Behringer U-PHORIA UMC22 vs Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen)
Behringer U-PHORIA UMC22 vs Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (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 2i2 (3rd Gen)? Get the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen).
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) wins Audio Resolution and Mic Inputs. 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.
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 2i2 (3rd Gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Audio Resolution | 6.3/10 | 10/10 |
| Mic Inputs | 5/10 | 10/10 |
| Monitoring | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Creator Features | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Connectivity | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Power | 10/10 | 10/10 |
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.
It gives up sample rate and XLR inputs to the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen). It is the cheaper of the two, by $90.00.
Leads on
- Nothing on the spec sheet goes this one’s way.
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen)
Popular 2-in/2-out USB audio interface with low-noise preamps and direct monitoring.
On paper the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) takes sample rate (192kHz, +144kHz) and XLR inputs (2, +1). It concedes nothing measurable on the sheet. That costs $90.00 more than the Behringer U-PHORIA UMC22.
Leads on
-
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.
Where they’re identical
These 9 specs are the same on both of them, so none of it is part of the decision.
- Bit Depth 24-bit
- Phantom Power Yes
- Headphone Outputs 1
- Direct Monitoring Yes
- Loopback No
- ADAT Expansion No
- MIDI I/O None
- Bus Powered Yes
- TRS Outputs 2
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 2i2 (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 2i2 (3rd Gen)?
The largest gap is sample rate, where the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) leads — 192kHz against 48kHz. Across the catalog's specification sheet the two differ on 2 specs. They match on 9 specs, including bit depth, phantom power and headphone outputs. 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 2i2 (3rd Gen)?
Get the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen). The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) wins Audio Resolution and Mic Inputs. 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 2i2 (3rd Gen) have in common?
Both share 9 specifications in the catalog, including bit depth (24-bit), phantom power (Yes), headphone outputs (1) and direct monitoring (Yes), among others. None of those is a reason to pick one over the other.
Is the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) worth the extra $90 over the Behringer U-PHORIA UMC22?
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) costs $149.99 against $59.99, a difference of $90. The premium buys sample rate (192kHz) and XLR inputs (2). Whether that is worth it depends on which of those you would actually use.