Place |
Name |
Characteristic in the rating |
The best inexpensive voice recorders: budget up to 5000 rubles |
1 | Philips DVT2000 | Maximum recording time among voice recorders |
2 | Ritmix RR-190 8Gb | The best functionality. Modern design |
3 | Ambertek VR105 | The best price in the category of budget models |
4 | Philips DVT1110 | The most affordable voice recorder with sensitivity adjustment |
5 | Sony ICD-PX370 | Excellent implementation of noise reduction |
1 | Sony ICD-TX650 | An impressive amount of memory. Timer Recording |
2 | Ritmix RR-120 | The best ratio of price and quality |
3 | Edic-mini Tiny A45-1Gb | Graceful design. Maximum covert use |
4 | Sony ICD-PX240 | Simple and convenient control |
5 | Ambertek VR307 | The most popular and compact device with auto-recording |
1 | Ambertek VR408 | Best workmanship and materials |
2 | Sony ICD-UX570 | Support memory expansion and external microphone |
3 | Edic-mini Tiny + B76-150hq | The best functionality. Password protection |
4 | Soroca 16 | Professional digital mini voice recorder. Data protection |
5 | Ambertek VR125 | File management without a PC. Recording while charging |
1 | Tascam DR-05 | The most reliable.Extensive tuning range |
2 | Zoom H6 | Best Audio Recording Quality |
3 | Olympus LS-P1 | Music voice recorder with new microphone system |
4 | Zoom H1n | The most affordable professional audio recorder on the market |
5 | Tascam DR-44WL | Built-in WiFi adapter. Maximum "range" |
Each profession requires the use of specialized tools. A voice recorder is a gadget associated with journalism. But recordings in audio format may be needed not only for interviews. A writer, poet, scientist, student, schoolboy, and just any person, using such a device, will save important thoughts, necessary information. In this market segment, voice recorders compete with portable recorders. The main differences between them are as follows:
Dictaphones - simple devices designed to record voice. The most common applications are interviews, lectures and voice memos. Dictaphones are designed in a compact case, operate for a long time on batteries. They do not require high computing power, they only need a small amount of internal memory. Devices are presented in all price categories, from economy class to premium.
Portable recorders - advanced devices that can be safely called a full-fledged multi-channel recording studio. Unpretentious models can record 2 channels, and more equipped ones can record 4 or 6 channels at the same time. Many recorders are equipped with a pair of microphones for very high quality stereo recording. Portable recorders are suitable for recording rehearsals or concerts, sound recording when shooting video, preparing demos while traveling, as well as any high-quality sound recording in the field.
Leading manufacturers of voice recorders and portable recorders (Olympus, Sony, Tascam, Zoom) and other companies carefully work on the creation of each model, equipping it with functionality that can cope with tasks of varying complexity. With such a wide range, it is difficult for consumers to decide what parameters the device they need should have in order for the ratio of price, quality and service life to be optimal.
The best inexpensive voice recorders: budget up to 5000 rubles
Budget recorders have found wide popularity. Despite the fact that most of them offer only one communication channel, they are practical and high-quality devices that can be useful in lectures, when conducting experiments and experiments, for taking notes by voice, etc.
5 Sony ICD-PX370
Country: Japan (made in China)
Average price: 4950 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.6
It seems that Sony has set the goal of introducing the simplest and most hassle-free voice recorder on the market and has successfully realized its plans in the form of the ICD-PX370 model. The good thing about it is that the sound is recorded in mp3 format, which means that files can be immediately listened to without any processing on any mp3 device, besides, they take up a minimum of disk space (4GB, there is an extension option). To optimize the recording quality under certain conditions, you can select one of the modes - lecture, music, conversation, etc.
Of particular note is the noise reduction function. In most budget voice recorders, recording in a crowded place is a weak point, but Sony is an exception: it can filter out parasitic sounds unambiguously, and together with auto sensitivity adjustment, the gadget is completely capable of miracles. It is noteworthy that it connects directly to the computer via a retractable USB module.The internal memory has special software that is activated immediately when connected to a PC and serves to quickly and easily organize valuable data.
4 Philips DVT1110
Country: Netherlands (made in China)
Average price: 2790 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.7
Philips does not lose popularity in the electronics market, therefore, among the less popular Rhythmics and Zooms, the DVT1110 voice recorder arouses quite understandable interest among potential buyers. Even more, it is warmed up by an unusually low cost for this brand, in the reviews they even try to clarify whether it is a fake. Despite the cheapness, the model is made of high quality, equipped with a jack for an external microphone and headphones, as well as a speaker with a diameter of 20 mm, which allows it to play recordings quite loudly.
A clear advantage in relation to devices from the same price segment is the microphone sensitivity adjustment. With it, you can select the quality of the recorded sound depending on the distance to the source. Another feature is also convenient - automatic division of large audio files, for example, many hours of meetings. Users are satisfied with their purchase, considering it the best choice in terms of price / quality ratio and denouncing only the lack of a built-in battery. As practice shows, this minus is easily leveled if you use rechargeable batteries.
3 Ambertek VR105
Country: USA (made in China)
Average price: 1980 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.7
Ambertek VR105 is a classic single-channel voice recorder weighing 14 grams including battery. It can be used as a flash drive and looks almost the same as a USB drive.This is a convenient option for training lectures and work conferences. Built-in memory is 8 GB, the maximum recording time is 100 hours. The built-in 110 mAh battery will provide continuous operation up to 15 hours without recharging. Management is simple and straightforward, files are immediately saved in WAV format.
The reviews praise the compactness and high autonomy of the recording device. The sound quality is quite decent, but not the best in the price category. There are some noises, but the volume is good, all voices are clearly audible. The only thing that can interfere with hidden recording is a blinking indicator. Also, the disadvantages include the long inclusion of the device. Sometimes you have to wait 7-8 seconds for the recorder to enter recording mode.
Dictaphones and portable recorders are used for sound recording. In what exactly they are similar, and how they differ - we learn from the detailed comparison table.
Comparison criterion | Dictaphone | portable recorder |
Recording channels | Stereo (two channels) is the standard situation for voice recorders that do not require multi-channel. More unpretentious models record sound in mono mode, which is not a disadvantage as such. The only thing is that in mono it is required to record the voice more legibly.
| Portable recorders support the connection of a professional microphone and even an electric guitar, and the sound quality will be comparable to the studio level. The fact is that each channel is recorded on a separate track. This feature also has a positive effect on the ease of processing and editing. |
Memory | The built-in memory of voice recorders, as a rule, does not exceed 16 GB, and 2 GB is enough for optimal performance. This volume will be enough for tens of hours of sound recording in good quality. | All models have a 32GB or even 64GB SD card slot, as multi-channel audio takes up much more space than mono. |
Recording quality | Dictaphones are designed to record voice in non-studio conditions. The quality of human speech recorded by these devices is no worse than an audio CD. At the same time, high digitization rates are not required. | Portable recorders are professional devices. They are capable of digitization with enhanced performance, support high bit depth and frequency. |
Display | The display of voice recorders is the simplest and most compact. | The display of the recorders is larger in view of the expanded functionality. |
Auto voice on | The function of automatic activation in case of noise or voice sounds can be present in both voice recorders and portable recorders. | |
speaker | Without fail, both types of sound recording devices are equipped with a small speaker. It is needed not so much for loud playback of the recording, but for quick listening to the material. | |
Microphone input | An external microphone input is useful if you need better voice recording. | Portable recorders have one input for an external microphone - this is the minimum. There may be more depending on the model. |
Additional functions | Dictaphones are simple devices with a minimal set of options that lose to portable recorders in terms of functionality. But for domestic needs they will be quite useful and relevant. | Portable recorders offer built-in effects for sound processing, timecode synchronization with the camera, a built-in audio interface, and more, among other features. |
2 Ritmix RR-190 8Gb
Country: South Korea (made in China)
Average price: 3416 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.8
You can fall in love with the model that replaced the legendary RR-650 at first sight: compact, lightweight (with a battery weighs 58 g), in a stylish metal case and with a matrix display, it compares favorably with analogues with a solid design. During operation, the RR-190 also does not disappoint: the start of recording is carried out by two microphones and is started by pressing one button, in addition, there is voice activation and timer recording, a choice of 4 modes, including noise reduction, you can record lectures or radio programs via the built-in FM radio in any of the formats WAV, MP3, APE, FLAC.
The list of functions of the device does not end here: it can serve as a removable disk when connected to a PC via USB 2.0 - no driver installation is required, thereby ensuring quick and hassle-free file transfer. Thanks to the built-in speaker and memory card slot (supports microSD up to 32 GB), the owners use the recorder not only for its intended purpose, but also as an audio player with quite decent sound for such a baby. It charges in 2 hours, while the charge is enough for 12 hours of recording in high quality and more than 2 thousand hours in low quality.
1 Philips DVT2000
Country: Netherlands (made in China)
Average price: 4199 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.9
Philips DVT2000 is a compact (3.8*11.1*1.9 cm) and lightweight (49 g without battery) voice recorder with a 38-hour operating time limit. It can record up to 23 hours in high quality and up to 270 hours in low quality.Experts highly appreciate the characteristics of the device, in particular the quality of stereo recording, which the recorder demonstrates in the field. A two-channel device is a great option for creating voice notes on trips and travels.
There is a microphone input on the body of the device - an important aspect for those who are used to making audio recordings through a microphone. Built-in memory is 4 GB - a good indicator, especially given the support for microSD and microSDHC. It is possible to use the device as a voice recorder, clock, MP3 player and flash drive. The device is equipped with voice activation. The reviews thank the manufacturer for the presence of indicators of battery charge and remaining recording time.
The best voice recorders in terms of price-quality ratio
Dictaphones from this category are the golden mean. They have all the most requested features, the devices look presentable, and their cost is affordable for most buyers.
5 Ambertek VR307
Country: USA (made in China)
Average price: 1900 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.6
This thing deserves to be in the arsenal of James Bond - no other voice recorder can be compared with it in size and weight. The length of the model does not exceed a matchbox, there is nothing to say about the thickness and weight - they are 5 mm and 6 g, respectively. Therefore, if you need covert recording, this mini voice recorder is the best suited for this task. With a special holder, you can attach it to the edge of your clothes, which makes the device completely invisible.
There is no doubt about the functionality of the “Lilliputian”: it does an excellent job of recording lectures, webinars, conversations, including on the street.In addition to the dimensions and decent sensitivity of the built-in microphone, the VR307 has another important difference: a built-in sound sensor that activates recording when sound is detected above 35 dB. As a bonus, the device can be used instead of a regular flash drive (8 GB is a completely universal volume) or a music player. To music lovers, its playback abilities, of course, seem unsatisfactory, but we must remember that we still have a voice recorder, not an audio speaker.
4 Sony ICD-PX240
Country: Japan (made in China)
Average price: 4490 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.7
Sony ICD-PX240 is considered one of the best in terms of price-quality ratio. It is larger than analogues (3.8*11.5*2.1 cm, weight - 72 g with battery). Built-in memory of 4 GB is enough to record several lectures or interviews. The maximum operating time is 65 hours. Like other voice recorders in the top, the model is connected to a computer or headphones, and it is also equipped with a speaker for listening to recordings. Interestingly, the files are saved in MP3 format, and not in the usual WAV recorders. But for some buyers, this option is even more convenient.
Separately, it is worth noting the device management. It is classic, instead of one universal button, several keys are used. Each of them is signed, so that even beginners can easily figure it out without instructions. The reviews praise the quality of the speaker, the sturdy construction and the ergonomic design of the voice recorder. Only a dim display caused bewilderment of consumers - it is difficult to see the characters on it.
3 Edic-mini Tiny A45-1Gb
Country: Russia
Average price: 8977 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.8
This model of the recorder from "Edik Mini" is one of the best for covert recording. At first glance, it is difficult to guess that we have a sound recording device in front of us, and not a pen. The weight of this recorder without battery is a record 14 grams. Appearances are deceiving - that's the case! The device offers 50 hours of operation and up to 210 hours of standby time. This is a mono machine with 1 GB built-in memory. In terms of functionality, the model does not lag behind competitors: activation by voice, timer recording, adjustable microphone sensitivity.
The recorder is equipped with a microphone input. As buyers write in reviews, this is a compact device that is easy to operate and at the same time has professional-level characteristics. Sleek design, comfortable operation. Among the advantages, experts emphasize low current consumption and the possibility of recharging via USB. The only drawback that we managed to find out from the reviews is not the best sound purity.
2 Ritmix RR-120
Country: South Korea (made in China)
Average price: 2049 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.9
Another successful device at a relatively low price is the Ritmix RR-120. The ratio of cost and characteristics pleasantly surprised consumers. This is a metal voice recorder with the ability to use as a player. It plays not only MP3 and WAV files, but also music in the best lossless quality. There is a voice activation function, and the keys on the case are also used for control. You can choose from two modes with different recording quality. The amount of memory is 8 GB, which is quite good for an inexpensive recorder.
The advantages of the budget model also include automatic saving of files when the battery is low and a headphone jack.When connected to a PC, the voice recorder can be used immediately without installing additional drivers. Despite the abundance of positive reviews, buyers criticize the sound quality. There are noticeable noises, so it will be difficult to recognize voices in covert recording.
1 Sony ICD-TX650
Country: Japan (made in China)
Average price: 8990 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.9
Before us is a stylish and compact voice recorder, which is not ashamed to put in front of you on the table, for example, during an interview. Not only does the device fit even in a shirt pocket (2.0 * 10.2 * 0.7 cm), it also perfectly records sound from there - an ideal solution for hidden use, because even “work lights” will not be given out. The interface is clear and extremely simple. The gadget weighs only 29 g - and this is with the battery. There is 16 GB of internal memory, and the battery lasts for 15 hours. Two channels (stereo) recording provide high quality sound.
The recorder boasts an abundance of functions - pause, timer recording, clock, voice activation, change the microphone sensitivity. The manufacturer indicates that up to 400 folders and more than 4000 messages can be created in the voice recorder. Comes with headphones, computer cable and leather case. Another plus is a reliable metal clip for hooking into the pocket of a shirt or jacket.
The best premium voice recorders: budget from 5000 rubles
Premium-class voice recorders are advanced devices with an extended set of functions and a rich bundle. Many of them offer setting a password to keep your data secret. Some models have a certificate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, which means the possibility of attaching audio recordings from this recorder to evidence in court.
5 Ambertek VR125
Country: USA (made in China)
Average price: 5980 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.6
Ambertek VR125 is a mini voice recorder with an ultra-thin body and a sound sensor. The amount of memory here is higher than most of the recorders from the rating - as much as 16 GB to store up to 200 hours of recordings or music. The lithium-ion battery will provide up to 80 hours of battery life. Moreover, it supports recording while charging. You can listen and delete files both from the device itself and from the computer. Among the useful functions, it is worth highlighting the monitoring of the current recording and noise suppression, which is especially important at lectures and meetings in crowded places. The control buttons can be called hidden, they are almost invisible on the case.
Traditionally, you can use the recorder as an MP3 player by switching to the appropriate mode. The reviews note high-quality sound without interference and good autonomy. The sensor is sensitive, the recording automatically turns on only at the right moments when voices are heard. There were no serious cons to the product.
4 Soroca 16
Country: Russia
Average price: 13392 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.7
For professional audio recording of material, it is extremely important that the recorder has the following characteristics: a high level of microphone sensitivity, the ability to connect an external sound pickup, a wide range of captured frequencies and easy interaction with a PC. Without exaggeration, the Soroka-16 voice recorder of the Russian company Second Laboratory meets all these requirements. It is equipped with a high sensitivity MEMS microphone (sensitivity up to 9m) linked to a built-in ADC and preamplifier.Such a constructive solution allows to avoid distortion and get the most clear and pure sound.
The device is controlled by pressing one button On / Off. All other types of interaction are carried out via USB and a card reader using a PC and software, which is supplied on a CD in the kit. The recorder also comes with a charger, a card reader and a 32 GB memory card. Saved records - both individually and the entire storage medium - can be password protected and digitally signed. Thus, it is impossible to change the primary information in an imperceptible way, and the phonograms recorded using this device can be used in court as evidence.
3 Edic-mini Tiny + B76-150hq
Country: Russia
Average price: 17500 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.7
A compact 16-gram voice recorder with a system of digital markers from the Edik-Mini brand is a miniature device that many have adapted for recording lectures, taking interviews and creating voice notes, including in a mode hidden from prying eyes. The model has only one recording channel (mono), offering excellent sound quality. 4 GB built-in memory ensures long-term recording (up to 150 hours maximum run time).
Pleased with the functionality of the device. Buyers are offered a choice of quality and format, switching on by a timer, voice activation and much more. There is also a loop recording mode. In the reviews, buyers write that the voice recorder is password protected - a relevant option for those who do not want to be heard by someone else if the device is lost.The connection to the computer is made via the included USB adapter. Apart from the very high price, there are no significant disadvantages of the product.
2 Sony ICD-UX570
Country: Japan (made in China)
Average price: 9390 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.9
Sony ICD-UX570 is not cheap, but its quality is appropriate. The device weighs 48 g, its dimensions are 3.7 * 10.3 * 1.2 cm. The built-in memory of 4 GB will provide long-term recording, and you can also use an external microphone. As many as 3 file saving formats are supported: MP3, PCM and WMA. One of the many advantages was the support for memory expansion using micro SD cards. There is a microphone sensitivity adjustment, voice activation, file protection from deletion and other useful options. For example, it is very convenient to use the rewind keys for 3 and 10 seconds.
Due to the high cost, the model cannot be called the most popular among buyers, but it is regularly praised in reviews. Among the advantages of the product mention compactness, economical consumption of memory and energy. But the sound quality leaves much to be desired: due to contact with fingers, clothing and other things, noise appears on the recording.
1 Ambertek VR408
Country: USA (made in China)
Average price: 5780 rub.
Rating (2022): 5.0
The Ambertek VR408 mini voice recorder is quite in line with other premium models, although its price can be called average. The device has a durable metal case, it weighs about 10 grams, the dimensions are 2 * 5 * 0.7 cm. The battery charge is enough for 40 hours of operation. The maximum recording time is 100 hours, the built-in memory is 8 GB.The product received the most positive reviews for its high build quality and materials. The sound also does not lag behind: it is clear, loud, with a minimum of extraneous noise. The indicators do not glow during hidden recording, which is very convenient in terms of conspiracy.
The biggest downside was device management. If you use it regularly, everything is in order, but with a rare recording of lectures and interviews, you have to re-learn and memorize button combinations each time. Another insignificant minus is the difficulty with connecting headphones. Because of this, it is more convenient to listen to files through the speaker or from a computer.
The best portable recorders
Portable recorders are used for high quality sound recording. They are typically used in concerts, podcasts, or for audio tracks on recorded videos. Built-in microphones provide a clear voice transmission to the device, creating a stereo effect. The ability to connect additional more powerful microphones expands the boundaries of use.
5 Tascam DR-44WL
Country: USA (made in China)
Average price: 27320 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.6
The DR-WL series of dictaphones is certainly the most demanded in the numerous assortment of Tascam. And all because these are the only models with built-in Wi-fi connectors that significantly expand their capabilities: you can transfer recorded files over the air, connect with mobile devices with iOS or Android for the most convenient control, and use an expanded arsenal of settings. These are familiar and necessary functions for any modern technology, but other recorder manufacturers seem to have forgotten about this.
The ergonomics of the device is designed in such a way that it can be operated with one hand. The microphone block consists of two condenser microphones, the design of which and the circuitry of the amplifiers make it possible not to be afraid of strong overloads, if only the correct amplitude range was selected during digitization. The sensitivity of the microphones is so high that it allows you to control the recording from the director's chair when the music devices are on stage (from a distance of approximately 20 m). The manufacturer did not stint on the complete set, putting in it a windscreen, a case, a memory card, a power supply and mounts.
4 Zoom H1n
Country: Japan (made in China)
Average price: 8620 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.7
Back in 2010, Zoom's bestseller, the H1 recorder, was released, which became very successful due to the right price / quality ratio. H1n is its update with a reimagined design, a new auto-start feature and several additional recording modes. The location of the microphone capsules remained in the same configuration - XY, which is typical for all Zoom recorders. The maximum sound pressure level is 120 GB, which is enough for high-quality recording of a rock concert. Needless to say about phonographing a lecture from a distance or a noisy meeting - nothing is new, the sound thanks to it is of high quality everywhere.
The device has a lot of nice features: the function of slowing down speech during playback, the ability to record in several layers, licenses for Cubase and Wavelab programs are included.The list of advantages also often mentions the presence of a speaker on the front panel and a thread for a tripod - due to this design, the recorder can be installed on a camcorder in order to record videos with the highest quality voice acting. In general, a great device for vloggers, journalists and musicians.
3 Olympus LS-P1
Country: Japan (produced in Vietnam)
Average price: 12490 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.7
The LS-series recorders are designed for professional recording of rehearsals and interviews. LS-P1 is the junior model equipped with two stereo microphones. They are located at right angles and, together with a high-quality amplifier, provide the most accurate sound capture in linear PCM format with a resolution of up to 24 bits and a sampling rate of 96 kHz. Such parameters mean that the recording level is better than the sound of the CD, and the soundtrack in pcm format can be an exact copy of the studio original.
An important feature of the entire lineup is their ability to work in combination with Olympus OM-D digital cameras and Android smartphones - for this you need to use the bundled software. According to user reviews, for the original recording of music in a room, only older versions with a remote control and Bluetooth can serve as the best alternative to this device, other manufacturers do not have an equivalent offer.
2 Zoom H6
Country: USA
Average price: 29020 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.8
The price category of the presented model is close to professional analogues of portable recorders. The functionality that it has is also on the level.Three built-in microphones and six recording channels allow you to capture in perfect quality a multi-voiced conference, concert, nature sounds and so on. The ergonomics of the buttons makes it easy and quick to adjust the desired parameters. Plastic coated with Soft-touch, high-quality assembly, a backlit color display (2 inches) - highlight the device, providing it with a presentable look.
The quick start of the recording will not let you miss important moments, and the duration of work, equal to 21 hours, will not force the device to turn off at the most inopportune time. The device looks impressive, it does not differ in compactness (78 * 153 * 48 mm) and low weight (280 g without battery). Sometimes this can be a disadvantage, especially in the work of journalists - the dimensions attract too much attention.
1 Tascam DR-05
Country: USA
Average price: 9330 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.9
The Tascam DR-05 is considered the best portable recorder due to the main purpose of all audio recording devices - obtaining crystal clear, deep sound and the ability to capture even the smallest nuances of what is happening around. The model has more than 100 levels of sensitivity settings for the built-in microphones, so you can choose different modes for each situation. Recording is carried out in three formats: MP3, WAV, PCM.
In terms of the quality of materials, assembly and ergonomics, the device surpasses competitors in its price category. Solid protection of the case and microphones placed outside will prevent damage to an expensive device, extending its service life. A good built-in speaker gives a clear sound, but if you need a clearer audibility, you can use the headphone output.The small display, illuminated by a pleasant amber backlight, displays the desired limit indicator, warning the owner of the overload of the device.