Buying Guide

The Best Audio Interfaces for Guitar: Picks and Trade-offs

We looked at 8 audio interfaces for guitar side by side, with the trade-offs that separate them and who each one suits.

By Jamie Cole, Lead Product Researcher

11 min read8 products evaluated

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Best Audio Interfaces for Guitar aren't as interchangeable as they seem. That means a title alone won't tell you enough.

This roundup weighs verified specs, not marketing claims, given that marketing copy tends to obscure this.

Quick Picks

Our 8 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.

  1. Best Overall

    Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB-C Audio Interface

    Buyers who want the strongest all-around pick in this comparison and would rather not keep shopping around

    Our take Check price for Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB-C Audio Interface (opens in a new tab)

  2. Best Value

    Jolgoo 2x2 USB Audio Interface

    Buyers who want a capable pick without paying for headroom you won't use

    Our take Check price for Jolgoo 2x2 USB Audio Interface (opens in a new tab)

  3. Solid Alternative

    M-AUDIO M-Track Solo USB Audio Interface

    Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly

    Our take Check price for M-AUDIO M-Track Solo USB Audio Interface (opens in a new tab)

  4. Another Strong Option

    BOMGE mini 2 Channel USB Audio Interface for Recording

    Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly

    Our take Check price for BOMGE mini 2 Channel USB Audio Interface for Recording (opens in a new tab)

  5. Best Premium Pick

    Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen USB-C Audio Interface

    Buyers who are willing to spend the most in this comparison for the fuller feature set that comes with it

    Our take Check price for Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen USB-C Audio Interface (opens in a new tab)

  6. Worth a Look

    USB C Audio Interface for Recording Music

    Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly

    Our take Check price for USB C Audio Interface for Recording Music (opens in a new tab)

  7. Great Alternative

    IK Multimedia iRig USB Guitar Audio Interface

    Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly

    Our take Check price for IK Multimedia iRig USB Guitar Audio Interface (opens in a new tab)

  8. Also Worth Considering

    M-AUDIO M-Track Duo USB Audio Interface

    Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly

    Our take Check price for M-AUDIO M-Track Duo USB Audio Interface (opens in a new tab)

Our Picks

Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB-C Audio Interface

Best Overall1 of 8

Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB-C Audio Interface on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB-C Audio Interface is the top pick in this comparison.

Best for

Buyers who want the strongest all-around pick in this comparison and would rather not keep shopping around

Why we like it

Pro performance with great pre-amps - achieve a brighter recording thanks to the high performing mic pre-amps of the scarlett 3rd gen. Get the well suited guitar and vocal take with - with two high-headroom instrument inputs to plug in your guitar or bass so that they shine through.

The gap between this and Jolgoo 2x2 USB Audio Interface isn't in the essentials, it shows up in studio quality recording for your music & podcasts - achieve pro sounding recordings with scarlett 3rd gen’s high-performance converters enabling you to record and mix at up to 24-bit/192khz.

Go with this pick if you want the strongest all-around pick in this comparison and would rather not keep shopping around. Bundled software licenses vary by retailer and aren't always the full paid version, so check the specific bundle before assuming you get everything advertised.

Key dimensions & specs

  • Pro performance with great pre-amps
  • Get the well suited guitar and vocal take
  • Studio quality recording for your music

Pros

  • Pro performance with great pre-amps
  • Get the well suited guitar and vocal take
  • Studio quality recording for your music
  • Low-noise for crystal clear listening

Cons

  • Bundled software licenses vary and aren't always full versions
  • Driver stability can vary by operating system version
Jolgoo 2x2 USB Audio Interface

Best Value2 of 8

Jolgoo 2x2 USB Audio Interface on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Jolgoo 2x2 USB Audio Interface is the most affordable pick here that still clears the capability floor for this category.

Best for

Buyers who want a capable pick without paying for headroom you won't use

Why we like it

Experience superior sound clarity with high-fidelity conversion. Connect anything from pro condenser mics to electric guitars.

Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB-C Audio Interface lands in a similar spot overall, but the deciding factor between the two is works out of the box with windows, macos, and ios/android devices.

Choose this if you want a capable pick without paying for headroom you won't use. Driver stability can vary by operating system version, so check recent user reports for your specific OS before buying.

Key dimensions & specs

  • Experience superior sound clarity with high-fidelity conversion
  • Zero-latency direct monitoring
  • XLR/line combo inputs & +48v phantom

Pros

  • Experience superior sound clarity with high-fidelity conversion
  • Zero-latency direct monitoring
  • XLR/line combo inputs & +48v phantom
  • Seamless plug & play compatibility

Cons

  • Driver stability can vary by operating system version
  • Bundled software licenses vary and aren't always full versions
M-AUDIO M-Track Solo USB Audio Interface

Solid Alternative3 of 8

M-AUDIO M-Track Solo USB Audio Interface on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

M-AUDIO M-Track Solo USB Audio Interface is a strong alternative worth comparing directly against the top pick.

Best for

Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly

Why we like it

Podcast, record, live stream, this portable audio interface covers it all - USB sound card for mac or PC delivers 48khz audio resolution for pristine recording every time. Record guitar, vocals or line input signals with one combo XLR / line input with phantom power and one line / instrument input.

Everything you demand from an audio interface for fuss-free monitoring - 1/8" headphone output and stereo RCA outputs for total monitoring flexibility; USB/direct switch for zero latency monitoring, a detail worth checking closely before choosing between this and Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB-C Audio Interface.

This one is the right call if you want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly. Bundled software licenses vary by retailer and aren't always the full paid version, so check the specific bundle before assuming you get everything advertised.

Key dimensions & specs

  • Podcast, record, live stream, this portable audio
  • Record guitar, vocals or line input signals
  • Everything you demand from an audio interface

Pros

  • Podcast, record, live stream, this portable audio
  • Record guitar, vocals or line input signals
  • Everything you demand from an audio interface
  • Get the best out of your microphones

Cons

  • Bundled software licenses vary and aren't always full versions
  • Driver stability can vary by operating system version
BOMGE mini 2 Channel USB Audio Interface for Recording

Another Strong Option4 of 8

BOMGE mini 2 Channel USB Audio Interface for Recording on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

BOMGE mini 2 Channel USB Audio Interface for Recording is a strong alternative worth comparing directly against the top pick.

Best for

Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly

Why we like it

Podcast, record, live stream, this portable audio interface covers it all, USB sound card for mac or PC delivers 48 kHz audio resolution for pristine recording every time. 2 in/2 out and connect more devices: the portable audio interface has 2 jacks: 2 combo XLR/mic/line inputs with phantom power for recording guitar, vocals or line-in signals.

Weighing this against Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB-C Audio Interface, 48v phantom power: for reliable power, the stage audio mixer is equipped with +48v phantom power ends up being the detail that matters most for most buyers.

This fits best if you want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly. Driver stability can vary by operating system version, so check recent user reports for your specific OS before buying.

Key dimensions & specs

  • USB audio interface
  • 2 in/2 out and connect more devices
  • 48v phantom power

Pros

  • USB audio interface
  • 2 in/2 out and connect more devices
  • 48v phantom power
  • Sound mixer interface for fuss-free monitoring

Cons

  • Driver stability can vary by operating system version
  • Bundled software licenses vary and aren't always full versions
Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen USB-C Audio Interface

Best Premium Pick5 of 8

Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen USB-C Audio Interface on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen USB-C Audio Interface is the priciest pick in this lineup.

Best for

Buyers who are willing to spend the most in this comparison for the fuller feature set that comes with it

Why we like it

The new generation of the songwriter's interface: plug in your mic and guitar and let scarlett solo 4th gen bring big studio sound to wherever you make music. With a huge 120db dynamic range, the newest generation of scarlett uses the same converters as focusrite’s flagship interfaces, found in the world's biggest studios.

Side by side with Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB-C Audio Interface, the real difference worth noting is scarlett 4th gen's improved air mode lifts vocals and guitars to the front of the mix, adding musical presence and rich harmonic drive to your recordings.

Go with this pick if you are willing to spend the most in this comparison for the fuller feature set that comes with it. Bundled software licenses vary by retailer and aren't always the full paid version, so check the specific bundle before assuming you get everything advertised.

Key dimensions & specs

  • The new generation of the songwriter's interface
  • Studio-quality sound
  • Find your signature sound

Pros

  • The new generation of the songwriter's interface
  • Studio-quality sound
  • Find your signature sound
  • All you need to record, mix

Cons

  • Bundled software licenses vary and aren't always full versions
  • Driver stability can vary by operating system version
USB C Audio Interface for Recording Music

Worth a Look6 of 8

USB C Audio Interface for Recording Music on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

USB C Audio Interface for Recording Music is a strong alternative worth comparing directly against the top pick.

Best for

Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly

Why we like it

The synido 2x2 audio interface uses a high-quality independent audio chip to reduce recording latency, support 24-bit depth and 48khz sampling rate, and ensure every detail is restored. The audio interface provides three monitoring modes to meet different needs.

35mm and XLR microphones, which are compatible with various devices ends up being the detail that matters most for most buyers.

This one is the right call if you want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly. Driver stability can vary by operating system version, so check recent user reports for your specific OS before buying.

Key dimensions & specs

  • High-fidelity sound quality, accurate sampling
  • Three monitoring modes, easy to switch
  • User-friendly design

Pros

  • High-fidelity sound quality, accurate sampling
  • Three monitoring modes, easy to switch
  • User-friendly design
  • Professional 48v phantom power

Cons

  • Driver stability can vary by operating system version
  • Bundled software licenses vary and aren't always full versions
IK Multimedia iRig USB Guitar Audio Interface

Great Alternative7 of 8

IK Multimedia iRig USB Guitar Audio Interface on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

IK Multimedia iRig USB Guitar Audio Interface is a strong alternative worth comparing directly against the top pick.

Best for

Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly

Why we like it

Experience pristine audio quality with our guitar audio interface. Our interface is packed with headphone output, direct monitoring for silent practice, and a dedicated amp out to connect to your amp and pedal rig with selectable FX (processed) or thru (direct) settings.

Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB-C Audio Interface covers similar ground, though connectivity is a breeze with the included USB-C cable, compatible with mac, PC, ipad, even the new iphone 15 is what tips the choice one way or the other.

This one is the right call if you want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly. Bundled software licenses vary by retailer and aren't always the full paid version, so check the specific bundle before assuming you get everything advertised.

Key dimensions & specs

  • High-quality sound
  • Universal compatibility
  • Seamless connection

Pros

  • High-quality sound
  • Universal compatibility
  • Seamless connection
  • Built for musicians

Cons

  • Bundled software licenses vary and aren't always full versions
  • Driver stability can vary by operating system version
M-AUDIO M-Track Duo USB Audio Interface

Also Worth Considering8 of 8

M-AUDIO M-Track Duo USB Audio Interface on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

M-AUDIO M-Track Duo USB Audio Interface is a strong alternative worth comparing directly against the top pick.

Best for

Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly

Why we like it

Podcast, record, live stream, this portable audio interface covers it all - USB sound card for mac or PC delivers 48khz audio resolution for pristine recording every time. Record guitar, vocals or line input signals with two combo XLR / line / instrument inputs with phantom power.

The gap between this and Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB-C Audio Interface isn't in the essentials, it shows up in everything you demand from an audio interface for fuss-free monitoring - 1/4" headphone output and stereo 1/4" outputs for total monitoring flexibility; USB/direct switch for zero latency monitoring.

This one is the right call if you want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly. Driver stability can vary by operating system version, so check recent user reports for your specific OS before buying.

Key dimensions & specs

  • Podcast, record, live stream, this portable audio
  • Record guitar, vocals or line input signals
  • Everything you demand from an audio interface

Pros

  • Podcast, record, live stream, this portable audio
  • Record guitar, vocals or line input signals
  • Everything you demand from an audio interface
  • Get the best out of your microphones

Cons

  • Driver stability can vary by operating system version
  • Bundled software licenses vary and aren't always full versions

How We Chose These Audio Interfaces for Guitar

Each pick was assessed across 5 criteria weighted for real-world use.

Input Count vs Simultaneous Sources
Input count should be set by your worst-case recording session, not your average one: it's the maximum number of separate sound sources you'll ever need running at the exact same time.
Preamp Gain and Noise Floor
A preamp boosts a microphone's naturally quiet signal to a usable recording level, and how much clean gain it provides before introducing audible hiss determines whether quieter microphones sound clear or noisy.
Connection type affects real-world recording latency more than most buyers realize: USB now delivers latency low enough for real-time monitoring in the vast majority of home setups, while Thunderbolt's lower latency mainly pays off in larger multi-channel professional rigs.
Bit Depth and Sample Rate
Bit depth determines the dynamic range of your recording, with 24-bit now the professional standard and a meaningful step up from older 16-bit recording in headroom before clipping.
Bus-Powered vs External Power Supply
Whether an interface is bus-powered, drawing power from the USB connection alone, or requires a separate power adapter changes how portable and simple your setup actually is.

What to Look for in an Audio Interface for Guitar

Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.

  1. Input Count vs Simultaneous Sources

    Input count should be set by your worst-case recording session, not your average one: it's the maximum number of separate sound sources you'll ever need running at the exact same time. A single-input interface handles a solo vocalist fine, but an interview or duet needs two inputs simultaneously regardless of how often that happens.

  2. Preamp Gain and Noise Floor

    A preamp boosts a microphone's naturally quiet signal to a usable recording level, and how much clean gain it provides before introducing audible hiss determines whether quieter microphones sound clear or noisy. Interfaces with 55 to 60 DB of clean gain comfortably handle most dynamic and ribbon microphones without noticeable hiss. Check the specific gain figure in DB and cross-reference it against the microphone you actually plan to use.

  3. Connection type affects real-world recording latency more than most buyers realize: USB now delivers latency low enough for real-time monitoring in the vast majority of home setups, while Thunderbolt's lower latency mainly pays off in larger multi-channel professional rigs. Check for a stated round-trip latency figure at a standard buffer size before assuming Thunderbolt is worth the added cost for your setup.

  4. Bit Depth and Sample Rate

    Bit depth determines the dynamic range of your recording, with 24-bit now the professional standard and a meaningful step up from older 16-bit recording in headroom before clipping. 1kHz to 192kHz, determines how many times per second audio is captured, with higher rates capturing more high-frequency detail but diminishing practical benefit for most home recording. Check that your interface supports at least 24-bit/48kHz.

  5. Bus-Powered vs External Power Supply

    Whether an interface is bus-powered, drawing power from the USB connection alone, or requires a separate power adapter changes how portable and simple your setup actually is. Compact 1-2 input models are usually bus-powered, while higher-channel-count interfaces more often need external power. Check the listing specifically rather than assuming a fully portable, single-cable setup.

How to Choose an Audio Interface for Guitar

Solo vocalist or single instrumentJolgoo 2x2 USB Audio Interface
Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB-C Audio Interface
Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen USB-C Audio Interface

Lowest price in this lineupJolgoo 2x2 USB Audio Interface
M-AUDIO M-Track Solo USB Audio Interface
Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen USB-C Audio Interface

Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB-C Audio Interface)
Works on virtually any modern computer, often runs on bus power alone, plenty of speed for a small home setup at a lower price.
Lower latency and higher bandwidth for larger channel counts, but costs more and needs a Thunderbolt port.

Most home studio and podcasting buyers should default to USB.

By Bit Depth and Sample Rate

24-bit standard, suitable for most home recordingFocusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB-C Audio Interface
Verify your DAW's actual project settings firstCheck your recording software is configured to match

For Podcasting and Streaming Specifically

Low-latency direct monitoring so you can hear your own voice without delay while recording or streaming live.
Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB-C Audio Interface is worth checking against its specific direct-monitoring spec before assuming any interface handles live monitoring equally well.

You regularly record multiple sources at once and want the best all-around pick, where Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen USB-C Audio Interface justifies the extra cost.
You're recording a single source, where Jolgoo 2x2 USB Audio Interface already covers the job at the lowest price here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an audio interface if I already have a USB microphone?

No, a USB microphone already contains its own basic audio interface internally; a separate interface is only needed if you want to use an XLR microphone, record multiple sources at once, or want better preamp quality.

How many inputs do I actually need?

Count the maximum number of separate sound sources you'll realistically record in a single take, not your total microphone collection; a solo vocalist typically needs just one input, while an interview needs at least two.

Is Thunderbolt worth it over USB for a home studio?

Usually not for a 1-2 input home setup. USB now delivers latency low enough for real-time monitoring on most systems, and Thunderbolt's main advantage mostly matters for larger professional multi-channel setups.

What does 'bus-powered' mean on an audio interface?

It means the interface draws power directly from your computer's USB connection, so no separate power adapter is needed, simplifying setup, especially useful for a portable or minimal desk arrangement.

Do I need 24-bit or is 16-bit enough for recording?

24-bit is the current professional standard and gives meaningfully more headroom before clipping than 16-bit, and the vast majority of modern interfaces, including entry-level models, now support it by default.

Can I use an audio interface with my phone or tablet?

Some interfaces support mobile devices via USB-C, but check the specific listing for IOS or Android compatibility and power requirements, since not every USB interface is designed to draw power correctly from a mobile device.

Bottom Line

Best overall: Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB-C Audio Interface — best overall pick in this roundup. See the full verdicts above for every pick, with pros, cons and who each one suits.

Browse all audio interfaces for guitar on Amazon — Prime-eligible options with current pricing.