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You can start recording for under $100 with a basic USB interface.
Each interface below was listed under $100 on Amazon.com when we checked on October 30, 2026. Prices change often. This guide is built from product listings, not our own testing.
Last updated: October 30, 2026.
Quick Picks
| Product | Type | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Mini 2-Channel USB Audio Interface (XLR/6.35mm) | USB audio interface | Very low-cost two-channel |
| A20 Portable USB-C Audio Interface | Portable interface | For guitar and DJ recording |
| MAONO PS22 Lite | USB audio interface | For guitar and vocals streaming |
| 2×2 24-bit/192kHz Audio Interface | USB audio interface | 2-in/2-out budget interface |
| M-Audio M-Track Duo | USB audio interface | Two-channel budget interface |
| A10 Portable USB-C Audio Interface | Portable interface | Cheaper portable interface |
Our Picks
1. Mini 2-Channel USB Audio Interface (XLR/6.35mm)
A mini 2-channel USB audio interface for recording, streaming and podcasting, per the listing. It was listed at about $33 on Amazon.com when we checked on October 30, 2026.
Good for: the lowest price. Strengths: under $35. Weaknesses: lesser-known brand. Skip it if you want a known brand.
2. A20 Portable USB-C Audio Interface
A portable USB-C audio interface for guitar and DJ recording, per the listing. It was listed at about $50 on Amazon.com when we checked on October 30, 2026.
Good for: mobile recording. Strengths: portable and low price. Weaknesses: lesser-known brand. Skip it if you want a known brand.
3. MAONO PS22 Lite
A USB audio interface for PC for guitar and vocal streaming, per the listing. It was listed at about $60 on Amazon.com when we checked on October 30, 2026.
Good for: budget streaming and guitar. Strengths: low price. Weaknesses: lesser-known brand. Skip it if you want a premium brand.
4. 2×2 24-bit/192kHz Audio Interface
A 2×2 24-bit/192kHz audio interface for PC and Mac, per the listing. It was listed at about $66 on Amazon.com when we checked on October 30, 2026.
Good for: budget two-channel recording. Strengths: low price. Weaknesses: lesser-known brand. Skip it if you want a premium brand.
5. M-Audio M-Track Duo
An M-Audio M-Track Duo USB audio interface, per the listing. It was listed at about $69 on Amazon.com when we checked on October 30, 2026.
Good for: budget home recording. Strengths: low price and two channels. Weaknesses: basic. Skip it if you want premium preamps.
6. A10 Portable USB-C Audio Interface
A portable USB-C audio interface for guitar and DJ recording, per the listing. It was listed at about $44 on Amazon.com when we checked on October 30, 2026.
Good for: mobile recording on a budget. Strengths: low price. Weaknesses: lesser-known brand. Skip it if you want a known brand.
How to Choose
Inputs
Count what you need.
Phantom power
Needed for condenser mics.
Build
Budget units vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a cheap interface OK?
For starting out, yes.
Which is best?
M-Track Duo is a known brand pick.
Do I need ASIO?
On Windows, yes for low latency.
Bottom Line
For a known brand, the M-Audio M-Track Duo. For the lowest price, the mini 2-channel.
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