The 5 Best Audio Interfaces for Streaming by Host Count
A streaming interface has to mix the sound your audience hears, not merely make a microphone louder. If your stream includes a game, browser audio or a guest call, look for a documented loopback path and enough separate mic inputs for the people in the room. A cheap two-socket box can still leave you wrestling with software routing.
I would start with the Scarlett Solo 4th Gen for one XLR host plus computer audio. Zoom's AMS-22 makes its streaming loopback control especially direct, while the EVO 8 is the step up for several local microphones. The large Scarlett 18i20 belongs in a production room, not on a one-person gaming desk.
Our top 5 audio interfaces for streaming by host count
Swipe to compare price, rating and best use →
| Product | Price | Rating | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
01 Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th GenDetails ↓ | $159.99 | 4.6/5Amazon | Best solo stream setup |
02 Zoom AMS-22Details ↓ | $99.99 | 4.3/5Amazon | Best physical streaming control |
03 Audient EVO 8Details ↓ | $248.19 | 4.2/5Amazon | Best multi-mic stream |
04 Behringer UMC22Details ↓ | $52.90 | 4.5/5Amazon | Best bare-bones microphone path |
05 Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 4th GenDetails ↓ | $769.99 | 4.4/5Amazon | Best production-room expansion |
01 — Focusrite
Best solo stream setupScarlett Solo 4th Gen
The Solo 4th Gen provides one XLR mic input, a separate instrument input and a documented stereo loopback path for computer audio. That combination covers a host speaking over gameplay or a browser clip without an external mixer. It remains a one-mic interface: a second XLR guest needs a different box, and software routing still takes initial setup.
I rank it first for the most common streaming desk: one person, one microphone and a computer. Zoom offers a more obvious physical streaming switch, but the Scarlett is also a credible recording interface if you make music. EVO 8 is worth its higher price only when several people actually join in the room.
Specifications: Focusrite Solo 4th Gen loopback guide ↗
View on Amazon ↗One XLR host and computer audio.
Two or more local XLR speakers are routine.
What I like
+Documented stereo loopback and separate instrument input.
What to weigh
−Only one microphone preamp.
02 — Zoom
Best physical streaming controlZoom AMS-22
Zoom's AMS-22 has one XLR/TRS mic-or-instrument input, stereo line in and a physical loopback switch. That is an appealing layout if you want to see at a glance whether computer audio is entering the stream. It cannot replace a two-mic interface for a co-host, and a phone or tablet connection needs the separate power arrangement in Zoom's manual.
Second place rewards a specific simplicity that the Scarlett's software routing does not offer. I keep the Scarlett first for a solo creator who also records instruments, but I would choose Zoom when a hardware loopback control is the feature that will prevent an on-air routing mistake.
Specifications: Zoom AMS-22 operation manual ↗
View on Amazon ↗One-person streams with hardware loopback control.
You need two XLR microphones.
What I like
+Physical loopback switch and stereo line input.
What to weigh
−One mic input; mobile power needs planning.
03 — Audient
Best multi-mic streamAudient EVO 8
EVO 8 supplies four microphone preamps, two headphone outputs, a software mixer and loopback. This is a meaningful upgrade for a live panel with several people at one desk: each microphone gets its own input rather than being mixed before the computer. The touch-led controls take learning, and its larger input count is wasted on a solo creator.
I put it third because four real mic channels justify the price for a room-based stream, not for a single voice. Solo and Zoom are easier to justify at one mic. If guests regularly sit beside you and need separate headphone feeds, the EVO 8 moves ahead of both despite the extra setup.
Specifications: Audient EVO 8 feature list ↗
View on Amazon ↗Several local XLR guests and separate monitoring.
You stream alone and want simple hardware.
What I like
+Four mic preamps, loopback and two headphone outputs.
What to weigh
−More routing and cost than a solo stream needs.
04 — Behringer
Best bare-bones microphone pathBehringer UMC22
The UMC22 is an inexpensive way to bring one XLR microphone and an instrument signal into a computer. It is useful when the streaming software can handle system audio and mixing on its own. I would not infer modern loopback or a second independent mic preamp from its '2x2' label; those omissions matter when a guest joins or desktop sound must be captured reliably.
Fourth is a deliberate budget placement. It can sound a lot cleaner than a laptop's analog input for a single mic, but the Scarlett and Zoom solve the stream-routing problem more directly. Buy it only if you are comfortable doing the rest of the mix in software.
Specifications: Exact Amazon product listing ↗
View on Amazon ↗A simple solo mic on a tight budget.
You need hardware or documented loopback.
What I like
+Low-cost XLR input.
What to weigh
−No documented dedicated streaming loopback.
05 — Focusrite
Best production-room expansionScarlett 18i20 4th Gen
The 18i20 4th Gen has eight microphone preamps and extensive additional I/O for a room with multiple hosts, instruments or outboard gear. Focusrite documents loopback in its fourth-generation line, so computer playback can join a more elaborate production mix. It is expensive, rack-sized and excessive for a single desk mic.
Fifth here reflects audience size, not capability: most streamers would pay for six or seven unused preamps. I would move it straight to first for a studio that records a panel and music together. For one host, the Solo is the sensible starting point; for up to four local mics, EVO 8 is the smaller step.
Specifications: Focusrite Scarlett 4th Gen loopback support ↗
View on Amazon ↗A multi-host production room.
You have one or two microphones.
What I like
+Eight preamps and expandable routing.
What to weigh
−Rack size and high price.
Price information
Amazon price and availability checked Oct 18, 2026, 2:59 PM Lisbon time. Prices and availability are subject to change; the information shown on Amazon.com at purchase applies.
Our process
How we picked.
We compare five relevant products for different needs, using documented specifications, clear use cases and practical trade-offs. Our goal is to make the differences clear and help you choose with confidence.
- 01Relevance
Each product must fit the guide’s intended use, audience and requirements.
- 02Specifications
We compare the key product details that meaningfully affect the buying decision.
- 03Use case and fit
We compare the intended use, configuration and practical fit of every selected product.
- 04Strengths and limitations
We explain where each option performs best and the compromises to consider.
Good questions
FAQ — Audio Interfaces for Streaming by Host Count
01What is loopback on a streaming audio interface?+
It routes computer playback back into an input path that streaming or recording software can capture. Check the exact interface generation and software support; the Scarlett Solo 4th Gen and Zoom AMS-22 document this feature.
02How many XLR inputs do I need for streaming?+
One microphone needs one preamp. Two local speakers need two independently controllable microphone inputs; a four-person roundtable needs four. Do not count line inputs as microphone preamps.
The short answer
Start with the Scarlett Solo 4th Gen.
I recommend it for one xlr host and computer audio. Choose something else if two or more local xlr speakers are routine.
View on Amazon ↗Keep looking
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