10 Best Audio Interfaces 2025 in the United States

The Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface is a solid choice for musicians, podcasters, and producers looking for high-quality audio recording in a compact package. One of its standout features is the impressive audio quality, capable of 24-bit/192kHz recording, ensuring your projects sound professional. The built-in high-performance mic pre-amps, along with the switchable Air mode, add clarity to recordings, making it especially beneficial for vocalists and acoustic instrument players. The interface also boasts two instrument inputs with Gain Halos, preventing distortion and ensuring clear sound capture.

In terms of connectivity, the USB-C interface is convenient and compatible with various operating systems, including Windows, Mac OS, and iOS, which opens the door for diverse usage scenarios. The low-noise balanced outputs deliver crystal-clear playback, allowing you to appreciate every detail in your mixes. Additionally, the included Easy Start tool helps users quickly set up their recording environment, which is great for beginners.

The Scarlett Solo has its limitations. It only offers two inputs, meaning it may not be ideal for users needing to record multiple instruments or voices simultaneously. While it provides high-quality sound, some users may desire more advanced features or additional inputs as they progress in their audio journey. The portability, while decent, may not be suitable for heavy use in rugged environments. Another potential drawback is the reliance on software compatibility for full functionality, which may be challenging for those unfamiliar with audio recording programs. However, the three-year warranty gives peace of mind for potential hardware issues. The Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen is a fantastic option for those starting in audio recording, providing excellent quality and ease of use, but may not fully meet the needs of more advanced users.

The Universal Audio Apollo x4 Heritage Edition is a high-quality audio interface ideal for musicians and producers who value top-tier sound and classic analog emulation. It offers 14 input and output channels, including four Unison-enabled mic preamps that accurately model vintage tube and transformer-based gear, which is a big plus if you want rich, warm recordings. The audio conversion is elite-class, derived from UA's rack units, ensuring clean and detailed sound with high bit depth and sample rates. Connectivity is versatile, with dual front Hi-Z inputs for instruments and support for additional digital inputs via ADAT/SPDIF, making it flexible for various studio setups. Phantom power is built-in for condenser mics, as you'd expect. One of its standout features is the UAD QUAD Core processing, allowing near-zero latency tracking through premium plugins, which can be a game-changer during recording sessions. The included suite of acclaimed analog-style plugins adds significant value, giving users access to famous compressor and EQ models right away.

It comes with the LUNA Recording System, but this is Mac-only, which limits usability for Windows users. Build quality is solid and reasonably portable at just over 3 pounds, fitting well into desktop or small studio environments. The interface also offers handy monitor controls and a talkback mic, enhancing workflow. The main drawbacks are the premium price point and Mac-centric software support, which might not suit everyone. For Mac users seeking professional-level sound quality and classic analog tones in a compact interface, this unit represents a powerful choice.

The Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen USB Audio Interface is a robust choice for anyone involved in multitrack recording, music production, or podcasting. It offers an impressive 18 inputs and 20 outputs, which is excellent for complex audio setups. The inclusion of eight high-quality mic preamps, versatile connectivity options like Hi-Z, line inputs, ADAT, S/PDIF, MIDI I/O, and Word Clock, makes it highly adaptable for various recording scenarios.

The audio quality is top-notch with 24-bit, 192kHz converters and a 122dB dynamic range, ensuring detailed and high-fidelity recordings. The Air mode feature is a significant plus, adding classic studio console character to vocals and instruments, elevating the sound quality. Additionally, the Auto Gain and Clip Safe features are incredibly useful for maintaining optimal recording levels and preventing audio clipping, enhancing the recording workflow. The interface is compatible with all major audio recording software and comes with a comprehensive software bundle, including Pro Tools Intro+, Ableton Live Lite, and FL Studio Producer Edition, adding significant value.

The build quality is solid with an aluminum body, and while it's not the lightest interface at 8.04 pounds, it is durable and built to last. The USB-C connectivity ensures fast data transfer, though some users may need to ensure they have the necessary ports on their devices. One potential drawback could be its size, which might be cumbersome for those with limited space or who need a highly portable setup. Despite this, the Scarlett 18i20's blend of high-quality audio, versatile connectivity, and professional-grade features makes it an excellent choice for both home studios and professional environments.