Short answer: the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen, though neither ranks well in its class. It ranks #15 of 17 audio interfaces by measured performance, rated 2.3/5, at $224.99; the Behringer Studio XL ranks #17, rated 1.6/5, and costs $239, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 17 audio interfaces; for better sound, the Topping M62 ranks #1 at $249.
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen is the better-sounding choice. It offers two combo XLR and TRS mic, line and instrument inputs in a compact box. Watch for: Its headphone output is rated at only 32 mW into 33 ohms, enough for in ear monitors and easy headphones only, and Audio Science Review found it outperformed by some cheap dongles and did not recommend the unit.
What the Behringer Studio XL does well: It packs a lot of connectivity into one box: two combo mic and line inputs, ten balanced TRS line outputs, two headphone jacks and a hardware volume control. The catch: Audio Science Review measured just 55 dB SINAD, a serious audible weakness, and found it clips easily in ways that are hard to diagnose, so it gave no recommendation.
Buy the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen. It is rated higher than the Behringer Studio XL and costs less, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
Still deciding? The full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen | Behringer Studio XL | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $224.99 | $239.00 |
| Ranked | #15 of 17 in Audio Interfaces | #17 of 17 in Audio Interfaces |
| Device Type | Audio interface | Audio interface |
| SINAD | 94 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 55 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Inputs | 2 XLR/TRS combo mic/line/instrument | 2 XLR/TRS combo (mic/line), USB-B (6 inputs total) |
| Dimensions | 7.1” x 1.8” x 3.9” (180 x 45.4 x 99 mm) | 12.9” x 3.1” x 6.4” (328 x 80 x 163 mm) |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs (571.5 g) | 4 lbs (1.8 kg) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 32 mW into 33 ohms (manufacturer rated) | - |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 22 mW (manufacturer rated) | - |
| Outputs | - | 10 x 6.35 mm TRS line outs, 2 headphone |
| Headphone Outputs | - | 2 x 6.35 mm |
| Balanced Output | - | Yes (TRS outs) |
| Volume Control | - | Hardware knob (VCA) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen:
- Topping M62 vs Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen
- MOTU M2 vs Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen
- MOTU M4 vs Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen
- Arturia MiniFuse 2 vs Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen
- Solid State Logic SSL 2 MKII vs Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen
Prices on this page were last checked October 13, 2026 at 3:17 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Amps and DACs In Full
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen: $224.99 Amazon $224.99 eBay
Pros: It offers two combo XLR and TRS mic, line and instrument inputs in a compact box. Audio Science Review measured 94 dB SINAD, fine for most headphones, and judged its ADC good enough for consumer use.
Cons: Its headphone output is rated at only 32 mW into 33 ohms, enough for in ear monitors and easy headphones only, and Audio Science Review found it outperformed by some cheap dongles and did not recommend the unit. Sensitive in ear monitors may reveal hiss at 94 dB SINAD. The Tascam Series 102i rates higher and costs less.
Full Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen review and specifications →
| Released | Sep 2023 (3 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Device Type | Audio interface |
| Dimensions | 7.1” x 1.8” x 3.9” (180 x 45.4 x 99 mm) |
| Inputs | 2 XLR/TRS combo mic/line/instrument |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 22 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 32 mW into 33 ohms (manufacturer rated) |
| SINAD | 94 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs (571.5 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Behringer Studio XL: $239.00 Amazon $239.00 eBay
Pros: It packs a lot of connectivity into one box: two combo mic and line inputs, ten balanced TRS line outputs, two headphone jacks and a hardware volume control.
Cons: Audio Science Review measured just 55 dB SINAD, a serious audible weakness, and found it clips easily in ways that are hard to diagnose, so it gave no recommendation. Behringer doesn’t publish a 32 ohm power figure. The Behringer U-Phoria UMC204HD rates far higher for much less.
Full Behringer Studio XL review and specifications →
| Released | 2022 (4 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (TRS outs) |
| Device Type | Audio interface |
| Dimensions | 12.9” x 3.1” x 6.4” (328 x 80 x 163 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 2 x 6.35 mm |
| Inputs | 2 XLR/TRS combo (mic/line), USB-B (6 inputs total) |
| Outputs | 10 x 6.35 mm TRS line outs, 2 headphone |
| SINAD | 55 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob (VCA) |
| Weight | 4 lbs (1.8 kg) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons