Focusrite Scarlett Solo (4th Gen) vs Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen
Focusrite Scarlett Solo (4th Gen) 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
Focusrite Scarlett Solo (4th Gen) or Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen? Get the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen.
The Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen wins Mic Inputs, Monitoring and Connectivity. It is the pricier of the two at $149.99, so the Focusrite Scarlett Solo (4th Gen) stays the pick if $10 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 | Focusrite Scarlett Solo (4th Gen) | Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen |
|---|---|---|
| Audio Resolution | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Preamps | 9.5/10 | 10/10 |
| Mic Inputs | 5/10 | 10/10 |
| Monitoring | 7.5/10 | 10/10 |
| Creator Features | 5/10 | 5/10 |
| Connectivity | 2/10 | 10/10 |
The Split
What each one wins
Focusrite Scarlett Solo (4th Gen)
Compact 1-mic USB-C interface for solo creators who need clean voice and instrument input.
On paper the Focusrite Scarlett Solo (4th Gen) takes loopback (Yes) and 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 $10.00.
Leads on
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LoopbackYesNo
Loopback routes computer audio back into the stream without a second interface or cable.
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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), XLR inputs (2, +1) and headphone outputs (2, +1). It also leads on preamp gain. It gives up loopback and bus powered to the Focusrite Scarlett Solo (4th Gen). That costs $10.00 more than the Focusrite Scarlett Solo (4th Gen).
Leads on
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ADAT ExpansionYesNo
ADAT lets you add eight more inputs later instead of replacing the interface.
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TRS Outputs +8102
More TRS outputs allow routing to studio monitors and outboard gear.
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XLR Inputs +121
More XLR inputs let you record multiple microphones simultaneously.
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Headphone Outputs +121
A second headphone output lets a guest monitor without a splitter.
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Preamp Gain +3dB60dB57dB
More gain drives quiet dynamic microphones like the SM7B without a separate booster.
Where they’re identical
These 6 specs are the same on both of them, so none of it is part of the decision.
- Connection Type usb-c, xlr, trs
- Sample Rate 192kHz
- Bit Depth 24-bit
- Max Sample Rate 192kHz
- Phantom Power Yes
- Direct Monitoring 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 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 Focusrite Scarlett Solo (4th Gen) and Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen?
The clearest difference is loopback, which the Focusrite Scarlett Solo (4th Gen) has and the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen does not. Across the catalog's specification sheet the two differ on 7 specs. They match on 6 specs, including connection type, sample rate and bit depth. Two audio interfaces from Focusrite, each taking a different approach to audio quality and I/O flexibility.
Which is better for streaming, Focusrite Scarlett Solo (4th Gen) or Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen?
Get the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen. The Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen wins Mic Inputs, Monitoring and Connectivity. It is the pricier of the two at $149.99, so the Focusrite Scarlett Solo (4th Gen) stays the pick if $10 matters more than those specs.
What do the Focusrite Scarlett Solo (4th Gen) and Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen have in common?
Both share 6 specifications in the catalog, including connection type (usb-c, xlr, trs), sample rate (192kHz), bit depth (24-bit) and max sample rate (192kHz), among others. None of those is a reason to pick one over the other.