The 22 best audio recorder brands
Olympus, Sony and Philips lead our ranking of 22 audio recorder brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Audio Recorder brands, ranked
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1
Olympus
Pocket dictation recorders with long battery life and clean microphone tuning, often bought for meetings and lectures.
Website: olympusmedical.co.in |Brands like Olympus
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
Sony
Sony's ICD models run from slim USB dictation units to MP3 recorders with stereo mics and 16GB storage.
Top products: ICD-TX660· ICD-UX575F· ICD-PX820
Website: sony.com |Brands like Sony
Popularity 9.0/10
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3
Philips
VoiceTracer recorders focus on meeting capture, with multi-directional mics and built-in memory options.
Top products: VoiceTracer DVT4110· DVT1700· DVT2015
Website: philips.com |Brands like Philips
Popularity 4.6/10
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4
Panasonic
Matsushita Konosuke founded the Matsushita Electric Industrial Company to produce electric plugs and lamp sockets that he had designed. The 30s incorporated these products and experienced a rapid expansion of business. Over the years, various products such as irons, radios, television sets, microwave ovens, etc., were added to keep up with the times and provide people with convenient products. This helped it gain international recognition and became known as Panasonic over time.
Website: panasonic.com |Brands like Panasonic
Popularity 3.2/10
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5
RCA
Budget USB voice recorders with simple one-button operation, suited to quick notes rather than studio sound.
Top products: VR5320R-A
Website: rcaaudiovideo.com |Brands like RCA
Popularity 3.0/10
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6
EVISTR
Compact budget recorders marketed mainly to students, with simple playback and long standby times.
Website: evistr.com |Brands like EVISTR
Popularity 1.8/10
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7
GE
Desktop dictation units from the lighting and appliance maker, with a plain record button and a built-in speaker.
Website: gelighting.com |Brands like GE
Popularity 1.7/10
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8
Memorex
Tape and disc media maker whose voice recorders use a simple play, record, and stop layout.
Website: memorex.com |Brands like Memorex
Popularity 1.5/10
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9
DICTOPRO
Voice-activated pocket recorders that double as MP3 players, sold at modest prices.
Top products: X200
Website: dictopro.com |Brands like DICTOPRO
Popularity 1.4/10
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10
SANYO
Japanese electronics maker SANYO sold televisions, DVD players, and remote controls for home entertainment. Its TV line includes LED and smart models in several screen sizes, along with soundbars and Blu-ray players. Remote controls for SANYO TVs are a separate...
Website: sanyo-av.com |Brands like SANYO
Popularity 1.4/10
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11
TASCAM
Pro-grade handheld recorders with stereo mics and XLR-style inputs, favoured by musicians and field recordists.
Top products: DR-05
Website: tascam.com |Brands like TASCAM
Popularity 1.3/10
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12
3M
The five founders of 3M had a straightforward goal: mining corundum, a mineral used for making sandpapers and grinding wheels of premium quality. However, they assumed corundum was anorthosite, a common low-grade mineral. However, this did not deter the founders....
Website: 3m.com |Brands like 3M
Popularity 1.3/10
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13
Coby
Inexpensive units mostly sold as portable audio, not dedicated dictation tools.
Website: cobyusa.com |Brands like Coby
Popularity 1.1/10
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14
Craig
Older-style portable audio brand with budget recorders, many from the cassette era.
Website: craigelectronics.com |Brands like Craig
Popularity 0.9/10
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15
Califone
Califone creates and produces superior-end headphones that elevate your musical enjoyment to a new level. Their headphones, headsets, and other goods are made for students who want quality sound on their gadgets and professionals who require it in the workplace....
Website: califone.com |Brands like Califone
Popularity 0.6/10
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16
Marantz
Professional portable recorders for field and broadcast use, with XLR inputs and strong preamps.
Website: marantzpro.com |Brands like Marantz
Popularity 0.6/10
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17
Aiwa
Cassette-era audio brand whose recorders date from earlier decades, with fewer current models.
Website: aiwa.co |Brands like Aiwa
Popularity 0.5/10
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18
Sangean
Sangean makes a wide range of hardware products, including an innovative range of technological homeware. It simplifies and reduces stress in people's lives and dominates the technology market. They include a dozen pastel-colored weather warning devices with automated alerts that...
Website: eu.sangean.com |Brands like Sangean
Popularity 0.5/10
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19
Roland
Field recorders with strong preamps, used by musicians and location sound people.
Website: roland.com |Brands like Roland
Popularity 0.5/10
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20
Lanier
Office dictation systems now sold under Ricoh-owned Lanier branding for business use.
Website: lanier.com |Brands like Lanier
Popularity 0.5/10
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21
Pyle
Musicians, vehicle owners and event hosts rely on Pyle for amplification and sound equipment. The American audio company makes power amplifiers, Bluetooth amplifiers, wireless microphones and professional megaphones. Its products are organized into sub-brands that serve different audio needs, from...
Website: pyleusa.com |Brands like Pyle
Popularity 0.3/10
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22
Oregon Scientific
Weather-focused brand whose voice recorders are simple gadget-style units.
Website: oregonscientificstore.com |Brands like Oregon Scientific
Popularity 0.3/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Olympus | olympusmedical.co.in | – | – | – | – |
| Sony | sony.com | – | – | – | – |
| Philips | philips.com | /Philips | – | @philips | – |
| Panasonic | panasonic.com | – | – | – | – |
| RCA | rcaaudiovideo.com | /RCA | – | – | – |
| EVISTR | evistr.com | /evistr.fans | – | – | – |
| GE | gelighting.com | /GELighting | gelighting | @GELighting | GELightingFuture |
| Memorex | memorex.com | – | – | – | – |
| DICTOPRO | dictopro.com | – | – | – | – |
| SANYO | sanyo-av.com | /sanyotvusa | – | – | – |
Audio Recorder Buying Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before Making a Purchase
Choosing the right audio recorder can be overwhelming, especially if you don't know what to look for. Whether you're a musician, podcaster, journalist, or filmmaker, having a high-quality audio recorder can make a huge difference in the final result. In this buying guide, we will cover everything you need to know before investing in an audio recorder. From the different types and features to the brands and price range, we've got you covered.
Types of Audio Recorders
There are several types of audio recorders, each with its own benefits and limitations. Here are the most common ones:
Handheld Digital Recorders
Handheld digital recorders are portable devices that are used for recording audio on-the-go. They're compact, easy to use, and usually have built-in microphones. They're ideal for musicians, journalists, and podcasters who need to record high-quality audio in different settings. Handheld digital recorders come in different shapes and sizes, from small pocket-sized ones to larger, more advanced models.
USB Audio Interfaces
USB audio interfaces are devices that allow you to connect multiple microphones and instruments to your computer. These are commonly used by musicians and producers who want to record multiple tracks at once. They are also great for podcasters and voice-over artists who need to record in a studio environment. USB audio interfaces come in different sizes and can range from budget-friendly to high-end professional models.
Field Recorders
Field recorders are more advanced audio recording devices that are designed for professional audio production. They are usually used for recording audio for film, television, and music. They are capable of recording high-quality audio in a variety of environments and can be used with different types of microphones. Field recorders can also have advanced features such as timecode, metadata, and remote control capabilities. They're more expensive than handheld digital recorders and USB audio interfaces but are essential for professional audio production.
Features to Consider
When choosing an audio recorder, there are several features to consider depending on your needs and budget. Here are some of the most important ones:
Microphones
The type and quality of microphones are key factors in the final sound of your recording. Handheld digital recorders usually have built-in microphones that can be adequate for basic recordings. However, if you're looking for a higher-quality sound, you might want to consider an audio recorder with external microphone inputs. This way, you can use a wide range of microphones depending on your needs.
Channels
The number of channels indicates how many audio inputs the recorder has. Handheld digital recorders usually have one or two channels, while USB audio interfaces and field recorders can have up to 24 channels. The number of channels you need depends on the type of recording you're doing. For example, if you're recording a podcast with multiple hosts, you'll need more channels than if you're recording a solo instrument.
File Formats
Audio recorders can record audio in different file formats, such as MP3, WAV, AIFF, and FLAC. The file format you choose depends on the intended use of the recording. MP3 is a compressed format that's ideal for online streaming and sharing. WAV and AIFF are uncompressed formats that are suitable for high-quality recordings. FLAC is a lossless compressed format that's ideal for archiving and editing.
Storage
Storage capacity is an important factor to consider when choosing an audio recorder. Handheld digital recorders usually have internal memory, while USB audio interfaces and field recorders often use external memory cards. The amount of storage you need depends on the length and quality of the recordings you're making. It's always better to have more storage than you need, so you don't run out of space in the middle of a recording.
Battery Life
Battery life is also an important consideration when choosing an audio recorder. Handheld digital recorders usually have batteries that can last for several hours, while field recorders often have removable batteries that can be swapped out for longer recording sessions. Always check the battery life of the recorder you're interested in and make sure it's sufficient for your needs.
Connectivity
Connectivity options are important if you want to transfer your recordings to a computer or other devices. Handheld digital recorders usually have USB ports that allow you to connect them directly to a computer. USB audio interfaces often connect via USB or Thunderbolt and allow you to record multiple tracks on your computer. Field recorders can have multiple connectivity options, such as USB, HDMI, and SDI, depending on the model.
Top Brands
There are many brands of audio recorders on the market, but some stand out for their quality and reliability. Here are some of the top brands to consider:
Zoom
Zoom is a leading brand in the world of handheld digital recorders. They offer a range of models that cater to different needs and budgets. Their recorders are known for their high-quality sound, easy-to-use interface, and durability. Some of their most popular models include the Zoom H4n Pro and the Zoom H6.
Tascam
Tascam is another well-known brand in the world of audio recorders. They offer a range of handheld digital recorders, field recorders, and USB audio interfaces. Their recorders are known for their high-quality sound, advanced features, and professional-grade construction. Some of their most popular models include the Tascam DR-100mkIII and the Tascam US-2×2.
Sony
Sony is a brand that's known for its quality electronics, and their audio recorders are no exception. They offer a range of handheld digital recorders and field recorders that cater to different needs and budgets. Their recorders are known for their high-quality sound, advanced features, and sleek design. Some of their most popular models include the Sony PCM-D100 and the Sony ICD-SX2000.
Price Range
Audio recorders can range from budget-friendly to high-end professional models. Handheld digital recorders can cost as little as $50 for basic models, while higher-end models can cost $500 or more. USB audio interfaces can range from $100 for budget models to $1000 or more for professional-grade ones. Field recorders are the most expensive of the three and can cost anywhere from $500 to $3500 or more depending on the features and capabilities.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right audio recorder can make a huge difference in the final outcome of your recordings. Whether you're a musician, podcaster, journalist, or filmmaker, it's important to choose a recorder that meets your needs and fits your budget. By considering the features and factors we've covered in this buying guide, you'll be able to make an informed decision and invest in an audio recorder that will give you the results you're looking for.
