8 Best Budget Audio Interfaces of 2024

When you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

I was asked to write an article on what I believe are the best budget audio interfaces in the market for the musicians and producers who are looking to upgrade their existing gear or experiment with music production for the first time.

Luckily, there are plenty of options for artists on a budget looking for the best audio interfaces, and today we'll look into the ones that offer the best value for money.

All around $200, the best budget options will help you bring the sound of your dreams to life and open up all sorts of opportunities to unleash your creativity without spending much money.

While I firmly believe the best budget choice is the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, there are plenty of high-quality, budget-friendly interfaces in the market right now, so let's take a look at all of them. This way, I'll try to help you make an informed decision on what's the right one for your needs.

Best Budget Audio Interfaces

When compiling this list, I focused on interfaces that deliver professional results despite their entry-level price tag, designed by worldwide-known brands or new companies that impressed me with their attention to detail.

Aside from audio quality, I paid attention to compatibility, connectivity options, the number of inputs and outputs, and build quality.

All these factors are important when buying an interface on a budget, so below you'll find my reviews of each audio interface where I considered all these aspects, and at the end of the article, I threw in an in-depth buyer's guide to help you make the right purchase.

SPECS

• Connectivity: USB 2.0
• Resolution: 24-bit/192kHz
• Input/Output: 2x2
• Midi: NO

Now in its fourth generation, the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is a must-have for new music producers who want to get professional sound quality from day one.

For years, Focusrite has been a household name in the world of music production, and the iconic Scarlett 2i2 is an item you'll find in recording studios large and small across the globe.

The interface comes with exceptional preamps that naturally reduce distortion and noise and the popular and switchable Air mode that'll add presence and openness to your music.

I noticed a significant improvement in the clarity of my recordings compared to my previous interface. The 24-bit/192kHz resolution ensures high-quality audio capture, which is a must for professional-sounding production. The direct monitor switch is a great feature, allowing me to hear my input signal with zero latency, which is essential for accurate monitoring.

With two inputs, the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 will allow you to record and playback two channels independently.

The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is an affordable yet professional device that’ll help you bring to life high-quality music. I highly recommend it because it’s easy to use and comes with a plethora of virtual tools to craft your sound signature.

SPECS

• Connectivity: USB C
• Resolution: 24-bit/92kHz
• Input/Output: 1x Microphone, 1x Instrument
• Midi: NO

The Lewitt Connect 2 audio interface stands out with its USB-C connectivity, ensuring fast and stable data transfer while powering the unit. This makes it an excellent choice for mobile recording setups.

The Autosetup feature is particularly impressive, allowing me to achieve great sound with just a few clicks. Integrated Clipguard technology protects from distortion, even at high volumes, which is super-important for streaming, podcasting, and recording.

The single-click Compressor and Denoiser functions are my favorite features. The Compressor gives me a balanced audio signal, while the Denoiser uses audio expansion to eliminate background noise. This setup is ideal for clear communication and clean recordings.

Additionally, the three built-in preamp sounds—Clean, Warm, and Vivid—offer flexibility. "Clean" provides clarity and fidelity, "Warm" adds a vintage vibe, and "Vivid" enhances dull sounds.

The Connect 2's touch-based controls are intuitive, allowing for easy adjustments during sessions. A custom button for workflow shortcuts enhances efficiency, making it easier to toggle between mic and instrument preamp styles, mute states, and brightness settings. The individual LED colors and brightness control provide visual feedback, enhancing my experience while using it.

The Lewitt Control Center software integrates seamlessly with the hardware. It brings comprehensive control over settings such as input gain, phantom power, and monitoring levels. The software's loopback functionality is great for streaming and podcasting. This integration ensures the Connect 2 is versatile and user-friendly, suitable for various recording scenarios.

The interface's clear LED indicators on the touch-operated surfaces and buttons provide real-time feedback on signal levels and status, making it a reliable choice for both studio and mobile setups.

SPECS

• Connectivity: USB 2.0
• Resolution: 24-bit/192kHz
• Input/Output: 2x2
• Midi: NO

I’m a huge fan of the Behringer U-PHORIA series because it delivers accurate and pristine audio recordings without breaking the bank, with a solid build quality that allows me to carry the interface around without issues.

For me, one of the most interesting features of the UMC202HD is undoubtedly its zero-latency, direct monitoring feature, meaning I can monitor the instruments I'm recording in real time and without delay.

The audio quality of the UMC202HD stands out with its 24-bit/192kHz resolution. I noticed that the recordings are crisp and clear, with a transparent sound that rivals more expensive interfaces I've tried over the years.

The direct monitoring feature is invaluable, providing zero-latency input monitoring, which helps me track vocals and instruments accurately without any delay.

Other great aspects of this powerful choice include the two balanced TRS outputs for multiple monitoring options, two high-quality MIDAS preamps, and the +48V phantom power.

Behringer has decades of experience in the world of music production, and the U-PHORIA UMC202HD is the embodiment of the dedication and attention to detail you can see in all their products. See our full review of the Behringer U-PHORIA UMC202HD to learn more.

SPECS

• Connectivity: USB 3.0
• Resolution: 24-bit/96kHz
• Input/Output: 2x2
• Midi: NO

Don’t let the size of this tiny product fool you: the Audient iD4 Mk2 is a phenomenal device packed with features that can help you create unforgettable hits.

I love the sturdy metal chassis and the compact form factor fits perfectly on my desk. The front panel features a single Audient Console mic preamp and a JFET DI input, ideal for my recording sessions of both vocals and instruments with professional-grade clarity.

The USB 3.0 speed reduces latency significantly so that I can record more instruments simultaneously.

The high-quality, transparent converters provide 120dB of dynamic range, and the analog JFET DI effect will enhance the sound quality of your guitar, piano, or bass by enriching it with natural harmonics.

If that’s not enough, the Audient iD4 Mk2 comes with the impressive ARC software suite, including my personal favorite Steinberg’s Cubase DAW, free music courses from Produce Like a Pro, cab simulators, and some awesome VST plugins.

If you're specifically looking for the best guitar audio interfaces, I've also got you covered so check out my comprehensive guide on the top picks in the market today.

SPECS

• Connectivity: USB 2.0
• Resolution: 16-bit/48kHz
• Input/Output: 2x2
• Midi: NO

The M-Audio M-Track Solo makes music production affordable for anyone. At around $50, this powerful interface offers interesting features such as phantom power, a Crystal preamplifier, and a single XLR/TRS combo input that ensures you can record your instruments easily and professionally.

I find the audio quality of the M-Track Solo to be quite impressive for its price point, offering 16-bit/48kHz resolution. The Crystal preamps provide clean and transparent sound, which is essential if I want to capture more detailed recordings. The direct monitoring feature is a must for latency-free input monitoring: it allows me to hear my recordings in real-time with no delay.

The rich software bundle, including the MPC Beats DAW and 20 plugins from Avid, gave me enough tools to get started testing this audio interface on a budget.

My verdict: the unbeatable price, portability, and performance make the M-Audio M-Track Solo a valid, budget audio interface for artists in all career levels.

SPECS

• Connectivity: USB
• Resolution: 24-bit/192kHz
• Input/Output: 2/2
• Midi: YES

I've been using Presonus products for decades, from their Eris studio monitors to the exceptional Studio One DAW, and I can't help but appreciate the attention to detail, quality, and affordability that characterizes their vast product range.

The Presonus Studio 24c is no exception. This straightforward audio interface is the ideal solution for producers using MIDI instruments such as keyboards and pads, as it comes with a 5-pin MIDI I/O port and a software package that'll leave you speechless.

I love that the front panel features two XLR/TRS combo inputs with PreSonus XMAX-L preamps, which are perfect for capturing vocals and instruments with maximum clarity.

The audio quality of the Studio 24c stands out to me with its 24-bit/192kHz resolution, delivering high-fidelity recordings. The XMAX-L preamps deliver a clean and transparent sound, which I find awesome for detailed audio recordings.

The XMAX-L preamps also deliver a warm, natural sound that'll enhance the characteristics of my musical instruments, and with Studio One Artist and Studio Magic plugin suite, I have everything I need to refine my sound and create timeless tracks.

SPECS

• Connectivity: USB 2.0
• Resolution: 24-bit/192kHz
• Input/Output: 6 x 6 (4 analog + 2 digital)
• Midi: YES

The most expensive device on this list, the Native Instruments Komplete Audio 6, is an all-in-one solution that’ll upgrade your recording studio and unleash your creativity.

It offers plenty of inputs and outputs, a rich software bundle, and a high-quality sound that I find competitive with big-budget music production studio equipment.

The four analog inputs (two XLR/TRS combo inputs and two line/instrument inputs) and the MIDI connectivity ensure that I can make the most of my gear and record multiple instruments simultaneously.

Furthermore, zero-latency direct monitoring allows me to record instruments and vocals with great accuracy.

Komplete Audio 6 comes with Native Instruments' iconic instrument effects and Maschine Essentials, among others, which help me create my signature sound or further expand my sonic range.

At $250, the features offered by the Native Instruments Komplete Audio 6 are truly a bargain so connect it with some of the best audio mixers and start rockin'!

Read the full Native Instruments Komplete Audio review to learn more.

SPECS

• Connectivity: USB 2.0
• Resolution: 24-bit/192kHz
• Input/Output: 2x2
• Midi: YES

Another fantastic option for home producers is the MiniFuse 2 by Arturia, a brand that’s become synonymous with high-quality MIDI keyboards and phenomenal sound effects.

The MiniFuse 2 comes with exciting features, most notably the MIDI connection, the zero-latency monitoring option, and the virtual stereo loopback channel to record audio from your computer while also using the two analog inputs.

For me, connecting the MiniFuse 2 was very straightforward. Its USB-C interface provides reliable power and data transfer to both my Mac and Windows systems.

I appreciate the balanced TRS outputs on the back. They allow me to connect this audio interface to my studio monitors. I love the convenient and easily accessible headphone output on the front panel which offers clear and powerful monitoring. The additional USB hub is a great feature, allowing me to connect other USB devices conveniently.

A solid build quality, rich bundled software, and the renowned Arturia FX included make the MiniFuse 2 a welcomed option for a versatile artist who wants an extensive sound library and a highly-performing interface. If you'd like to learn more, check out our full detailed review of the Arturia MiniFuse 2.

SPECS

• Connectivity: USB 2.0
• Resolution: 24-bit/192kHz
• Input/Output: 2x2
• Midi: YES

Versatile and intuitive, the MOTU M2 has quickly become one of the most beloved interfaces for beginners.

Thanks to cutting-edge DAC technology and exceptionally low latency, this portable choice performs magnificently both on the road and in the studio, bringing to life pristine audio that you can refine with the rich bundled software included.

A great feature is the built-in loopback functionality, allowing you to record multiple analog recordings with the computer playback: a crucial factor for streamers and podcasters who can combine real-time recordings with pre-recorded sounds and effects.

The Full-color LCD screen can show you the interface's parameters in real time, while the professional preamps and phantom powers enable you to make the most of your recording gear.

Finally, the MOTU M2 comes with the MOTU Performer Lite and Ableton Live 10 Lite DAWs and 6GB of free loops and samples to get you started.

Buyer's Guide | What You Need to Know

Now that I've covered the best budget-friendly audio interfaces, it's time to look into what defines a good from a bad one and how you can identify which one will best suit your needs.

Although budget plays a crucial role here, you shouldn't be guided exclusively by the price tag when shopping for your creative purposes.

For a music producer, choosing the right audio interface is a major step that’ll define your workflow and creativity, so doing proper research becomes even more important when you have a tight budget but still want to make music that sounds professional.

I strongly suggest that you pay attention to the following features when buying an audio interface on a budget.

Connectivity

When exploring the world of affordable audio interfaces, you’ll find different connectivity types, namely USB, Thunderbolt, PCIe, and FireWire.

USB is undoubtedly the most popular one and will guarantee compatibility with most gear and high-quality sound. The latency (which we'll discuss later) largely depends on the type of USB connectivity provided: USB C, USB-2, or USB-3.

Thunderbolt is an excellent connectivity option that can transfer data way faster than a standard USB, but, in my experience, budget choices generally don’t offer this type of connectivity.

However, should you wish to upgrade your gear in the future, you might be pleased to hear that Thunderbolt is seamlessly cross-compatible with USB, so you can use Thunderbolt interfaces so long as you have a laptop with a USB port.

If you're looking for the lowest possible latency and budget is not an issue, PCIe is the best option. It requires integrating your interface directly into the computer's motherboard, and the installation process is way more demanding, but the results are exceptional.

FireWire connectivity was popular until a decade ago before being largely replaced by USB connections.

Nowadays, it's hard to find a computer with a built-in FireWire port; still, FireWire interfaces have low latency and sound good, so if by any chance you come across one and have the right gear to make it work, I'd suggest you give it a try.

Input/Headphone Output (I/O) Channels

Choosing the correct number of inputs and outputs will have a crucial impact on your workflow, so my recommendation is to think carefully about what you need when recording music.

If you're a so-called bedroom producer, one input might be enough (for a while at least) since you'll be recording each instrument separately and then combining them in your DAW.

However, getting an audio interface with a single input might limit your options in the long run, preventing you from experimenting with multiple recording inputs simultaneously.

If you’re a singer/songwriter, you should have an audio interface with at least a couple of inputs: for instance, even if you record your vocals and guitar separately, you’ll still need a couple of mics to capture the sound of your guitar professionally.

If you’re recording bands, live performances, or even just drums, you’ll need an audio interface with four or more inputs. Once again, it all comes down to what you’ll be recording, and every “real” musical instrument comes with a standard procedure to get professional recordings.

My advice is to consider the use you'll make of your audio interface in the long run and then choose accordingly. It might be worth investing a bit more than having to upgrade your gear after a few months.

Portability

You might be traveling extensively with your recording devices. If you’re a touring artist, chances are you’ll take your equipment on the road, so you need professional tools that you can carry with you at all times.

If that's the case, you also might want to consider battery-powered choices: an excellent solution for musicians on the road or even field recording artists who can't always rely on electricity.

If portability is vital, I'd recommend a couple of interfaces: M-Audio M-Track Solo for the touring artist and the IK Multimedia iRig Pro Duo as the best battery-powered option.

Bundles

Interfaces come with bundled software that can help save a lot of money and avoid looking for compatible DAWs and plugins. In particular, budget interfaces often come with everything an artist needs to record and mix their music professionally.

When studying the bundle offered, look for DAWs and VST plugins that are in line with your music genre, and opt for ones that provide full, unlimited access: in this way, you'll be able to use those tools indefinitely, and will become part of your sonic palette.

Latency and Buffer Size

Latency and buffer size must be considered because they define the performance and processing power required to record audio professionally.

Latency is the delay between an audio signal entering the audio interface and the sound being played back. Lower latency is preferable, especially when precise timing is essential (recording multiple instruments simultaneously).

Buffer size is the amount of audio data stored in the interface's buffer before it's processed and sent to the output, and it is measured in samples: 64, 128, 256, and so on. A lower buffer size means lower latency but higher CPU stress, and vice versa.

All in all, you should look for an affordable option that'll work well with your computer without putting too much stress on your CPU.

All the audio interfaces mentioned in this article are not too CPU-demanding, so they should work well on your device, so long as it's not too old or extremely cheap.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is an audio interface?

An audio interface is a device that bridges the gap between your analog audio sources (musical instruments, microphones, and mixers) and your digital audio workstation (DAW) on your computer. It’s a crucial tool in modern music production.

Most audio interfaces feature a digital-to-analog converter (DAC), a preamp, and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) to convert an analog signal to digital.

Why do I need an audio interface?

Audio interfaces are the best way to get high-quality audio recordings without entering a recording studio.

Generally, computers' built-in soundcards cannot deliver professional results in terms of audio quality and latency; that's why most music producers rely on audio interfaces to create their tracks.

All in all, this device offers better sound quality, low latency, and multiple inputs and outputs to record more than one instrument at once. Some options also have phantom power, MIDI connectivity, and headphone amplification.

How many inputs and outputs do I need?

The number of inputs and outputs required depends on your creative workflow. Podcasters or solo artists might do just fine with one input, whereas bands should look into audio interfaces with at least four inputs.

Headphone output channels are also useful for mixing and mastering music, giving you multiple options to listen to and analyze your music.

What is phantom power, and do I need it?

Phantom power provides the necessary electrical power to condenser microphones so that they can operate.

Condenser microphones require phantom power to function, as they use it to energize the microphone's internal electronics, so if you use this type of mic, you'll need an audio interface with phantom power (which nearly every one has, by the way).

How do I troubleshoot common issues with audio interfaces?

Check the connections, ensuring that everything is connected correctly using the appropriate cables. Next, check the audio settings of the audio interface, the DAW, and the computer, to see if they're all aligned.

Restart the computer, interface, and DAW, and see if everything works now. If all else fails, test the interface with another computer to see if the problem lies in your computer.

What to look for when buying an audio interface?

In short, you should look for USB audio interfaces that allow you to record your instruments professionally.

Whether you use condenser mics, dynamic mics, or virtual instruments, you'll be able to find a great budget audio interface to meet your expectations.

Other factors to take into account are multiple output options to make the most of your monitor outputs and headphones. If you travel often, look for a compact choice with professional recording software included.

Finally, the bundled software. Look for a budget interface that comes with valuable plugins and DAWs: having professional recording software and dozens of effects from day one will help you create a unique signature right away.

Final Thoughts

To summarize, I'd recommend the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 to anyone entering the world of music production: it's easy to use, performs magnificently, and can last a lifetime.

Alternatively, I'd opt for the Presonus Studio 24c: a great and affordable interface that comes with a rich bundle of professional VST plugins and the amazing Studio One.

If you want to further upgrade without overspending get on of the best budget DAC options and transform your audio experience on a budget.