Short answer: the MOTU M4. Both are rated 3.8/5 (#7 and #4 of 17 audio interfaces), and the MOTU M4 costs $279.95 against $699.95 for the MOTU UltraLite-mk5, and with measured performance even, the cheaper one is the better buy.
What the MOTU M4 does well: Audio Science Review measured 111 dB SINAD from its ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC, clean for nearly all listening and competitive with good budget DACs. Watch for: MOTU doesn’t publish a 32 ohm headphone power figure, and Audio Science Review measured just 18 mW into 300 ohms, calling the headphone amplifier its weakest part, so demanding headphones may run out of volume.
Why pick the MOTU UltraLite-mk5: Audio Science Review measured 113 dB SINAD on its ESS based output, clean for nearly all listening. Watch for: MOTU doesn’t publish a 32 ohm headphone power figure, so its ability to drive demanding headphones is unknown.
Buy the MOTU M4. Both are rated the same, and it costs $420 less than the MOTU UltraLite-mk5.
Want more options? Browse the full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| MOTU M4 | MOTU UltraLite-mk5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $279.95 | $699.95 |
| Ranked | #7 of 17 in Audio Interfaces | #4 of 17 in Audio Interfaces |
| Device Type | Audio interface | Audio interface |
| SINAD | 111 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 113 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Inputs | 2 XLR/TRS combo (mic/line/Hi-Z), 2 balanced 6.35 mm line, MIDI in, USB-C | - |
| Outputs | 4 balanced 6.35 mm TRS, 4 RCA (mirrored), headphone | - |
| Headphone Outputs | 1 x 6.35 mm | 1 x 6.35 mm |
| Balanced Output | Yes (TRS monitor outs) | - |
| DAC Chip | ESS Sabre32 Ultra | ESS |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob | - |
| Dimensions | 8.3” x 1.8” x 4.3” (210 x 45 x 108 mm) | 8.7” x 1.8” x 6.9” (220 x 45 x 175 mm) |
| Weight | 2 lbs (920 g) | 2.9 lbs (1.31 kg) |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 18 mW (measured by Audio Science Review) | - |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for MOTU UltraLite-mk5:
- Lynx Hilo 2 USB vs MOTU UltraLite-mk5
- MOTU M6 vs MOTU UltraLite-mk5
- MOTU M2 vs MOTU UltraLite-mk5
- MOTU UltraLite-mk5 vs MOTU 624
- MOTU UltraLite-mk5 vs RME Fireface UFX III
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
MOTU M4: $279.95 Amazon $279.95 eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 111 dB SINAD from its ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC, clean for nearly all listening and competitive with good budget DACs. It adds two balanced line inputs to the two XLR/TRS combo inputs, has four balanced TRS outputs with mirrored RCA outputs, MIDI in and a hardware volume knob, and Audio Science Review found its recording converter better than many computer interfaces.
Cons: MOTU doesn’t publish a 32 ohm headphone power figure, and Audio Science Review measured just 18 mW into 300 ohms, calling the headphone amplifier its weakest part, so demanding headphones may run out of volume. The Topping M62 rates higher for less.
Full MOTU M4 review and specifications →
| Released | 2020 (6 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (TRS monitor outs) |
| DAC Chip | ESS Sabre32 Ultra |
| Device Type | Audio interface |
| Dimensions | 8.3” x 1.8” x 4.3” (210 x 45 x 108 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 1 x 6.35 mm |
| Inputs | 2 XLR/TRS combo (mic/line/Hi-Z), 2 balanced 6.35 mm line, MIDI in, USB-C |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 18 mW (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Outputs | 4 balanced 6.35 mm TRS, 4 RCA (mirrored), headphone |
| SINAD | 111 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
| Weight | 2 lbs (920 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
MOTU UltraLite-mk5: $699.95 Amazon $699.95 eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 113 dB SINAD on its ESS based output, clean for nearly all listening. A firmware update fixed the high distortion Audio Science Review first found at 192 kHz sampling, after which the reviewer recommended it. It has a 6.35 mm headphone output in a box 220 mm wide.
Cons: MOTU doesn’t publish a 32 ohm headphone power figure, so its ability to drive demanding headphones is unknown. Audio Science Review also measured intermodulation distortion rising at mid levels, a flaw desktop DACs have largely solved. The MOTU M6 rates the same and measures nearly as clean for less.
Full MOTU UltraLite-mk5 review and specifications →
| Released | 2021 (5 years ago) |
|---|---|
| DAC Chip | ESS |
| Device Type | Audio interface |
| Dimensions | 8.7” x 1.8” x 6.9” (220 x 45 x 175 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 1 x 6.35 mm |
| SINAD | 113 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 2.9 lbs (1.31 kg) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons