The topic of various interfaces comes up alot when it comes to troubleshooting why something isn't working correctly, or that someone is looking for recommendations. It comes down to a few determining factors. (Links and sources will be provided)

First, You're looking for an interface. You have to ask yourself a few questions to get started:

• What do you want to do with it. Podcasting, streaming, on-location recording,

• What hardware will you use with it (i.e. Mics/Instruments) Phantom power requirements & type of connectors.

• System compatibility. Windows/Mac/Linux? Types of drivers, USB(2/3), Firewire, Thunderbolt, etc.

• DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) compatibility. Audacity is great for simple things, but does not have the native capability for ASIO drivers that allow you to use all four I/O on your brand new interface simultaneously.

• Speaking of the last point; The number of simultaneous signals you will need at once.

• Portability.

• Quality for what you're willing to spend.

• How much are you willing to spend on this one component of your setup. A very critical part, but still one factor of many.

Source: https://www.sweetwater.com/insync/choosing-audio-interface/

After you've thought of those factors, you have to research and decide what will work best for you. There are countless brands, and all have their pros & cons. As you research, you will come across popular brands like Behringer, Focusrite, PreSonus, Motu, etc. Look at reviews, read the specs, do your research.

Don't be afraid to start small. The Behringer U-Phoria line makes for a very good first interface to get your feet wet. Their cheapest interface is only $27usd. It's something to get started, and is a stepping stone to more advanced & feature-filled interfaces, like the everso popular Focusrite Scarlett line.

Source; https://www.sweetwater.com/insync/best-audio-interfaces-for-home-studio/ https://www.sweetwater.com/insync/audio-interface-buying-guide/

After you decide on the hardware, it's time to consider the software. IMO, Always use the system drivers that are provided with the device. You will have little issue if you use the drivers provided. If you're on windows, you will have WDM Audio drivers (usually automatically installed) that will work with the interface. However, WDM Drivers won't let you use them to their full potential. ASIO drivers let you use all of the Ins/Outs of the device through a DAW (or other ASIO compatible software such as Voicemeeter.) Plus any VST plugins you want to run with it.

Audacity only uses WDM drivers and, while it can multitrack, it won't let you use your device as separate sources. Consider a more advanced DAW that has ASIO support. Some of the more popular are: Protools, Sonar/Cakewalk, Reaper, Ableton, logic, and the list goes on.

Driver Source: https://www.audiorecording.me/asio-vs-wdm-best-practices-in-modern-home-recording.html DAW Source: https://blog.landr.com/every-recording-software-matters-music-today/

Sweetwater has good articles and product review videos and their sales staff is pretty helpful. Then there are always Amazon reviews, other blog and forum posts you can get to by searching the interface you want on google, and then, of course, posting on reddit.