Cheap/reliable USB audio interface?

[Lebowsky]

I am currently abroad and we're trying to exchange ideas over internet with my drummer. The idea is that he'd record some stuff at our practice space (most likely with an iphone) and send it to me where I can try stuff over it and then record a bass track (either by itself or over the drums) and send him back. Software is not an issue. However, I only have a laptop (win7, SSD) without any line/mic input so I need an USB 3 interface. I'd like to record either the bass directly, or have a couple of effects before the interface.

Any recommendation? Preferably cheap - cheapest possible even - as this setup will only last a few months. I don't intend on recording anything else after that or need multiple inputs, etc. Win7 only (don't have a smartphone). I saw a few devices, like the Alesis Core 1 for example, but there were always some reviews/testimonials that put me off, so I'd like to have some actual opinions of people using them frequently.

Thanks!

[MechaGodzilla]

focusrite scarlett?

[oldangelmidnight]

I don't think you get both cheap and reliable. Maybe buy something used that you can resell?

[Lebowsky]

The Scarlett Solo does look interesting, thanks, I had missed it, only saw the 2i2 version. I'll try to find one used!

edit: looks like the 2nd gens are available for cheap, any reason not go with them? I assume a 3rd gen is going to be hard to find used as they were released in november 2019...

[Dowi]

The Scarlett Solo does look interesting, thanks, I had missed it, only saw the 2i2 version. I'll try to find one used!

edit: looks like the 2nd gens are available for cheap, any reason not go with them? I assume a 3rd gen is going to be hard to find used as they were released in november 2019...

I have a 2i2 and it works fine, simple and practical. Had some problems of latency with live playback but it's quite sure that they're caused by the Ram of my PC, and I recently solved those using the direct monitor option of the focusrite.