The Best Audio Interfaces for Streaming

One combo XLR/line input with phantom power handles a microphone or guitar, and it records at 48kHz. It is a simple first interface for podcasting. A 1/8-inch headphone output and stereo RCA outputs cover monitoring, and the Crystal preamp keeps dynamic mics clean.

It comes with MPC production software, and USB bus power means no separate adapter. Like the PS22 Lite and M-Track Duo, it has a USB connection, while the PIYONE 2x2 uses a USB-C connection. It also offers a portable size. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the PS22 Lite was the next step up.

It handles condenser and dynamic microphones with generous gain, which suits voice work with low-output mics. It is aimed at podcasters and voice actors. Its routing software lets streamers mix sources, and a guitar input covers music recording.

It is aimed at beginners. It handles condenser mics with phantom power as well as low-output dynamics, and its compact size suits a small desk. Like the M-Track Solo and M-Track Duo, it has a USB connection, while the PIYONE 2x2 uses a USB-C connection.

Before buying, weigh one limit: costs more than the M-Track Solo at the time of writing. Its price falls between the M-Track Solo and the PIYONE 2x2, based on our last check.

It records at 24-bit/192kHz and is class-compliant, so it works on Mac and PC without drivers. Two channels cover a mic and an instrument together. LED rings on the gain knobs show levels at a glance, and zero-latency monitoring avoids echo while recording.

Two combo jacks take XLR or instrument cables. Its converters provide a wide dynamic range, and one USB-C port carries data and power. A USB-C connection is unique to it among these picks, while the PS22 Lite uses a USB connection. It was priced above the PS22 Lite and below the M-Track Duo at the time of writing.

Two combo inputs take XLR, line or instrument signals with phantom power, so two people can record at once. It records at 48kHz over USB. A 1/4-inch headphone output and stereo 1/4-inch outputs cover monitoring, and Crystal preamps handle both mics.

It comes with MPC production software, and two inputs let a host and guest record at once. Like the M-Track Solo and PS22 Lite, it has a USB connection, while the PIYONE 2x2 uses a USB-C connection. Before buying, weigh one limit: costs more than the M-Track Solo at the time of writing. Its price falls between the PIYONE 2x2 and the XLR Dock, based on our last check.

It adds an XLR input with 75dB of gain and 48V phantom power to a Stream Deck +, replacing a standalone interface. It tucks behind the Stream Deck to save desk space. It connects with the Stream Deck + over a single USB cable and installs with a screwdriver.

It is the only pick here with a USB (via Stream Deck +) connection; the M-Track Solo has a USB connection instead. Before buying, weigh one limit: costs more than the M-Track Solo at the time of writing. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the M-Track Duo.