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

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

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The IK Multimedia iRig Pro I/O leads this list as Best Overall, with 24-bit and 96 kHz recording, an XLR and Hi-Z combo input and Lightning, USB-C and USB-A cables in the box. If you want a Lightning-only interface for 3.5mm microphones, the Saramonic SR-EA2D is the pick, with a 3.5mm headphone output for real-time monitoring.

The picks at a glance

#	Pick	Product
1	Best Overall	IK Multimedia iRig Pro I/O audio interface	Check on Amazon
2	Runner-Up	Shure MVX2U XLR-to-USB Audio Interface with Headphone	Check on Amazon
3	Also Great	Saramonic SR-EA2D Lightning Audio Interface with 3.5mm	Check on Amazon
4	Also Great	IK Multimedia iRig HD X Guitar Audio	Check on Amazon
5	Also Great	Synido A20 Portable USB-C Audio Interface for Guitar	Check on Amazon

Which one should you buy?

Musicians who want an XLR and Hi-Z combo input: IK Multimedia iRig Pro I/O audio interface See pick 1More picks: Best Audio Interface for XLR
Streamers who want Auto Level Mode for broadcasting: Shure MVX2U XLR-to-USB Audio Interface with Headphone See pick 2
iPhone users who want a Lightning audio interface: Saramonic SR-EA2D Lightning Audio Interface with 3.5mm See pick 3More picks: Best Audio Interface for iPhone
Guitarists who want a 24-bit and 96 kHz guitar interface: IK Multimedia iRig HD X Guitar Audio See pick 4More picks: Best Audio Interface for Guitarists
Creators who want adaptive gain control for instruments: Synido A20 Portable USB-C Audio Interface for Guitar 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

IK Multimedia iRig Pro I/O audio interface

Inputs: 2
Max sample rate: 96 kHz
Bit depth: 24-bit
48V phantom power
1-year warranty stated

9.8Spec score View on Amazon

It earns Best Overall with 24-bit and 96 kHz recording, an XLR and Hi-Z combo input and 48V phantom power.

Who it suits

Musicians who want an XLR and Hi-Z combo input
iPhone users who want Lightning, USB-C and USB-A cables

Skip it if

You want recording above 96 kHz
You want more than 2 inputs

The combo input takes an instrument or a microphone, with 48V phantom power for condenser microphones and MIDI In and Out for controllers and keyboards. A headphone jack gives direct monitoring, and the box holds Lightning, USB-C and USB-A cables. It weighs 0.2 lb, works with iPhone, iPad, Mac, iOS and PC, and carries a 1-year warranty.

2Runner-Up

Shure MVX2U XLR-to-USB Audio Interface with Headphone

Inputs: 1
Max sample rate: 48 kHz
Bit depth not stated in the listing
48V phantom power
2-year warranty stated

9.5Spec score View on Amazon

It holds Runner-Up with an XLR-to-USB design, a 60dB preamp and 48V phantom power.

Who it suits

Streamers who want Auto Level Mode for broadcasting
Singers who want a 3.5mm headphone jack for monitoring

Skip it if

You want recording above 48 kHz
You want more than 1 input

The XLR-to-USB interface turns any XLR microphone into a USB source, with up to 60dB of gain and 48V phantom power. A 3.5mm headphone jack gives zero-latency monitoring, and dual mounting options plug it onto the microphone or inline with an XLR cable. A 1m USB-C cable comes in the box, and the unit weighs 0.2 lb with a 2-year warranty.

3Also Great

Saramonic SR-EA2D Lightning Audio Interface with 3.5mm

Inputs: 2
Max sample rate: 48 kHz
Bit depth not stated in the listing
48V phantom power not stated in the listing
2-year warranty stated

9.2Spec score View on Amazon

It holds Also Great with a Lightning connector, a 3.5mm mic input and a 3.5mm headphone output.

Who it suits

iPhone users who want a Lightning audio interface
Creators who want 3.5mm TRS or TRRS mic inputs

Skip it if

You want an XLR microphone input on the interface
You want a USB-C connector for an Android phone

The low-profile interface mounts on the device and takes 3.5mm microphones with TRS and TRRS compatibility and plug-in power. A 3.5mm headphone output gives real-time monitoring and playback. It plugs into Lightning iPhones and iPads with no drivers needed, and it carries a 2-year warranty.

4Also Great

IK Multimedia iRig HD X Guitar Audio

Inputs: 1
Max sample rate: 96 kHz
Bit depth: 24-bit
48V phantom power not stated in the listing
2-year warranty stated

9.2Spec score View on Amazon

It holds Also Great with 24-bit and 96 kHz guitar recording, an onboard tuner and an Amp output.

Who it suits

Guitarists who want a 24-bit and 96 kHz guitar interface
Players who want AmpliTube and TONEX apps in the box

Skip it if

You want more than 1 input
You want an XLR microphone input on the interface

The guitar interface records at 24-bit and 96 kHz with an onboard digital tuner and a multi-LED gain indicator. A headphone output gives direct monitoring, and a dedicated Amp output offers FX or THRU settings. It comes with AmpliTube and TONEX apps, runs bus-powered with no external power source, and carries a 2-year warranty.

5Also Great

Synido A20 Portable USB-C Audio Interface for Guitar

Inputs: 2
Max sample rate: 96 kHz
Bit depth: 24-bit
48V phantom power not stated in the listing

9.0Spec score View on Amazon

It holds Also Great with 24-bit and 96 kHz recording, adaptive gain control and a wireless backing track switch.

Who it suits

Creators who want adaptive gain control for instruments
Streamers who want a wireless backing track from a second phone

Skip it if

You want recording above 96 kHz
You want more than 2 inputs

The interface records at 24-bit and 96 kHz with adaptive gain control for different instruments. A one-touch wireless switch connects a second phone for a wireless backing track, and loopback and monitor functions support live streaming. A USB-C interface connects to a phone or computer, charges the phone during live broadcasts, and stores its cable in the body.

Side by side

Product	Inputs	Mic preamps	Outputs	Max sample rate	Bit depth	48V phantom power	Software named	Weight	Warranty
IK Multimedia iRig Pro I/O audio interface	2	Not stated	Not stated	96 kHz	24-bit	Yes	Not stated	0.2 lb	1-year
Shure MVX2U XLR-to-USB Audio Interface with Headphone	1	Not stated	Not stated	48 kHz	Not stated	Yes	Not stated	0.2 lb	2-year
Saramonic SR-EA2D Lightning Audio Interface with 3.5mm	2	Not stated	Not stated	48 kHz	Not stated	Not stated	Not stated	Not stated	2-year
IK Multimedia iRig HD X Guitar Audio	1	Not stated	Not stated	96 kHz	24-bit	Not stated	Not stated	Not stated	2-year
Synido A20 Portable USB-C Audio Interface for Guitar	2	Not stated	Not stated	96 kHz	24-bit	Not stated	Not stated	Not stated	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 phone

Match the connector to your phone

The connector decides whether the interface plugs into your phone at all. The iRig Pro I/O ships with Lightning, USB-C and USB-A cables, the Saramonic uses Lightning only, and the Synido uses USB-C. The Shure uses USB-C for Mac and Windows. Check your phone port before you buy, since a Lightning interface and a USB-C phone do not mix.

Count inputs before you choose

Inputs decide how many sources you record at once. The iRig Pro I/O, the Saramonic and the Synido each hold 2 inputs, while the Shure and the iRig HD X each hold 1 input. If you record a microphone and an instrument together, pick 2 inputs. If you record one source at a time, 1 input is enough.

Check phantom power for condenser microphones

Condenser microphones need 48V phantom power from the interface. The iRig Pro I/O and the Shure both carry 48V phantom power for condenser microphones. The Saramonic uses plug-in power for 3.5mm microphones instead. Check your microphone type before you choose, since a condenser microphone without phantom power stays quiet.

Frequently asked questions

Can I record an XLR microphone on a phone?

Yes, with the right interface. The iRig Pro I/O takes an XLR microphone through its combo input, and the Shure turns an XLR microphone into a USB source. Both carry 48V phantom power for condenser microphones.

Do I need drivers for a phone interface?

Not always. The Saramonic plugs into Lightning iPhones and iPads with no drivers needed. Check the interface you choose, since driver needs vary by model.

What sample rate do I need for phone recording?

It depends on your project. The iRig Pro I/O, the iRig HD X and the Synido record at 24-bit and 96 kHz, while the Shure and the Saramonic reach 48 kHz. Higher rates give larger files, so match the rate to your project.

Can I monitor myself while recording on a phone?

Yes. The iRig Pro I/O, the Shure, the Saramonic and the iRig HD X each have a headphone output for monitoring. The Synido adds loopback and monitor functions for live streaming.