Best Computer Audio Interfaces of 2026
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Computer audio interfaces are essential tools for recording and producing high-quality audio on a computer. These devices act as a bridge between a computer and other audio equipment, such as microphones, guitars, and keyboards. They provide high-quality audio input and output, and some models offer additional features like built-in preamps, effects, and monitoring options. Computer audio interfaces are widely used by musicians, podcasters, and content creators to capture and edit audio recordings with professional-level quality.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
#TOP 1
9.8
#TOP 2
9.7
#TOP 3
9.5
Top 8 Computer Audio Interfaces
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen Audio Interface
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 offers a seamless recording experience for musicians and podcasters alike. With studio-quality sound and a dynamic range of 120dB, you can capture every detail of your performance. The Auto Gain feature helps you set the perfect levels for your microphone or guitar, ensuring you never miss a great take. Additionally, Clip Safe prevents audio clipping, allowing you to focus solely on creating your music. The Air mode enhances your vocals and instruments, adding richness to your recordings.
M-Audio M-Track Solo USB Audio Interface
The M-Audio M-Track Solo is a versatile USB audio interface perfect for recording, streaming, and podcasting. With 48 kHz audio resolution, you can expect pristine sound quality every time you record. It features a combo XLR/Line input with phantom power, allowing you to connect guitars, vocals, or line input signals easily. For convenient monitoring, it offers a headphone output and stereo RCA outputs, as well as a USB/Direct switch for zero latency monitoring. This interface ensures you get the best sound from your microphones with its transparent Crystal Preamp.
Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen Audio Interface
The Focusrite Scarlett Solo is the ideal interface for musicians looking to record with ease and professional quality. With studio-quality sound and a remarkable 120dB dynamic range, you can capture every detail of your performance. The Air mode enhances your vocals and guitars, helping you achieve a rich and vibrant sound. Plus, with the included industry-leading recording software and plugins, you have everything you need to mix and master your music. Thanks to the Easy Start tool, you can begin recording in just minutes.
Behringer UMC404HD 4x4 USB Audio Interface
The Behringer UMC404HD Interface offers four Midas-designed microphone preamps that deliver clear and professional sound, perfect for recording music or video projects. With a high resolution of 192 kHz, you can expect crystal-clear audio quality that brings your recordings to life. Its versatile connectivity includes four combination XLR/TRS inputs and MIDI I/O, making it easy for you to connect various instruments and devices. The compact design and USB 2.0 connection mean you can take this interface anywhere, whether working from a home studio or out on location, without sacrificing sound quality.
PreSonus Studio 24c USB-C Audio Interface
The PreSonus Studio 24c is perfect for recording, streaming, or podcasting. With its two XMAX-L mic preamps, you can capture vocals and instruments with exceptional clarity. The professional input metering helps you monitor your recording levels, ensuring optimal sound quality. The easy-to-use Mix control allows you to blend your live inputs with playback from your computer, making it simple to create the perfect monitor mix. Compatible with various audio recording software, you can start producing music right away.
PreSonus AudioBox 96 USB Audio Interface Bundle
The PreSonus AudioBox 96 is a versatile USB audio interface designed for recording, streaming, and podcasting. It features two high-quality Class-A mic preamps, which provide clear and professional sound for your vocals and instruments. With two high-headroom instrument inputs, you can easily connect guitars or keyboards directly. The MIDI I/O allows you to integrate external MIDI devices, enhancing your music production capabilities. You can connect seamlessly via USB 2.0, ensuring compatibility with both Mac and PC, making it perfect for home musicians and studio professionals alike.
PreSonus AudioBox GO USB-C Audio Interface Bundle
The PreSonus AudioBox GO is an ultra-compact USB-C audio interface designed for music production. With a dedicated TS instrument input, you can easily record your guitar or bass, while the XLR mic/line combo input allows for high-quality vocal recordings. The XMAX-L Mic Preamp ensures low noise and high headroom, making your recordings sound their best. Plus, connecting to your Mac or PC is simple with USB-C, and the included headphone output lets you monitor your sound with ease.
XTUGA USB Audio Interface for Recording
The XTUGA Q-12 Interface is an excellent tool for recording music, whether you're singing or playing guitar and bass. It features a USB audio interface that allows you to easily connect to your recording software, ensuring your music sounds just the way you want it. With the ability to support both guitar and bass input, you'll receive clear audio thanks to its high-performance converter, which delivers studio-quality recordings. Plus, the 48V phantom power ensures your microphones receive reliable power, making it suitable for both beginners and seasoned professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is a computer audio interface?
Audio interfaces convert microphone and instrument signals into a format your computer and software recognize. The interface also routes audio from your computer out to your headphones and studio monitors.
2. Do I need an audio interface for PC?
Answer: Yes, you need an audio interface, even when you make beats or electronic music. The main reason is because of the audio quality which is needed for professional music production. This quality is lacking in most sound cards shipped in laptop and desktop computers.
3. Does it matter what audio interface you have?
The number and type of inputs and outputs you need depends entirely on what you want to be able to record, now and in the future. The range of audio interfaces includes everything from 2-channel desktop units to systems that can record hundreds of channels.
During our computer audio interface research, we found 306 computer audio interface products and shortlisted 8 quality products. We collected and analyzed 171,642 customer reviews through our big data system to write the computer audio interfaces list. We found that most customers choose computer audio interfaces with an average price of £95.90.
The computer audio interfaces are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of computer audio interfaces, including Focusrite, M-AUDIO, Behringer, PreSonus, XTUGA.
Hayden was born in Liverpool, and he never left his hometown until university. In his freshman year at the University of Manchester, Hayden was the group leader of a popular music group. Hayden is responsible for the popularity of his music, and this is because of his natural ability to play with keys and strings. He graduated with BFA in 2016 and returned in 2018 as a lecturing staff in the School of Music.