NearStream USB Audio Interface vs Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen
NearStream USB Audio Interface 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
NearStream USB Audio Interface or Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen? Get the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen, narrowly.
The Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen wins Audio Resolution and Creator Features — but only just, and the rest of the chart is close. It is the pricier of the two at $149.99, so the NearStream USB Audio Interface stays the pick if $20.99 matters more than those specs.
Unless…
- You need power — get the NearStream USB Audio Interface.
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 | NearStream USB Audio Interface | Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen |
|---|---|---|
| Audio Resolution | 6.3/10 | 10/10 |
| Mic Inputs | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Creator Features | 0/10 | 10/10 |
| Power | 10/10 | 0/10 |
| Value | 10/10 | 8.6/10 |
The Split
What each one wins
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 bus powered (Yes). It gives up ADAT expansion and sample rate to the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen. It is the cheaper of the two, by $20.99.
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) and sample rate (192kHz, +144kHz). It gives up bus powered to the NearStream USB Audio Interface. That costs $20.99 more than the NearStream USB Audio Interface.
Leads on
-
ADAT ExpansionYesNo
ADAT lets you add eight more inputs later instead of replacing the interface.
-
Sample Rate +144kHz192kHz48kHz
Higher sample rates capture more audio detail — important for professional recording and mixing.
Where they’re identical
These 4 specs are the same on both of them, so none of it is part of the decision.
- Connection Type usb-c, xlr, trs
- Bit Depth 24-bit
- Phantom Power Yes
- XLR Inputs 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 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 NearStream USB Audio Interface and Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen?
The clearest difference is ADAT expansion, which the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen has and the NearStream USB Audio Interface does not. Across the catalog's specification sheet the two differ on 3 specs. They match on 4 specs, including connection type, bit depth and phantom power. Two audio interfaces from NearStream and Focusrite, each taking a different approach to audio quality and I/O flexibility.
Which is better for streaming, NearStream USB Audio Interface or Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen?
Get the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen, narrowly. The Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen wins Audio Resolution and Creator Features — but only just, and the rest of the chart is close. It is the pricier of the two at $149.99, so the NearStream USB Audio Interface stays the pick if $20.99 matters more than those specs.
What do the NearStream USB Audio Interface and Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen have in common?
Both share 4 specifications in the catalog, including connection type (usb-c, xlr, trs), bit depth (24-bit), phantom power (Yes) and XLR inputs (2). None of those is a reason to pick one over the other.
Is the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen worth the extra $21 over the NearStream USB Audio Interface?
The Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen costs $149.99 against $129.00, a difference of $21. The premium buys ADAT expansion (Yes) and sample rate (192kHz). Whether that is worth it depends on which of those you would actually use.