A good quality voice recorder is an indispensable device for regularly creating 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 let's talk 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
External microphone connectivity... Choosing a voice recorder with an external microphone jack is by far the best option. You can connect a unidirectional or omnidirectional microphone to the device according to the type of sound you plan to record.
Noise suppression... You can skip this step if you will be recording in a quiet place. However, if you plan to use the recorder in a noisy place (for example, in a conference room, cafe, etc.), then it is recommended to use a noise canceling recorder.
PC connectivity... Nowadays, all good voice recorders can function as flash drives and are equipped with USB ports that allow you to transfer audio files to your computer.
Memory size... Some voice recorders only have internal memory, which requires moving files to a computer to free up space on the device. The ideal option is the model with 4-8 GB of memory, plus a memory card slot to give you unlimited recording space. Before buying a memory card, make sure it is compatible with your voice recorder.
Battery type and life... The battery life of the voice recorder can be from 12 to 32 hours, depending on whether the device operates on AA batteries or on a rechargeable battery.
File formats... They are important because not all file formats are compatible for playback on every device, and some file formats take up more space and can shorten recording times. The four most common file formats are:
- DSS - Requires additional software to play on PC.
- WMA files are compressed files that can be played in Windows Media Player.
- WAV - very large, high quality uncompressed files.
- MP3s are compressed files that are much smaller than WAV but almost the same quality.
Some voice recorders create files in proprietary formats that can only be played on this device or with accompanying software. If you choose one of these, you may need format conversion software like Switch or WavePad from NCH.
Rating of popular voice recorders in 2019
10. Ritmix RR-989 4Gb
Average price - 2 970 rubles
Characteristics:
- number of recording channels: 2 (stereo)
- built-in memory 4 GB
- maximum recording time 1160 h
- micro Secure Digital memory card
- MP3 playback
- USB 2.0 connection
- microphone sensitivity adjustment
- built-in speaker
- FM tuner
- use as a flash drive
If you're looking for a beautiful, easy-to-use digital voice recorder, the Ritmix RR-989 is a great choice.It records audio in MP3 and WMA format, 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 in the kit.
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, which is not needed by everyone, the cost of the device has increased.
pros: compact, lightweight, simple operation, there is a microphone input, headphones are included, you can adjust the sensitivity of the microphone.
Minuses: After switching on, it takes about 5 seconds before the recorder starts recording.
9. Philips DVT1110
Average price - 2,420 rubles
Characteristics:
- number of recording channels: 1 (mono)
- built-in memory 4 GB
- 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 only has 4GB of memory, the Philips DVT1110 records audio in WMA format and can store over 500 hours of audio recordings.
This model is powered by 2 AAA batteries, they are included. Also, along with the 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, headphone output, very easy to operate, external microphone can be connected.
Minuses: no memory card support, when transferring files to a PC, the date and time of their creation are not indicated.
8. Ambertek VR105 4GB
Average price - 1 980 rubles
Characteristics:
- number of recording channels: 1 (mono)
- built-in memory 4 GB
- maximum recording time 50 h
- USB 2.0 connection
- weight 14 g (with battery)
- use as a flash drive
This is perhaps the best lecture recorder. There is nothing superfluous in it, only excellent sound quality and miniature performance.
Thanks to the ultra-sensitive microphone, Ambertek VR105 records even quiet conversations well, and its Li-Ion battery lasts for 16 hours of continuous work in recording mode.
pros: Records without interference and noise, USB charging, has a lanyard loop.
Minuses: no memory card support.
7. Ambertek VR250F
Average price - 3 280 rubles
Characteristics:
- number of recording channels: 2 (stereo)
- built-in memory 15.62 GB
- maximum recording time 1200 h
- MP3 playback
- USB 2.0 connection
- weight 50 g (with battery)
- built-in speaker
This stylish metal beauty 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 that all the records made can be transferred to a computer.
pros: Large memory capacity, sound recording without distortion and background noise.
Minuses: does not support memory cards.
6. Zoom H1n
Average price - 7 980 rubles
Characteristics:
- number of recording channels: 2 (stereo)
- Max. recording bitrate: 24/96
- micro Secure Digital memory card
- MP3 playback
- USB 2.0 connection
- microphone sensitivity adjustment
- weight 60 g (without battery)
- built-in speaker
- use as a flash drive
The first thing you'll notice about the 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 has only 2GB of storage space, you can expand it with a 32GB microSD card.
The device can record both MP3 and WAV audio formats with stereo sound and has automatic recording, pause and pre-recording functions. It runs on two AAA batteries.
pros: There is a 3.5mm 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 body, which is surprising for such an expensive device.
5. Tascam DR-40
Average price - 13 800 rubles
Characteristics:
- number of recording channels: 4
- Max. recording bitrate: 24/96
- Secure Digital memory card
- MP3 playback
- USB 2.0 connection
- microphone sensitivity adjustment
- weight 213g (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 recording quality. Configurable microphones, four-channel recording and extended battery life provide the flexibility you need to record audio anywhere.
Internal microphones are adjustable from XY to AB position, helping you adapt your recording to the sound in your room.
This recorder is equipped with highly reliable XLR / TRS locking connectors from Neutrik. They can be used to supply phantom power, so conventional condenser microphones can be used in addition to electret microphones.
For long-term operation of the device (for 10 hours or more), users recommend using Eneloop AA form factor batteries.
pros: high speed operation, there are 2 microphone inputs, headphone output, equalizer and clock.
Minuses: no stereo input, no cover and windscreen included, the menu is not intuitive.
4. Sony ICD-PX370
Average price - 4 470 rubles
Characteristics:
- number of recording channels: 1 (mono)
- built-in memory 4 GB
- micro Secure Digital memory card
- MP3 playback
- 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 the best voice recorders is Sony. It has 4GB of built-in flash memory, which gives you 1,073 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 the ICD-PX370, you can transfer files to your computer quickly and easily. There is a USB cable for this.
The manufacturer has provided its brainchild with such useful functions as voice activation, password protection, button locking, indexing of each recording and pause.
The highly sensitive microphone allows you to record even quiet sounds. Users do not complain about the quality of the recording.
pros: simple menu, headphone and mic input, light weight, retractable USB connector.
Minuses: Supported memory card capacity is limited to 32GB.
3. Olympus LS-P1
Average price - 8 990 rubles
Characteristics:
- number of recording channels: 2 (stereo)
- Max. recording bitrate: 24/96
- built-in memory 4 GB
- maximum recording time 123 h
- micro Secure Digital memory card
- MP3 playback
- USB 2.0 connection
- microphone sensitivity adjustment
- weight 75 g (with battery)
- built-in speaker
This 4GB memory recorder has a large LCD screen, speaker and large buttons. Even novice users will find this small recording device easy to use. And its durable metal body can easily withstand a drop from a low height.
Like most good and high-quality dictaphones Olympus LS-P1 can be connected to a computer, has the ability to charge via USB, and from one AAA battery it can work 39 hours (according to the manufacturer).
If necessary, you can manually adjust the recording level, which will be helpful to ensure good quality music recording.
pros: Superior audio quality, mic in and headphone out, button lock, pause and indexing of each recording.
Minuses: No cover and windscreen included.
2. Zoom H6
Average price - 29 490 rubles
Characteristics:
- number of recording channels: 6
- Max. recording bitrate: 24/96
- Secure Digital memory card
- MP3 playback
- USB 2.0 connection
- microphone sensitivity adjustment
- weight 280g (without battery)
- built-in speaker
- use as a flash drive
A reliable device that's rugged enough for the constant travel in your pocket and versatile enough to make it the best digital recording device for musicians and podcasters.
According to Top Ten Reviews, the Zoom H6 is the easiest-to-use professional-quality voice recorder. Its controls and advanced features let Zoom capture exactly the sound you want. But for beginners, this voice recorder may seem quite complicated to set up.
The best feature of the H6 is its mic capsules, which are easy to get on and off. It comes with two capsules - XYH-6 and MSH-6. Optional EXH-6 and SGH-6 capsules are available, each designed for a specific audio purpose. And while recording, you can take voice notes and leave up to 99 markers.
This recorder is SDXC compatible up to 128GB, which is good as the Zoom H6 only has 2GB of internal storage. It can also be used as an audio interface (for example, for a Skype conversation).
pros: with alkaline batteries, the recorder will work up to 20 hours, full-color LCD display, phantom power, PC connection, high-quality preamplifiers.
Minuses: USB 2.0 and not 3.0, depending on the store, 2 to 4 microphones are included in the kit, look at the package.
1. Ambertek VR408
Average price - 5,780 rubles
Characteristics:
- number of recording channels: 1 (mono)
- built-in memory 8 GB
- maximum recording time 100 h
- MP3 playback
- 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 makes it easy to carry 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 that the device does not support a memory card. If desired, Ambertek VR408 can be used as a flash drive.
Together with the voice 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: no.