The Best Computer Recording Audio Interfaces
We compared seven audio interfaces on owner ratings, expert reviews, and specs, finding the Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen offers the best balance of quality and price.
Updated
The bottom line
The Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen is our top pick for its high-quality recordings, ease of use, and affordable price at $119.99. Owners rate it 9.4/10 from 29466 ratings, highlighting its clear sound and reliability. The tradeoff is a slightly annoying welcome folder pop-up. The Scarlett Solo 4th Gen is essentially the same product at a higher price. For those needing more inputs, the Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 is a strong choice at $259.95. The M-Audio M-Track Solo offers a budget option at $57.04, though it lacks professional-grade features.
Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen $119.99
Best balance of quality and price
The Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen offers studio-quality recordings and a range of user-friendly features at $119.99. Owners rate it 9.4/10 from 29466 ratings, highlighting its clear sound and reliability. The tradeoff is a slightly annoying welcome folder pop-up.
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Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 $259.95
Best for multiple inputs
The Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 provides versatile connectivity with multiple inputs and outputs at $259.95. Owners rate it 9.4/10 from 564 ratings, appreciating its performance and included software. The extra cost is for more inputs and outputs.
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M-Audio M-Track Solo USB Audio Interface $57.04
Best budget option
The M-Audio M-Track Solo offers basic recording capabilities at $57.04. Owners rate it 8.6/10 from 7717 ratings, noting its affordability and ease of use. The tradeoff is it's not professional-grade.
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- Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen Best for quality and price 9.0/10 $119.99 Amazon
- Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 Best for multiple inputs 8.5/10 $259.95 Amazon
- M-Audio M-Track Solo USB Audio Interface Best budget option 7.0/10 $57.04 Amazon
- Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Good for studio-quality sound 8.0/10 $205.00 Amazon
- Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen USB-C Audio Interface Same as 3rd Gen but more expensive 7.5/10 $159.99 Amazon
- IK Multimedia iRig USB Guitar Audio Interface Good for guitar recording 6.0/10 $17.99 Amazon
- IK Multimedia iRig 2 portable guitar audio interface Good for portability 6.5/10 $39.99 Amazon
What owners say
Owners of the Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen consistently praise its sound quality and ease of use. Many highlight the clear recordings and reliable performance. The Scarlett 4i4 also receives positive feedback for its versatile connectivity and included software. The M-Audio M-Track Solo is appreciated for its affordability and basic recording capabilities, though some note it's not professional-grade.
Also-rans
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 and Scarlett Solo 4th Gen are essentially the same as the Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen but at higher prices, making them less attractive. The IK Multimedia iRig USB and iRig 2 are good for guitar recording and portability but lack the comprehensive features of the Focusrite options.