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We scoured the market before buying the top 12 digital voice recorders to test side-by-side. Then, we started recording and capturing audio notes in the car, bird songs, guitar practice, interviews, and controlled test scenarios.
We found the Zoom H5 is the best for most podcasters and musicians due to the balance of excellent audio quality, convenience, and value. If you are primarily taking notes, get the small and convenient Sony ICDUX570.
We compared microphone and audio quality, battery life, file sharing, ease of use, and playback editing features. Below, we share how each of these voice recorders shines and falters whether you want to record your classes or create world-class podcasts.
Editor's Note: We updated this review on November 1, 2024, adding four new models, including a new AI PLAUD model, and sharing more info about how each compares to one another.
The Zoom H5 is a popular audio recorder in the radio and podcasting world and our top recommendation for creatives in that field. It features tripod and camera mounting threads to integrate into a filmmaker's setup. Its audio quality is top-notch, thanks to an integrated and detachable XY microphone with a shock mount to reduce handling noise. The recorder supports a max bit rate of 4608 kbps, ensuring high-quality audio capture. One of our favorite aspects of the H5 is how customizable it is. It comes with two XLR/TRS inputs to connect external microphones or other equipment, with the option to add two more, allowing you to capture up to four tracks at the same time. The real benefit that the H5 offers over the Zoom H4n Pro is its user-friendly design — each of the three integrated inputs (the XY mic up top and the two inputs below) has an accessible gain control knob to dial in your volume levels, kind of like focusing a camera. The H5 helps you capture clean recordings with features like peak limiting and a low-cut filter to remove low-frequency sounds, such as the hum of AC units or refrigerators. The hold function locks the device to prevent accidental starts or stops—a major plus during chaotic field days.
The H5 is pricey, though, and is probably overkill for basic interviews for print journalism or recording a class or meeting. At roughly 5 x 8 inches, it's one of the largest devices in the test. It's also a battery-devouring beast, with a claimed maximum battery life of just 10 hours. In our tests, it didn't make it to 9. You'll also need to buy SD or SDHC cards separately since the device has no internal memory. For basic recordings where sound quality isn't a priority, the EVISTR 128GB Voice Activated offers longer battery life and reasonable sound quality. Still, there's a reason the H5 is an industry standard. Plug in your headphones and a shotgun mic to one of those XLR/TRS ports, keep your levels around -12 dB (decibels), and you're good to go.
You can adjust input volume levels on the Zoom H5 with an easily accessible wheel.
Credit: Clark Tate
WAV versus MP3 and Sampling and Bit Rates
WAV versus MP3 — Uncompressed WAV files store more data. MP3s save on storage space but are harder to edit. If you're recording audio to create a song or podcast, you probably want to do it in WAV. If you're a photographer, think of WAV files as RAW image files and MP3s as JPEGs. The latter already have less resolution, so you can't do as much to edit them.
The quality of WAV files depends on their sampling rate and bit depth. Higher rates record more audio snapshots per second and provide more nuanced detail, and they create higher-quality recordings. They also require more storage space. Most audio experts recommend recording at least a 48.2 kHz sampling rate and 24-bit depth. Then, you can bounce down to lower rates to save data in the release. If you want to dive deeper, Transom is a wonderful resource.
44.1 kHz, 16-bit, 48 to 192 kbps MP3 only, mono or stereo
Best Use
Meetings and lectures
Max Kbps
1411 kbps
Audio Format
LPCM, WMA, MP3
Volume
3.1 cu in
Our favorite overall digital voice recorder is the compact Sony ICDUX570. It's an effective, straightforward tool featuring an easy-to-read display and intuitive operating system. Its small size and built-in USB plug make it convenient to use, with a MicroSD slot providing up to 32 gigabytes (GB) of storage, expanding on the already generous 4 GB of internal memory. We also appreciate its automatic recording templates that optimize the two stereo microphones for specific tasks, whether you're recording a voice memo, music, meeting, or lecture. If you want more control, you can adjust the mic sensitivity levels and reduce background noises in the settings. It offers high-quality linear pulse code modulation (LPCM) recordings at a 44.1 kHz sampling rate and a 16-bit depth, yielding a max recording rate of 1411 kbps. It also records in compressed MP3s, saving on storage space and battery life. A useful T-mark button lets you bookmark important moments, and the A-B repeat and slow playback feature make it easier to review recordings. Integrated filters help you clean up your audio.
Though the Sony ICDUX570 picks up background audio in modes like dictation and interview, we found the sounds less brassy and distracting than in several other models. It's at its best in dictation and lecture modes, making it best suited to taking notes and other simple record-keeping tasks. The audio isn't up to par for professional broadcasting or podcasting. You can improve recordings using the external microphone input (mini-jack), but it can't match the 5,000 to 12,000 kbps rates offered by higher-end machines. If you need professional-grade audio, the Zoom H5 is an excellent option, though it's larger, requires more audio expertise, and uses up batteries quickly. Sony claims a 22-hour battery life at the highest quality settings, which we confirmed in our tests. Overall, the Sony ICDUX570 is an easy-to-use note-taking device that could serve as a backup for production audio in a pinch.
The Sony ICDUX570 works quickly, making it easy to turn on and start recording at a moment's notice.
The EVISTR 128GB Voice Activated recorder is one of the smallest devices we've tested, at only 2.60 ounces and 3.9 x 1.3 inches, making it easy to have on hand. It also delivers impressive sound quality, making it one of our favorite note-taking recorders in the test. While it's not ideal for capturing audio for film or podcast production due to its limited gain control, it could serve as a backup in a pinch, especially if you're going for a gritty, textured vibe. Its noise reduction setting worked wonderfully during our coffee shop interview test, relegating clattering plates and chatter to the background while keeping both voices clear and prominent in the recording. Between that excellent sound quality and a surprisingly long battery life, this recorder provides a lot of value, earning it our Best Buy Award.
It's not without flaws, though. Our testers found the user interface far from intuitive, and the user guide can be frustrating to navigate and isn't particularly useful. Over time, we sorted out how to navigate the system, but there are more user-friendly options, like the two Sony recorders we tested. The playback function is particularly problematic, often timing out, regardless of which sleep timer setting we chose, forcing us to restart the recording often. Still, if you want to save money while enjoying some of the best audio quality among the note-taking devices we tested, the EVISTR is a solid choice.
You can choose to have the EVISTR's backlight shut down quickly to save battery life or stay on at all times.
44.1 to 192 kHz, 32-bit float WAV format, mono or stereo
Best Use
Creating podcasts or music
Max Kbps
12288 kbps
Audio Format
WAV
Volume
17.1 cu in
The Zoom F3records in 32-bit float WAV format, as opposed to the typical 24-bit depth offered by other devices. This format, combined with its 192 kHz maximum sample rate, collects an enormous amount of data in each recording, granting you higher quality recordings and more freedom in post-production. Its wide dynamic range allows you to capture very loud and very quiet sounds without adjusting your gain levels. In fact, Zoom claims that it's impossible to clip your audio files while using it. We tested its ability to pick up whispers and saw success bordering on spycraft. Then we headed to the gym, recording conversations over booming pop music and slamming weight machines. It handled the scene beautifully, with no discernible peaks, making it a great option for chaotic field recordings. Its compact size (3 x 3 x 2 inches) and integrated tripod threads and mounting bars make it easy to add to any setup. A remote-control app (F3 Control) lets you operate the recorder from afar.
Though the F3 has no integrated storage, it accepts MicroSDHC or MicroSDXC cards with up to 1 terabyte (TB) of capacity. It doesn't have an integrated mic either, so you'll need to add one to its already steep price. The F3 provides only two XLR inputs. In contrast, the Zoom H5 offers up to four more flexible XLR/TRS inputs. You may also have to invest more time cleaning up your audio with the F3. While 24-bit recorders like the Zoom H5 have easily accessible gain dials to keep your levels within bounds as you record, you're encouraged to just hit record and run with the F3. You'll need to even out your levels in post-production. If you prefer quick turnarounds and are recording in a controlled environment, the Zoom H5 might be a better option due to its integrated microphone and impressive audio quality. Still, we're blown away by the rich, textured soundscapes the compact F3 captures. It's by far our favorite option for run and gun production.
You can easily adjust the visual magnification of the Zoom F3's waveform display, though this doesn't affect the volume of the recording.
When our testers first mounted the PLAUD Note AI Voice Recorder on the back of their smartphone case, their integrated recording app made it seem redundant. Why not just use your phone? It turns out that flipping on a switch is way easier than unlocking your phone and navigating to an app, even if you ask your virtual assistant to do it for you. We found ourselves taking dictation and voice notes on the go way more often. You have to download the PLAUD app to access your recording, which is labeled by the date and time it was recorded. Clicking on it lets you listen back, and a “Generate” button will transcribe, summarize, and visually map your conversation or notes via ChatGPT. This is much faster than copying transcribed notes from your phone's recording into AI software to ask for a summary, and it's lightyears faster than uploading an audio file to a transcription app and then heading to a site like ChatGPT. The whole process is far easier to navigate than traditional models, which haven't seen a significant update in quite some time. Since you upload your recordings to the cloud, storage space is currently unlimited. A second button lets you choose to record a regular conversation or a phone call.
While the PLAUD makes recording easy, the audio isn't production-grade quality unless you're going for a textured, gritty feel. This recorder also raises privacy and security concerns. Be sure to check your workplace or client's policies around artificial intelligence. If they've banned open-source AI from your computers, they probably won't appreciate it if you upload conversations and meetings directly to a third-party AI when you transcribe them. Unlike the unlimited storage space, you'll need to upgrade your membership if you want to transcribe more than 300 minutes/month or 5 hours. That went really quickly in our tests. The battery life is a bit above average at 30 hours, with a bespoke charger that will be a pain to replace if you lose it. The included case has a magnetic attachment for your phone, which we knocked off and dropped several times during testing. Luckily, it still works for the time being. If you and your colleagues aren't worried about brainstorming with ChatGPT in the room, this is certainly a slick option.
This convenient, one-button recorder makes it so easy to capture your thoughts or new picking pattern that we found ourselves using it more often than the rest.
Credit: Clark Tate
State Recording Laws — It's important to know if your state has one-party, two-party, or all-party consent rules around recording phone calls.
44.1 to 96 kHz, 16 to 24-bit, mono, stereo, or surround sound
Best Use
Creating podcasts or music
Max Kbps
4608 kbps
Audio Format
WMA, MP3
Volume
20.7 cu in
The Zoom H2n records in full surround sound using five microphones hidden behind the mesh screen. In four-channel mode, it captures two individual stereo tracks per recording. If you have the equipment, software, and expertise, this model is fully capable of recording spatial audio for immersive VR videos. Despite these advanced features, the buttons, dials, and switches are large, well-label, and easy to use. A dial on the top of the device lets you quickly select between four recording modes, ranging from mid-side stereo to four-channel surround sound. Beyond its surround sound capability, the H2n supports 96 kHz and 24-bit recording settings, delivering high-quality audio from the jump. While it lacks internal storage, a MicroSD card slot provides up to 32GB of capacity. The 20-hour battery life can be supplemented with USB and a power bank on the go.
If you only require basic functions to record college lectures, meetings, or job interviews, the H2n is overkill. It's also heavy and bulky. And, while the user interface is straightforward, it's far from modern. “You can edit,” noted one tester, “but it's extremely archaic and time-consuming.” Compared to newer, simpler, pocket-sized recorders, the H2n feels a bit like a dinosaur. For those seeking a more compact and user-friendly option, the Sony ICDUX570 is a great choice for note-taking. The H2n also lacks inputs for additional mics. If you need a shotgun or lavalier microphone for interviews, consider the Zoom H5 or Zoom F3 instead. Despite these shortcomings, the Zoom H2n is our go-to option for 360-degree spatial audio, making it a valuable tool for VR video creators.
The Zoom H2n captures spacial audio to be used for surround sound videos and virtual reality applications.
Credit: Ross Patton
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To battery test these devices, we played them Yo-yo Ma in their factory settings until they dropped.
Credit: Clark Tate
How We Tested Digital Voice Recorders
We designed a series of objective tests to uncover the strengths and weaknesses of these digital voice recorders. Most users — whether you're a student recording lectures, a professional musician, or a podcaster recording field sessions — will want to prioritize the audio quality of their recordings. To test this metric, we created a set of specific tests to replicate real-world recording scenarios.
We held each recorder close to our mouth and read poems in a quiet room to mimic dictation. Next, we set the recorders between two testers in a coffee shop and read a comedy script to see how well they filter out background noise. We also set up all the recorders and read a book on the far side of a large room to mimic a lecture hall. For the recorders that are meant for field production, we paired them with an NTG5 Rode shotgun mic and used them on back-to-back days in the field to evaluate their performance.
To gauge ease of use, we noted any challenges during each step of the process and tracked key specs like memory storage and battery life. By the end of our extensive testing period, these digital voice recorders had undergone 143 individual tests, helping us identify the best models on the market. We break down our overall score into six key metrics:
Audio Quality (30% of overall score weighting)
Convenience (20% weighting)
Battery Life (15% weighting)
Memory (15% weighting)
Playback and Editing (10% weighting)
File Sharing (10% weighting)
Why Trust GearLab
We chose Clark Tate as our lead tester, assisted by GearLab Review Editor Ross Patton, to dive into the world of digital voice recorders. Clark is a freelance podcast producer and journalist who graduated from the audio track of the Salt Institute for Documentary Studies at the Maine College of Art & Design. Clark has worked extensively with the Zoom H5 and Zoom F3 for her podcasting projects. In addition to her background in audio work, Clark has tested or edited hundreds of reviews at GearLab, from mountain bikes to the best blood pressure monitors. Ross has tested hundreds of tech products during his tenure with GearLab, from headsets to drones. Aside from the time he's spent in the lab, Ross grew up with a music studio in his house and has been immersed in the audio world his entire life.
We transferred all files to listen to them using headphones on our computer to standardize playback quality.
The EVISTR is a great choice for a one-on-one interview in a noisy environment.
The Zoom H4n has ports for studio-grade microphones.
We tested these recordings in a variety of settings.
How To Choose the Right Digital Voice Recorder
Digital voice recorders fall into two categories — note-taking devices and production-grade options for podcasts, music, or film production. We've tested both options. Note-taking devices tend to be compact and affordable, while production models are larger and more expensive.
For Note Takers
If you're recording interviews, classes, meetings, or dictation, basic models with reasonable clarity and easy-to-use features are ideal. If you'll be transcribing or taking notes from your audio manually, look for features like variable speed playback, A-B playback, and T-mark bookmarking that will help navigate your recording efficiently.
Note taking devices tend to be highly portable and easy to use.
Credit: Clark Tate
If you use AI transcription tools like Otter.ai or Descript to transcribe your audio for you, these features are less important. That said, the T-mark bookmarking feature still helps you flag particularly important topics or especially good tape. AI transcription software allows you to word-search transcriptions and listen to your tape while you read it. Some recorders are starting to integrate these features using accompanying apps. (Be sure to check policies at your work or school for guidance on sharing data with third-party apps.)
When recording for production, make sure you monitor how your audio sounds with a pair of high-quality headphones.
Credit: Clark Tate
Audio Quality for Note Takers
Basic models just need to record sound clearly enough for you to understand them. Higher-quality recordings tend to result in more accurate AI transcriptions as well. If you plan to record in noisy environments, look for voice isolation or noise-canceling modes.
For Producers
If your recordings will have an audience, you'll want a high-quality recorder that offers more control, supports audio files with higher bit depth and bit rates, and records in uncompressed recording formats like WAV files. They capture more detail and more data, allowing you more control when editing later. Most also allow you to adjust your gain levels, controlling the volume of incoming sounds to optimize audio quality.
Higher bit rates and adjustable gain knobs make for great-sounding tape.
Credit: Clark Tate
Audio Quality for Producers
While internal microphones are important, the ability to connect the right microphone for the situation will deliver better sound. Production-grade models often accept multiple inputs — for example, XLR, TRS, and 3.5mm stereo mini jacks — allowing you to connect external microphones or instruments for more versatile setups.
Portability and Battery Life
Note-taking recorders are compact, light, and easy to carry. They can also last for 30 hours or more, making them ideal for recording on the go. In contrast, production-grade models consume batteries quickly. If that concerns you, look for one that accepts a power bank and will record while it charges. Since high-quality recorders are so large, you should also look for connection points like mounting bars and tripod mounts.
Look for mounting bars or tripod mounts on production-focused models.
Credit: Clark Tate
Analysis and Test Results
From recording your thoughts at a moment's notice to capturing a piano recital in all its glory, a digital voice recorder is an extension of your memory. It's a great way to memorialize the soundscapes of your life. Read on to find the perfect tool to capture the beautiful and bizarre sounds that surround you.
What's the Best Value?
Before purchasing a digital voice recorder, it is important to consider how you plan to use it. If you just need basic recording functions to capture lectures and conversations, there's no reason to buy an expensive model. If that's you, the compact EVISTR 128GB Voice Activated recorder is an economical option with great sound quality and voice isolation. You'll sacrifice an intuitive user interface, though. If that's likely to drive you crazy, consider the Sony ICD-PX470. It's easy to use, sounds fine, and offers a wide range of functions. For a bit more, the Sony ICD-UX570 sounds a bit better and is just as easy to use.
If you need high-quality, production-worthy recording gear, value takes on a meaning beyond just the price tag. Two of our favorite models, the Zoom F3 and Zoom H5, are both relatively expensive, but their exceptional audio quality and advanced features make them worth the investment for professional-level recordings.
These audio recorders are designed for vastly different applications and are priced accordingly, so it is important to consider how you will use a digital voice recorder before you commit to one in particular.
Credit: Ross Patton
Audio Quality
This review covers a wide range of devices, from casual voice recorders to professional-grade tools, so their audio quality varies widely. To choose the right one, consider how you plan to use your recordings. If you're only leaving voice memos or recording meetings for personal notes, you don't need to go crazy here. Mid-grade audio quality should be fine. On the other hand, if you're recording in noisy environments, using audio for presentations, creating a podcast, or producing music, opting for higher-quality equipment will be worth it.
The Zoom H5 is one of our favorite options for content creators like podcasters.
Credit: Clark Tate
In our tests, the Zoom F3,H5, H4n Pro, and H2n, and Tascam DR-07X produce the highest quality audio recordings. Of these, we tested all but the F3 using their internal microphones. The F3 doesn't have any, so we paired it with a high-quality Rode NTG5 shotgun mic, resulting in stellar sound recordings. This is both a pro and con for the F3 — you'll need to purchase an additional microphone to use it. That also means you can choose the microphone that best suits your needs as long as it's compatible with an XLR/TRS port or you have the appropriate adapter.
All of the devices listed above are commonly used to produce music or audio for videos and podcasts. The Zoom H4n Pro and H5 microphones are permanently mounted in the crossed XY configuration, allowing them to capture sound from a field of 90 or 120 degrees. The DR-07X's microphones can pivot to be used in either XY or AB positions, the latter of which works well for recording bands or capturing room sound.
The Zoom H2n has a dial on top of the microphone screen that allows you to select between the four different audio settings.
Credit: Ross Patton
The Zoom H2n has five individual microphones. Two are positioned in the XY configuration, while the other three are in a mid-side arrangement that captures sound spatially. When recording in four-channel mode, this model uses all five microphones to create two multi-directional files to capture audio from different directions. If you have the necessary software and equipment, this model can even be used to create audio files for fully immersive virtual reality experiences.
Along with your microphone's quality, the file formats, bit depth, and bitrates available on your recording device significantly impact your audio quality and versatility. Generally speaking, the higher the bit rate (kbps), the more information is captured in your audio file, resulting in better quality and more editing flexibility. You can record audio in a compressed format, like an MP3, or an uncompressed format, like WAV. Compressing a file saves space but reduces audio quality, offering less room for detailed editing.
To capture the highest quality audio, you'll want a recorder that supports uncompressed WAV, PCM, LPCM, or FLAC files, which you can later compress into MP3 if needed after editing. For high-quality recordings, a bit rate of 1536 kbps or a 44.1 kHz sample rate at 16-bit is the minimum standard.
All of the Zoom models, the Tascam DR-07X, PLAUD Note AI Voice, EVISTR 128GB Voice Activated,Aiworth 16GB Voice Activated, and Aomago Voice Activated record at this level. Of these, only the Zoom and Tascam options offer enough features to support high-quality production.
The Sony ICDUX570 is our go-to digital voice recorder for most applications.
Credit: Ross Patton
The downside to the exceptional audio quality of the Zoom F3, H5, H4n Pro, H2n, and the Tascam DR-07X is that they require more of a learning curve and skill development than the simpler models. If this sounds like more of a time investment than you are able to make, just behind the top-tier models in terms of quality are the EVISTR Voice Activated recorder and the Sony ICDUX570.
These devices are designed to record lectures, dictation, or simple conversations rather than to capture music, podcasts, or sound for film. You can choose between several recording settings, such as meeting, dictation, or conference modes, all of which performed well in our tests. For these note-taking models, the primary sound quality concern is whether or not you can clearly understand the recording. If you plan to use artificial intelligence to transcribe it, the clarity of the recording will also impact the accuracy of the transcription. In general, higher-quality recordings result in more accurate transcriptions.
Scene selections make it easy to optimize your audio with the Sony ICD-PX470.
Credit: Clark Tate
Use Notes
To get the most out of your recorder, start by creating a test file and listening to the playback to ensure your sound levels work. Many also let you monitor your audio in real time with headphones or your computer, helping you catch any feedback or distortion. Finally, be sure to back up your files regularly and store them in multiple locations to prevent accidental losses.
While we tested these recorders with their integrated mics (exception for the Zoom F3), the quality of the microphone can significantly impact the final quality of your recording. Most of the models we tested accept external microphones, which can be of higher quality than the internal mics or can be strategically placed to capture better audio (e.g., on an interviewee's lapel).
Options like the Zoom H4n Pro and H5 provide multiple connection types — a standard mini jack and the more secure and higher-quality XLR input. The XLR inputs also accept quarter-inch TRS cords, allowing you to plug electric instruments directly into your recorder. While these features do not impact our scoring in this metric, it's worth noting if you prefer the flexibility to customize your recording setup.
With two XLR/TRS jacks, you can connect devices like external microphones, keyboards, or guitars to the Zoom F3, H5 or H4n Pro.
Credit: Clark Tate
Convenience
Compared to the other pocket-sized models we tested, the Zoom H5, H4n Pro, the H2n, F3, and Tascam DR-07X are behemoths. These devices are best suited for professional video, music, or podcast production, and professionals use a dedicated bag to haul around their recording kits. While they can be used for everyday purposes, they're cumbersome and more complex to operate. That said, if you want top-tier audio quality, you will figure out a way to use them.
After those five devices, the rest are pretty darn compact. The tiniest models are the EVISTR Voice Activated, Aiworth Voice Activated, and Amago Voice Activated. These models fit easily into a pocket (yes, even a typically undersized woman's pant pocket). The Sony ICDUX570 is a bit broader but still exceptionally thin. The Sony ICD-PX470 is thicker and often requires a jacket pocket or bag for convenient carrying.
The Zoom H5 is bulky while the Sony ICDUX570, EVISTR 128GB Voice Activated, and PLAUD Note AI Voice Recorder are all easy to fit in a pocket.
If you just need to capture notes on the go, the smaller options are far easier to carry, and last longer to boot.
The range in sizes available across devices is substantial, but performance quality and feature sets can vary just as broadly.
The Zoom F3 strikes a balance between convenience and professional capability. It's smaller than other professional equipment but larger than more casual recorders. While it offers more features than the smallest models, it's also easier to use than the other professional-grade devices and far more portable. The F3 has a tripod mount (as do the H5 and H4n Pro) and two mounting bars, making it easy to strap to a more elaborate film setup. It's compact enough that many practitioners carry it on their wrists or strap it to a boom pole, which is one of the reasons we love it.
The user interface also plays a key role in convenience, and we prefer models like the Sony ICD-UX570 for their intuitive dials and clearly marked buttons. The more advanced recorders tend to be more complex to set up and navigate. The Zoom F3 includes an optional app, which makes it much easier to operate and adjust it remotely.
We loved the Zoom F3 for field recording.
Credit: Clark Tate
Battery Life
Several factors significantly affect the battery life of digital voice recorders. The type of battery you use — whether rechargeable, alkaline, or lithium — can cause substantial differences in recording time. Lithium batteries generally last longer. Recording at higher bit rates will also drain your battery faster than lower-quality recordings. We test the battery life of these recorders using their factory settings.
The EVISTR 128GB Voice Activated has one of the most remarkable battery lives in our test, running for almost 40 hours at a respectable 512 kbps with alkaline batteries. While it produces better sound at higher bit rates, the audio quality is sufficient for taking notes and accurate transcriptions. It lasts far longer at this level than many other options at lower bit rates.
Smaller models like the Sony ICDUX570 are more energy-efficient than the larger studio-grade recorders.
Credit: Clark Tate
The Olympus WS-883, Sony ICD-UX570, and Sony ICD-PX470 all lasted nearly 30 hours in our tests at 128 kbps. That's enough to capture a meeting accurately, but you may need to review the resulting transcriptions more carefully. The PLAUD lasted over 25 hours in our tests while recording at an admirable 1536 kbps, making the transcription in its integrated app highly accurate.
If you aren't concerned with audio quality, the Olympus WS-883 claims up to 110 hours of recording time at its lowest quality, eight kbps, setting. (That's if you use alkaline dry cell batteries instead of the rechargeable ones that come with the device.) It's worth noting that the audio recorded at this bit rate is not great, especially if there's background noise to contend with. It works for rough recordings of a lecture or meeting but will likely result in less accurate transcription.
The EVISTR, PLAUD, Aiworth Voice Activated Recorder, and Aomago Voice Activated Recorder all charge via USB cord, so you don't have to worry about constantly replacing batteries. The Sony ICDUX570 has a clever pop-out USB port, ensuring you're never caught without a charger. These recorders have built-in rechargeable batteries to thank for their svelte size. They are great from a portability perspective — but built-in batteries don't always offer the longest battery life.
Although its battery life is quite short, the Zoom F3 can also be powered with an AC adapter for longer stretches if you don't need to be as mobile.
Credit: Clark Tate
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the more powerful recorders don't last long on their batteries alone. The Zoom F3,H4n Pro, and H5 performed the worst in this test, lasting 7.5, 7.5, and 8.75 hours respectively at their factory settings. The Zoom H2n and Tascam DR-07X last significantly longer, but it would be wise to invest in an auxiliary power source or a stack of batteries if you plan on using these models for extended periods.
Phantom Power — When you use the more powerful recorders with accessories, like microphones, you also have to consider phantom power, which is when an accessory device draws power from the recorders themselves.
You can customize the storage space of many of these devices with SD cards.
Credit: Clark Tate
Memory
Some of these devices have internal storage, some rely solely on external storage, and a few offer both. This is the case for the PLAUD Note AI Voice Recorder, Sony ICD-UX570, Sony ICD-PX470, and the Olympus WS-883, which all come with internal memory and provide either cloud storage or a microSD slot for expansion. When scoring for memory and storage, we considered both the flexibility of storage options and the total storage capacity a device can offer.
In addition to its internal memory, the Sony ICUX570 has a microSD slot for memory expansion.
Credit: Ross Patton
The PLAUD recorder's unlimited cloud storage and built-in 64 gigabytes (GB) of internal storage should be plenty for daily note-taking and transcription needs. You can purchase the EVISTR Voice Activated recorder with internal storage capacities ranging from a generous 64 GB to an astounding 128 GB. While you can't expand it with memory cards, you can download files to a computer to free up space.
While the Sony ICD-UX570 and PX470 offer only 4GB of internal storage, they accommodate microSD cards ranging from 4 to 32 GB, making them a great option if you don't mind switching out your cards. Similarly, the Olympus WS-883 provides 8GB of internal storage and supports microSD cards up to 32 GB.
The device's memory is outsourced to an SDCard.
Credit: Clark Tate
Of the professional-level recorders, none offer internal memory storage, so picking up a top-ranked microSD card straight away is a must. The Zoom H5, H4n Pro, and H2n work with microSD cards from 16 MB to 32 GB. So you'll have to download your files more often than you would with the Tascam model, which works with microSD cards from 2 GB up to 128 GB. The Zoom F3 accommodates MicroSDHC and MicroSDXCcards with storage up to an increasingly common terabyte (TB). This easily outdoes the competition in terms of storage, further cementing its value as a great field recorder. Keep in mind, though, that these devices are slower to boot up when you use a large-capacity SD card.
The Aomago and Aiworth recorders offer 8 GB each of integrated storage but don't have microSD card slots. While the amount is small compared to other recorders, both of these devices record at lower bit rates, and your files won't take up as much space. So 8 GB will be enough storage for basic recording tasks, provided you remember to download and save your recording elsewhere from time to time.
The Sony options have an internal USB to make transferring files a cordless affair.
Credit: Clark Tate
Playback and Editing
Your playback and editing needs will vary depending on the types of recordings you're making. For recorders geared towards note-taking and interviews, features like the T-mark (or bookmark) function, A-B playback loops, and variable playback speeds help you efficiently sort through audio files. Equalizing features are also helpful and can improve the clarity of your recordings. All of the pocket-sized recorders in our test offer most of these basic functions. However, we couldn't find any bookmarking functions on the PLAUD, Aiworth Voice Activated or Aomago Voice Activated recorders.
The Tascam DR-07X offers enough capability for musicians, but keeps it simple enough for folks who only want to record and playback conversations in high-quality audio.
Credit: Ross Patton
The production-oriented Zoom F3, H5, H4n Pro and Tascam DR-07X recorders are a different story. Among these, the H4n Pro provides the most varied playback and editing options. This recorder has three inputs and allows you to play back four tracks while recording two more. You can add effects that mimic a Fender guitar, play a song and karaoke over it, or even cut a portion of the track with the punch-in/out function. The Tascam DR-07X offers fewer features compared to the H4n but does include non-destructive overdubbing.
You can sort through and playback files using the Zoom H2n, but its basic speaker can't translate the intricacies of surround sound recordings. To edit and work with these files effectively, you'll need to upload them to a computer and use appropriate software. The Zoom F3 and H5 also offer limited in-device editing capabilities and are best suited to external editing tools. It's always important to use high-quality production headphones to listen to playback on these devices.
The professional-grade recorders we tested, like the Zoom F3, H5, and H4n PRo, capture high-resolution audio that you can edit using software like Adobe Premiere or Pro Tools.
Credit: Clark Tate
File Sharing
Luckily, almost all of the digital voice recorders we tested make it easy to download and share files. For those that accept memory cards — including all the production-level devices, the two Sony models, and the Olympus — you just need a card reader to access your files easily.
Connecting the options with integrated USB plugs, like the Sony ICD-UX560 makes it easy to access your files quickly.
Credit: Clark Tate
Most of the recorders also arrive with a USB cord that allows you to both charge them and transfer files to your computer. This includes all the Zoom options, plus the Tascam, EVISTR, PLAUD, Aiworth, and Aomago recorders. The PLAUD recorder automatically uploads your recordings to an app on your smartphone when connected as well. Once you have the files available on your device, you can download, share, or edit your files easily, with the exception of the Aomago. We couldn't figure out how to get those files to play, thus rendering our recordings useless. Needless to say, we don't recommend the device.
The Sony ICDUX570, PX470, and the Olympus WS-883 recorders have integrated USB connectors, which we find super convenient — as long as you have a USB to USB-C converter for modern computers. Of the three, the ICD-UX570 is our favorite since its internal operating system makes it incredibly easy to organize your files from the start.
Whether you're looking for a pocket-sized recorder or a production-worthy beast, we've tested a digital recorder that will fit your needs and budget.
Credit: Clark Tate
Conclusion
We designed this article to help you better understand what goes into selecting the best digital voice recorder for your next project. Whether you need a professional-level device for podcast production or are simply tired of jotting down notes during meetings, we've tested a model to suit your needs. And, if you're in the market for a top-rated USB microphone, we've tested those, too. Best of luck with your digital sound recording ambitions.
