Best Thunderbolt Audio Interfaces for Intermediate 2025

Perfect thunderbolt audio interfaces for intermediate - 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 x16D Ultimate - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Universal Audio Apollo x16D Ultimate

by Universal Audio

Mac Studio Mobile Recording Low Latency

Key Feature:

• Ultra-fast Thunderbolt connection

✓ PROS

• Very low latency performance
• Premium build quality

✗ CONS

• Mac-centric ecosystem
• Higher power consumption

Universal Audio Apollo x16D Ultimate16 x 16 Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface with Dante24 Bit / 192 kHz6-Core SHARC DSP...

⭐ 4.8/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 593920

$4,806

Buy at Thomann View Details

Universal Audio Apollo x16 Gen2 Essentials+ - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

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 Quad Gen2 Stud+ - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Universal Audio Apollo Twin X Quad Gen2 Stud+

by Universal Audio

Mac Studio Mobile Recording Pro Tools

Key Feature:

• Mac and PC compatibility

✓ PROS

• Very low latency performance
• High channel count in compact form

✗ CONS

• Limited cable length
• Mac-centric ecosystem

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

⭐ 4.6/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 600588

$1,979

Buy at Thomann View Details

Universal Audio Apollo Twin X Duo Gen2 Ess+ - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

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

Lynx Studio Aurora(n) 16 TB3 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

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 x16D Essentials - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Universal Audio Apollo x16D Essentials

by Universal Audio

Mobile Recording Mac Studio High-End Recording

Key Feature:

• Mac and PC compatibility

✓ PROS

• Mac and PC compatibility
• High channel count in compact form

✗ CONS

• Expensive premium interfaces
• Limited cable length

Universal Audio Apollo x16D Essentials16 x 16 Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface with Dante24-bit / 192 kHz6-Core SHARC DSP...

⭐ 4.9/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 593916

$3,629

Buy at Thomann View Details

Universal Audio Apollo Twin X Duo Gen2 Studio+ - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Universal Audio Apollo Twin X Duo Gen2 Studio+

by Universal Audio

High-End Recording Mac Studio Low Latency

Key Feature:

• High channel count in compact form

✓ PROS

• Very low latency performance
• Premium build quality

✗ CONS

• Mac-centric ecosystem
• Limited cable length

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

⭐ 4.8/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 600582

$1,649

Buy at Thomann View Details

Universal Audio Apollo x8p Gen2 Essentials+ - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (51 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Universal Audio Apollo x8p Gen2 Essentials+

by Universal Audio

Mac Studio Mobile Recording High-End Recording

Key Feature:

• Very low latency performance

✓ PROS

• Premium build quality
• Mac and PC compatibility

✗ CONS

• Limited cable length
• Higher power consumption

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

⭐ 4.8/5 (51 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 600529

$4,036

Buy at Thomann View Details

Universal Audio Apollo x6 Gen2 Essentials+ - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

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

Universal Audio Apollo Solo TB3 Heritage Ed. - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.8/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Universal Audio Apollo Solo TB3 Heritage Ed.

by Universal Audio

Low Latency High-End Recording Pro Tools

Key Feature:

• Premium build quality

✓ PROS

• Mac and PC compatibility
• Premium build quality

✗ CONS

• Higher power consumption
• Expensive premium interfaces

Universal Audio Apollo Solo TB3 Heritage Ed.2 x 4 Thunderbolt 3 Audio InterfaceHeritage EditionWith a SHARC DSP to...

⭐ 4.8/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 508029

$504

Buy at Thomann View Details

Universal Audio Apollo X4 Gen2 Essentials+ - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.7/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

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

Universal Audio Apollo Twin X Quad Gen2 Ess+ - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.8/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Universal Audio Apollo Twin X Quad Gen2 Ess+

by Universal Audio

Mac Studio Mobile Recording High-End Recording

Key Feature:

• High channel count in compact form

✓ PROS

• Mac and PC compatibility
• High channel count in compact form

✗ CONS

• Expensive premium interfaces
• Higher power consumption

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

⭐ 4.8/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 600584

$1,649

Buy at Thomann View Details

Antelope Zen Tour Synergy Core - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.8/5 (15 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

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

Lynx Studio Mesa TB3 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.4/5 (4 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

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

Focusrite Red 16 Line - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.9/5 (25 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Focusrite Red 16 Line

by Focusrite

High-End Recording Mobile Recording Mac Studio

Key Feature:

• Very low latency performance

✓ PROS

• High channel count in compact form
• Very low latency performance

✗ CONS

• Higher power consumption
• Requires Thunderbolt port

Focusrite Red 16 Line64 x 64 Thunderbolt 3 Audio InterfacePro Tools HD connectorsDante audio network connections24-Bit...

⭐ 4.9/5 (25 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 447426

$4,069

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.

Best Thunderbolt Audio Interfaces for Intermediate 2025

Universal Audio Apollo x16D Ultimate

Universal Audio Apollo x16 Gen2 Essentials+

Universal Audio Apollo Twin X Quad Gen2 Stud+

Universal Audio Apollo Twin X Duo Gen2 Ess+

Lynx Studio Aurora(n) 16 TB3

Universal Audio Apollo x16D Essentials

Universal Audio Apollo Twin X Duo Gen2 Studio+

Universal Audio Apollo x8p Gen2 Essentials+

Universal Audio Apollo x6 Gen2 Essentials+

Universal Audio Apollo Solo TB3 Heritage Ed.

Universal Audio Apollo X4 Gen2 Essentials+

Universal Audio Apollo Twin X Quad Gen2 Ess+

Antelope Zen Tour Synergy Core

Lynx Studio Mesa TB3

Focusrite Red 16 Line

How to Choose the Best Thunderbolt Audio Interfaces

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying thunderbolt audio interfaces?

How much should I spend on thunderbolt audio interfaces?

Are expensive thunderbolt audio interfaces worth the investment?

What are the best brands for thunderbolt audio interfaces?

Should I buy thunderbolt audio interfaces online or in-store?

Related Best Lists

Best Active Nearfield Monitors

Best USB Audio Interfaces

Best Broadband Acoustic Absorbers

Best Preamps

Best Digital Converters

Best Headphone Amps

Cookie Preferences

Essential Cookies

Analytics Cookies

Functional Cookies

Marketing Cookies