Quick answer: The best audio interface for guitar for most home players is the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen, thanks to two combo inputs, Auto Gain and Clip Safe. Choose the Scarlett Solo 4th Gen if you only record guitar and one mic, or the Universal Audio Volt 2 or MOTU M2 if you want a different sound and metering.
An audio interface is the single most important piece of gear for recording guitar at home. It turns your guitar or microphone signal into clean digital audio, gives you a proper high-impedance instrument input, and lets you monitor yourself without the lag you get from a computer’s built-in sound card. Recording a clean DI track also lets you try reamping guitar later.
I’ve recorded demos with everything from a phone to a full studio, and the interface is where most home guitarists get the biggest jump in quality for the money. Below are eight current interfaces that suit guitar players, from simple one-input boxes to more flexible two-input units. Once you’re recording, learn how to mix and master a song too.
New to this? You may also like my guides to best guitar recording software and DAWs and ways to record guitar without an audio interface.
Related: for the full overview, see our complete home recording setup guide.
Pair your interface with the best vocal mic for home recording. Condensers need phantom power; our dynamic vs condenser mic guide explains why. Most of these interfaces connect directly to studio monitors for home studio use.
Our top picks at a glance
| Product | Best for | Key features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen | Most home guitarists | 2 mic preamps, 2 Hi-Z inputs, Auto Gain, Clip Safe, Air mode, USB-C | Check current price |
| Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen | Solo guitar + one mic on a budget | 1 mic preamp, 1 instrument input, USB-C, Air mode | Check current price |
| Universal Audio Volt 2 | Warm, vintage-flavored recordings | 2 preamps with Vintage mode, MIDI I/O, 24-bit/192 kHz | Check current price |
| MOTU M2 | Clear metering and low latency | 2 preamps, full-color LCD meters, loopback, 24-bit/192 kHz | Check current price |
| PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 25th Anniversary | Lowest-cost two-input option | 2 combo inputs, MIDI I/O, 24-bit/96 kHz, USB bus power | Check current price |
| Audient iD4 MKII | Great preamp and guitar DI | 1 console mic preamp, JFET instrument input, 2 headphone outs, USB-C | Check current price |
| Solid State Logic SSL 2 MKII | Console-style sound and features | 2 combo inputs, 2 headphone outs, loopback, MIDI I/O, USB-C | Check current price |
| Behringer UMC204HD | Budget with extra outputs | 2 Midas-designed preamps, 2-in/4-out, MIDI, inserts | Check current price |
Best Guitar Audio Interfaces: reviews
1. Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen — best for most home guitarists
Key features: 2 mic preamps, 2 Hi-Z inputs, Auto Gain, Clip Safe, Air mode, USB-C
The Scarlett 2i2 is the interface I recommend most often because it does exactly what a guitarist-songwriter needs. You get two combo inputs, so you can record guitar and vocals at the same time, and both can be switched to Hi-Z instrument mode for direct guitar or bass.
The 4th Gen adds Auto Gain, which sets your input level for you, and Clip Safe, which helps prevent distorted takes when you play harder than expected. Air mode adds presence to vocals and acoustic guitar. Focusrite bundles recording software and plugins, so you can start right away.
Pros:
- Two inputs for guitar plus vocal
- Auto Gain and Clip Safe help beginners
- Bundled software
Cons:
- No MIDI ports
- Costs more than one-input models
2. Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen — best for solo guitar + one mic on a budget
Key features: 1 mic preamp, 1 instrument input, USB-C, Air mode
If you record by yourself, one instrument and one microphone may be all you ever need. The Scarlett Solo gives you exactly that: one XLR mic input and one dedicated instrument input. You can plug in your electric guitar and a vocal mic together.
It shares the same generation of converters and software bundle as its bigger sibling, so it’s a smart starting point. The trade-off is that you can’t record two microphones, which matters if you want to record acoustic guitar in stereo.
Pros:
- Compact and affordable
- Separate guitar and mic inputs
- Same software bundle as the 2i2
Cons:
- Only one mic preamp
- No Auto Gain like the 2i2
3. Universal Audio Volt 2 — best for warm, vintage-flavored recordings
Key features: 2 preamps with Vintage mode, MIDI I/O,