A digital voice recorder is a small handheld device that converts speech and other sounds into digital files. These files can then be transferred to other electronic devices such as a computer, tablet, or smartphone for storage. You can also edit the digital files, which can help you organize your information.

Note taking: Digital voice recorders are most commonly used for recording notes at school lectures or business meetings, which can then be transcribed later. A recorder is also helpful for capturing your own thoughts and ideas for later transcription. For example, doctors often use them to record patient notes.
Interviews: Journalists and writers use the devices to record interviews and story ideas.
Dictation: You can use a recorder to dictate letters, memos, and other documents in a business setting for later transcription.
Website streaming audio: You can create digital files that allow you to add streaming audio to your website.
Presentation audio: You can add digital sound files from your recorder to PowerPoint and other presentations.
Podcasts: You can easily record your own podcast and then post it online for listeners to download.
Audiobooks: You can create audiobooks.
Custom ringtones: You can record custom ringtones for your smartphone.

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Best Voice Recorder For Mac

Nearly all digital voice recorders support MP3 files, which are compatible with most devices. However, some other common files supported by digital voice recorders include the following. WAV is supported by Windows, Mac, and Android devices. AIFF is supported by Windows and Mac devices. AU is supported by Windows, Mac, and Android devices. Similarly, voice-activated recording automates the start of a recording session whenever a predefined level of audio signal (decibels) is registered by the software. All of these can make it a little easier to record things like a podcast or a college lecture without wasting space on your computer’s hard drive. Best Screen Recording Apps for Mac OS. If you want to create basic tutorials with less actions, controls and options, free apps are just fine, but if you want to prepare some good tutorials for Mac, you need a premium one. So today I came with a list of best screen recording apps for Mac OS. Let’s have a look at some of those applications and its features below.

The Rundown

Best Overall: Sony ICDUX560BLK at Amazon, “Capable of recording in MP3 format with a highly sensitive s-microphone.”
Best Value: Zoom H1n Handy Recorder at Amazon, 'Perfect to take on the go, whether you’re recording class lectures or even starting your own podcast.'
Best Splurge: Sony PCM-A10 at Amazon, “Outstanding features for the price, including adjustable microphones.”
Runner-Up, Best Overall:Zoom H2n at Amazon, “Auto gain, auto-record and pre-record features work along with theplay' key is the only other button or toggle that is available on the front. All other functions — including volume, menu, fast forward, and rewind — are all hidden on the side.

When it comes to function, its minimal design doesn’t mean it’s short on features. Inside the Sungluber is a welcome 16GB of storage. That’s enough space for up to 16 hours of recordings at 1536Kbps. The 300mAh battery is capable of recording up to 16 hours of audio and if you’re short on battery life, the recorder can also record while charging. The device is voice activated so recording will only begin when someone speaks, this means any silences are omitted in order to reduce the amount of consumed memory.

Best Microphone: Zoom H1

When it comes to the ideal combination of great microphone, size, and design, the Zoom H1 is a favorite choice for our list. Roughly the size of a candy bar, the Zoom H1 is more than meets the eye. Courtesy of the X/Y microphone arrangement, the H1 enables a wide area of voice reception that also minimizes sound, which allows for high-quality sound to come in and record. Powered by a single AA battery, you’re offered around 10 hours of life before recharging.

The included 2GB microSD card is in place of onboard storage and, while expandable, we’d prefer to have at least some onboard memory to start. There is an included SD card so you easily transfer data from the microSD card to a PC or Mac alongside plugging into your computer via the USB 2.0 slot. The tripod mount on the back offers expandability and additional functionality and could be perfect for attaching to the hot shoe on your DSLR or onto a tripod. Mounting the unit on a tripod? It sounds a little strange but it would, in fact, give you additional control over the direction of the microphones and eliminates any additional noise that emanates from hand-held recording.

Best Voice Recorder App For Macbook Pro

If you’re looking for even more control over removing external wind noise, you can purchase a windscreen separately to utilize in less-than-ideal windy conditions. Overall, the highlight of the H1 is the microphone and it does not disappoint with good stereo image, high sensitivity and automatic recording levels that sound great for interviews, meetings and the like.

Tested by

How We Tested

We bought three top-rated voice recorders that our reviewers tested for 144 hours. We asked our testers to consider the most important features when using these voice recorders, including their recording quality, portability, and battery life. We’ve outlined the key takeaways here so that you, too, know what to look for when shopping.

Best Voice Recorder App For Chromebook

What to Look for in a Voice Recorder

Recording quality - What will you be using your voice recorder for? If it’s just for personal memos and notes, you probably don’t need top-tier recording quality. But if you’re using it to do interviews or keep track of conversations in noisy places, then the quality of the recording is very important. For superior quality, you may want to look into a model that has built-in noise reduction.

Connection and battery life - Like any other portable device, battery life is important when it comes to voice recorders — especially if you’ll be using it often during the day. Some of these devices use batteries, while others recharge via USB. Others even have a built-in USB port so you don’t have to carry an extra cord. Think about what’s most convenient for you when it comes to these two factors.

Size - A voice recorder is something you want to be able to tuck into a pocket or purse with ease. Often, there's a tradeoff between size and recording quality (due to the microphone), so you want to make sure you find a device that’s a perfect balance of the two.

Best Voice Recorder App

Test Results: Sony ICDUX560BLK (Best Overall)

What We Like

Small form factor
4GB internal storage
USB data transfer directly from device

What We Don't Like

Maximum of 16-bit audio recording
No tripod screw mount
Basic microphones

“This product is worth buying for students and people that need to transcribe audio,” our tester reported. He particularly liked the “compact and straightforward design, internal storage capacity, and rechargeable lithium-ion battery. In terms of negatives, our reviewer wished for the ability to record 24-bit audio files. However, he concluded, “This fits the needs of people that have a small budget and have specific needs in a digital audio recording device.”

Test Results: Zoom H1n Handy Recorder (2018 Model) (Best Value)

3.7

What We Like

24-bit/96 kHz WAV format recording
Excellent microphones
Advanced audio controls