Best Audio Interface for PC (2026): 5 Picks Compared

Updated Oct 24, 2026 · By Jonah Mercer · Ranked from listed specifications · How we rank

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Buying through the Amazon links on this page costs you nothing extra. Full disclosure

The Solid State Logic 2 MKII Plus leads for PC: 2 class-leading mic preamps, 32-bit/192 kHz conversion and bus-powered Mac/Windows operation. If you need more inputs, the Audient iD24 gives 8 inputs with ADAT expansion.

The picks at a glance

#	Pick	Product
1	Best Overall	Solid State Logic 2 MKII Plus USB-C	Check on Amazon
2	Runner-Up	NUOSIYA USB Audio Interface for PC Computer Recording	Check on Amazon
3	Also Great	Behringer U-PHORIA UM2 Audiophile 2x2 USB Audio	Check on Amazon
4	Also Great	Audient iD24 USB-C Audio Interface	Check on Amazon
5	Also Great	Motu M2 2x2 USB-C Audio Interface	Check on Amazon

Which one should you buy?

PC producers who want 2 mic preamps with 48V: Solid State Logic 2 MKII Plus USB-C See pick 1
Beginners who want plug-and-play recording on PC: NUOSIYA USB Audio Interface for PC Computer Recording See pick 2More picks: Best Audio Interface for Beginners
Solo musicians who want a simple USB interface: Behringer U-PHORIA UM2 Audiophile 2x2 USB Audio See pick 3More picks: Best Audio Interface with USB
Bands who want 8 inputs for drums or live takes: Audient iD24 USB-C Audio Interface See pick 4More picks: Best Audio Interface for Drums
Windows users who want an ESS-driven headphone out: Motu M2 2x2 USB-C Audio Interface See pick 5

Want the full range? Best Audio Interface ranks the top audio interfaces for every buyer, or browse all 59 guides.

The 5 picks, ranked

1Best Overall

Solid State Logic 2 MKII Plus USB-C

Inputs not stated in the listing
Mic preamps: 2
Outputs: 4
Max sample rate: 192 kHz
Bit depth: 32-bit
48V phantom power

9.8Spec score View on Amazon

It earns Best Overall for PC: 2 class-leading mic preamps, 32-bit/192 kHz and 4 balanced outputs.

Who it suits

PC producers who want 2 mic preamps with 48V
Podcasters who want MIDI I/O and loopback

Skip it if

You need more than 2 mic preamps
You want ADAT expansion for bigger sessions

It gives 2 XLR mic preamps and 2 line/Hi-Z inputs, with 4 balanced 1/4-inch outputs and 2 discrete headphone outs. Conversion runs 32-bit/192 kHz with zero-latency monitoring and a stereo loopback. MIDI I/O sits on 5-pin DIN jacks, and the SSL Production Pack software comes with it.

2Runner-Up

NUOSIYA USB Audio Interface for PC Computer Recording

Inputs: 2
Max sample rate: 192 kHz
Bit depth: 24-bit
48V phantom power
Software named in listing: Pro Tools

9.4Spec score View on Amazon

Runner-Up keeps it simple: 24-bit/192 kHz, 48V phantom power and plug-and-play with no drivers.

Who it suits

Beginners who want plug-and-play recording on PC
Vocalists who want 60dB of preamp gain

Skip it if

You want 32-bit conversion instead of 24-bit
You need more than 2 inputs at once

It gives 2 XLR/Line combo inputs for guitar and mic, with a HI-Z switch and up to 60dB of input gain. Two balanced TRS outputs feed speakers, and the headphone output has its own level control. It works with Mac and Windows 7 or later with no drivers, and it weighs 1.7 lb.

3Also Great

Behringer U-PHORIA UM2 Audiophile 2x2 USB Audio

Inputs: 2
Max sample rate: 48 kHz
Bit depth not stated in the listing
48V phantom power not stated in the listing
Software named in listing: Pro Tools

9.4Spec score View on Amazon

It covers the basics: a XENYX mic preamp, 48 kHz recording and direct monitoring over USB.

Who it suits

Solo musicians who want a simple USB interface
Players who want direct monitor select on board

Skip it if

You want 192 kHz recording resolution
You need 48V phantom power for a condenser

The XENYX mic preamp gives a 100dB dynamic range with bandwidth from 10Hz past 30kHz. Direct monitor select feeds the powerful phones output, with status and signal clip LEDs. It runs on USB power and works with Mac and Windows computers. It weighs 0.6 lb.

4Also Great

Audient iD24 USB-C Audio Interface

Inputs: 8
Max sample rate: 96 kHz
Bit depth: 32-bit
48V phantom power not stated in the listing
3-year warranty stated

9.2Spec score View on Amazon

It brings 8 inputs to the list: 2 console mic preamps, 32-bit conversion and ADAT expansion.

Who it suits

Bands who want 8 inputs for drums or live takes
Producers who want inserts for outboard gear

Skip it if

You want a 2-input interface for a solo setup
You need more than 96 kHz sample rate

It pairs 2 Class-A console mic preamps with 32-bit converters and 126dB of dynamic range. ADAT input and output add up to 8 more channels of mic preamps for bigger sessions. Three programmable function buttons handle monitor control, and it carries a 3-year warranty.

5Also Great

Motu M2 2x2 USB-C Audio Interface

Inputs: 2
Max sample rate: 192 kHz
Bit depth not stated in the listing
48V phantom power not stated in the listing
Software named in listing: Ableton Live Lite

9.0Spec score View on Amazon

It leans on conversion: an ESS Sabre32 DAC, 120dB of output range and -129dBu EIN on mics.

Who it suits

Windows users who want an ESS-driven headphone out
Producers who want Ableton Live Lite included

Skip it if

You need more than 2 inputs at once
You want ADAT expansion for bigger sessions

The box adds an XLR-XLR cable to the interface. The ESS Sabre32 DAC measures 120dB of dynamic range on the outputs with -129dBu EIN on the mic inputs. It records up to 192 kHz over USB-C, and it weighs 3.2 lb.

Side by side

Product	Inputs	Mic preamps	Outputs	Max sample rate	Bit depth	48V phantom power	Software named	Weight	Warranty
Solid State Logic 2 MKII Plus USB-C	Not stated	2	4	192 kHz	32-bit	Yes	Not stated	Not stated	Not stated
NUOSIYA USB Audio Interface for PC Computer Recording	2	Not stated	Not stated	192 kHz	24-bit	Yes	Pro Tools	1.7 lb	Not stated
Behringer U-PHORIA UM2 Audiophile 2x2 USB Audio	2	Not stated	Not stated	48 kHz	Not stated	Not stated	Pro Tools	0.6 lb	Not stated
Audient iD24 USB-C Audio Interface	8	Not stated	Not stated	96 kHz	32-bit	Not stated	Not stated	3.2 lb	3-year
Motu M2 2x2 USB-C Audio Interface	2	Not stated	Not stated	192 kHz	Not stated	Not stated	Ableton Live Lite	3.2 lb	Not stated

How we ranked these audio interfaces

Every pick has at least 100 customer ratings on Amazon and a listing with real specifications. The order mixes two things: how each model compares on the specs below (higher share of the best value in this group scores more), and how widely it is bought. The spec score runs from 9.0 to 9.8 and only compares these picks with each other. A spec the listing does not state is left out and the other specs are re-weighted; a listing with fewer than 2 stated specs is scored at half. We do not test gear in person. Full method.

Inputs weight 3
Mic preamps weight 2
Outputs weight 1
Max sample rate weight 2
Bit depth weight 1
48V phantom power weight 2

Buying advice: audio interface for PC

Check the PC connection and drivers

All five interfaces work with Windows. The SSL 2 MKII Plus and the NUOSIYA run bus-powered, and the NUOSIYA needs no drivers on Windows 7 or later. The MOTU M2 and Audient iD24 connect over USB-C and USB, and the Behringer UM2 runs on USB power. Confirm your Windows version in the specs before you buy.

Count the mics you record at once

Mic preamps decide how many mics you can plug in. The SSL 2 MKII Plus and the Audient iD24 give 2 mic preamps each, and the Audient adds ADAT for 8 more. The NUOSIYA, Behringer UM2 and MOTU M2 give 2 inputs each. If you record one voice and one guitar, 2 inputs are enough.

Look at conversion and monitoring

Conversion numbers set the ceiling of your recordings. The SSL 2 MKII Plus and Audient iD24 run 32-bit conversion, the NUOSIYA runs 24-bit/192 kHz and the MOTU M2 reaches 192 kHz. For monitoring, the SSL gives zero-latency monitoring with a stereo loopback, and the UM2 gives direct monitor select.

Frequently asked questions

Which interface is best for a beginner on PC?

The NUOSIYA. It is plug-and-play with no drivers on Windows 7 or later, with 48V phantom power and a HI-Z switch for guitar. The Behringer UM2 is another simple 2x2 pick for solo musicians. Both keep the setup to one USB cable.

Do I need 32-bit conversion for recording?

Not always. The SSL 2 MKII Plus and Audient iD24 give 32-bit conversion, which adds headroom for hot signals. The NUOSIYA at 24-bit/192 kHz suits most home recording. Match the numbers to how loud your sources get.

Can I expand my inputs later?

Yes, with the Audient iD24. Its ADAT input and output add up to 8 channels of mic preamps for drums or a live band. The other four interfaces here have fixed input counts, so choose with growth in mind.

What software comes with these interfaces?

The SSL 2 MKII Plus includes the SSL Production Pack, the Audient iD24 works with Windows-compatible production software, and the MOTU M2 includes Ableton Live Lite. The NUOSIYA works with Pro Tools, Ableton Live and Cubase. Check the current bundle before you buy.