Gear Guide

Recommended hardware

The best ways to plug an electric guitar into your phone.

Acoustic players need nothing extra — FretPilot hears you through the built-in mic. For an electric, the cleanest signal comes from a small USB audio interface between your guitar and your phone. Here are our picks, from pocket dongles to studio-grade boxes. When you've got one, see connecting your guitar.

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IK Multimedia iRig HD X

MidUSB-C / Lightning

The go-to dedicated guitar interface for iPhone — clean 24-bit/96 kHz sound, amp & headphone outs, and cables for both USB-C and Lightning phones. If you want one thing made for this, start here.

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Apogee Jam+

PremiumUSB-C / Lightning

Boutique-grade tone in a tiny box, with a built-in analog drive and a blend dial so you can hear yourself with zero latency. A favourite for players chasing the best possible sound on iOS.

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Universal Audio Volt 1

MidUSB-C

A single-input desktop interface with a switchable vintage-preamp mode for extra warmth. Plugs straight into USB-C iPhones and iPads; pair with a powered adapter for older phones.

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Focusrite Scarlett Solo (4th Gen)

MidUSB-C

The best-selling interface line for a reason — quiet, clean preamps, a dedicated instrument input, and rock-solid iOS support over USB-C. A safe, do-everything choice.

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IK Multimedia iRig Pro I/O

MidUSB-C / Lightning

A pocket-sized all-rounder with 48V phantom power and a combo mic/instrument input — so it covers electric guitar today and a microphone tomorrow. Ships with cables for phone, tablet and computer.

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Audient EVO 4

MidUSB-C

Smart auto-gain sets your level for you, wrapped around genuinely great-sounding preamps in a compact, bus-powered box that runs happily on iOS.

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Positive Grid RIFF

Budget–MidUSB-C

A guitar-first USB-C interface bundled with amp-sim software — designed to get you plugged in and playing with minimal fuss. A tidy, affordable entry point.

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Donner USB-C Guitar Interface

BudgetUSB-C

A featherweight USB-C dongle that plugs your guitar straight into a modern iPhone or iPad — about the cheapest, simplest way to get a clean signal in.

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PreSonus AudioBox USB 96

BudgetUSB-B + adapter

A rugged, dependable budget classic with a proper instrument input. Connects to a USB-C phone with a simple USB-B→USB-C cable or camera adapter.

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Behringer U-Phoria UMC22

BudgetUSB-B + adapter

The wallet-friendly pick — a Midas-designed preamp and an instrument input for very little money. Needs a USB-B→USB-C cable/adapter for newer phones.

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Got your interface? Our connecting your guitar guide walks through plugging in, setting your levels, and running Optimise so FretPilot hears every note.