Music & creators

The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen is the best audio interface for home recording beginners in 2026, at $224.99 from Focusrite US. The Universal Audio Volt 2 Gen 2 suits singers and guitarists who want tone-shaping preamps and a color level display. The cheapest verified option, the PreSonus Studio 24c, costs $157.99.

1. 1. Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen9.0
2. 2. Universal Audio Volt 2 Gen 28.9
3. 3. MOTU M28.7

The Kawai ES120 is the best digital piano for beginners and returning players in 2026, at $799 on Kawai America's site; the Yamaha P-225 suits players who want Yamaha's CFX grand sound for $769.99. The cheapest verified option, the Kawai ES60, costs $449.

1. 1. Kawai ES1208.9
2. 2. Yamaha P-2258.8
3. 3. Yamaha P-145BT8.7

The Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro is the best studio headphone for home recording artists in 2026, at $199.99 from Beyerdynamic North America. The Sony MDR-M1 suits producers who want one lighter closed-back pair with detachable cables for tracking and mixing. The cheapest verified option, the Sony MDR-7506, costs $114.99.

1. 1. Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro8.9
2. 2. Sony MDR-M18.8
3. 3. Sony MDR-75068.7

The Rode PodMic USB is the best USB microphone for podcasters and remote workers who want a broadcast-style voice in 2026, at $209. The Shure MV7+ suits creators who record in noisy rooms and want the most onboard voice processing, at $299 list or $255 on sale when we checked. The cheapest option, the Fifine K669B, costs $36.99.

1. 1. Rode PodMic USB8.8
2. 2. Rode NT-USB+8.7
3. 3. Shure MV7+8.7