10 Best Portable Audio Recorders 2020
Reviewed by Gareth Otwell
| Last Updated:
After analyzing 240 products, scanning 4235 reviews, spending more than 36 hours of research and speaking with our test users, we think the Zoom H1n Portable Recorder is the one of the Best Portable Audio Recorder on the market.
| # | Image | Name | Brand | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
⭐Best Choice
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Zoom H1n Portable Recorder, Onboard Stereo Microphones, Camera Mountable, Records to SD Card, Compact, USB Microphone, Overdubbing, Dictation, For Recording Music, Audio for Video, and Interviews Check price | Zoom | $$$$$ | Check price |
| 2 |
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Tascam DR-05X Stereo Handheld Digital Recorder and USB Audio Interface, DR-05X (DR-05X) Check price | Tascam | $$$$$ | Check price |
| 3 |
👑Premium Pick
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Zoom H6 All Black (2020 Version) 6-Track Portable Recorder, Stereo Microphones, 4 XLR/TRS Inputs, SD Card, USB Audio Interface, Battery Powered Check price | Zoom | $$$$$ | Check price |
| 4 |
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Zoom H4n Pro 4-Track Portable Recorder, All Black, Stereo Microphones, 2 XLR/ ¼“ Combo Inputs, Battery Powered, for Stereo/Multitrack Recording of Music, Audio for Video, and Podcasting Check price | Zoom | $$$$$ | Check price |
| 5 |
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Tascam DR-60DMKII 4-Channel Portable Audio Recorder for DSLR Check price | Tascam | $$$$$ | Check price |
| 6 |
💲Best value for the money
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Digital Voice Recorder Voice Activated Recorder for Lectures, Meetings, Interviews Aomago 8GB Audio Recorder Mini Portable Tape Dictaphone with Playback, USB, MP3 Check price | Aomago | $$$$$ | Check price |
| 7 |
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EVISTR 16GB Digital Voice Recorder Voice Activated Recorder with Playback - Upgraded Small Tape Recorder for Lectures, Meetings, Interviews, Mini Audio Recorder USB Charge, MP3 Check price | EVISTR | $$$$$ | Check price |
| 8 |
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Zoom H2n Stereo/Surround-Sound Portable Recorder, 5 Built-In Microphones, X/Y, Mid-Side, Surround Sound, Ambisonics Mode, Records to SD Card, For Recording Music, Audio for Video, and Interviews Check price | Zoom | $$$$$ | Check price |
| 9 |
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Tascam DR-05X 2-Input / 2-Track Portable Handheld Digital Audio Recorder (Black) with Deluxe accessory bundle Check price | Tascam | $$$$$ | Check price |
| 10 |
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Tascam DR-40X Four-Track Digital Audio Recorder and USB Audio Interface, Black Check price | Tascam | $$$$$ | Check price |
Zoom H1n Portable Recorder – Best Overall Portable Audio Recorder
- Streamlined Body with matte finish and newly designed protective mic enclosure
- Built-in stereo condenser microphones in 90-Degree x/Y format
- One-touch button controls.Battery life (alkaline batteries): Approximately 10 hours (continuous recording time using built-in mic, 44.1 kHz/16-bit)
- Localized and intuitive menus for easy operation.Input impedance: 2 kΩ
- Playback Speed Control, Voice Emphasize Filter, and Stereo overdubbing functions
Tascam DR-05X Stereo Handheld Digital Recorder and USB Audio Interface
- Ensure you buy genuine Tascam products! Products from sellers which say ‘fulfilled by ’ under the price might not be an Authorized Tascam reseller, and might not be selling genuine Tascam products which would forfeit any manufacturer warranties
- The dual internal condenser microphones can handle anything from subtle to loud, with sensitivity to capture every detail
- A revamped layout means operations like recording, adjusting levels, deleting bad takes and adding Markers are quick and easy
- Uses only two AA batteries, but can record for an outstanding 17. 5 hours; It can also be powered by a USB mobile battery
- Connect to a PC using USB Audio Interface Mode for voiceover work, live streaming, podcasting and songwriting with studio-quality audio
Zoom H6 All Black (2020 Version) 6-Track Portable Recorder – Premium Pick
- Portable 6-track portable recorder for recording podcasts, audio for video, music, and more
- Includes detachable X/Y capsule perfect for all types of live stereo recording, compatible with all Zoom Input Capsules
- Four mic/line level inputs with XLR/TRS combo connectors for connection of microphones and line level sources
- Records up to 24-bit/96kHz to SD cards up to 128GB, Runs on 4 AA batteries for up to 20 hours of operation
- Includes: H6 All Black Recorder, XYH-6 X/Y Capsule, 4 AA Batteries, Cubase LE and Wavelab LE Software, and Quick Guide
Zoom H4n Pro 4-Track Portable Recorder
- Four-channel recording up to 24-bit, 96 kHz. Built-in stereo X/Y microphones, up to 140 dB SPL
- 2 XLR/TRS inputs with locking connectors. Records directly to SD/SDHC cards up to 32 GB
- 4-in/2-out USB audio interface. Monaural speaker: 400 mW 8 Ω
- Line/phone-LINE Output load impedance- 10 kΩ or more. LINE rated output level: -10 dBu. PHONE- 20 mW + 20 mW (into 32Ω load)
- All Black Finish
Tascam DR-60DMKII 4-Channel Portable Audio Recorder for DSLR
- ENSURE YOU BUY GENUINE TASCAM PRODUCTS! Products from sellers which say ‘fulfilled by Amazon’ under the price MIGHT NOT be an authorized TASCAM reseller, and might not be selling genuine TASCAM products which would forfeit any manufacturer warranties.
- Fits perfectly under a DSLR camera rig, without relying on bulky recorders or the limits of the camera’s microphone in
- Record up to 4 channels at a time to the internal SD Card, at up to 96kHz/24-bit WAV file resolution
- Two mic inputs utilize locking XLR connectors with 48V phantom power; the other two use a 1/8” stereo connector for wireless and lav mics
- The channel 3/4 input connector supports a high-level maximum input – up to +10dBV
- The upgraded HDDA preamps provide up to 64dB of gain and some of the lowest noise levels available
Digital Voice Recorder Voice Activated Recorder for Lectures – Best Budget Portable Audio Recorder
- PREMIUM SOUND QUALITY SIMPLE OPERATION: This recorder upgraded its higher sensitive microphones,means that you can enjoy premium quality sound.Simple three-click recording, saving and playing, make it super user friendly.
- VOICE ACTIVATED RECORDER: Set the recorder to voice activated recording,catch the speaking words only.No more silent whisper or snippets in your recordings now. Effectively save the space of the recorder and your listening time.
- A-B REPEAT FUNCTION: This is a great feature to help you study language,review lessons from selected starting point A to ending point B.You don’t have to go back or forward to listen the words any more.
- EASY TRANSFER FILES: Voice recorder mac compatible. It supports recording files in MP3 or WAV format.You can transfer files easily by connecting to a computer via supplied Micro USB cable.)
- MP3 PLAYER: Not only a mini recorder,but a music player. Help you relax after your tired lectures, classes or meetings. Aomago ensure your 100% satisfied purchasing experience.
EVISTR 16GB Digital Voice Recorder Voice Activated Recorder with Playback
- Upgraded Recording Quality: new design digital voice recorder, dynamic noise cancellation microphone, capture 1536kbps crystal clear audio
- Voice Recorder Easy Transfer File to Computer : this mini recorder device can set recording quality at MP3 (128kpbs, 64kpbs) / WAV (1536kpbs), simple charge recording device or transfer recordings to computer easily via supplied Micro USB cable, an useful gift for students, professor, teacher, businessman, writer, blogger, anyone who loves to record
- Simple & Powerful Recording Device: easy to figure out, press REC: starts to record; press STOP, save the recordings safely. Small Voice Recorders with A-B repeat, fast forward, rewind function during playback, a helpful recorder for lectures, meetings, interviews, speeches, class
- Voice Activated Recorder: set the AVR voice activated function, record only when teacher is speaking, reduce blank and whispering snippet, save space and time. Recording your appointment, meetings, interviews,speeches, lectures easily.
- Easy File Management: recordings with time stamp, easy to find out when you recorded, what it recorded. Package: 1 x Voice Recorder, 1 x earphone, 1 x USB Cable, 1 x VIP Card, securely wrapped with film.
Zoom H2n Stereo/Surround-Sound Portable Recorder
- Over 20 hours of operation using two standard AA batteries
- Key Control, A-B Repeat, File Dividing, Normalize, MP3 Post-Encode, Marker and Surround Mixer
- Additional functions include Lo-cut Filter, Compressor/Limiter, Auto Gain, Pre-Rec, Auto-Rec, Tuner, Metronome, Variable Speed Playback
- Records in WAV up to 24-bit/96kHz and MP3 up to 320kbps
- File types supported: MAV,MP3
Tascam DR-05X 2-Input / 2-Track Portable Handheld Digital Audio Recorder
- The lightweight and compact design allows you to bring the recorder anywhere, perfect for musicians, teachers, journalists, and more
- Quality WAV and MP3 Recording in a lightweight and compact design
- Records up to 24-Bit/96 kHz, and can audios can be stored in MicroSD or MicroSDHC cards
- Studio-quality 2-in/2-out USB audio interface makes a great fit for podcasting, digital audio workstations, etc.
- A built-in chromatic tuner ensures that you're in-key and sounding your best
Tascam DR-40X Four-Track Digital Audio Recorder and USB Audio Interface
- ENSURE YOU BUY GENUINE TASCAM PRODUCTS! Products from sellers which say ‘fulfilled by Amazon’ under the price MIGHT NOT be an authorized TASCAM reseller, and might not be selling genuine TASCAM products which would forfeit any manufacturer warranties.
- High-quality unidirectional stereo condenser microphones that can record in A-B and X-Y positions
- XLR/TRS inputs compatible with +4dBu line level / +48V
- 4-channel mode that can be used for dual recording and nondestructive overdub recording, etc.
- Functions as a 2in/ 2out USB Audio Interface for Mac, PC or iOS recording
