Top 5 Audio Interfaces Under $200 for Home Studio Recording (2025)
Top 5 Audio Interfaces Under $200 for Home Studio Recording (2025)
Building a home studio on a budget? Choosing the right audio interface is crucial for getting clean, reliable audio. Below are five of the most popular and best-performing interfaces under $200 in 2025 — perfect for beginner musicians, podcasters, and creators.
🎚️ 1. Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen)
Price: ~$199
The iconic red box is a go-to for thousands of musicians and podcasters. The 4th Gen Scarlett 2i2 features ultra-low latency, upgraded mic preamps, and Focusrite’s signature “Air” mode for added vocal clarity.
🎛️ 2. Universal Audio Volt 2
Price: ~$179
The Volt 2 brings vintage character to modern recordings. Its analog warmth switch adds retro tone to vocals and instruments. With MIDI I/O and USB-C, it’s powerful and versatile.
🎧 3. Audient iD4 MkII
Price: ~$199
A high-end interface in a portable package. The iD4 MkII offers studio-grade preamps, zero-latency monitoring, and dual headphone outs for collaborative sessions — all with USB-C speed.
🎹 4. MOTU M2
Price: ~$189
For pristine audio and loopback features, the MOTU M2 is a beast. It boasts ESS Sabre32 DACs, crisp LCD meters, and rock-solid drivers for streaming, music, and podcasting workflows.
🎤 5. PreSonus Studio 24c
Price: ~$159
Ideal for beginners, the Studio 24c includes everything you need to start recording, including PreSonus Studio One Artist DAW software. Bonus: it includes MIDI I/O and crystal-clear XMAX-L preamps.
📊 Interface Comparison Table
| Model | Inputs/Outputs | Resolution | Key Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 | 2 In / 2 Out | 24-bit / 192 kHz | Air mode, Auto Gain | ~$199 |
| UA Volt 2 | 2 In / 2 Out | 24-bit / 192 kHz | Vintage preamp, MIDI I/O | ~$179 |
| Audient iD4 MkII | 2 In / 2 Out | 24-bit / 96 kHz | Class-A preamps, USB-C | ~$199 |
| MOTU M2 | 2 In / 2 Out + MIDI | 24-bit / 192 kHz | Loopback, LCD meters | ~$189 |
| PreSonus Studio 24c | 2 In / 2 Out + MIDI | 24-bit / 192 kHz | XMAX preamps, Studio One DAW | ~$159 |
🎬 Final Thoughts
Every interface on this list delivers outstanding performance for under $200. Whether you’re looking for warmth, clarity, portability, or MIDI flexibility — there’s a match for your studio workflow.
Need simplicity? Go with the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2.
Need more routing and loopback? Grab the MOTU M2.
Want the best beginner bundle? PreSonus 24c has you covered.
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