10 Best Audio Interfaces Under $300 in 2024

By Robin Owens 8 days ago, Additional Gear

Affordable and high-quality Audio Interfaces under $300.

top 3 audio interface under 300

If you want to purchase a solid audio interface without going broke, you’ve picked a great time to explore the market. Reasonably priced recording equipment has been on the rise lately, allowing music producers to pick between multiple brands while buying quality gear that often comes with free sound processing software. If you need help picking the best audio interface under 300 USD, this is the article for you.  

Top 10 Best Audio Interfaces under $300

  1. Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 - Our Choice
  2. M-Audio AIR 192/4 - Affordable
  3. PreSonus ioStation 24c 2x2 - Compact
  4. MeloAudio Tone Shifter - Professional
  5. PreSonus Studio 24c 2x2 - Portable
  6. Native Instruments - Sleek
  7. IK Multimedia Axe I/O Solo - Reliable
  8. Tascam US-4x4HR - Sturdy
  9. Tascam US-2x2HR - Versatile
  10. Monoprice 625909 - Inexpensive

When trying to find the best audio interface under 300 bucks, you have to ensure it offers technical specs that are high enough to support high-end audio recording while being used in a home studio. Being aimed primarily at music creators that are still at the beginning of their careers, such an interface is a great starting point before you move up to models that will send you back multiple thousand dollars in the future once your rise to stardom is well on its way.  

1. Focusrite Scarlett 2i2

Our Choice
focusrite scarlett 2i2 audio interface under 300

Connectivity: USB | Protocol: 2.0 | Resolution: 24-bit/192kHz

  • ✚ Direct monitoring
  • ✚ Two balanced line inputs
  • ✚ Includes Pro Tools
  • Bad customer support
Rating

If you're looking for a great sounding interface for your home computer, the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 audio interface is a great choice. Even if you're a beginner, you can use this model to start learning and eventually mastering all the features.

In addition to four standard audio inputs, the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 has an extra "stomp & drop" input which allow you to send a single track to another program. You'll also find an assignable fader control that lets you easily send a single channel to another input.

2. M-Audio AIR 192/4

Affordable
m-audio air 192/4 audio interface under 300

Connectivity: USB | Protocol: 2.0 | Resolution: 24-bit/192kHz

  • ✚ Premium components
  • ✚ Crystal preamps
  • ✚ Pristine A/D converters
  • Problems with installing drivers
Rating

The new M-Audio Air 192/4 USB interface enables fast and accurate sound recording and playback. It also delivers superior audio and MIDI data transfer rates for easy, synchronous operation between computer software and hardware devices.

The new version has a host of enhanced features, which includes the previously announced Quick Panel that simplifies the process of creating musical playlists and assigning tracks to groups. Other notable upgrades include the new application that integrates the Air Driver within the software, which allow it to run on Windows Vista.

3. PreSonus ioStation 24c 2x2

Compact
presonus iostation 24c 2x2 audio interface under 300

Connectivity: USB | Protocol: 2.0 | Resolution: 24-bit/192kHz

  • ✚ Ergonomic design
  • ✚ Software included
  • ✚ Good value for what you get
  • Needs updating
Rating

The PreSonus ioStation 24c 2x2 audio interface is perfect for those professional sound system owners or mixers who use large sound boards in their workplace. This device can be used to connect a computer to any line input to increase the signal and lets you connect a line output on the same computer.

By using this type of board, you will be able to get more powerful signal, which is able to transmit clearer sounds. The PreSonus notation also allows you to send midi files directly to your personal computer, or you can also connect it with your computer via USB for high quality sound interface.

4. MeloAudio Tone Shifter

Professional
meloaudio tone shifter audio interface under 300

Connectivity: USB | Protocol: 2.0 | Resolution: 24-bit/192kHz

  • ✚ Durable construction
  • ✚ Low noise phantom power
  • ✚ Fully balanced L&R outputs
  • Random shut off issues
Rating

MeloAudio Tone Shifter Mega audio interface is a USB interface with MIDI foot controller designed with state-of-the-art synthesis engine and low noise phantom power. The onboard electronic sound library will enable you to create new and innovative sounds with the addition of one of the available virtual instruments.

It is compatible with all Mac or PC operating systems. It offers high resolution output to fit all singing requirements and high definition recording for professional musicians. Besides, the included software bundle provides extensive help tutorials.

5. PreSonus Studio 24c 2x2

Portable
presonus studio 24c 2x2 audio interface under 300

Connectivity: USB | Protocol: 2.0 | Resolution: 24-bit/192kHz

  • ✚ Ultra-high definition recording
  • ✚ XMAX-L mic preamps
  • ✚ DAW Recording Software
  • No stereo monitoring
Rating

The PreSonus Studio 24c 2x2 audio interface is designed for professional audio interface needs, and allows you to record high-resolution audio without sacrificing the sound quality. Ideal for laptop recording, desktop recording, audio mixing/mastering, and live mixing, this audio interface can record up to 24-bit, 192kHz sound.

Equipped with two PreSonus XMAX-L solid state mic preamps and premium converters, it provides professional quality audio at a highly competitive price. This device is definitely worth the investment if you own a studio and require lots of versatility in its functions and features.

6. Native Instruments

Sleek
native instruments audio interface under 300

Connectivity: USB | Protocol: 2.0 | Resolution: 24-bit/192kHz

  • ✚ Immaculate audio quality
  • ✚ Ultra-low latency
  • ✚ Kensington security slot
  • No monitor outputs
Rating

Native Instruments komplete audio interface is the industry standard when it comes to audio interfaces. One of the best products in this price range is the Audio 6 Mk2. It has several features that make it stand out amongst other interfaces.

It can support up to 192 kHz / 24-bit recordings using native software and features a compressor with variable gain-layers for superior sound processing. Besides, it has great connectivity options, including 4 high-quality analog in/out, 2 headphone out, 2 digital in/out, and MIDI in/out. It is also equipped with a USB 2.0 interface for easy connectivity.

7. IK Multimedia Axe I/O Solo

Reliable
ik multimedia axe i/o solo audio interface under 300

Connectivity: USB | Protocol: 2.0 | Resolution: 24-bit/192kHz

  • ✚ Class A mic preamp
  • ✚ Ultra-low noise floor
  • ✚ Wide frequency response
  • The tuner could be better
Rating

The AXE I/O SOLO audio interface from IK Multimedia, set a new bar for guitar-friendly interface. Now, AXE I/O SOLO adds the same high quality tone shaping, easy-to-use features, premium sound and portability to everyone, anywhere. It is designed for use with almost any type of guitar, from the beginner to the professional.

If you've got a computer with a USB port and a speaker connection, then you have all the necessary components for your very own professional recording interface. Professional musicians rely on these popular components to create music they can be proud of. This product is a perfect way to get exactly what you need at a price you can afford.

8. Tascam US-4x4HR

Sturdy
tascam us-4x4hr audio interface under 300

Connectivity: USB | Protocol: 2.0 | Resolution: 24-bit/192kHz

  • ✚ Ultra-HDDA mic preamps
  • ✚ Direct monitoring function
  • ✚ Phantom power
  • Problems with Win10
Rating

The Tascam US4X4HR digital guitar interface is a modern transcription keyboard controller that comes equipped with two XLR inputs for direct recording into your computer or laptop. It also features a front panel user interface that displays data in two modes - data display mode and batch mode.

With one touch of a button, you can change from input source to output and vice versa. It provides standard USB connectivity and is compatible with most popular recording software. This interface makes it easy to manage multiple recording sources and gives you ultimate compatibility with other recording software.   

9. Tascam US-2x2HR

Versatile
tascam us-2x2hr audio interface under 300

Connectivity: USB | Protocol: 2.0 | Resolution: 24-bit/192kHz

  • ✚ Robust metal casing
  • ✚ Lower noise and distortion
  • ✚ Bundled software
  • Not impressive software bundle
Rating

The Tascam US2X2HR USB audio interface is a high-quality two-channel recording interface for microphones, audio interfaces, computer-based or other direct signal interfaces. The two-channel monitor output has an active/passive matrix that can be locked and unlocked so that the signal levels are consistent across the different monitors.

One feature of the Tascam US2X2HR USB audio interface is the presence of "warm" output. This means that the user hears the sounds from all sides of the studio. Most people find this to be a very useful feature when working in an environment that contains other signal sources.   

10. Monoprice 625909

Inexpensive
monoprice 625909 audio interface under 300

Connectivity: USB | Protocol: 2.0 | Resolution: 24-bit/192kHz

  • ✚ Compact design
  • ✚ Flexible I/O
  • ✚ Plug and Play
  • Mediocre quality
Rating

The Monoprice audio interface series offers high end performance in its USB audio interface designs. These interfaces not only offer advanced sound quality through digital controls and knobs, but also offer several innovations such as true bi-directional audio input/output and use of multi-source outputs that allow connection of more than one device at a time.

It also has a built in noise reduction feature and utilizes high voltage outputs for charging cell phones and other portable devices while eliminating interference from speaker impedances. Its high quality digital signal processing and high resolution output to keep all of your recordings incredibly clean and crisp.

IMAGE NAME FEATURES
focusrite scarlett 2i2 audio interface under 300
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2
Our Choice
  • Direct monitoring
  • Two balanced line inputs
CHECK PRICE
m-audio air 192/4 audio interface under 300
M-Audio AIR 192/4
Affordable
  • Premium components
  • Crystal preamps
CHECK PRICE
presonus iostation 24c 2x2 audio interface under 300
PreSonus ioStation 24c 2x2
Compact
  • Ergonomic design
  • Software included
CHECK PRICE

How to Choose the Best Audio Interfaces under $300?

how to choose the best audio interface under 300

Inputs and Outputs

When picking the best audio interface under 300 dollars, you have to start by evaluating the number of required inputs and outputs. If you plan to use a single mic or instrument at a time or if you’re a producer who mostly makes music on their PC, then you likely don’t need more than 1 or 2 inputs. However, if you plan to work with an entire band, you have to ensure the interface can support a larger number of recording devices. Meanwhile, several outputs can be handy should you want to use separate headphone mixes (for instance, for DJ sessions) or transfer the sound to another device for additional processing.

how to choose the best audio interface under 300

Connectivity

One of the bigger benefits you get from purchasing a slightly more expensive audio interface is the connectivity options you get to choose from. Most budget interfaces only provide USB 2.0, which is a solid option since even some models from this post still employ USB connectivity and provide good results.

That said, many recent interfaces are putting USB 2.0’s capabilities to a test by pushing them to the limit. Hence why you should consider getting an audio interface with a different connectivity type such as one of the Thunderbolt models that can be found at this price range. Thunderbolt can elevate the quality of an audio interface to a different level, primarily because the data transfer speed it offers can be up to 20 times faster compared to USB 2.0.

Quality

The build quality of the interface has a direct effect on how well it will function. Ensure both the device itself and the case offer a reliable structure. This is the only way you can be certain your gear will remain secure when you’re traveling and that the casing can endure minor scratches and overuse.

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