Head-to-head · Best Audio Interfaces

Behringer U-Phoria UMC22 vs Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.2 vs 4.6). The gap is mostly about beginners seeking user-friendly features — read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #5 in Best Audio Interfaces

Behringer U-Phoria UMC22

4.2

$69as of Jul 7

The Behringer UMC22 offers exceptional value for money as a budget audio interface, capable of handling home recording duties and producing good-quality audio from a variety of sources. MusicRadar called it a great audio interface for first-timers or those on a tight budget, though it lacks a dedicated Windows driver and is noisier than competitors. Audio Science Review confirmed its USB-powered design with 48V phantom power, two line outputs, and headphone out, noting it supports only 48kHz at 16 bits. It's ideal for beginners or those on a tight budget but may not satisfy users seeking premium performance.

Strengths

— Insane value for money
— Nice and compact size
— Great for home studio work

Watch-outs

— No dedicated driver on Windows
— Noisy compared to others

$69 · Buy at sweelee.com.sg Full review →

Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Audio Interfaces

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen

4.6

$189.99as of Jul 1

The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen offers a refreshed design with improved build quality and new features like Auto Gain and updated gain halos. However, Audio Science Review found significant issues with its DAC performance, noting that distortion decreases at higher internal volume levels in an unexpected manner. The interface's ADC input saturation at 1.7 volts and subpar headphone output also limit its appeal. While it's a solid choice for beginners seeking an entry-level interface with user-friendly features, professionals will likely find better options elsewhere.

Strengths

— Includes Auto Gain feature for beginner-friendly automatic gain adjustment
— Features updated Dynamic Gain Halos that visually indicate input levels
— Provides dedicated XLR inputs on the back panel for condenser microphones

Watch-outs

— DAC distortion performance is below expected standards according to Audio Science Review
— ADC input saturation occurs at 1.7 volts, limiting dynamic range

$189.99 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

Behringer U-Phoria UMC22

The Behringer UMC22 offers unmatched value for money compared to the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen and Universal Audio Volt Series, but it lacks the build quality and technical performance of the Audient iD4 MkII and the advanced features of the Focusrite Vocaster Two. While it's a solid budget option, it's outperformed by the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen in terms of noise floor and dynamic range.

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen

Unlike the Focusrite Vocaster Two, which is tailored for podcasters, the Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen focuses on beginner-friendly features like Auto Gain and visual gain halos, making it more approachable for newcomers. However, it falls short compared to the Universal Audio Volt Series in terms of analog preamp quality and UREI 1176 compression models, and it's also outperformed by the Audient iD4 MkII in technical specs like noise floor and dynamic range.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Behringer U-Phoria UMC22	Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen
Inputs	2	2 XLR, 2 instrument inputs
Outputs	Headphone out, 2 line outputs	2 balanced TRS outputs
Sample Rate	48kHz	up to 24-bit / 192kHz operation
Bit Depth	16 bits	24-bit
Power	USB-powered	External 5V DC USB-C
Headphone Jack	1/4" jack	1/4" jack
Connectivity	—	USB-C
Preamps	—	69dB of gain

← See the full ranking of best audio interfaces