01RANK
Focusrite
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen)
Best overall interfaceThe home-studio default for a decade - clean preamps, dead-simple, with auto-gain and a huge software bundle.
The heart of a home studio. Ranked on preamp quality, latency, I/O and bundled software.
| # | Pick | Best for | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Focusrite Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen) | Best overall interface | $$ | Amazon → |
| 02 | MOTU MOTU M2 | Best sound quality | $$ | Amazon → |
| 03 | Solid State Logic SSL 2+ MKII | Best two-channel interface | $$ | Amazon → |
| 04 | Focusrite Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen | Best first interface | $ | Amazon → |
| 05 | Universal Audio Universal Audio Volt 2 | Best for vocals | $$ | Amazon → |
| 06 | Audient Audient iD4 | Best preamp in a small interface | $$ | Amazon → |
| 07 | PreSonus PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 | Best budget interface | $ | Amazon → |
The home-studio default for a decade - clean preamps, dead-simple, with auto-gain and a huge software bundle.
Best-measuring interface in its class with a genuinely useful full-color LCD metering display.
Two mic preamps with the 4K button that adds a little console sparkle, two headphone outputs, and MIDI, from the desk people.
One mic input, one instrument input, and the same converters as the bigger Scarletts: the interface for a voice and a guitar.
Adds a switchable '76-style analog vintage preamp mode that flatters vocals - plus UA's software stack.
A console-grade mic preamp and a real JFET instrument input in a small box, plus the scroll-wheel trick that turns the volume knob into a mouse.
The bargain entry point - rugged metal, simple, and it comes with Studio One to start recording today.
Rankings reflect our editorial scoring of sound, build, value and features - see how we pick.