The 7 Best Audio Interfaces for Microphones of 2026, Ranked & Reviewed

Our verdict: The artist's interface in Focusrite's fourth generation, with room for two sources over USB-C.

The 2i2 name tells you the layout: two inputs and two outputs, connected over USB-C. Focusrite's listing calls it the artist's interface, which is a way of saying it handles a vocalist plus a guitar, or two microphones for an interview.

It ranks first because two inputs future-proof the purchase. The Solo 4th Gen costs less but caps you at one source, and the M-Track Duo matches the input count at a lower tier without Focusrite's brand weight on drivers and support. The cost is the $200 to $500 bucket, the highest here.

Best for a podcast pair, a singer-guitarist or a creator who will add a second mic. The caveat is price: if you will only ever record one voice, the Solo covers it for less.

I/O

2 in, 2 out

Connection

USB-C

Generation

4th Gen

Price bucket

$200 to $500

Our verdict: The songwriter's interface, built around one voice or instrument with studio-quality sound.

Focusrite pitches the Solo 4th Gen as the songwriter's interface, a compact USB-C box for recording one voice and perhaps a guitar. The fourth generation updates the third with newer drivers and a refreshed front panel. Expect a price bucket of $100 to $200.

It ranks second because the 2i2 gives you a second input for a higher tier, and because for solo creators the Solo does everything needed. It beats the 3rd Gen on current USB-C support and ongoing driver attention, though the older unit often costs less.

The right choice for a streamer, voiceover artist or songwriter with one mic. The caveat is the ceiling: add a second guest or instrument later and you will outgrow it.

Use

Songwriter, single source

Connection

USB-C

Generation

4th Gen

Price bucket

$100 to $200

Our verdict: A portable two-input box for podcast, record and live stream at a mid-range tier.

The M-Track Duo is a portable interface pitched for podcasting, recording and live streaming, handling guitar, vocals or line-level signals. The Duo suffix indicates two channels, which lets it cover a guest or a stereo source.

It ranks third because it matches the 2i2's input count for a much lower tier, in the $50 to $100 bucket, but trades Focusrite's reputation for driver stability. It beats the M-Track Solo on sheer input count, and the BOMGE on brand support.

Good for a two-person podcast on a budget. The caveat is the listing's generic copy, so confirm phantom power and sample rate on the product page if you use a condenser.

Channels

Duo, two inputs

Sources

Guitar, vocals, line

Use

Podcast and live stream

Price bucket

$50 to $100

Our verdict: Plug-and-play USB-C with 24-bit and 192kHz fidelity and an illuminated control.

PIYONE's interface is a plug-and-play USB-C box with a stated 24-bit, 192kHz conversion and an illuminated control. The numbers describe bit depth and sample rate, the detail with which the converter captures your voice.

It ranks fourth because 192kHz is more than a spoken-word microphone needs; most podcasts and streams use 44.1 or 48kHz. The headline spec therefore adds marketing value more than audible gain, and the brand lacks the long driver history of Focusrite and M-Audio.

A reasonable pick for a first home setup in the $50 to $100 bucket. The caveat is support: lesser-known brands can leave you hunting for drivers and firmware if something misbehaves.

Resolution

24-bit / 192kHz

Connection

USB-C plug and play

Control

Illuminated

Price bucket

$50 to $100

Our verdict: The older Solo, with pro-grade preamps for guitar and vocal takes.

The 3rd Gen Solo is the earlier version of Focusrite's single-source interface, and its listing credits great preamps for guitar and vocal takes. The preamp is the circuit that boosts a quiet microphone signal, so its quality sets your noise floor.

It ranks fifth because the 4th Gen Solo carries the same role with current drivers, while this model can be cheaper but is older. It still outranks the less established brands because Focusrite's preamps and software are a known quantity.

Sensible if you find it discounted. The caveat is shelf life: older generations eventually receive fewer driver updates, so compare the price gap with the 4th Gen before buying.

Role

Single-source interface

Connection

USB-C

Generation

3rd Gen

Price bucket

$100 to $200

Our verdict: A portable single-channel starter for podcast, record and stream use.

The M-Track Solo shares the Duo's pitch of portable podcast, record and live stream use, with guitar, vocals or line-level input. As the Solo, it targets a single source.

It ranks sixth because it overlaps with the Scarlett Solo while offering less brand support, and because the Duo adds a second input for the same bucket of $50 to $100. It is a fine budget starter, but it is rarely the best use of that money.

Pick it if you want the smallest possible box for one voice. The caveat is that with a spec summary this short you should confirm phantom power before pairing it with a condenser mic.

Channels

Solo, single source

Sources

Guitar, vocals, line

Use

Podcast and live stream

Price bucket

$50 to $100

Our verdict: A tiny 2 in 2 out box that states 48V phantom power for under $50.

The BOMGE mini is a 2 in, 2 out USB interface that explicitly lists 48V phantom power. That is the number a condenser microphone needs, and it is the one spec many budget listings forget to mention.

It finishes seventh because the preamps and converters are not described, and because the brand has little record. It remains valuable since it is the cheapest way here to get two inputs with stated phantom power, at $25 to $50.

A workable pick for a student or a first condenser mic. The caveat is quality: budget preamps can add hiss at low gain, so pair it with a reasonably sensitive microphone.

I/O

2 in, 2 out

Phantom power

48V

Connection

USB

Price bucket

$25 to $50