A good quality voice recorder is an indispensable device for the regular creation of high-quality audio recordings that can be easily played back and published later.
And we will show you how to choose a voice recorder that is suitable for the price and features. And we will tell about the advantages and disadvantages of the best voice recorders of 2019 according to user reviews.
What to look for when choosing a voice recorder
Ability to connect an external microphone. Choosing a voice recorder with a jack for an external microphone is certainly the best option. You can connect an unidirectional or omnidirectional microphone to the device according to the type of sound you plan to record.
Noise suppression. You can skip this item if you take notes in a quiet place. However, if you plan to use the recorder in a noisy place (for example, in a conference room, cafe, etc.), it is recommended that you use a recorder with noise reduction.
PC connectivity. Currently, all good voice recorders can work as flash drives and are equipped with USB ports, which allows you to transfer audio files to a computer.
Memory. Some voice recorders have only internal memory, which requires moving files to a computer in order to free up space on the device. The ideal option is a model with 4-8 GB of memory, as well as a slot for a memory card, to give you unlimited space for recordings. Before buying a memory card, make sure it is compatible with your recorder.
Battery Type and Life. The battery life of the recorder can be from 12 to 32 hours, depending on whether the device operates on finger batteries or on a rechargeable battery.
File formats. They are important because not all file formats are compatible for playback on each device, and some file formats take up more space and can reduce recording time. The four most common file formats are:
- DSS - require additional software for playback on a PC.
- WMA are compressed files that can be played in Windows Media Player.
- WAV - High quality, uncompressed, very large files.
- MP3s are compressed files that are much smaller than WAV, but almost of the same quality.
Some voice recorders create files in proprietary formats that can only be played on this device or with the help of related software. If you choose one of them, you may need format conversion software such as Switch or WavePad from NCH.
Rating of voice recorders popular in 2019
10. Ritmix RR-989 4Gb
The average price is 2 970 rubles
Specifications:
- number of recording channels: 2 (stereo)
- 4 GB internal memory
- maximum recording time 1160 h
- micro secure digital memory card
- play MP3 files
- USB 2.0 connection
- microphone sensitivity adjustment
- built-in speaker
- FM tuner
- use as a flash drive
If you're looking for a beautiful and easy-to-use digital voice recorder, the Ritmix RR-989 is a great choice. It records audio in MP3 and WMA formats, can activate voice recording, supports micro SD cards and has the ability to connect to a computer without installing drivers. For this, a special cable is included.
An interesting feature of this model is the FM tuner, which many more expensive models do not have. On the other hand, due to the availability of this option, not everyone needs it, the cost of the device has increased.
pros: compact, lightweight, simple operation, there is a microphone input, there are headphones in the kit, you can adjust the sensitivity of the microphone.
Minuses: After turning on, it takes about 5 seconds before the recorder starts recording.
9. Philips DVT1110
The average price is 2 420 rubles
Specifications:
- number of recording channels: 1 (mono)
- 4 GB internal memory
- maximum recording time 23 h
- USB 1.1 connection
- microphone sensitivity adjustment
- weight 60 g (with battery)
- built-in speaker
- use as a flash drive
Another great example of an inexpensive and good digital voice recorder. Although it has only 4 GB of memory, the Philips DVT1110 records audio in WMA format and can store over 500 hours of audio recordings.
This model runs on 2 AAA batteries, they are included. Also, along with a voice recorder, you will receive a USB cable for connecting to a PC.
When recording high-quality sound, the Philips DVT1110 will work continuously for 17 hours, while recording in LQ - 23 hours.
pros: clear sound without background noise, there is a headphone output, very easy to use, you can connect an external microphone.
Minuses: there is no support for a memory card; when transferring files to a PC, the date and time of their creation are not indicated.
8. Ambertek VR105 4GB
The average price is 1 980 rubles
Specifications:
- number of recording channels: 1 (mono)
- 4 GB internal memory
- maximum recording time 50 hours
- USB 2.0 connection
- weight 14 g (with battery)
- use as a flash drive
This is perhaps the best voice recorder for recording lectures. There is nothing superfluous in it, only excellent quality of sound recording and miniature performance.
Thanks to the ultra-sensitive microphone, the Ambertek VR105 records well even quiet conversations, and its Li-Ion battery lasts for 16 hours of continuous operation in recording mode.
pros: records without interference and noise, charging from USB, there is a loop for the cord.
Minuses: no memory card support.
7. Ambertek VR250F
Average price - 3,280 rubles
Specifications:
- number of recording channels: 2 (stereo)
- built-in memory 15.62 GB
- maximum recording time 1200 h
- play MP3 files
- USB 2.0 connection
- weight 50 g (with battery)
- built-in speaker
This stylish metal handsome man with an LCD screen is lightweight and has many useful features, including voice activation, pause and password protection.
Its capacious battery provides up to 25 hours of continuous operation, and after it all the recordings made can be transferred to a computer.
pros: large amount of memory, sound recording is without distortion and background noise.
Minuses: does not support memory cards.
6. Zoom H1n
Average price - 7 980 rubles
Specifications:
- number of recording channels: 2 (stereo)
- Max. recording bitrate: 24/96
- micro secure digital memory card
- play MP3 files
- USB 2.0 connection
- microphone sensitivity adjustment
- weight 60 g (without battery)
- built-in speaker
- use as a flash drive
The first thing you notice in Zoom H1 is that it doesn't look like a regular voice recorder. With its LED screen and stylish miniature microphone, this model is one of the most beautiful voice recorders on the market.
Although the recorder provides only 2 GB of disk space, you can increase it with a 32 GB microSD card.
The device can record both MP3 and WAV audio formats with stereo sound and has the functions of automatic recording, pause and pre-recording. It runs on two AAA batteries.
pros: there is a 3.5 mm output for an external microphone and a USB port for transferring data to a computer, you can change the sensitivity of the microphone.
Minuses: high price, plastic rather than metal case, which is surprising for such an expensive device.
5. Tascam DR-40
Average price - 13 800 rubles
Specifications:
- number of recording channels: 4
- Max. recording bitrate: 24/96
- Secure Digital Card
- play MP3 files
- USB 2.0 connection
- microphone sensitivity adjustment
- weight 213 g (without battery)
- built-in speaker
- use as a flash drive
One of the most expensive models in the rating of voice recorders justifies its price with a large number of functions and excellent audio quality. Customizable microphones, four-channel recording and extended battery life provide the flexibility you need to record sound anywhere.
Internal microphones are adjustable from XY to AB, helping you adapt the recording to the sound in the room.
This recorder features Neutrik's highly reliable XLR / TRS locking connectors. They can be used to supply phantom power, so conventional condenser microphones can be used in addition to electret type microphones.
For long-term operation of the device (for 10 hours or more), users recommend using batteries of the type Eneloop form factor AA.
pros: high speed, there are 2 microphone inputs, headphone output, equalizer and clock.
Minuses: there is no stereo input, there is no cover and wind protection included, the menu can not be called intuitive.
4. Sony ICD-PX370
The average price is 4 470 rubles
Specifications:
- number of recording channels: 1 (mono)
- 4 GB internal memory
- micro secure digital memory card
- play MP3 files
- USB 2.0 connection
- microphone sensitivity adjustment
- weight 74 g (without battery)
- built-in speaker
- use as a flash drive
Next on our list of best voice recorders is a model from Sony. It has 4 GB of internal flash memory, which gives you 1073 hours of recording time in LP mode. If this is not enough, you can insert an SDHC memory card for even more recording space.
Also with ICD-PX370, you can quickly and easily transfer files to your computer. For this, a USB cable is included.
The manufacturer has provided its brainchild with such useful functions as voice activation, password protection, button lock, indexing of each record and pause.
Highly sensitive microphone allows you to record even quiet sounds. Users do not complain about the quality of the recording.
pros: simple menu, there is a headphone output and a microphone input, light weight, a retractable USB connector.
Minuses: Supported memory card capacity is limited to 32 GB.
3. Olympus LS-P1
The average price is 8 990 rubles
Specifications:
- number of recording channels: 2 (stereo)
- Max. recording bitrate: 24/96
- 4 GB internal memory
- maximum recording time 123 h
- micro secure digital memory card
- play MP3 files
- USB 2.0 connection
- microphone sensitivity adjustment
- weight 75 g (with battery)
- built-in speaker
This recorder with 4 GB of memory has a large LCD screen, speaker and large buttons. Even novice users will find this small recorder easy to use. And its durable metal case can easily withstand a drop from a small height.
Like most good and high-quality voice recorders, the Olympus LS-P1 can connect to a computer, has the ability to charge via USB, and it can last 39 hours from one AAA battery (according to the manufacturer).
If necessary, you can manually adjust the recording level, which will be useful to ensure good quality music recording.
pros: Superior audio quality, microphone input and headphone output, button lock, pause and index of each recording.
Minuses: Includes no cover and wind protection.
2. Zoom H6
The average price is 29,490 rubles
Specifications:
- number of recording channels: 6
- Max. recording bitrate: 24/96
- Secure Digital Card
- play MP3 files
- USB 2.0 connection
- microphone sensitivity adjustment
- weight 280 g (without battery)
- built-in speaker
- use as a flash drive
A reliable device that's durable enough to travel constantly in your pocket and versatile enough to make it the best digital recording device for musicians and podcasters.
Top Ten Reviews experts consider the Zoom H6 the easiest-to-use voice recorder to record professional-quality sound. Its controls and advanced features allow Zoom to capture exactly the sound you need. But for beginners, this recorder may seem quite complicated to set up.
The best feature of the H6 is its microphone capsules, which are easy to put on and take off. It comes with two capsules - XYH-6 and MSH-6. Additionally, you can purchase EXH-6- and SGH-6-capsules, each of which is designed for specific audio purposes. And during the recording process, you can take voice notes and leave up to 99 markers.
This recorder is compatible with SDXC up to 128 GB, which is good because Zoom H6 has only 2 GB of internal memory. And it can also be used as an audio interface (for example, for talking on Skype).
pros: with alkaline batteries, the recorder will last up to 20 hours, a full-color LCD display, there is phantom power, a PC connection, high-quality preamps.
Minuses: USB 2.0 and not 3.0, depending on the store, from 2 to 4 microphones are put in the kit, look at the package.
1. Ambertek VR408
The average price is 5,780 rubles
Specifications:
- number of recording channels: 1 (mono)
- built-in memory 8 GB
- maximum recording time 100 h
- play MP3 files
- USB 2.0 connection
- microphone sensitivity adjustment
- weight 10 g (with battery)
- use as a flash drive
This miniature voice recorder is ideal for recording interviews, lectures and notes. It has voice activation, and its small size allows you to easily carry it even in a small clutch.
Ambertek VR408 users are pleased that all unwanted background noise during recording is cut off, and a large amount of internal memory will last for a long time, even taking into account the fact that the device does not support a memory card. If desired, Ambertek VR408 can be used as a flash drive.
Together with the recorder, you will receive headphones and a cable for connecting to a computer. The device itself has a jack for an external microphone.
pros: long battery life (up to 40 hours), extremely simple operation, USB charging.
Minuses: not.
