Behringer U-PHORIA UMC22 vs NearStream USB Audio Interface
Behringer U-PHORIA UMC22 vs NearStream USB Audio Interface compared — specs, features, and which one to buy for your setup. See the full breakdown on CreatorConfig.
The Ruling
Behringer U-PHORIA UMC22 or NearStream USB Audio Interface? Get the NearStream USB Audio Interface, narrowly.
The NearStream USB Audio Interface wins Mic Inputs — but only just, and the rest of the chart is close. It is the pricier of the two at $129, so the Behringer U-PHORIA UMC22 stays the pick if $69.01 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 | NearStream USB Audio Interface |
|---|---|---|
| Audio Resolution | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Mic Inputs | 5/10 | 10/10 |
| Creator Features | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Power | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Value | 10/10 | 4.7/10 |
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 XLR inputs to the NearStream USB Audio Interface. It is the cheaper of the two, by $69.01.
Leads on
- Nothing on the spec sheet goes this one’s way.
NearStream USB Audio Interface
Creator-focused interface with monitoring and loopback options for livestream and podcast routing.
On paper the NearStream USB Audio Interface takes XLR inputs (2, +1). It concedes nothing measurable on the sheet. That costs $69.01 more than the Behringer U-PHORIA UMC22.
Leads on
-
XLR Inputs +121
More XLR inputs let you record multiple microphones simultaneously.
Where they’re identical
These 6 specs are the same on both of them, so none of it is part of the decision.
- Sample Rate 48kHz
- Bit Depth 24-bit
- Phantom Power Yes
- ADAT Expansion No
- MIDI I/O None
- Bus Powered Yes
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 NearStream USB Audio Interface 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 NearStream USB Audio Interface?
The largest gap is XLR inputs, where the NearStream USB Audio Interface leads — 2 against 1. Across the catalog's specification sheet the two differ on 1 spec. They match on 6 specs, including sample rate, bit depth and phantom power. Two audio interfaces from Behringer and NearStream, each taking a different approach to audio quality and I/O flexibility.
Which is better for streaming, Behringer U-PHORIA UMC22 or NearStream USB Audio Interface?
Get the NearStream USB Audio Interface, narrowly. The NearStream USB Audio Interface wins Mic Inputs — but only just, and the rest of the chart is close. It is the pricier of the two at $129, so the Behringer U-PHORIA UMC22 stays the pick if $69.01 matters more than those specs.
What do the Behringer U-PHORIA UMC22 and NearStream USB Audio Interface have in common?
Both share 6 specifications in the catalog, including sample rate (48kHz), bit depth (24-bit), phantom power (Yes) and ADAT expansion (No), among others. None of those is a reason to pick one over the other.
Is the NearStream USB Audio Interface worth the extra $69 over the Behringer U-PHORIA UMC22?
The NearStream USB Audio Interface costs $129.00 against $59.99, a difference of $69. The premium buys XLR inputs (2). Whether that is worth it depends on which of those you would actually use.