Best Audio Interface for Recording Vocals at Home (2026): 3 Picks Compared

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

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For the best audio interface for recording vocals at home, the Focusrite Scarlett Solo Studio 3rd Gen leads as Best Overall with a condenser microphone and headphones in the box. Its 2 inputs and 192 kHz recording cover solo vocal sessions, while the Behringer UM2 is the low-weight option at 0.6 lb.

The picks at a glance

#	Pick	Product
1	Best Overall	Focusrite Scarlett Solo Studio 3rd Gen USB	Check on Amazon
2	Lightest Pick	Behringer U-PHORIA UM2 Audiophile 2x2 USB Audio	Check on Amazon
3	Also Great	Behringer UFO202-BK USB Audio Interface Vinyl Recording	Check on Amazon

Which one should you buy?

Vocalists who want a condenser microphone in the box: Focusrite Scarlett Solo Studio 3rd Gen USB See pick 1
Singers who want a 0.6 lb interface that runs on USB power: Behringer U-PHORIA UM2 Audiophile 2x2 USB Audio See pick 2More picks: Best Audio Interface with USB
Buyers who want to transfer vinyl records to a computer: Behringer UFO202-BK USB Audio Interface Vinyl Recording See pick 3More picks: Best Audio Interface for Vinyl

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

The 3 picks, ranked

1Best Overall

Focusrite Scarlett Solo Studio 3rd Gen USB

Inputs: 2
Max sample rate: 192 kHz, the most here
Software named in listing: Pro Tools
3-year warranty stated

9.8Spec score View on Amazon

It earns Best Overall with 2 inputs, 192 kHz conversion, and a condenser microphone and headphones in the box.

Who it suits

Vocalists who want a condenser microphone in the box
Buyers who want 192 kHz recording and a 3-year warranty

Skip it if

You want more than 2 inputs
You want recording above 192 kHz

The box holds the Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen, a CM25 MkIII microphone with a mic stand attachment, HP60 MkIII headphones, a 3m XLR cable, and a USB cable. It offers 2 inputs, 192 kHz recording, and a switchable Air mode. It carries a 3-year warranty and works with Mac OS, Windows OS, and iOS. It includes Pro Tools software.

2Lightest Pick

Behringer U-PHORIA UM2 Audiophile 2x2 USB Audio

Inputs: 2
Max sample rate: 48 kHz
Software named in listing: Pro Tools
0.6 lb, the lightest here

9.8Spec score View on Amazon

At 0.6 lb it is the low-weight pick here, with 2 inputs, a XENYX mic preamp, and 48 kHz recording.

Who it suits

Singers who want a 0.6 lb interface that runs on USB power
Vocalists who want a XENYX mic preamp with direct monitoring

Skip it if

You want recording above 48 kHz
You want more than 2 inputs

The box holds the 2x2 USB audio interface. It offers 2 inputs, a XENYX mic preamp with a 100 dB dynamic range, and a Direct Monitor select switch. It runs on USB power and is compatible with Pro Tools, Ableton Live, and Cubase.

3Also Great

Behringer UFO202-BK USB Audio Interface Vinyl Recording

Inputs: 2
Max sample rate: 48 kHz

9.0Spec score View on Amazon

It holds Also Great as a USB interface for moving vinyl records and tapes to a computer.

Who it suits

Buyers who want to transfer vinyl records to a computer
Buyers who want Audacity software in the box

Skip it if

You want recording above 48 kHz
You want more than 2 inputs

It transfers vinyl records and tapes to a computer over a USB connection. The bundle includes Audacity vinyl restoration software, podcasting software, and over 150 virtual instruments and effect plug-ins. Its phono input switches to a line input source, and it weighs 1 lb.

Side by side

Product	Inputs	Mic preamps	Outputs	Max sample rate	Bit depth	48V phantom power	Software named	Weight	Warranty
Focusrite Scarlett Solo Studio 3rd Gen USB	2	Not stated	Not stated	192 kHz	Not stated	Not stated	Pro Tools	2.9 lb	3-year
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
Behringer UFO202-BK USB Audio Interface Vinyl Recording	2	Not stated	Not stated	48 kHz	Not stated	Not stated	Not stated	1 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 recording vocals at home

Count the inputs for vocal sessions

Input count decides what can be recorded at once. The Focusrite, the UM2, and the UFO202 offer 2 inputs. If one vocalist records at a time, 2 inputs cover the vocal plus one more source. If two sources must be recorded at the same time, check that the inputs match the sources planned.

Check sample rate before you buy

Sample rate sets the resolution of the recording. The Focusrite records at up to 192 kHz, while the UM2 and the UFO202 record at up to 48 kHz. Higher sample rates give more headroom for editing, but the number of inputs decides what can be recorded at once. Pick the sample rate that matches the editing planned.

Look at what comes in the box

Box contents decide what else must be bought before recording. The Focusrite box holds a condenser microphone, headphones, a mic stand attachment, a 3m XLR cable, and a USB cable. The UM2 box holds the 2x2 USB audio interface, and the UFO202 bundle adds Audacity software and over 150 virtual instruments and effect plug-ins. Compare the box contents with the gear already owned before choosing.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an audio interface to record vocals at home?

If a microphone connects over XLR, an interface supplies the mic preamp and turns the signal into digital audio a computer can record. The Focusrite box includes a condenser microphone, so it covers the vocal chain in one bundle.

Is 192 kHz necessary for home vocal recording?

The Focusrite records at up to 192 kHz, while the UM2 and the UFO202 record at up to 48 kHz. Higher sample rates give more headroom for editing, so pick the rate that matches the editing planned.

Can I record vinyl records with these interfaces?

The UFO202 transfers vinyl records and tapes to a computer over a USB connection, and its phono input switches to a line input source. The bundle includes Audacity vinyl restoration software and over 150 virtual instruments and effect plug-ins.