Which Audio Interface Should I Buy? Audio Interface Finder Quiz

  • Free quiz
  • 60 seconds
  • 90 hand-scored interfaces
  • No sign-up

Which audio interface should I buy?

Up to 12 quick questions. Your top 5 from 90 hand-scored audio interfaces, plus one upgrade that is actually worth the money.

Ivan Meshcheriakov (IvanFromRnD)By Ivan Meshcheriakov (IvanFromRnD), producer. Built on the Audio Interface Bible '26.

Find your interface in 60 seconds

Just tap your answers. No email, no sign-up.

  • What you record
  • How many mics at once
  • Your budget and computer
  • Your mic and room

90 interfaces hand-scored on 10 criteria, in stock or on backorder at Sweetwater when prices were checked on November 9, 2026.

How it picks

  1. Removes what won't work for youToo few mic inputs, the wrong operating system, no iPhone/iPad support when you need it.
  2. Weighs 10 hand scores by your answersPreamps for vocals, converters for mixing, drivers on Windows, portability for the laptop bag.
  3. Shows your top 5, plus one step upThe pricier pick only shows up if it is clearly better for you, with what the extra money buys.

FAQ

How many inputs do I really need?

Count what you record at the same time, not in total. Vocals then guitar: one or two inputs. A podcast with a guest: two. Drums: eight. If you might grow, look for an ADAT input to add eight more later.

Which audio interface should I buy as a beginner?

A two-input interface with good preamps and a solid headphone output. In my scorecard the Audient iD4 MKII, MOTU M2 and MOTU M4 come out on top for vocals on a Mac under $300.

What is Loopback?

It records or streams your computer's sound (a beat, YouTube, a call) together with your mic. Streamers want it; if you only record music, you don't need it.

How current are the prices?

Sweetwater prices checked November 9, 2026. Prices change fast, especially around Black Friday, so check the live price before you buy.

Are these affiliate links?

Yes. If you buy through a store link, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It never changes the ranking: the quiz only uses the scores and your answers.

Free download

Get the free Grammy Sauce PDF

The plugins and settings 100+ Grammy-winning engineers actually use — collected from 5 years of interviews, in one free PDF.

Want the full pro setup? Get the Vocal Chain Bible — 88 real chains →