Both are equally effective in use, and if you need more details with the 2i2 3rd Gen, Focusrite Control provides good on-screen metering. Finally, both interfaces bundle in a decent wodge of plugins ...

The $169.99 Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) is a simple recording solution that connects to your computer via USB-C and provides stereo quarter-inch inputs that double as XLR inputs for mics.

If you need something more capable than a USB mic to record music or create a podcast, an audio interface with multiple inputs is the next logical step.The $169.99 Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen ...