The audio interface is one of the most essential items in your setup (along with studio monitors).
The studio gear market offers seemingly endless interface options across different price ranges. I picked out only the best budget audio interfaces to save you time researching.
I’m a home-based music producer and professional sound designer with over fifteen years of experience. The music gear marketplace has changed significantly over the years.
The entry point for making music at home keeps going down, and you don’t need a lot of money to purchase a solid music production setup. The audio interface should be your primary investment, and my goal is to simplify your choice by listing the best budget-friendly options.
I curated the list to make your decision as easy as possible. Instead of listing all budget sound cards on the market (and overwhelming you with options), I included only the best ones in the low-to-mid price range.
The article includes my personal recommendations and several interfaces our readers recommended in the comments section below.
Each interface has been selected based on strengths that favor a particular purpose. Meanwhile, let’s look at a few critical aspects of an audio interface to help you find the right one for your music production workflow.
Selecting the best budget audio interface for your studio
Although we all have slightly different needs, a few fundamental principles benefit all audio users regardless of your discipline or the style of music you create.
1. AD/DA Conversion
The quality of your audio interface’s AD/DA converters is arguably the most crucial aspect of your home studio.
The AD (analog-to-digital) conversion stage happens on the way in and affects the quality and dynamics of the recorded signal.
Alternatively, DA (digital-to-analog) conversion determines the clarity and transparency of the signal sent from your DAW system to your monitors and headphones.
While both play important roles, we rely on the fidelity of the DA stage during playback, so this comes into play even if you make music exclusively with samples and software instruments.
As explained in our mixing guide, the quality of your mix will largely depend on the fidelity of your audio recordings. By ensuring that your audio interface captures high-quality recordings, you are directly increasing the potential quality of your mix.
2. Preamps
Your recording input stage is worth considering if you plan on using vocals, guitars, synths, or other instruments in your tracks.
Most audio interfaces have built-in microphone/instrument preamps and gain/trim controls. However, check if your interface provides phantom power for condenser mics and DI boxes.
Also, do not assume that because a particular sound card yields good results on guitars, the same will be true for vocals.
Generally speaking, a more expensive interface will have better-sounding preamps, but this isn’t always the case.
3. Features
Your audio interface’s form factor, layout, and specs will also influence your choice. The number of inputs and outputs and their format (XLR, TRS, S/PDIF, MIDI, etc.) are important factors.
In addition, you need to consider whether your PC or Mac has the correct connectivity ports (USB or Thunderbolt) and if its OS version and your chosen DAW are compatible with the interface drivers.
Other features like portability or whether the device is rack-mountable can also be useful, while some interfaces ship with onboard DSP and bundled software to add to your arsenal.
What are the best budget audio interfaces in 2024?
Now that you know what to look for in an audio interface, here’s our list of the products you should consider. The listed items suit most audio recording, music production, podcasting, and multimedia tasks.
These are the best audio interfaces for home recording are:
- Audient ID4 MKII
- Universal Audio Volt 1
- Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen
- PreSonus Studio 24c
- Arturia MiniFuse 1
- MOTU M2
- Behringer U-Phoria UM2
Let’s take a closer look at the top picks.
Audient ID4 MKII
Audient ID4 MKII is my budget audio interface of choice. I use it in my laptop setup because it’s so easy to carry in a backpack. Whether I’m producing music at home or traveling, the ID4 MKII is always going with me.
This $180 audio interface packs everything into an elegant design that doesn’t take up much space. It’s built like a rock and shows no wear and tear, even after three years of constant use in my studio.
The metal chassis has a simple layout, and you get separate gain controls for the XLR combo input on the rear panel and the JFET DI input on the front.
In addition, the ID4 is equipped with two headphone outputs, which is a welcome feature for an interface in this price range. It’s convenient when you have a friend over or when you’re collaborating with other musicians while traveling.
Another feature I use daily is the ID functionality for the central knob. It lets me control different parameters in the DAW without touching the mouse.
This is helpful when mixing, as you can quickly and precisely set the rough levels across the mix even if you don’t own a MIDI controller.
Audient ID4 MKII is an excellent budget interface for guitarists and singer/songwriters who need a compact solution for their home recording setup.
More info: Audient ID4 MKII
Universal Audio Volt 1
With an outstanding reputation for analog hardware and pro audio interfaces, Universal Audio has entered the budget end of the market with the Volt series interfaces.
Universal Audio Volt 1 ($139) is a 1 in/2 out USB-C audio interface with a built-in microphone preamp inspired by the legendary UA 610 tube pre. It offers 24-bit/192 kHz recording, direct monitoring, MIDI I/O, and an independently controlled headphone output.
I tested the Volt 1 for a month, using it for several recording sessions. Due to its small form factor and fantastic sound quality, it’s an ideal budget-friendly audio interface for solo musicians and beginner producers.
It offers excellent build quality, a tube preamp emulation, and a versatile software bundle, making it a great option for absolute beginners.
The single audio input might be limiting for more complex setups. However, Volt’s MIDI functionality and portability still make it a versatile choice for those who work with external synths and like to travel.
Despite being slightly more expensive than some of the cheaper audio interfaces listed below, Volt 1’s performance and features justify the price, especially for those focused on simple, high-quality recordings.
The interface is bus-powered, but the 5V DC power supply can be bought separately. The package includes software from Ableton, Softube, Plugin Alliance, Relab, and Melodyne.
More info: Universal Audio Volt 1
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen
These unmistakable little red boxes from Focusrite are the most widely used interfaces on the market. Ask any audio forum for an audio interface recommendation, and the Scarlett series will be one of the top answers.
While I’m not a fan of the red-colored looks (it has something to do with the sports rivalry between Belgrade’s two most popular teams—don’t ask), Scarlett’s excellent design philosophy and stellar dynamic range make it a staple in many home studios.
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen ($149) is a bus-powered USB-C 24-bit/192kHz interface with 2 ins and outs and direct monitoring, which is all the average recording musician needs.
Most devices connect via USB, so the lack of MIDI I/O shouldn’t pose a problem for users who don’t require the 5-pin MIDI port. You also get a selection of software from Antares, Brainworx, Focusrite, Softube, and XLN Audio.
Owning any Focusrite or Novation product, including the Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen, comes with a significant advantage – access to the Focusrite Plug-In Collective. As a member, you will receive exclusive free VST plugins and other software deals multiple times yearly.
Most interfaces come with a free software bundle, but Focusrite customers get access to new freebies every few months. This fact alone makes Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen one of the best budget audio interfaces on the market.
More info: Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen
PreSonus Studio 24c
PreSonus Studio 24c ($149) is an excellent budget audio interface for home recording and a great introduction to the included Studio One Artist DAW software package.
Moreover, the XMAX preamps offer plenty of gain for dynamic mics, and the straightforward front panel layout makes operation a breeze.
The interface offers superb sound quality, with clean preamps and a useful Loopback feature for routing audio between applications, making it particularly appealing to podcasters and streamers.
MIDI connectivity adds significant value, enabling integration with external gear, a feature not available with the similarly-priced Scarlett 2i2 3rd-gen audio interface.
Although the knobs are somewhat close together and the headphone jack is rear-facing, the interface offers excellent functionality at a competitive price.
I did find the knobs cumbersome to use, though, even though my fingers aren’t particularly thick. If you prefer larger knobs, interfaces from Audient and UAD are a better choice.
It’s powered via USB-C and provides two XLR combo inputs, two TRS outputs, and MIDI I/O.
More info: PreSonus Studio 24c
Arturia MiniFuse 1
Arturia MiniFuse 1 ($99) is a budget-friendly audio interface from Arturia. Its design is clean and minimal, making the MiniFuse a great solution to keep your home recording studio looking slick.
The interface offers impressive audio recording capabilities with a surprisingly high-quality mic preamp for the price. It provides a low noise floor and plenty of gain, making it an excellent portable recording solution.
A unique feature I haven’t seen in other similarly priced interfaces is the USB-A port for powering additional devices. This adds much-needed versatility to laptop-based setups, especially if they’re slim and portable, like the MacBook Air.
Don’t get me wrong, I love my MacBook Air, but I still can’t get over having only two USB ports.
On the downside, the MiniFuse 1 has only one audio input, so you won’t be able to record your voice and guitar simultaneously with separate microphones. Also, the knobs feel surprisingly stiff, but that’s down to personal preference.
However, the interface is easy to set up, and Arturia included a generous software bundle, making the MiniFuse 1 a solid budget choice for entry-level users.
More info: Arturia MiniFuse 1
MOTU M2
MOTU M2 ($199) brings the professional edge of MOTU interfaces into the budget price range. The M2 is a bus-powered unit with excellent ESS Sabre32 converters, 2 ins and outs, and MIDI I/O.
MOTU is known for the stability of the drivers, particularly on macOS, and the metering on the front panel makes it easy to optimize your gain on the way in.
Another strong point is the 115 dB of dynamic range, making the MOTU M2 a close contender to the Scarlett 2i2 audio interface. Regarding audio recording quality, it is one of the best options under $200.
The included software bundle isn’t the best on the market, but it’s decent. You get the MOTU Performer instrument suite, Ableton Live Lite, and over 6 GB of loops and samples to get started.
The device is well-suited for home studios, streamers, and podcasters who need a low-latency audio interface with excellent dynamic range.
More info: MOTU M2
Behringer U-Phoria UM2
Behringer U-Phoria UM2 ($49) is the cheapest audio interface on the market. It’s a solid starting point if you’d like to spend as little money as possible on an interface.
It has built-in Xenyx microphone preamps and supports +48v phantom power, making it suitable for most beginner recording setups.
The included preamps are fine for general use and similar to those in Behringer’s entry-level analog mixers. However, the noticeable noise at higher gain levels is a significant drawback if you want to capture high-quality audio from your microphone.
Keep in mind that the plastic construction may not be ideal if you intend to transport the interface between studios. However, considering the cost, the overall build quality is decent; the knobs and ports are functional, and the box is small enough to fit even the tiniest of setups.
The interface is plug-and-play, but Windows setup can be tricky due to driver issues. Your mileage may vary, though, depending on your Windows version.
For just $49, the UM2 is a passable entry-level option for those on a very tight budget. However, those with higher expectations might want to invest in a more robust interface.
More info: Behringer U-Phoria UM2
More Budget Audio Interfaces
- M-Audio M-Track Solo is another viable option at the bottom of the audio interface price range.
- SSL 2 is somewhat pricier than the other audio interfaces on the list. However, it makes up for the excess price with its stellar recording quality and optional sound coloration inspired by the legendary SSL 4000 series.
- EVO 4 is another budget interface from Audient. It’s a great option if you need a portable recording solution below $100.
What audio interface are you using? Are you planning to upgrade your recording setup? Would you like to suggest an audio interface that isn’t listed above?
We look forward to your thoughts and suggestions in the comments section below.
Some parts of this article were written by our contributor, Stefan Wyeth.
Last Updated on August 24, 2024 by Tomislav Zlatic.
