Best USB Audio Interface for Podcasting (2026): 4 Picks Compared
Updated Oct 25, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Ranked from listed specifications · How we rank
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The EBXYA 2x2 Audio Interface leads for podcasting with 2 XLR/Line combo inputs, 48V phantom power and 24-bit/192kHz recording. If you run two computers or consoles at once, the BEACN Studio is the pick, since it sends up to 8 channels between computers over dual USB.
The picks at a glance
Which one should you buy?
- Podcasters who record with condenser microphones: EBXYA 2x2 Audio Interface See pick 1
- Podcasters who want loopback for mixing sources: ESI MAYA22 See pick 2
- Creators who record vocals, guitars and podcasts: Tiimge USB Audio Interface for PC See pick 3More picks: Best Audio Interface for Podcast
- Streamers who run two computers at once: BEACN Studio See pick 4
Want the full range? Best Audio Interface ranks the top audio interfaces for every buyer, or browse all 59 guides.
The 4 picks, ranked
1Best Overall
EBXYA 2x2 Audio Interface
- Inputs: 2
- Max sample rate: 192 kHz
- Bit depth: 24-bit
- 48V phantom power
- Software named in listing: Logic Pro
- 2-year warranty stated
It earns Best Overall with 2 combo inputs, 48V phantom power and 24-bit/192kHz recording for podcasting.
Who it suits
- Podcasters who record with condenser microphones
- Beginners who want plug and play recording
Skip it if
- You need to record more than 2 inputs
- You want a unit under 1.5 lb
The box holds the interface, a 6.35 to 3.5mm audio adapter, a USB-A to USB-B 2.0 cable, a USB-A to USB-C cable and a USB-C to USB-A adapter. It has 2 balanced TRS main line-level outputs for speakers and a stereo headphone output with independent level control. A HI-Z selection switch suits high-impedance instruments or mic inputs, and the preamp provides a maximum of 60dB of input gain.
2Runner-Up
ESI MAYA22
- Inputs: 2
- Max sample rate: 96 kHz
- Bit depth: 24-bit
- 48V phantom power
- 2-year warranty stated
It holds Runner-Up with 2 inputs, 48V phantom power, loopback and 24-bit/96kHz recording for podcasting.
Who it suits
- Podcasters who want loopback for mixing sources
- Guitarists and vocalists who record on Mac or PC
Skip it if
- You need recording above 96kHz
- You want more than 2 inputs
It has a combo XLR/Line input with phantom power and a Line/Instrument input, plus an RCA stereo line input. It is powered by Mini USB and has a headphone amp and stereo TRS outputs with main volume control. The bundle includes inTone 2 ESI Edition and Cubasis LE software.
3Also Great
Tiimge USB Audio Interface for PC
- Inputs: 2
- Max sample rate: 192 kHz
- Bit depth: 24-bit
- 48V phantom power
- Software named in listing: Pro Tools
- 90-day warranty stated
It earns Also Great with 2 combo XLR inputs, 48V phantom power and 24-bit/192kHz recording for podcasts.
Who it suits
- Creators who record vocals, guitars and podcasts
- Home studio owners who want simple setup
Skip it if
- You need more than 2 inputs
- You want a warranty longer than 90 days
It has 2 combo XLR/1/4-inch inputs for microphones, instruments and external audio devices, plus independent TRS/TS outputs for speakers, monitors and amplifiers. It works with Windows and Mac OS without additional drivers and works with Pro Tools, Ableton Live and Cubase.
4Most Inputs
BEACN Studio
- Inputs: 8, the most here
- Max sample rate not stated in the listing
- Bit depth not stated in the listing
- 0.4 lb, the lightest here
It earns Most Inputs with 8 channels over dual USB and on-board DSP for podcasting and streaming.
Who it suits
- Streamers who run two computers at once
- Podcasters who want on-board DSP processing
Skip it if
- You only ever record one microphone
- You want fewer than 8 channels
It connects over XLR to USB-C and the BEACN App manages where audio comes from and where it goes. On-board DSP includes EQ, Compression, Expander/Gate, Noise Suppression and Low Frequency Enhancement. Dual USB technology sends up to 8 channels of digital audio between computers, consoles and phones.
Side by side
| Product | Inputs | Mic preamps | Outputs | Max sample rate | Bit depth | 48V phantom power | Software named | Weight | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EBXYA 2x2 Audio Interface | 2 | Not stated | Not stated | 192 kHz | 24-bit | Yes | Logic Pro | 1.5 lb | 2-year |
| ESI MAYA22 | 2 | Not stated | Not stated | 96 kHz | 24-bit | Yes | Not stated | 0.9 lb | 2-year |
| Tiimge USB Audio Interface for PC | 2 | Not stated | Not stated | 192 kHz | 24-bit | Yes | Pro Tools | 1.8 lb | 90-day |
| BEACN Studio | 8 | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | 0.4 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: USB audio interface for podcasting
Count the microphones you record at once
Inputs decide what you can record at once. The EBXYA, the ESI MAYA22 and the Tiimge each have 2 inputs, while the BEACN Studio has 8 channels. If one person speaks into one microphone, 2 inputs cover the setup. If you run two computers or consoles, the BEACN Studio sends up to 8 channels between them.
Check phantom power for condenser microphones
Condenser microphones need 48V phantom power from the interface, while dynamic mics do not. The EBXYA, the ESI MAYA22 and the Tiimge each provide 48V phantom power. If you already own a condenser mic, pick one of those three. If you use a dynamic mic, phantom power does not decide the choice, so compare inputs and software instead.
Look at the software in the box
A first interface can double as a first recording software purchase. The EBXYA works with Logic Pro, Cubase, Pro Tools and Reaper, the ESI MAYA22 comes with inTone 2 ESI Edition and Cubasis LE, and the Tiimge works with Pro Tools, Ableton Live and Cubase. If you already own recording software, ignore the bundle and compare inputs, channels and outputs instead.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an audio interface for podcasting?
If you use an XLR microphone, yes. The interface powers the mic preamp and turns the signal into digital audio your computer can record.
What does 48V phantom power do?
It powers condenser microphones from the interface. The EBXYA, the ESI MAYA22 and the Tiimge each provide 48V phantom power for condenser mics.
Can I record guitar straight into an interface?
Yes. The EBXYA has a HI-Z selection switch for high-impedance instruments, and the ESI MAYA22 has a Line/Instrument input for guitar or line signals.
How many inputs do I need for two hosts?
Two inputs cover two microphones at once. The EBXYA, the ESI MAYA22 and the Tiimge each have 2 inputs, while the BEACN Studio has 8 channels.
Gear that goes with it
Best Condenser MicTop pick: Rode RØDE NT1 Signature Series Studio Condenser Microphone
Best Studio MonitorsTop pick: Yamaha HS4 Powered Studio Monitor in Black
Best Mixing HeadphonesTop pick: beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro Studio Headphones
Best XLR CableTop pick: Cable Matters 2-Pack Premium XLR to XLRMore audio interfaces guides
Specifications and availability come from each Amazon listing on Oct 25, 2026 and can change. Check the listing before you buy.