Voice recorders are convenient and portable tools. They can document lectures, interviews, conversations, and any other environmental audio you may want to listen back to later. Unlike magnetic tape designs of yesteryear, today’s voice recorders record to internal flash media or SD cards to deliver better file organization and compatibility with computers. Voice recorders range widely in terms of audio quality; some designs are capable of recording wide stereo sound at high bitrates, while others excel at capturing compressed audio and speech alone. Knowing the difference can profoundly affect your listening experience. If you’re looking for a quick solution for capturing audio on the go, the best voice recorders will have your back and make sure you don’t miss a single detail.
Since they’re often used for capturing live discussions, interviews, and lectures in critical scenarios with the intent to review and playback, we selected the best voice recorders with quick startup time and an easy-to-use interface.
Most of our picks can record with the single press of a button, ensuring you don’t miss out on any details when capturing audio. We also aimed to include voice recorders that are small and portable, which is an important design consideration that helps users travel light and draws less attention to the fact that they’re recording in the first place.
The most compact picks on our list tend to record lower-quality files, while relatively bulkier ones can record high-fidelity audio. In making sure the entire spectrum of audio quality is represented, this list can accommodate everything from the most casual recording applications to critical production situations.
Voice recorders are fairly simple devices that consist of microphones, recording controls, playback, and file storage systems. In a pinch, there’s one built-in (or available to download) in every modern smartphone. But the best voice recorders are set apart by portability, quality of recording, and ease of use, saving users time and allowing them to focus on the conversation or lecture at hand.
Why it made the cut: Expandable storage and quick-charging features make this pocket-sized recorder a good option for frequent use on short notice.
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This compact voice recorder from Sony features automatic file organization and a handy selection of onboard controls. The design makes it the best voice recorder for interviews. Key among its front-panel buttons are two playback navigation buttons. One fast-forwards 10 seconds, and the other rewinds three seconds. This functionality, combined with the unit’s automatic file labeling system, allows users to review recordings quickly and efficiently, making this a good tool for transcribing interviews and other spoken-word recordings.
Other standout features of this design include a headphone jack for playback and a 55-hour battery life. Unfortunately, you’ll need to keep a set of AAA batteries around since the recorder doesn’t have an internal one (we suggest rechargeable batteries). The external microphone input appeals to users who want more control over their recordings. When using the unit’s onboard stereo microphones, users can toggle between normal stereo, wide-field, and focused recording modes. When it’s time to transfer files to the computer, this voice recorder has its own USB connector that pops out and retracts with a simple switch.
Why it made the cut: The H1n is a rugged portable recorder built by an industry-leading audio company that features easy controls and 90-degree stereo recording.
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Zoom portable recorders are well-known in the audio and video production industry as a great option for capturing audio on-site at events due to their relatively high durability and sound quality. The H1n aims to pack this reputation into a compact and affordable digital recorder that can be used for a wide variety of purposes from concerts and musical sampling to interview and lecture recording. Because it has a high volume limit and records in resolutions of up to 24-bit/96 kHz, this is the best digital voice recorder to consider if sound quality is your primary concern.
Design-wise, the H1n has a relatively streamlined user interface and a monochrome display that is controllable via a series of buttons on the front panel. It has one-touch recording and automatic distortion prevention, which are key features that help this recorder excel in settings where setup time is limited or non-existent.
Its array of two condenser microphones record in a fixed X/Y stereo configuration, allowing users to pick up a wide field of audio without any adjustment required, and these microphones are protected within a cage that’s integrated into the body of the recorder.
The H1n’s plastic construction allows it to be portable and lightweight. Ideally, the H1n should be mounted on a stand using its built-in threaded mount, but if you need to operate it in handheld mode, consider wrapping the body in a microfiber cloth or other dampening material. The H1n also uses traditional AAA batteries, which can feel slightly inconvenient and antiquated in terms of portability (and don’t forget to hold onto used ones to dispose of them properly). Still, it does prevent the need to stop and charge up when the battery runs out. That’s another reason pros like it.
Why it made the cut: The combination of voice activation, built-in storage, audio file support, and audio quality, all packed into a tiny form factor made this recorder a top pick.
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Despite its compact form factor, the EVISTR 16GB Digital Voice Recorder offers a large amount of recording features and the best overall value. As mentioned, the EVISTR Voice Recorder is small—small enough to comfortably fit inside your pocket, in fact. Its audio quality, on the other hand, is anything but small. It’s voice-activated, and even in noisy settings, the sound quality is clear and intelligible, with little background noise. In a quieter environment, like a classroom, recordings absolutely shine. Similarly, the EVISTR Voice Recorder comes with 16GB of internal storage, which, again, is a fairly large amount considering the recorder’s size.
In terms of functionality, the EVISTR Voice Recorder features an intuitive and easy-to-use interface that makes operating it a breeze. All of the expected recording and playback features are included, as well as some more advanced features like a voice-activated recording mode and “dynamic noise cancellation.”
The one drawback to the EVISTR 16GB Digital Voice Recorder might be its lack of a microphone jack. However, that likely won’t be an issue for most users and definitely doesn’t compromise the recorder’s tremendous overall value.
Why it made the cut: Unlimited cloud storage and eight hours of battery life give you plenty of time to channel your inner Narduar or Billy Eichner.
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Street interviews are some of the most popular TikToks on the platform. If you’re looking for a wireless way to record high-quality audio, look to the Blast Mic. All you need to get started is a WiFi connection and the Blast Radio mobile app. After you’re done taking the streets asking hard-hitting questions like “name a woman for $1,” your audio will be uploaded to your Blast Radio channel. You can keep it on your channel, or you can record audio right on the mic to download, edit, and export later. You get a lossless WAV file, which means the final product will sound pristine and crystal clear. Sorry, tiny mic—your days might be over, thanks to the Blast Mic.
Why it made the cut: With two ultra-sensitive mics that can capture high-quality audio from 40 feet away, the Dictopro X100 Voice Recorder is an ideal solution for anyone who needs to do some long-distance recording.
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The Dictropro X100 is a very stylish, pocket-sized recorder that somehow manages to perform just as well as it looks. Two ultra-sensitive microphones with dynamic noise reduction allow the Dictopro X100 to record high-quality sound at distances up to 40 feet away, making this recorder especially useful for recordings captured from afar, such as in a lecture hall. You can record those files in either WAV or MP3 format.
Long-distance recording aside, the Dictopro X100 includes several other useful recording features, including a voice-activated function that allows you to record audio without pressing a button. Perhaps not as cool as voice-activated recording, but arguably even more useful is the Dictopro’s 8GB of internal storage, which supports up to 700 hours of recordings.
Additional features include a headphone and external mic port, the ability to function as an MP3 player, and even an alarm clock—something you rarely see in a handheld voice recorder. One feature that is missing, however, is a microSD card port, which means you’ll have to rely on the Dictopro’s 8GB of internal storage.
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Why it made the cut: Pocket-sized portability, plenty of storage, and quick-charge features make this recorder a great recording solution for students and other users on the go.
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The slim and sleek Sony ICD-UX570 Digital Voice Recorder offers several features that make it an excellent solution for students or those recording in a classroom setting. For example, the recorder’s stereo mics and three distinct recording modes—Normal, Focus, and Wide-stereo—allow users to capture sound naturally, regardless of whether they are in a small classroom or large lecture hall. In addition to its superior sound quality, the Sony ICD-UX570 Digital Voice Recorder also comes with 4GB of built-in storage, which is almost 160 hours of compressed audio. And when you’re ready to transfer your recorded audio, simply plug the Sony ICD-UX570 Digital Voice Recorder into any compatible device using the recorder’s built-in USB.
Other student-friendly features include the voice recorder’s compact build, which allows it to be carried to and from class easily, a bright OLED display, and a built-in rechargeable battery that can last up to 27 hours. That same battery also supports fast-charging tech, which yields up to 1 hour of recording time off of only a 3-minute charge.
Why it made the cut: The Zoom H6 All Black Recorder offers more professional-grade features than any other handheld recorder on the market and is an ideal recording solution for those looking to put some serious muscle behind their production.
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The Zoom H6 All Black Recorder is a professional-grade handheld recorder that features swappable stereo mic capsules, versatile six mic/line inputs, and support for up to 6-track recording—making it an ideal recording solution for podcasts, musicians, and content creators of every stripe and in any setting.
Despite an innumerable list of recording features, the H6 is incredibly user-friendly. Its front panel is arranged in such a way that it prioritizes the more essential controls, including the transport buttons and the gain control and pad selector for the XLR/TRS inputs. Operations are also made easier thanks to the H6’s full-color LCD display that is angled slightly to give users a constant clear view of the screen.
In terms of file format and quality, the H6 lets you record audio as WAV files up to 24-bit/96 kHz. You can track as MP3 files as well. The H6 records those files to any compatible SD card with up to 128 GB of storage.
The H6 All Black handheld recorder is definitely meant for professional setups, which is why it carries such a hefty price tag. The value is actually quite good when you consider the exhaustive list of features it includes, and it involves many less components than a typical mobile recording rig, but you’ll want to make certain you actually need those features before doling out the cash for this high-end recorder.
Why it made the cut: This voice recorder doubles as a pen, allowing users to jot down notes while reviewing their recordings—and it’s cheap.
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When it comes to note-taking, it can be difficult and cumbersome to keep pace with speakers and lecturers whether you’re typing on a computer or writing in a notebook. This voice recorder for lectures from Akaluli looks like something straight out of a spy movie and aims to offer a streamlined note-taking process that covers all the bases. It’s a working ballpoint pen, but there’s a 32-gigabyte digital voice recorder inside. Users can begin recording audio of their surroundings with a single press of the top button, and the onboard memory can store roughly 400 hours of audio before requiring a file cleanup.
Compared to other best voice recorders, this unit excels at being discreet and easy to use. It’s literally a ballpoint pen, so it blends in with any office environment, and it offers convenient features like one-touch recording, automatic file organization, and automatic saving in the event of low battery. It comes with a USB cable as well as a small pair of earbuds, so users can enjoy full functionality right out of the box without the need to purchase extra items.
If you anticipate needing a voice recorder with expandable storage, a pen recorder isn’t the best option. It’s limited to 32GB of built-in storage. This pen recorder also sports LED indicator lights for recording status and battery status, but these can’t be turned off at will, so some users may find them disruptive in dark environments.
At their most basic, handheld voice records all perform the same basic function. To choose a handheld voice recorder that’s good for you, consider how you intend to use it. If you’re looking to record vocals for singing, consider one of the best microphones for vocals. In general, a good voice recorder should produce clear, intelligible audio, be easy to use, and be portable. Here is what you should know:
Manufacturers often save space on voice recorders by recording at lower bitrates and in compressed formats. This is usually fine for note-taking applications and transcription purposes, but if you want to use your recorded audio in a production setting, go with a voice recorder that records in high-quality formats like the Zoom H1n or the Sony ICD-UX570. Bear in mind that the higher the quality you’re recording, the faster you’ll run out of storage space.
In some states, you can’t just plop down a recorder and press “record” without getting consent from all parties involved. 38 states and D.C. have “one-party” consent requirements when recording phone calls or conversations. That means only one person—yourself included if you’re in the conversation—needs to consent to be recorded. The other 11 states—California, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, and Washington—require all-party consent, meaning everyone in the conversation has to agree to be recorded. Getting this consent is as simple as asking, “Can I record this conversation?” beforehand. If you really want to keep receipts, get confirmation to record in writing, or get verbal confirmation off the record (while the recorder is not running) and then confirm on the record (while the recorder is running) that they consented to being recorded. If you can’t remember all this, some lawyers went to school for this—and posted the nitty-gritty of these laws online—who you can reference.
The human voice occupies a specific frequency range, which is why certain technologies, including noise-canceling headphones and smartphone microphones are particularly good at separating it from background noise. If you’re recording speech primarily for note-taking purposes, consider a voice recorder like the SciTech Mini Digital Voice Activated Recorder that automatically enhances speech while ignoring background noise.
Voice recorders with higher storage capacities are better suited for the unpredictable conditions of remote recording, whether you’re conducting interviews, recording concerts, or sampling environmental audio. If you’ll be using your voice recorder for sustained periods in offsite locations, consider a design that uses SD cards or other removable media to ensure that you don’t run out of space when you need it. The Zoom H1n is particularly good for this type of use, or you can opt for the Sony ICD-UX570, which has its own dedicated internal memory plus SD card compatibility.
If you’re looking to record audio without drawing attention to that fact, a traditional voice recorder may not make the cut. Products like the Akaluli Digital Voice Recorder and the SciTech Mini Digital Voice Activated Recorder can record high-quality audio while remaining relatively inconspicuous, which can help put interviewees at ease and improve the quality of your interactions.
While this guide is dedicated to the hardware you’ll need to create recordings, you should make sure the one you choose supports the MP3 or AAC audio formats. These common formats are compatible with all free or paid audio editors, music production software, and other recorders and media players for Windows and macOS. Selecting higher-quality audio formats like FLAC, ALAC, or AIFF will eat up more space, which means your recorder won’t be able to hold as many recordings.
This depends on how much you’re willing to spend, but voice records should cost less than $100.
Q: How do I choose a good voice recorder?At their most basic, handheld voice records all perform the same basic function. To choose a handheld voice recorder that’s good for you, consider how you intend to use it. In general, a good voice recorder should produce clear, intelligible audio, be easy to use, and be portable.
Q: Are voice recorders better than phones?When it comes to recording voice audio, handheld voice recorders do offer some significant advantages over smartphones. The most notable of these advantages is sound quality. Handheld voice recorders are designed specifically to capture voice audio. As such, they include recording capabilities most smartphones cannot compete with, including better internal microphones, greater support for different file formats, noise filtering, and more.
Q: How do I transfer data from a voice recorder to my computer?This depends on the voice recorder. In some cases, you can plug it directly into your computer; in other cases, you’ll need to eject a memory card from the recorder and insert it into your computer. Voice recorders with a high amount of storage can record for several hours at a time. Voice recorders have limited software that allows you to begin and end recordings, and in some cases check your volume levels or other basic data.
Voice recorders are a helpful tool for eliminating the challenge of sustained note-taking and listening, allowing people involved in lectures, conversations, and interviews to remain engaged. When it’s time to review your audio, the best voice recorders also offer easy playback functions to make transcription a breeze. If you’re looking for a convenient way to create recordings, make notes, or keep tabs on the go, a dedicated voice recorder can do all the heavy lifting for you.
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