Short answer: the Topping M62. It ranks #1 of 17 audio interfaces by measured performance, rated 4.4/5, at $249; the MOTU M4 ranks #7, rated 3.8/5, and costs $279.95, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The Topping M62 is the better-sounding pick. Audio Science Review measured 113 dB SINAD, so playback is clean for nearly all listening, and the maker rates the headphone output at 500 mW into 32 ohms, enough for most headphones including many planar magnetic models. The catch: There are no balanced monitor outputs, and the only headphone jack is a 3.5 mm socket, so studio monitors and 6.35 mm plugs need adapters.
The case for the MOTU M4: 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.
Buy the Topping M62. It is rated higher than the MOTU M4 and costs less, so only choose the other one for a particular feature it does better.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Topping M62 | MOTU M4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $249.00 | $279.95 |
| Ranked | #1 of 17 in Audio Interfaces | #7 of 17 in Audio Interfaces |
| Device Type | Audio interface | Audio interface |
| SINAD | 113 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 111 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Inputs | 2 x 6.35 mm TRS, 3.5 mm mic, 3.5 mm AUX, Bluetooth, USB-C | 2 XLR/TRS combo (mic/line/Hi-Z), 2 balanced 6.35 mm line, MIDI in, USB-C |
| Headphone Outputs | 1 x 3.5 mm | 1 x 6.35 mm |
| Dimensions | 2.8” x 5.9” x 0.8” (72 x 150 x 20 mm) | 8.3” x 1.8” x 4.3” (210 x 45 x 108 mm) |
| Weight | 0.7 lbs (300 g) | 2 lbs (920 g) |
| Balanced Output | No | Yes (TRS monitor outs) |
| Outputs | 1 x 3.5 mm headphone | 4 balanced 6.35 mm TRS, 4 RCA (mirrored), headphone |
| Equalizer | Yes (4-band parametric per input, 10-band on output in Pro Audio mode) | - |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 500 mW (manufacturer rated) | - |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 80 mW (manufacturer rated) | 18 mW (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| DAC Chip | - | ESS Sabre32 Ultra |
| Volume Control | - | Hardware knob |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for Topping M62:
- Topping M62 vs Topping E2x2
- Topping M62 vs MOTU M2
- Topping M62 vs Arturia MiniFuse 2
- Topping M62 vs Solid State Logic SSL 2 MKII
- Topping M62 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
Topping M62: $249.00 Amazon $249.00 eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 113 dB SINAD, so playback is clean for nearly all listening, and the maker rates the headphone output at 500 mW into 32 ohms, enough for most headphones including many planar magnetic models. It runs on a battery and takes USB-C, Bluetooth, two 6.35 mm inputs, a 3.5 mm mic and an AUX input, with parametric EQ on each input and a 10-band output EQ. It rates higher than the MOTU M4 while costing less.
Cons: There are no balanced monitor outputs, and the only headphone jack is a 3.5 mm socket, so studio monitors and 6.35 mm plugs need adapters. The Topping E2x2 offers XLR outputs and similar measured cleanliness for less.
Full Topping M62 review and specifications →
| Released | 2025 (1 year ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | No |
| Device Type | Audio interface |
| Dimensions | 2.8” x 5.9” x 0.8” (72 x 150 x 20 mm) |
| Equalizer | Yes (4-band parametric per input, 10-band on output in Pro Audio mode) |
| Headphone Outputs | 1 x 3.5 mm |
| Inputs | 2 x 6.35 mm TRS, 3.5 mm mic, 3.5 mm AUX, Bluetooth, USB-C |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 80 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 500 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Outputs | 1 x 3.5 mm headphone |
| SINAD | 113 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 0.7 lbs (300 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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