
Want to know more? Find out how we test audio gear. In the end, we selected the best device for each situation that calls for the capabilities of a voice recorder. We opted for brands with solid reputations among audio pros and amateurs alike, selecting the models that have been shown to get each job done best, as noted in video explainers, user reviews, and general online advice forums. For mid-range units geared towards lectures and meetings, we looked for quick-access, pre-set options that let users get the most out of a recording without too much fuss. So, we went for recorders that paired quality hardware, like XY-axis condenser microphones, with pro-grade feature customization, like low-cut filters and tone insertion for use with video. We wanted to find an option that would work for each of the most common scenarios, from basic voice capture to publishing-quality audio.Īmazingly, compared with a decade ago, a handheld voice recorder can now deliver studio-quality audio at prices that aren’t much more than $100. Students and cub reporters need something different from YouTubers and podcasters. Best Overall: Sony ICD-UX570 - Best Budget: Sony ICD-BX140 - Best for Interviews: Tascam DR-05X - Best for Lectures: Olympus WS 852 - Best for Singing: Zoom H1n How We Picked the Best Voice Recordersįinding the “right” voice recorder is as much about your needs as it is about the unit itself. We found the best digital voice recorders for each common use-case. Today’s higher-end recorders deliver mind-boggling audio quality that’s perfectly fit for distribution, podcasters take note. Handheld or propped on a desk, mid-range digital voice recorders are capable of capturing hundreds of hours of lectures or work meetings without running out of battery. But if your recording’s quality or length matter, a digital voice recorder will easily beat your phone any day of the week. Yes, you already probably have a serviceable voice recorder on your person right now.
