You don’t have to be just a content creator to need a good quality digital voice recorder. Its wide application makes having one mandatory if you have any use for recording audio at all. Whether you are a student who needs to record lectures, a podcaster who takes interviews, or just a professional who needs to record meetings, a digital voice recorder helps you record the audio whenever you need to without needing any more gadgets. You can use that sound files later for your vlogs, podcasting, YouTube challenges or to get some grip on your ideas.
Digital voice recorders work really well for recording interviews. You can record the audio file for podcasting or sync the files into video later. With that said, there are dedicated mics for interviews, and we have a guide on that as well. These can connect directly into the voice recorders as well.
Also Read: Best Interview Microphones
In this article, we will look at some of the best digital voice recorders for your convenience. Digital voice recorders these days have come a long way since their humble beginning. They are more advanced and rich in features. Voice recorders are available in all budgets. We have included both some high-end recorders and some cheap options so you can choose one that fits in your budget and serve the purpose as well.
1. Sony PCMD100
- High-resolution voice recorder
- Portable and solid build
- Features two stereo mics for picking up sound
- Extended frequency response
Sony is a well-known brand that is known for its good quality electronics. This one is a high-resolution voice recorder that records high-quality audio. It is a premium quality voice recorder that comes at a high price.
The voice recorder is designed to be portable and solid. It has a lightweight metal body that is sturdy yet very easy to carry, even in a pocket. Its rugged build helps you take it wherever you go conveniently.
It comes with two stereo x-y microphones for picking up sound effectively. The built-in microphone has a frequency response between 20 Hz to 20 kHz. The extended frequency response helps you to record audio with detail and clarity.
The microphone can record audio in different formats. You can record audio in DSD, WAV, or MP3 files. It also provides additional playback support for Flack, WMA, and AAC files.
The voice recorder allows you to store the audio files in its internal memory or an SD card. It features a flash memory of 32 GB. With that, it also comes with an SD card that makes it a good option for unlimited storage.
The voice recorder is powered with AA alkaline batteries. The batteries give maximum use, and these are easy to replace as well.
Overall, it’s a premium quality digital voice recorder that is designed for professional use. Its high price is justified with its durability and performance. The audio recorder works well with its powerful microphones and helps you record audio in different file formats so you can later sync with your video content.
2. Sony ICD-UX570
- Compact and easy to carry
- USB port for easy connectivity
- Supports different file formats
- Comes with a 32 GB SD card
This one is another great option from Sony. It is a professional voice recorder but with a considerably lesser price than our previous option. It is perfect for beginners who need excellent voice recording on a tight budget.
It’s a digital audio recorder that can be used for multiple purposes. You can use it for recording personal voice notes, meetings, lectures, or any other audio for vlogging or podcasting.
The voice recorder comes in a compact and easy to carry form. It’s a lightweight option and has a handheld body structure. The voice recorder has a USB port that makes connectivity easy. Simply plug it into your system to transfer all the audio recordings.
The voice recorder comes with built-in microphones that not only capture the audio but enhance its quality. An audio command is also available that can operate voice recordings.
The recorder features three different recording functions to suit different situations. You can record the natural sound, use directional mode for picking up sound from a certain direction, or have a narrow recording range for capturing specific sounds.
The recorder can save files in different file formats to make your job later easier; the highly sensitive microphone records audio in WAV, WMA, AAC, or MP3 formats.
The recording process is easy and hassle-free. All options are readily available to help you organize your work. You can navigate through the recordings with dates and times. The recorder also features a recording level meter that makes it easy to know the exact level of volume right or left side of the microphone is recording.
Overall, it’s a good quality voice recorder that is designed to suit all voice recording needs. It stores the data in an SD card which has a capacity of 32 GB.
3. Zoom H1n Portable Recorder
- Rugged Build
- Captures distortion-free audio
- Powerful stereo mics
Zoom offers a range of portable and handheld voice recorders that are known for their high quality and great functionality. This one is the H1n audio recorder that is perfect for content creators of different niches.
The audio recorder has a rugged build that is durable and easy to take anywhere. It has a portable body that suits the content creators who are always on the go. It has a special mic enclosure to protect the mics from daily wear and tear. The rugged build and secure design of mics allow you to toss it in a handbag or pocket freely.
The H1n features built-in X-Y microphones for capturing high-quality stereo sound. The mics are powerful and cover a wide sound field for recording crystal clear sound recordings.
With these powerful stereo mics, the recorder features a powerful onboard limiter that helps you capture distortion-free audio. It can pick up the audio signal with up to 120 dB SPL. You can capture clear audio in a very noisy environment.
The handy recorder lets you control the playback speed so you can transcribe the recording easily. It also features an overdub option that lets you add sound over existing audio.
The recorder offers a simple controlling interface. It features a one-touch button and also a localized menu that is convenient for laypeople and professionals alike.
Overall, it’s a good quality voice recorder with plenty of useful features for professional use at a very reasonable price.
4. Zoom H6
- Premium quality voice recorder
- Excellent sound quality
- Features both TRS and XLR lines
- Long-lasting battery life
This one is a premium quality voice recorder within the Zoom H series. Our previous option was great for beginners and everyday use, but this one is designed for professionals and comes with enhanced features.
Zoom H6 is a portable recorder that is easy to operate. It provides excellent sound quality that you need for a professional vlog or podcasting. The sound is recorded with excellent clarity and detail.
The best part of having this voice recorder is that you can start recording anywhere and end up having professional quality audio as it is battery-powered so you can take it along for long interview sessions. It is powered by AA batteries that are easy to replace. The battery provides up to 20 hours of recording before you need a new one.
The voice recorder does well for music recordings. It comes with six-line inputs that allow you to connect the recorder not only with your mic or system but with your musical instruments as well.
The recorder comes with interchangeable mic capsules for recording audio. You can use the same recorder for recording the audio on different scenes. It comes with both X and Y mic capsules for recording the stereo sounds.
It provides both TRS and XLR inputs for connectivity. Whether you are using an audio interface for processing the audio or need to upload audio into your system, the different line inputs make it easy.
Overall, it’s a premium quality voice recorder designed for professional content creators. Its versatile uses and the quality of sound gives great value for your money.
5. Tascam DR-05X
- Lightweight and compact
- Large LCD screen
- Input line for headset and mic
- Stereo mics boost audio
The Tascam DR-05X is a reliable voice recorder with plenty of useful options. It is priced less than Zoom H6 and suits content creators who need high quality audio at a reasonable price.
It’s a lightweight and compact design that you can fit in a pocket or handbag conveniently. The recorder has such a wide application that suits everyone. Whether you are a content creator or simply someone who needs to record lectures or meetings, this one is a perfect option for recording high-quality audio for later use.
The voice recorder will save the audio files in WAV or MP3 files. The files are stored in a MicroSD card or MicroSDHC card without burdening your phone or system hardware.
The voice recorder features high-quality microphones for boosting the audio and captures stereo quality sound. The recorder features a basic headphone jack input for transferring files or connecting with external mics. The headphone jack can be used not only for connectivity but provides plug-in power for the mics that require it.
The voice recorder features an LCD screen that helps you navigate the menu conveniently. Overall, it’s a good voice recorder with all the basic functionality.
6. EVISTR 16GB Digital Voice Recorder
- Low-priced voice recorder
- Simple functionality
- Easy to use
- Can playback audio
This one is a low-budget voice recorder that suits hobbyists or beginners who cannot afford high-end devices for sound recording.
Even at such a low price, the recorder performs well. It provides good quality recordings. It features speakers so that you can hear the playback right on the device. The audio quality isn’t up to par with other options in this list, but will suffice if you just want audio quality that’s better compared to your smartphone.
It can record audio in both WAV and MP3 formats so you can play these easily on any device conveniently.
Other than that, this sound recorder offers very basic functionality. It provides easy to touch buttons for handling the recording. You can rewind, fast forward, or repeat the recorded sounds from these buttons. The simple functions make it an excellent choice for taking personal notes.
It has a smart option that can be activated with voice. You can set it on voice activation, so it starts recording when someone starts speaking. That makes it a convenient option for interviews or for recording meetings or lectures.
Not only it stores the audio files in an SD card, but stamps the recording so you can manage the record and retrieve it easily whenever you need it. It comes with a 16GB SD card that can store audio files for later use.
Overall, it’s a nice option that is available on a very low budget. It performs well, but you can’t expect professional results as with other expensive recorders.
7. Olympus Voice Recorder WS-852
- Budget-friendly price
- Good sound quality
- Automatically adjusts the sensitivity of mics
This one is another budget-friendly option for those who need a voice recorder at a low price. This one also offers basic functions and suits beginners who cannot spend much on voice records. It works well for taking personal notes, lectures, interviews, and for different purposes as well.
The voice recorder provides excellent audio quality with its integrated stereo microphones. It features two directional mics for picking up the sound from both sides. It records precise sound despite the distance between the recorder and talent.
It features a special intelligent mode so that the recorder can automatically adjust the sensitivity level of the microphone depending on the number of speakers.
The voice recorder offers two modes to suit different situations. It provides a simple model that is suitable for beginners who do not know more about the recording process. In this mode, the user will see only the basic menu with large fonts. For advanced users, it provides the option of Normal Mode that offers full functionality.
The WS-852 can be connected with your system with a USB connector. The recorder has a built-in USB connector. The connector is covered to protect it from dust.
The voice recorder is designed for your convenience. Its back features a stand for adjusting it on the desk or any flat surface. The careful design helps you to record the noise-free audio. It offers special voice filters for reducing unwanted noise. It is capable of eliminating very low or high frequency sounds from the recording.
Long-lasting battery powers the voice recorder. It’s a decent option at a good price that helps you manage your audio files. It provides index marks, file dividers, and calendar search to sort out the data stored in the recorder.
8. Olympus WS-600S
- Premium quality voice recorder
- Slim and lightweight design
- Features USB port for easy connectivity
For those who are looking for a professional and a high-end voice recorder from Olympus should consider the WS-600S. Unlike its previous option, which offers very basic features, this one is a high-quality voice recorder that can be used for professional vloggers, podcasters, and other content creators.
The recorder comes in a slim and smart design. It’s a handheld voice recorder that fits in your hand perfectly.
The WS-600S provides ample space for storing all sorts of audio files. It offers flash memory and an SD card as well. It has a 2GB internal memory for recording audio files.
The recorder can store the audio files in different formats for your convenience. You can save the recordings in both MP3/WMA formats. You can record and playback audio in these two formats.
It features a USB Direct design that allows you to plug in the recorder into your system directly. The recordings can be activated with audio. It saves the memory and battery life and starts recording only when its microphones sense sound.
The voice recorder has a large LCD screen that helps you to navigate different options easily. It features the basic buttons right on the recorder and is very easy to operate. Overall, it’s a good quality voice recorder with better sensitivity and audio quality than other options in its price range.
Buying Guide for Voice Recorders
Here are a few things that you should consider while selecting a voice recorder.
• Audio Quality
One of the first things that you should not compromise is audio quality. Only voice recording is not enough; you can do that with your smartphone as well. But if you are buying a voice recorder just for this purpose, then it has to be good at what it does.
Especially for content creation, make sure you have a good quality voice recorder that records precise audio with clarity.
The quality of sound can be determined with higher bits per second. Therefore check how many bits per second a device is offering and choose one that offers the maximum in your required budget.
Some voice recorders offer different recording settings. You can reduce or enhance the bits per second to suit your needs. It helps if you need to record all sorts of sounds. Higher bit rates take up storage space in your system. So you can choose lesser bits for some recording sessions.
• Connectivity
Connectivity options are important as you need to transfer these recorded files to your system. Having a USB connection goes a long way to allow you to seamlessly backup files to your computer.
• Line Inputs
Other than having a USB connection, it would be best if you connected the voice recorder with other devices like a microphone, headset, or even an audio interface as well for processing. Check the line inputs a recorder has to offer before buying.
These are the features that you can find only in high-end recorders. They offer input lines for connecting the recorder directly to your musical instruments, mics, or other devices conveniently.
• File Formats
The voice recorder saves audio files in different formats. Mostly they save as MP3 and WAV sound files that are accepted in any system. Some high-end recorders other file types as well. Make sure to get your audio recorded with supported file types that suit your production process or use case.
• Editing and Managing Audio Files
When you are recording too many audio files, sorting them out and editing can become a problem. So make sure you invest in a system that records audio files with proper dates and file names.
Also, make sure the audio files are stamped. So you don’t have to go to long recordings to edit a particular soundtrack. You can track it with a timestamp conveniently.
• Playback
Invest in a voice recorder that can playback your recordings whenever you need it. Also, make sure you have rewind, forward, and review options so you can manage your sound recordings well.
• Battery
Most of the voice recorders are powered with AA batteries. Invest in a recorder with good battery life and long hours, so you don’t have to worry about battery shortage when out in the field.
• Voice Activation
Some good quality voice recorders allow you to set the recorder on voice activation mode. With this mode, the recorder will automatically start recording whenever its sensors detect a sound. It is a very convenient option as it saves the battery life and storage of your recorder.
• Price
Different voice recorders are available in the market in different price ranges. We will recommend you to invest in a good quality sound recorder as you can record simple audio from your smartphone. Still, a voice recorder is a specialized device and we certainly expect better sound quality and clarity. So a cheap voice recorder may fail to give you the professional sound quality that you need. Many voice recorders with good quality are available at decent prices.
Final Words
Voice recorders are available in different price ranges. You don’t need to spend a high price if all you need to do is to record a few lectures or thoughts. But those who need to record audio files for their podcasts, vlogs, or other consent, should invest a little more to get high-quality audio sound.
Jeremy has been running several online businesses behind his laptop for the past 5 years and he has worked as a freelance web developer previously. A trained marketer by profession, he also has Ruby on Rails and web development knowledge. His forte lies in eCommerce, SEO and content marketing. He’s been featured on Vice, Thrive Global, YFS Magazine, Forbes and several other publications. He prefers to connect with people on LinkedIn.
