Ultimate Voice Recorder Guide of [year] – Top 12
Easy to Use
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Best Microphone
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Best Budget
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01.22.2023
You need the best high-quality voice recorder for recording podcasts, delivering audio lessons, recording music, and much more. Also, if you are an audiophile, you need technology that won’t let you down. Even high-end or expensive phones can not record better quality than a dedicated voice recorder. With a voice recorder, it is easy to record any sound, and you can convert these sounds into high-quality formats, which you can save on several digital mediums such as desktops, laptops, MX players, tablets, and many more. To make it easy for you to choose, here is a list of the best voice recorders with pros, cons, and reviews. Our top pick is the Hidden Voice Recorder 600 Hours.
Below we cover the following:
- Quick links, features, and specifications of each voice device
- In-depth review and explanation of the best voice recorders
- Buying guide on the voice recorders
1. Hidden Voice Recorder 600 Hours
The Hidden Voice Recorder 600 has been designed to offer the best voice recording quality. It is magnetically absorbed, waterproof, and voice-activated.
Using it is easy and straightforward with its functionalities such as a button, hands-free recording for up to 6 hours, as well as playback, rewind, and forward controls. They have also added a LED light which activates in the dark or at night for easy use.
Features:
- Dimensions: 65*25*12mm
- Recording format: WAV
- Playback Formats: WMA,WAV,MP3
- Voice Activated Recording: Yes ounces
What We Liked:
- Magnetic absorption
- 600 Hours Recording
- Voice Activated Recording
- Waterproof
What We Didn’t Like:
- It has no external memory
- It has no built-in speakers
Verdict:
The best features is its 600-hour recording, and it records clearly!
2. 500 hours Voice recorder Dictaphone
Record The Voice Recorder Dictaphone makes recording a breeze. You’ll be able to capture anything, anywhere, anytime with a few clicks of a button, without ever having to worry about your battery dying or forgetting to turn on the recorder. With 128G of storage space, you’ll never be afraid of running out of space for recording. It comes with powerful features like noise filtration and one-click recording, it’s the perfect tool for journalists, reporters, students, newscasters, and more.
Some of the best features we found when we tested was the impressive long range noise reduction. Some voice recorders we looked at allowed static to come into the recording and different noises. You don’t want this especially if your in a noisy area or office with workers near by you.
Some of the great spy features included no lights recording so no one will see the device as well as sound activated recording features that allow you to place the device somewhere and have it only start recording when a sound is sensed.
Finally the encryption was second to none as well as features for automatic saving to make sure you don’t lose those backups.
Features:
- Dimensions: 65*32*17mm
- Record Audio Format: WAV
- Playback Formats: MP3, WAV, WMA
- Battery: Polymer Safety Lithium Battery
What We Liked:
- High Quality
- Pocket Sized
- MP3 Format Recording
- Multiple Storage Options
What We Didn’t Like:
- It does not have a built-in speakers
Verdict:
We really recommend this model all you have to do is click a button and start recording.
Best Microphone
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3. EVISTR 16GB Digital Voice Recorder
Record 1536kbps crystal clear audio quality, and it comes with the remarkable noise cancellation microphone feature. It can capture audio in various formats and sound quality, which are 64kpbs, 128kpbs in MP3, and 1536kpbs in WAV.
Via USB cable, you can charge the recorder and transfer the files to your PC or computer. It is a simple yet powerful device. To start the recording, you can press the REC button and save the file by pressing the STOP button.
It comes with a voice-activated function, and hence it only records when it detects any sound. This function saves the device’s battery and internal storage space. It also allows you to rewind the file during playback, which is quite helpful.
This portable recorder comes with various functions such as A-B repeat, fast forward, and many more. It has time stamp recordings, so it will be easier for you to know the details like the date, time, and more. You will get earphones, a USB cable, and a VIP card as add-ons.
Features:
- Hardware Interface: Micro USB 2.0 Type B
- Recording format: MP3 (128kpbs, 64kpbs), WAV (1536kpbs)
- Batteries: Lithium polymer batteries
- Product Weight: 2.22 ounces
What We Liked:
- Easy to carry and utilize
- There are A-B repeat, fast forward, and many unique features
- It includes the dynamic noise cancellation feature
- It is a voice-activated recorder
- Allows you to play the recordings on various devices
What We Didn’t Like:
- It does not have a password function
Verdict:
One of the best-rated voice recorders and good enough for capturing notes, lectures, interviews, and music. This voice-activated recorder allows you to playback the file.
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Best Budget
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4. Sony ICD-PX370 Mono Digital Voice Recorder
The Sony device records in MP3 at 128 kbps. This format is compressed and takes less storage. It is good enough for long-term usage as it can record for about 57 hrs of audio in MP3 128kbps sound quality.
This PX370 model of Sony ICD includes a built-in USB connector, and via USB, you can quickly transfer the recordings to your computer and other devices. There is no need for a cable, as you can connect it to any free flash drive port.
Another feature that stands out the most is, it comes with four different ‘scene’ pre-sets, which are interviews, music, dictation, and meetings. You can optimize the sound settings depending on your requirements. It includes a 4 GB memory card and can support up to 32 GB SD card of memory.
By turning on the auto voice recording option, the device will optimize audio record settings. This function decreases unnecessary noises in the background. It uses Clear Voice technology which cleans up the background noise to give more sound quality and clarity.
Features:
- Hardware Interface: USB
- Recording Format: MP3 128 kbps
- Batteries: AAA batteries
- Product Weight: 4.8 ounces
What We Liked:
- 57-hour battery life
- It records MP3 and uses less storage
- There is a 2.5 mm headphone jack
- It includes 4GB memory which can store up to 59 hours of audio
What We Didn’t Like:
- It does not have a noise cancellation function
Verdict:
This voice recorder is great for almost any budget. It can record sound in MP3 quickly and easily. You can transfer files to your PC with ease, and they consume less memory.
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Easy to Use
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5. Zoom H1n Portable Recorder
The Zoom H1n Portable Recorder is good enough for any situation, like for capturing notes, lectures, interviews, conferences, music, and more. It comes with built-in stereo microphones in 90 degrees X/Y stereo format, which ensures premium audio.
The device has a sleek surface with a matte coating and a modern mic protector or cage. There are many localized and intuitive menus for simple operation. With the advanced one-touch button controls, it is easy to use, record, and transfer files.
The 1.25-inch monochrome LCD is a great feature. It is small enough to keep in your purse and large enough for professional operations. The device gives you distortion-free recording up to 120 dB SPL.
It saves the files directly into the SD and SDHC cards and can support 32 GB of memory. Besides, it can support up to 24-bit or 96 kHz audio in BWF-compliant WAV format or other MP3 formats. You will receive batteries and a user manual as add-ons.
Features:
- Hardware Interface: USB
- Recording Format: Not specified
- Batteries: AAA batteries
- Product Weight: 2.4 ounces
What We Liked:
- Small, lightweight, and compact
- Simple and easy to utilize
- Versatile pick and high-quality materials
- Allows easy transfer of files to computer
What We Didn’t Like:
- Not an ideal pick for voice covers and recording YouTube videos
- You have to spend extra money to buy an SD card
Verdict:
Portable voice recorder that is easy to carry and use. It is decent for various purposes such as dubbing videos, voice recording, podcasts, and even interviews. This device comes with a 2.5 mm headphones jack.
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Best 2-in-1 Model
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6. Vandlion 64GB Keychain Voice Recorder
The Portable keychain voice recorder includes 64 GB of memory. It has enough space to record continuously for 15 hours and storage space that saves up to 750 hours of audio files. The device can record in WAV formats.
You can use it as a professional music player or a flash drive. This device comes with HQ recording microphones. Hence, you can hear crystal-clear recordings and playback with ease. It includes the PCM digital and noise reduction technology to give you noise-free recordings.
There are 360 degrees of panoramic recording functions that provide natural sounds. To playback the files, you can use the wire drive headphones. For file management, it is essential to connect them to your PC or computer.
Pair the recorder with your vehicle key, door key, backpack, locker key, and more to carry them for outdoor use. There is a headset with remote control, user manual, USB data cable, and a keyring in the package.
Features:
- Hardware Interface: USB and 2.0
- Recording Format: WAV 192kpbs
- Batteries: Lithium polymer batteries
- Product Weight: 0.14 Kilograms
What We Liked:
- It includes a handset with remote control
- Good enough for outdoor or traveling purposes
- You can hook accessories, key chains, door keys, zips, and more
- It runs on a 150mAh lithium battery
What We Didn’t Like:
- It is not discreet as you can notice the on and off buttons
Verdict:
You can utilize the voice device as a keychain, and hence it is good enough for outdoor use. This voice-activated recorder includes a triple sound reduction feature. It uses PCM noise reduction software to give you the best recordings.
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Best for Beginners
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7. Olympus WS-853 Voice Recorder
The Olympus True Stereo Mic includes two directional microphones with 90 degrees position. You can get a high sound quality stereo experience using this Olympus model. When you keep the device on a table, the built-in stand decreases the surface vibration and sound.
Depending on the frequency situation, the Auto Mode function of the Olympus recorder adjusts the microphone sensitivity. To select this function, you have to choose the ‘Auto’ option from the menu bar.
The Olympus WS-853 Voice Recorder comes in two different modes. For entry-level users, it has a Simple Mode. For advanced or professional users, there is a Normal Mode with full functionality and extra elements. The noise cancellation feature gives crystal-clear playback audio quality.
The WS-853 Olympus model allows for a direct connection via USB to your computer without a wire. Hence, you can save the files anytime, anywhere without carrying any cable. Moreover, to protect the WS-853 Olympus device from dust and other particles, there is a protective cover.
Features:
- Hardware Interface: Micro SD card, USB, Secure Digital Card
- Recording Format: MP3
- Batteries: AAA alkaline battery or Ni-MH rechargeable battery
- Product Weight: 1.6 ounces
What We Liked:
- Auto Mode automatically can adjust microphone sensitivity
- It includes two directional microphones and noise cut functions
- A perfect pick for beginners
- It allows for direct connection via USB without any wire or cable
What We Didn’t Like:
- You can not find noise filters in the device
Verdict:
The Olympus 8 GB memory voice recorder is the perfect pick for entry-level users. It comes with durable stereo microphones, which include two different Olympus directional microphones.
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Best 1.8 Inches HD LCD Screen
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8. Aiworth 16GB Digital Voice Activated Recorder
The device comes with a double-sensitive microphone. It includes professional recording IC and supports up to 1536kbps PCM high-quality recording. It features a built-in 800mAh rechargeable battery which can run for about 45 hours with constant recording.
There is 16 GB of flash memory which easily can save up to 1160 hours of recording time. Besides, the device supports up to 32GB TF cards which you have to buy separately. It has a simple, easy-to-use design and has a lifetime software upgrade service.
You can find all kinds of operation buttons on the front side of the device. Another feature that is worth talking about is, there are 16 levels to adjust the play speed. You can play it faster, slower, and jump to a certain point.
Like the high-end models, this recorder comes with power-on password protection. You have about 8000 combinations to set a three-digit password, and without the password, nobody can use it. After three chances of trial and error, the device will automatically turn off.
Features:
- Hardware Interface: MicroSD, 3.5mm Audio, USB 2.0
- Recording Format: MP3 Audio, WAV, WMA (1536 Kbps)
- Batteries: Lithium-ion batteries
- Product Weight: 2.4 ounces
What We Liked:
- Power-on password protection
- It has various playback speed options and A-B repeat options
- Good enough for professional recording
- It comes with a dual sensitive microphone
What We Didn’t Like:
- Unlike its other models, it does not have an FM radio option
Verdict:
In the 1.8 inch HD display, you can see the battery span, signal strength, recording duration, recording quality, audio quality, and more. There are no confusing combination keys as it has one button for every option making it easy to use.
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Best Handheld Voice Device
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9. Sony ICD-BX140 4GB Digital Voice Recorder
The Sony ICD-BX140 4GB Digital Voice Recorder captures crystal clear audio in versatile formats such as HVXC and MP3. This high-end device comes with a built-in 300mW speaker using which you can playback the files.
The Sony ICD-BX140 4GB Digital Voice Recorder runs on AAA batteries. The maximum battery life of the device is 45 hours in MP3 8kbps recording and 30 hours in HVXC 2kbps recording.
The device comes with 4GB internal memory, which can easily store short clips and 1043 hours of recording time. It is easy to use, and you can keep the device in your hand or purse, or backpack. There are automatic record level settings, and it comes with a low-cut filter to decrease the wind effect.
The Sony ICD-BX140 4GB Digital Voice Recorder gives additional recording time and overwrites a few functions to correct the clips. The headphone jack and built-in microphone are the input-output terminals. The audio response of the mono microphone is 75 Hz–15 kHz.
Features:
- Hardware Interface: USB
- Recording Format: MP3 8kbps
- Batteries: A battery
- Product Weight: 2.54 ounces
What We Liked:
- It comes with a built-in 300mW speaker
- Easy to transfer the clips
- This recorder has automatic record level settings
- You will get 4,175 hours of recording time
What We Didn’t Like:
- A few issues with the display and body material
Verdict:
If you want, you can carry this Sony digital voice recorder in hand as it is tiny in size and weighs less. It has a silver color with a simple design, and you can find the volume, divide, and erase options on the sidebar.
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Most Affordable
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10. Homelae USB Mini Digital Voice Recorder
The Homelae Mini Digital Voice Recorder has a dual connector with both a micro-USB plug and USB 2.0. Without using any cable or software, you can listen to the sound clips on your Windows, Mac, PC, or Android systems via a USB plug.
You can get crisp and crystal-clear 128Kbps in MP3. The user-friendly device features a single button to record the sound and to save it. It comes with a built-in 16 GB internal memory storage space. You can store more than 2500 full-length songs in the internal memory.
The recording device uses a rechargeable 150mAh lithium battery, which can record for about five hours with only two hours of charging. Even when the power is about to die, the digital recorder helps in saving the audio files.
You can transfer files into many devices as it shows impressive compatibility with Android, Windows, Mac, and other gadgets. All you have to do is insert the recorder and drag the files into your system.
Features:
- Hardware Interface: USB 2.0
- Recording Format: MP3
- Batteries: Lithium-ion batteries
- Product Weight: 1.44 ounces
What We Liked:
- It has 360 sensitive microphone
- This recorder captures sound in MP3 128Kbps format
- 1-year warranty
- It is compatible with various devices and systems
What We Didn’t Like:
- The plastic holder is of low quality and breaks easily
Verdict:
Unlike other high-end and expensive models, this voice device is available at a cheaper and reasonable rate. It is a digital voice recorder dictaphone that comes with a double USB.
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Best Mini Voice Recorder
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11. TileRec – Slimmest Voice Activated Recorder
The device is by far the only recorder with tiny, lightweight, and minimal size. It can fit anywhere like in your wallet, hand, money bag, cosmetics bag, pant pocket, home decor, stuffed toy, and many more.
It has a small square shape design that measures 1.6 inches, and the thickness is just 1/4 inches. This device can run for about a day, and the recording capacity is around 145 hours. Besides, it only takes two hours to get fully charged.
You will get a 128 kbps wide range of MP3 recordings, and there is no need for other software to playback the audio files. There is a voice activation sensor that makes sure not to miss even the slightest word exchange.
You can keep it in continuous recording mode when you want to capture interviews, conferences, or meetings. When the recorder is running, you are free to either on or off the LED light. The sturdy case is of durable aluminum alloy to increase the reliability of the device.
Features:
- Hardware Interface: Micro USB 3.0 Type B
- Recording Format: MP3 128 kbps
- Batteries: Lithium-ion batteries
- Product Weight: 3.98 ounces
What We Liked:
- Tiniest voice recorder of all time
- It shows user-friendly compatibility with OS systems
- You can carry it everywhere
- It has the ability to record up to 15 feet at 360 degrees angle
What We Didn’t Like:
- There is no loop recording function
Verdict:
It is so far the smallest voice recorder. In terms of functionality and recording quality, it is on par with other large voice recorders. The recorder has a square shape thin design and records voice in MP3 format.
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Best Audio Quality
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12. Sony ICD-UX570 Digital Voice Recorder
The Sony ICD-UX570 Digital Voice Recorder is one of the best versatile picks of all time. It can capture high-quality sound with accuracy.
Due to its small and slim design, you can keep it in any corner or compact spaces like a pen case, hand purse, and more.
When compared to its previous models, the Sony ICD-UX570 Digital Voice Recorder comes with improved audio quality features. Hence, you can have a crystal clear, crisp, and more flexible recording, which you can differentiate easily.
The built-in USB feature allows you to directly connect the device to your system for charging and saving the files. It comes with 4 GB memory and has a separate slot for a MicroSD card. The Sony headphone jack allows you to hear the reordered files.
The device comes with three different recording modes. They are Normal mode, Focus mode, and wide-stereo recording mode. Besides, the built-in mic input gives a simple connection to the external microphone. There are digital pitch control, linear PCM, and many other features.
Features:
- Hardware Interface: USB
- Recording Format: MP3
- Batteries: Lithium polymer batteries
- Product Weight: 0.11 Pounds
What We Liked:
- It comes with three audio functions
- Direct connection without using wires
- There is a separate microSD card slot
- It records audio at MP3 48kbps
What We Didn’t Like:
- This Sony model is expensive
Verdict:
The Sony voice recorder comes with every essential feature making it one of the best choices. You can record the audio with excellent audio quality as the device comes with three different audio quality capturing modes. They are wide-stereo, focus mode, and normal mode.
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Things To Consider Before Purchasing The Best Voice Recorders
Here are a few features that you need to consider before buying any voice recording device.
1. Size and Weight
In general, most voice recorders have a portable size and weigh less so that it will be easy for you to carry them in your pocket or bag without much effort. In contrast, the large digital voice recorders are heavy and have a bulky design making them difficult to carry. But, these large recorders come with an external microphone which gives high-quality results.
2. Audio Quality
In the market, there are various models with different sound quality. For students or entry-level users who want to record lectures, voice notes, or messages, any voice recorder is good enough to use. But for professional usage like interviews, music recording, only the high-end voice recorders are the best option. These high-end recorders capture the sound with superior quality and reduce unnecessary noise.
3. Power Source or Battery Life
It is one of the crucial factors to consider before buying the voice recorder. Mainly, the recorder gets the power either by direct charging or through batteries. Some can survive for about 10 hours, and a few can run for months. If they run on batteries, check the battery life so that you know whether it is enough while traveling or not. If you want, you can check the specifications for more details. (1)
4. Versatile or Other Features
A few high-end digital voice recorders are good enough for versatile usage as they come with numerous features like a built-in music player or a USB, and more. Hence, all these extra features improve the versatility of the recorder. Keep in mind to select the device which has everything you need.
5. Storage Space
For regular use, 8 GB internal storage space is good enough. If you need to record lengthy voice notes, music, video clips, it is better to pick the high storage device. You can find many digital voice recorders with 16 GB, 24 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB internal storage space. (2)
6. Audio Fidelity
Audio fidelity is mainly about how precise the sound is via digital recording. It depends on two main aspects, which are bit depth and sampling rate. It is better to check the essential specifications of the device to know more about it. (3)
7. Computer Compatibility
Make sure to buy the voice recorder that shows compatibility with your desktop or computer like Windows, OS, Windows, Mac, and more. Hence, it will be easy for you to send and receive the audio recordings from the recorder to your computer.
8. Price
Every single penny which you want to spend on the voice recorder is crucial. We recommend that you buy the device which is perfect for you. There are many affordable recorders with essential features that are good for regular and constant use.
Conclusion
We tested a ton of different kinds of digital voice recorders, and the above products stand as the best. We took plenty of factors into consideration, such as storage, output quality, ease of use, button controls, design, price, device compatibility, warranty, and much more. All of them surpass our best voice recorder requirement list. However, our top pick is EVISTR 16GB Digital Voice Recorder. This recorder tops every requirement and has its mark as the customer’s favorite pick.
References
(1) power source – https://www.britannica.com/technology/power-source
(2) Storage Space – https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/storage/storage-spaces/overview
(3) Audio Fidelity – https://www.open.edu/openlearn/science-maths-technology/introduction-electronics/content-section-4.1
Written by
John Fox
Senior Writer & Director
John Fox has been working as a security consultant for over 20 years. During his time in the industry, he’s learned about what it takes to ensure your home and family are always safe. With Safe Now, he’s tried to take those two decades of experience and share it with others. His goal now is to help others figure out how to make the right choices for their businesses and families.
