Behringer U-PHORIA UMC22 vs Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen
Behringer U-PHORIA UMC22 vs Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen compared — specs, features, and which one to buy for your setup. See the full breakdown on CreatorConfig.
The Ruling
Behringer U-PHORIA UMC22 or Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen? Get the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen.
The Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen wins Audio Resolution, Mic Inputs, Monitoring, Creator Features and Connectivity. It is the pricier of the two at $149.99, so the Behringer U-PHORIA UMC22 stays the pick if $90 matters more than those specs.
Unless…
- You need power — get the Behringer U-PHORIA UMC22.
At a Glance
Where each one actually leads
Every axis is scored out of 10 from the catalog specs below. The scores are relative to the products on this page, so a 10 means “best of these”, not “perfect”, and two identical columns mean the catalog genuinely cannot separate them. Axes the catalog holds no figure for on both sides are left off entirely rather than guessed at.
| Category | Behringer U-PHORIA UMC22 | Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen |
|---|---|---|
| Audio Resolution | 6.3/10 | 10/10 |
| Mic Inputs | 5/10 | 10/10 |
| Monitoring | 7.5/10 | 10/10 |
| Creator Features | 5/10 | 10/10 |
| Connectivity | 2/10 | 10/10 |
| Power | 10/10 | 0/10 |
The Split
What each one wins
Behringer U-PHORIA UMC22
Budget 2x2 USB audio interface with MIDAS mic preamp for beginner recording and streaming setups.
On paper the Behringer U-PHORIA UMC22 takes bus powered (Yes). It gives up ADAT expansion and TRS outputs to the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen. It is the cheaper of the two, by $90.00.
Leads on
-
Bus PoweredYesNo
Bus power means the interface runs off USB alone — no wall adapter to carry or find a socket for.
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen
Desktop audio interface intended for creator workflows, microphone input, monitoring, and clean signal routing.
On paper the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen takes ADAT expansion (Yes), TRS outputs (10, +8), sample rate (192kHz, +144kHz) and XLR inputs (2, +1). It also leads on headphone outputs. It gives up bus powered to the Behringer U-PHORIA UMC22. That costs $90.00 more than the Behringer U-PHORIA UMC22.
Leads on
-
ADAT ExpansionYesNo
ADAT lets you add eight more inputs later instead of replacing the interface.
-
TRS Outputs +8102
More TRS outputs allow routing to studio monitors and outboard gear.
-
Sample Rate +144kHz192kHz48kHz
Higher sample rates capture more audio detail — important for professional recording and mixing.
-
XLR Inputs +121
More XLR inputs let you record multiple microphones simultaneously.
-
Headphone Outputs +121
A second headphone output lets a guest monitor without a splitter.
Where they’re identical
These 4 specs are the same on both of them, so none of it is part of the decision.
- Bit Depth 24-bit
- Phantom Power Yes
- Direct Monitoring Yes
- Loopback No
The Record
19 specs, grouped by area
A group is won by whoever takes more of its rows outright. Specs the catalog cannot rank are shown but never decide a group.
Bottom Line
Who each one is for
The Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen is the pick on the specs the catalog holds, but “better on paper” and “right for you” are different questions. Each case below names what the product is actually good at and who that suits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between Behringer U-PHORIA UMC22 and Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen?
The clearest difference is ADAT expansion, which the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen has and the Behringer U-PHORIA UMC22 does not. Across the catalog's specification sheet the two differ on 6 specs. They match on 4 specs, including bit depth, phantom power and direct monitoring. Two audio interfaces from Behringer and Focusrite, each taking a different approach to audio quality and I/O flexibility.
Which is better for streaming, Behringer U-PHORIA UMC22 or Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen?
Get the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen. The Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen wins Audio Resolution, Mic Inputs, Monitoring, Creator Features and Connectivity. It is the pricier of the two at $149.99, so the Behringer U-PHORIA UMC22 stays the pick if $90 matters more than those specs.
What do the Behringer U-PHORIA UMC22 and Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen have in common?
Both share 4 specifications in the catalog, including bit depth (24-bit), phantom power (Yes), direct monitoring (Yes) and loopback (No). None of those is a reason to pick one over the other.
Is the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen worth the extra $90 over the Behringer U-PHORIA UMC22?
The Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen costs $149.99 against $59.99, a difference of $90. The premium buys ADAT expansion (Yes), TRS outputs (10) and sample rate (192kHz). Whether that is worth it depends on which of those you would actually use.