The 5 Best Budget Audio Interfaces
Five USB audio interfaces from a basic dual-input box to a fourth-generation Scarlett Solo.
Our top 5 budget audio interfaces
Swipe to compare price, rating and best use →
| Product | Price | Rating | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
01 PreSonus AudioBox 96 25th Anniversary USB Audio InterfaceDetails ↓ | $94.99 | 4.3/5Amazon | Best dependable starter |
02 Piyone Audio Interface 2X2 24-bit/192kHz InterfaceDetails ↓ | $66.49 | 4.3/5Amazon | Best low-cost loopback |
03 Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen USB-C Audio InterfaceDetails ↓ | $159.99 | 4.6/5Amazon | Best familiar Solo |
04 MAONO PS22 Lite USB Audio Interface for PC for Guitar &Details ↓ | $49.99 | 4.2/5Amazon | Best compact streaming |
05 M-AUDIO M-Track Duo USB Audio InterfaceDetails ↓ | $69.00 | 4.4/5Amazon | Best dual-XLR value |
01 — PreSonus
Best dependable starterPreSonus AudioBox 96 25th Anniversary USB Audio Interface
PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 provides two combo inputs and direct monitoring for a starter voice-and-instrument desk. The dual-input layout is useful when one XLR is too limiting. Check the included cables and driver support for your computer.
View on Amazon ↗Reasons to buy
+PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 provides two combo inputs and direct monitoring for a starter voice-and-instrument desk.
Reasons to avoid
−Check the included cables and driver support for your computer.
- ProductType
- audio interface
02 — Piyone
Best low-cost loopbackAudio Interface 2X2 24-bit/192kHz Interface
This 2x2 interface lists an XLR/TRS combo input, 24-bit/192 kHz support, monitor mix and loopback. Those controls suit a small recording or streaming setup. Confirm the exact number of independent inputs and operating-system compatibility.
View on Amazon ↗Reasons to buy
+This 2x2 interface lists an XLR/TRS combo input, 24-bit/192 kHz support, monitor mix and loopback.
Reasons to avoid
−Confirm the exact number of independent inputs and operating-system compatibility.
- ProductType
- audio interface
03 — Focusrite
Best familiar SoloFocusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen USB-C Audio Interface
Focusrite Scarlett Solo fourth generation provides one XLR microphone preamp and one Hi-Z instrument input. Its Air modes and simple controls suit a solo voice or guitar desk. Two simultaneous XLR microphones require a different model.
View on Amazon ↗Reasons to buy
+Focusrite Scarlett Solo fourth generation provides one XLR microphone preamp and one Hi-Z instrument input.
Reasons to avoid
−Two simultaneous XLR microphones require a different model.
- Inputs
- 1 mic, 1 line/instrument
- Conversion
- 24-bit / 192 kHz
- Monitoring
- Direct monitor and loopback
- Connection
- USB-C (USB 2.0 protocol)
04 — MAONO
Best compact streamingMAONO PS22 Lite USB Audio Interface for PC for Guitar &
MAONO PS22 Lite lists a low-noise preamp, 24-bit/192 kHz support, loopback and routing software. It suits a compact guitar-and-voice or streaming setup. Check its driver and input configuration against your computer before ordering.
View on Amazon ↗Reasons to buy
+MAONO PS22 Lite lists a low-noise preamp, 24-bit/192 kHz support, loopback and routing software.
Reasons to avoid
−Check its driver and input configuration against your computer before ordering.
- ProductType
- audio interface
05 — M-AUDIO
Best dual-XLR valueM-AUDIO M-Track Duo USB Audio Interface
M-Audio M-Track Duo has two XLR/line/DI combo inputs for a low-cost two-source recording setup. It is a practical step above a single-input phone adapter. Confirm monitoring and bundled software compatibility for your operating system.
View on Amazon ↗Reasons to buy
+M-Audio M-Track Duo has two XLR/line/DI combo inputs for a low-cost two-source recording setup.
Reasons to avoid
−Confirm monitoring and bundled software compatibility for your operating system.
- Inputs
- 2 mic/line/instrument combo
- Conversion
- Up to 48 kHz
- Monitoring
- Direct mono or stereo
- Connection
- USB-B; bus powered
Price information
Amazon price and availability checked Oct 18, 2026, 1:57 AM 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 — Budget Audio Interfaces
01How many microphone inputs does a budget interface need?+
A solo voice setup needs one XLR input; recording two separate microphones at once requires two. M-Audio M-Track Duo and PreSonus AudioBox 96 list dual combo inputs.
02What is loopback useful for?+
It routes computer playback into a recording or stream. The 2x2 interface and MAONO PS22 Lite list loopback, but check driver support for your operating system.
03Can the Scarlett Solo record a microphone and guitar?+
The fourth-generation Solo lists one XLR preamp and one Hi-Z instrument input. It does not provide two independent XLR mic inputs.
04Do these USB interfaces supply phantom power?+
Check the exact unit’s 48 V control before connecting a condenser mic. Do not infer it from sample rate or the presence of an XLR socket alone.
05Is 24-bit/192 kHz essential for a first recording setup?+
A higher supported format does not fix room noise or microphone placement. Prioritize the inputs and monitoring workflow you will actually use.
The short answer
Start with the PreSonus AudioBox 96 25th Anniversary USB Audio Interface.
It is our first pick for this guide’s exact scope. Choose another option when its stated use case or trade-off better matches yours.
View on Amazon ↗Keep looking
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