Best Audio Interface Under $200 (2026): 5 Picks Compared

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

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The Behringer UMC202HD leads this list: 24-bit/192kHz conversion, Midas mic preamps and 48V phantom power in a 2x2 box. If you want a 1-year warranty and a Hi-Z input for guitar, the Mackie Onyx Artist 1-2 is the runner-up with the same 24-bit/192kHz spec.

The picks at a glance

#	Pick	Product
1	Best Overall	Behringer UMC202HD Audiophile 2x2	Check on Amazon
2	Runner-Up	Mackie Audio Interface	Check on Amazon
3	Most Inputs	MAONO PS22 Lite USB Audio Interface	Check on Amazon
4	Also Great	Pyle Professional USB Audio Interface with MIC	Check on Amazon
5	Also Great	KYXAIN Guitar Audio Interface Pocket Internal Recording Sound	Check on Amazon

Which one should you buy?

Home recordists who want Midas mic preamps: Behringer UMC202HD Audiophile 2x2 See pick 1
Players who want a Hi-Z input for guitar: Mackie Audio Interface See pick 2More picks: Best Audio Interface for Guitar
Streamers who want loopback for live streams: MAONO PS22 Lite USB Audio Interface See pick 3
Beginners who want a compact metal interface: Pyle Professional USB Audio Interface with MIC See pick 4More picks: Best Audio Interface for Beginners
Streamers who want a pocket-size interface: KYXAIN Guitar Audio Interface Pocket Internal Recording Sound 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

Behringer UMC202HD Audiophile 2x2

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

9.8Spec score View on Amazon

It earns Best Overall with Midas mic preamps, 24-bit/192kHz and 48V phantom power.

Who it suits

Home recordists who want Midas mic preamps
Beginners who want Pro Tools compatibility

Skip it if

You need 3 channels of input
You want a pocket-size interface

The UMC202HD is a 2x2 USB interface with 24-bit/192kHz conversion and Midas mic preamps. It works with Pro Tools, Ableton Live and Cubase. It weighs 1.2 lb in a metal chassis.

2Runner-Up

Mackie Audio Interface

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

9.5Spec score View on Amazon

It is the runner-up with an Onyx mic preamp, Hi-Z input and 24-bit/192kHz.

Who it suits

Players who want a Hi-Z input for guitar
Podcasters who want zero-latency direct monitoring

Skip it if

You need 3 channels of input
You need a pocket-size interface

The Onyx Artist 1-2 is a 2x2 USB interface with 24-bit/192kHz conversion and an Onyx mic preamp. It has 48V phantom power, a Hi-Z input and zero-latency direct monitoring. Pro Tools First comes in the box. It weighs 1.2 lb and carries a 1-year warranty.

3Most Inputs

MAONO PS22 Lite USB Audio Interface

Inputs: 3, the most here
Max sample rate: 192 kHz
Bit depth: 24-bit
48V phantom power
Software named in listing: Pro Tools
1-year warranty stated

9.4Spec score View on Amazon

It holds Most Inputs with 3 channels, 24-bit/192kHz, loopback and a 1-year warranty.

Who it suits

Streamers who want loopback for live streams
Beginners who want 3 channels of input

Skip it if

You need only 2 channels
You want 24-bit/48kHz only

The PS22 Lite is a 3-channel USB interface with 24-bit/192kHz conversion and 48V phantom power. It has loopback, an ASIO driver and ProStudio routing software. It works with Mac, Windows and iPads with plug-and-play. It carries a 1-year warranty.

4Also Great

Pyle Professional USB Audio Interface with MIC

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

9.1Spec score View on Amazon

It holds Also Great with 2 XLR jacks, 48V phantom power and 24-bit/48kHz.

Who it suits

Beginners who want a compact metal interface
Players who want 48V phantom power

Skip it if

You need 192kHz recording
You want 3 channels of input

The PMUX6 is a 2-input USB interface with 24-bit/48kHz conversion and 48V phantom power. It has a compact rugged metal housing. It weighs 1 lb.

5Also Great

KYXAIN Guitar Audio Interface Pocket Internal Recording Sound

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

9.0Spec score View on Amazon

It holds Also Great with Type-C and Lightning for phones and 24-bit/48kHz.

Who it suits

Streamers who want a pocket-size interface
Beginners who want Type-C and Lightning

Skip it if

You need 192kHz recording
You want an XLR mic input

The KYXAIN is a pocket-size interface with 24-bit/48kHz internal recording for live streaming. It has Type-C for Android and laptops plus a Lightning adapter for iPad and iPhone. It has a 1/4-inch jack for guitar and a 3.5mm headphone output. It carries a 1-year warranty.

Side by side

Product	Inputs	Mic preamps	Outputs	Max sample rate	Bit depth	48V phantom power	Software named	Weight	Warranty
Behringer UMC202HD Audiophile 2x2	2	Not stated	Not stated	192 kHz	24-bit	Yes	Pro Tools	1.2 lb	Not stated
Mackie Audio Interface	2	Not stated	Not stated	192 kHz	24-bit	Yes	Pro Tools	1.2 lb	1-year
MAONO PS22 Lite USB Audio Interface	3	Not stated	Not stated	192 kHz	24-bit	Yes	Pro Tools	Not stated	1-year
Pyle Professional USB Audio Interface with MIC	2	Not stated	Not stated	48 kHz	Not stated	Yes	Not stated	1 lb	Not stated
KYXAIN Guitar Audio Interface Pocket Internal Recording Sound	2	Not stated	Not stated	48 kHz	24-bit	Not stated	Not stated	Not stated	1-year

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 under 200

Count inputs and mic preamps

Inputs decide what you record at once. The MAONO PS22 Lite has 3 channels; the Behringer, the Mackie, the Pyle and the KYXAIN have 2 inputs each. The Behringer has Midas mic preamps, the Mackie an Onyx mic preamp. If you record a mic and a guitar at the same time, 2 inputs cover it.

Check sample rate and phantom power

Sample rate and phantom power matter for mics. The Behringer, the Mackie and the MAONO record at 24-bit/192kHz with 48V phantom power. The Pyle and the KYXAIN record at 24-bit/48kHz, and the Pyle has 48V phantom power. Condenser mics need phantom power, so check it before you buy.

Match the form factor to your setup

Form factor and weight differ. The KYXAIN is a pocket-size interface for phones and laptops. The MAONO fits in the palm of a hand for streamers. The Behringer and the Mackie weigh 1.2 lb each. The Pyle has a compact metal housing at 1 lb. Pick the size that fits your desk and your bag.