The Best USB Audio Interface

If you’re a musician, a podcaster, or anyone else who needs an easy, effective way to get audio into and out of a computer—or possibly even a phone or tablet—you need a USB audio interface that lets you connect any microphone or electric instrument and record one or two tracks at once. Though all of the USB interfaces we tested can record and play back audio clearly, the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen offers the best combination of features, build quality, user-friendliness, and affordability for musicians. Beginning and experienced podcasters should check out the Focusrite Vocaster Two.