Best Audio Interfaces
Top audio interfaces ranked by transparent trust scores.
8 products ranked
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Top Pick
9.4
Excellent
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen
Ranked #1 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
#1
9.4
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #1 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Auto-gain for easy level setting
- Air mode for vocal presence
- Bus-powered via USB-C
Cons
- Only 2 inputs for growing studios
- No MIDI I/O
Don't buy this if…
- The included software bundle requires online activation and some licenses expire after one year.
#2
9.2
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #2 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Vintage preamp emulation mode
- Built-in 76-style compressor
- Retro design aesthetic
Cons
- No direct monitoring blend knob
- USB-A connection only
Don't buy this if…
- The built-in compressor is applied before the signal reaches your DAW and cannot be removed in post-production.
#3
9.0
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #3 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- ESS Sabre32 DAC for best-in-class monitoring
- Color LCD metering display
- Loopback for streaming
Cons
- Preamps slightly less colorful than competitors
- No pad switch for loud sources
Don't buy this if…
- The LCD meter on the front panel cannot be dimmed which may be distracting in dark recording environments.
#4
8.7
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #4 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Console-grade Class A preamp
- JFET instrument input sounds great
- Dual-function scroll control
Cons
- Only one mic preamp input
- No software DSP effects
Don't buy this if…
- Only one of the two inputs has a microphone preamp so you cannot record two microphones simultaneously.
#5
8.5
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #5 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Includes Studio One Artist DAW
- Very affordable entry point
- Rugged metal construction
Cons
- USB-B connection is dated
- Limited headroom on preamps
Don't buy this if…
- The USB-B connection and USB 2.0 speed limit this interface to basic recording scenarios with potential latency at low buffer sizes.
#6
8.3
Good
Consensus
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Ranked #6 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- SSL Legacy 4K analog enhancement
- MIDI I/O built in
- 4 outputs for monitor switching
Cons
- Higher price than competitors
- No DSP processing
Don't buy this if…
- The 4K enhancement circuit adds subtle analog coloration which not all engineers want on every source.
#7
8.1
Good
Consensus
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Ranked #7 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Generous software bundle included
- Sleek modern design
- USB-C bus powered
Cons
- Gain maxes at 56dB for quiet sources
- Direct monitoring is mono only
Don't buy this if…
- The 56dB of preamp gain may be insufficient for quiet dynamic microphones like the SM7B without a CloudLifter or similar booster.
#8
7.9
Good
Consensus
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Ranked #8 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Komplete Start software bundle
- VU-style LED metering
- Direct monitoring blend control
Cons
- Preamps are functional but not exceptional
- Plastic build feels less durable
Don't buy this if…
- The Komplete Start bundle is free to anyone so the unique value is in the hardware rather than the included software.
Quick Comparison
How We Rank
Composite trust score from expert reviews, user sentiment, complaint analysis, and value assessment.
Trust Score
Weighted composite of all factor scores
Expert Score
Aggregated expert review ratings
User Sentiment
Community votes and review analysis
Value Score
Price-to-performance ratio
Freshness
Recency of reviews and data
Change Log
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