studio gear. Additionally, the built-in LUNA Recording System simplifies the recording process for Mac users, although it may not be as familiar to those who predominantly use Windows-based systems.

This audio interface may not be necessary for beginners or casual users due to its professional-level specifications and price point. It also has a relatively large form factor, which could be cumbersome for those seeking a portable solution. While it excels in audio quality and features, the steep learning curve and significant investment may be a barrier for less experienced users. Its support for major DAWs is a significant plus, but it is Mac-focused, which could limit its appeal for Windows users.

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.