AudioFu

Best Thunderbolt Audio Interfaces for Beginner 2025

Perfect thunderbolt audio interfaces for beginner - easy to play and learn on

Last updated: October 15, 2025 • Next update: October 22, 2025

PRICE RANGES: Under $2,000 Under $5,000
SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced
GENRES & STYLES: For Mac Studio For High-End Recording For Low Latency For Mobile Recording For Pro Tools
BRANDS: Universal Audio
Universal Audio Apollo x16 Gen2 Essentials+ - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Universal Audio Apollo x16 Gen2 Essentials+

by Universal Audio
Mac Studio Pro Tools High-End Recording
Key Feature:
• Ultra-fast Thunderbolt connection
✓ PROS
  • • Ultra-fast Thunderbolt connection
  • • Premium build quality
✗ CONS
  • • Limited cable length
  • • Expensive premium interfaces

Universal Audio Apollo x16 Gen2 Essentials+18 x 20 Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface24 Bit / 192 kHz6-Core SHARC DSP for...

⭐ 4.5/5 (34 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 600537
$4,707
Buy at Thomann View Details
Universal Audio Apollo Twin X Duo Gen2 Ess+ - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Universal Audio Apollo Twin X Duo Gen2 Ess+

by Universal Audio
Low Latency Pro Tools Mobile Recording
Key Feature:
• Mac and PC compatibility
✓ PROS
  • • Ultra-fast Thunderbolt connection
  • • Premium build quality
✗ CONS
  • • Limited cable length
  • • Higher power consumption

Universal Audio Apollo Twin X Duo Gen2 Ess+10 x 6 Thunderbolt 3 Audio InterfaceWith UAD-2 Duo processor24 Bit / 192 kHz...

⭐ 4.9/5 (5 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 600580
$1,287
Buy at Thomann View Details
Universal Audio Apollo x6 Gen2 Studio+ - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Universal Audio Apollo x6 Gen2 Studio+

by Universal Audio
Mobile Recording Mac Studio Low Latency
Key Feature:
• Ultra-fast Thunderbolt connection
✓ PROS
  • • Mac and PC compatibility
  • • High channel count in compact form
✗ CONS
  • • Mac-centric ecosystem
  • • Limited cable length

Universal Audio Apollo x6 Gen2 Studio+16 x 22 Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface24 Bit / 192 kHz6-Core SHARC DSP for...

⭐ 4.8/5 (4 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 598599
$3,299
Buy at Thomann View Details
Universal Audio Apollo X4 Gen2 Essentials+ - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Universal Audio Apollo X4 Gen2 Essentials+

by Universal Audio
Low Latency Mobile Recording Mac Studio
Key Feature:
• Very low latency performance
✓ PROS
  • • Premium build quality
  • • Ultra-fast Thunderbolt connection
✗ CONS
  • • Higher power consumption
  • • Mac-centric ecosystem

Universal Audio Apollo X4 Gen2 Essentials+12 x 18 Thunderbolt 3 Audio InterfaceWith UAD-2 Quad processor24 Bit / 192...

⭐ 4.7/5 (5 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 600549
$2,199
Buy at Thomann View Details
Lynx Studio Aurora(n) 24 TB3 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Lynx Studio Aurora(n) 24 TB3

by Lynx Studio
Pro Tools Mobile Recording Mac Studio
Key Feature:
• Mac and PC compatibility
✓ PROS
  • • High channel count in compact form
  • • Very low latency performance
✗ CONS
  • • Higher power consumption
  • • Mac-centric ecosystem

Lynx Studio Aurora(n) 24 TB3AD/DA converter24 Bit / 192 kHz24 Line inputs and outputs via Sub-D connectorOnboard...

⭐ 4.6/5 (39 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 517401
$7,148
Buy at Thomann View Details
Universal Audio Apollo x6 Gen2 Essentials+ - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Universal Audio Apollo x6 Gen2 Essentials+

by Universal Audio
Mobile Recording Pro Tools High-End Recording
Key Feature:
• Very low latency performance
✓ PROS
  • • Premium build quality
  • • Ultra-fast Thunderbolt connection
✗ CONS
  • • Expensive premium interfaces
  • • Limited cable length

Universal Audio Apollo x6 Gen2 Essentials+16 x 22 Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface24 Bit / 192 kHz6-Core SHARC DSP for...

⭐ 5.0/5 (37 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 598500
$2,969
Buy at Thomann View Details
Antelope Zen Tour Synergy Core - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Antelope Zen Tour Synergy Core

by Antelope
Mobile Recording Pro Tools Mac Studio
Key Feature:
• Ultra-fast Thunderbolt connection
✓ PROS
  • • Ultra-fast Thunderbolt connection
  • • High channel count in compact form
✗ CONS
  • • Mac-centric ecosystem
  • • Requires Thunderbolt port

Antelope Zen Tour Synergy Core32 x 32 Thunderbolt / 24 x 24 USB InterfaceWth Synergy Core FX Processing Platform4 x ARM...

⭐ 4.8/5 (15 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 486755
$1,869
Buy at Thomann View Details
Antelope Orion 32+ | Gen 4 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Antelope Orion 32+ | Gen 4

by Antelope
Pro Tools Mobile Recording High-End Recording
Key Feature:
• Very low latency performance
✓ PROS
  • • Premium build quality
  • • High channel count in compact form
✗ CONS
  • • Expensive premium interfaces
  • • Mac-centric ecosystem

Antelope Orion 32+ | Gen 4128-Channel Thunderbolt / USB Audio InterfaceAD/DA converter with up to 130dB dynamic range...

⭐ 4.7/5 (40 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 568531
$3,625
Buy at Thomann View Details
Antelope Galaxy 32 Synergy Core - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Antelope Galaxy 32 Synergy Core

by Antelope
High-End Recording Pro Tools Mobile Recording
Key Feature:
• Very low latency performance
✓ PROS
  • • Mac and PC compatibility
  • • Very low latency performance
✗ CONS
  • • Mac-centric ecosystem
  • • Expensive premium interfaces

Antelope Galaxy 32 Synergy Core32-Channel AD/DA | DANTE | HDX | Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface32 Analog input channels...

⭐ 4.5/5 (35 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 519500
$4,894
Buy at Thomann View Details
Presonus Quantum 2626 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

Presonus Quantum 2626

by Presonus
High-End Recording Pro Tools Mac Studio
Key Feature:
• High channel count in compact form
✓ PROS
  • • High channel count in compact form
  • • Ultra-fast Thunderbolt connection
✗ CONS
  • • Higher power consumption
  • • Limited cable length

Presonus Quantum 2626Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface192 Sampling rate24-Bit resolution8 Microphone amplifiers with up to...

⭐ 4.8/5 (36 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 482756
$626
Buy at Thomann View Details
Lynx Studio Mesa TB3 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

Lynx Studio Mesa TB3

by Lynx Studio
Low Latency Mobile Recording Mac Studio
Key Feature:
• High channel count in compact form
✓ PROS
  • • Very low latency performance
  • • Premium build quality
✗ CONS
  • • Requires Thunderbolt port
  • • Mac-centric ecosystem

Lynx Studio Mesa TB3Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface and High-End ConverterFour low-noiseindividually switchable...

⭐ 4.4/5 (4 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 618611
$3,244
Buy at Thomann View Details
Lynx Studio Aurora(n) 16 TB3 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

Lynx Studio Aurora(n) 16 TB3

by Lynx Studio
Mobile Recording Low Latency Pro Tools
Key Feature:
• Ultra-fast Thunderbolt connection
✓ PROS
  • • High channel count in compact form
  • • Very low latency performance
✗ CONS
  • • Limited cable length
  • • Expensive premium interfaces

Lynx Studio Aurora(n) 16 TB3AD/DA Converter24 / 192 kHz16 Line inputs and outputs via Sub-D connectorOnboard microSD...

⭐ 4.6/5 (19 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 503583
$6,599
Buy at Thomann View Details
Universal Audio Apollo x8p Gen2 Studio+ - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

Universal Audio Apollo x8p Gen2 Studio+

by Universal Audio
Pro Tools Mac Studio Low Latency
Key Feature:
• Premium build quality
✓ PROS
  • • High channel count in compact form
  • • Ultra-fast Thunderbolt connection
✗ CONS
  • • Higher power consumption
  • • Requires Thunderbolt port

Universal Audio Apollo x8p Gen2 Studio+16 x 22 Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface24 Bit / 192 kHz6-Core SHARC DSP for...

⭐ 5.0/5 (14 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 600535
$4,487
Buy at Thomann View Details
Universal Audio Apollo x8 Gen2 Studio+ - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

Universal Audio Apollo x8 Gen2 Studio+

by Universal Audio
Low Latency Mac Studio Pro Tools
Key Feature:
• High channel count in compact form
✓ PROS
  • • Premium build quality
  • • Mac and PC compatibility
✗ CONS
  • • Expensive premium interfaces
  • • Higher power consumption

Universal Audio Apollo x8 Gen2 Studio+18 x 24 Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface24 Bit / 192 kHz6-Core SHARC DSP for...

⭐ 4.7/5 (39 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 600528
$3,788
Buy at Thomann View Details
Universal Audio Apollo X4 Gen2 Studio+ - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

Universal Audio Apollo X4 Gen2 Studio+

by Universal Audio
High-End Recording Low Latency Mobile Recording
Key Feature:
• High channel count in compact form
✓ PROS
  • • Premium build quality
  • • High channel count in compact form
✗ CONS
  • • Requires Thunderbolt port
  • • Higher power consumption

Universal Audio Apollo X4 Gen2 Studio+12x18 Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface with UAD-2 Quad Processor24 Bit / 192 kHz...

⭐ 4.7/5 (27 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 600573
$2,529
Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best Thunderbolt Audio Interfaces

Budget Planning

  • • Under $200: Entry-level
  • • $200-$500: Intermediate
  • • $500-$1000: Advanced
  • • $1000+: Professional

Quality Check

  • • Sound clarity & tone
  • • Build materials & finish
  • • Hardware durability
  • • Overall craftsmanship

Key Features

  • • Your musical style
  • • Skill level match
  • • Intended use case
  • • Brand reputation

Frequently Asked Questions

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.
Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.
Higher-priced thunderbolt audio interfaces typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.
Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.
Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

Related Best Lists

RELATED

Best Active Nearfield Monitors

TOP

Best USB Audio Interfaces

TOP

Best Broadband Acoustic Absorbers

RELATED

Best Preamps

POPULAR

Best Digital Converters

POPULAR

Best Headphone Amps

We use cookies to improve your experience. Learn more