There has never been a better time to start your own podcast. If you are considering starting your own or want to improve a podcast you’re already making, then a podcast recorder can be of great help. (Also see, ‘Should I Start A Podcast‘)
These portable devices are versatile, and convenient, and can ensure that your podcasts are recorded in the highest quality.
Whether you’re recording on location, interviewing guests, or just want a good recorder to use at home, then a podcast recorder can be what you need. They’re available at various price ranges so there is sure to be a podcast recorder for you.
In this article, we will look at the best podcast recorders available. We also have a buying guide to help you make your choice and have answered some frequently asked questions.
The following podcast recorders are our picks for the best available and are listed in alphabetical order.
#1 Evistr 16GB Digital Voice Recorder
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly podcast recorder, then this recorder from Evistr is a solid choice.
It has all of the basic features that you need and is easy to use. It can be set to be voice-activated so it will always be ready when you need it or you can start and stop it manually.
The recording quality is decent as well as it can record in mp3 format at either 128 kilobits per second (kbps) or 64kbps. When recording in WAV format, it can manage 1536kbps.
It’s easy to get your recordings from the device as it comes with a Micro USB cable which will allow you to connect it to a USB port on your computer. This eliminates the need for an audio interface and makes the recorder easy for even beginners to use.
If you’re looking for a portable recorder, then this will fit the bill. It’s only 62 grams and less than four inches in height so it will easily fit into your pocket and your hand.
The battery life is a little low at only 24 hours, but that should be expected from the price point. It only allows for single-track recording so it’s not the best choice for interviews or round table discussions.
Pros
- Portable – the recorder is small and light and easy to carry
- Price – at less than $40, this is a great entry-level recorder for the beginner podcaster
- Easy to use – simple interface and compatibility with computers
- Voice-activated – the recorder can be set to be voice activated
Cons
- Single track only – you can only do one-track recordings
#2 Olympus Voice Recorder WS-853
This is one of the best podcast recorders you will find for under $100. It’s pocket-sized at around four and a half inches in height and weighs less than three ounces. You also get a case with your purchase so you can keep it clean and safe when not in use.
It uses three rechargeable AAA batteries that can last for up to 110 hours of recording time so you’re not going to run out of charge anytime soon. It has 8GB of internal storage so it can hold a few hours of recording without the need for a memory card.
However, it also supports MicroSD cards of up to 32GB if you need additional storage.
This is a great purchase for beginners that just want something straightforward. It has a Simple Mode recording function that reduces the amount of information and settings shown on the LCD display. This only shows you the most important details and the most necessary settings.
For more advanced users, you can use normal mode which will show you all of the information and settings.
The recorder has a USB adaptor built-in so you don’t need a separate cable. It also has a stand, which will prevent any background noise that comes from vibrations on the surface it is placed on.
It has two microphones set at 90 degrees angles so it can capture sound from different directions. This is especially useful if two people are talking. It records in mp3 format only and offers recordings at 128kpbs, 128kbps stereo, or 64 kbps mono.
Pros
- Battery life – get the most from your battery with 110 hours of recording time
- Simple mode – cut through all of the complicated settings and information
- Noise cancellation – you can reduce the sound of ambient noise
- Portable – a great size for portable recording
Cons
- No WAV recording – more advanced users will prefer recording in the higher-quality WAV format
#3 Tascam DR-05X Stereo Handheld Digital Recorder
This podcast recorder from Tascam has two condenser microphones that are skilled at recording highs and lows. This device can give you clean and clear recordings and is suitable for recording interviews. The mics are also good at capturing a variety of noises.
It’s powered by two AA batteries and they will last for around 17.5 hours of recording. You can also power the recorder with a USB mobile battery, giving you more power options.
The recorder can support MicroSD cards of up to 128GB. This is enough for up to 896 hours of recording time when recording as an mp3 at 320 kbps. For CD quality files, you’re looking at 192 hours.
The interface on the recorder is easy to navigate and easy to pick up. You can overwrite recorded audio if necessary and the recorder has an auto-recording function that will detect input levels to automatically start recording.
You can plug it into your computer using a USB connector but it also has a jack for headphones and one for an additional external mic as well. The internal mics can struggle if you have multiple speakers at different volumes in a noisy environment so an external mic might be something worth looking into.
Pros
- Easy to use – an intuitive interface that is easy to pick up
- Price – the device offers good-quality recording for the price point
- 128GB storage – many recorders only allow for 32GB memory cards
- Microphones – omnidirectional microphones are great in quieter environments
Cons
- Noisy environments – the microphones don’t cope as well in noisy environments
#4 Zoom H1n Portable Recorder
If you’re a beginner to podcasting that has a little more money to spend or are looking for a recorder that can cope with noisy situations, the Zoom H1N is one of the best recorders on the market.
It’s small enough to fit in your pocket and is only six and a half inches in height. It’s also pretty light too, making it the perfect recorder to take with you.
As well as being small enough to fit in your hand, it can also be mounted on tripods and mic stands to give you more reach if you’re interviewing someone.
It doesn’t have a rechargeable battery and instead runs off two AAA batteries. These will only last around 10 hours so make sure that you always have spares with you. They are easy to change, however, so the low battery life shouldn’t hold you back too much.
The recorder has built-in stereo microphones that offer a good dynamic range of recording. Their configuration can reduce the amount of background noise picked up as they focus on the sounds in front of them.
The mics can also handle loud volumes without distortion, making this a great device for on-location recording. This recorder also has a few editing functions included as you can overdub on existing recordings and it will automatically adjust volume levels to get an even sound.
ALSO SEE: How To Make Your Mic Sound Better
There is no internal storage but it can handle memory cards of up to 32GB, which should be enough to store your podcasts until you’re able to remove them from the device. It can connect to your computer through a USB. connection.
Pros
- Stereo microphones – high-quality audio and a reduction in background noise
- Small – easy to take with you on location
- Easy to use – it has many features but an easy interface
- Mountable – it can easily be mounted onto a tripod
Cons
- Battery life – at 10 hours it is a little short and it relies on AAA batteries instead of a rechargeable battery
#5 Zoom H4n Pro 4-Track Portable Recorder
This is the most expensive podcast recorder on this list and the only one we’ve chosen that is over $200.
It’s a multitrack recorder that can record in four channels. This makes it a great choice for on-location recording and it is a common choice for many podcasters and journalists that are recording on the go but want high-quality audio. It can be mounted on a mic stand or a tripod as well as held in the hand.
It has two microphones in an X/Y pattern that are adjustable between the angles of 90 and 120 degrees. The device can also support additional external microphones if you need more.
You don’t need to worry about recording loud noises as this device can handle sounds up to 140 dB without any distortion.
You can record in both mp3 and WAV formats. The battery life is a little low with this device as two AA batteries will give you only around seven hours of recording time.
Pros
- Multi-track recording – the device can record over four different tracks
- LCD screen – the LCD screen is back-lit and easy to read
- Adjustable microphones – the two microphones can have their angles adjusted
- Audio interface – also works as an audio interface
Cons
- Battery life – the battery only lasts for seven hours and can drain even on standby
Buying Guide
Before you purchase a podcast recorder, there are a few factors that you should take into consideration. These include the memory capacity, recording time, compatibility, battery life, and size of the recorder.
Let’s look at each of these in turn. If you keep these in mind as you look for a podcast recorder, it should help you choose the best one for you.
Memory
You will find that some podcast recorders have some built-in memory. However, this is usually pretty low and won’t be able to store large amounts of data or long, high-quality recordings.
You should expect to buy a separate memory card. Most data recorders use MicroSD cards but you should always check this before you make a purchase. We would recommend buying a card that is at least 32GB in size.
Recording Time
The longer you record, the more space you will need on your podcast recorder. If you’re going to be recording for long periods of time, make sure that your podcast recorder can handle this. You’ll need a good memory card (as we discussed in the last section) and a battery that can last for long enough.
Compatibility
There are a few compatibility issues you need to consider. The first is whether you will need to add extra microphones to the recorder. If you’re going to be recording a group discussion then you will want a modular podcast recorder. (Also see, ‘What Is The Best Dynamic Microphone For Vocals‘)
Look for recorders that have multiple XLR inputs to handle the microphones.
You should also ensure that you can get the recordings off your recorder and onto your computer. This is especially important if you need to do any editing (also see, ‘Best Podcast Editing Software‘). In most cases, you simply take the memory card out and put it into your computer.
However, many modern computers and laptops don’t have memory card slots so you may need an adapter. Another option is to plug your recorder into your computer or laptop via a USB port so check that your laptop has the right USB ports.
Many Macbooks, for example, don’t have any USB ports at all and you will need an adapter for this, too.
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Battery Life
Podcast recorders are often used on the go so battery life is of great importance. Like many devices that have rechargeable batteries, the lifespan of these can deteriorate and will depend on how intensely they’re being used.
The last thing you want is for your batteries to run out halfway through a recording session!
You can find recorders that have over 100 hours of recording time and this should be sufficient for any podcast session. We would advise not relying upon these hours being exact and would instead recommend caution.
Make sure your recorder is fully charged before you start any important recording. Many recorders allow you to remove the battery so you can also keep a spare battery with you for emergencies.
Size
Podcast recorders are meant to be portable and to travel with you so you should take into account how big the recorder is before you buy one. Many of the entry-level recorders are small enough that they can be slipped into a pocket.
However, the more expensive recorders that have more features tend to be larger and you may have to carry them around in a bag instead. Some recorders come with bags that are designed to protect the recorder but you will have to consider buying bags for others.
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve looked at some of the best podcast recorders and the important features and functions that they should have. Now we will answer some lingering questions about podcast recorders.
What Is A Podcast Recorder And Why Do I Need One?
When it comes to capturing audio for a podcast, you have several options. You can record using the built-in microphone on your computer or you can use an external microphone that is plugged into your computer.
However, neither of these methods will be suitable if you need to record on the go or in a place other than your home.
Podcast recorders are portable recorders that you can take with you wherever you need to go. As they’re designed purely for audio recording they will give you high-quality audio wherever you are, making them ideal for location recording or interviews.
Can You Record A Podcast With A Smartphone?
Most smartphones have audio recording equipment included. For example, iPhones come with the Voice Memos app which allows you to record audio easily. There are also several apps available on both the App Store and Google Play Store that are also suited for recording.
ALSO SEE: How To Record A Podcast On iPhone
However, all of these apps are limited in their features. Their microphones are genuinely not as high quality as the microphones on dedicated recorders are. Using a smartphone as your recorder can be very awkward if you need to check notes or information on it at the same time.
Although you can use a smartphone to record podcasts, you will find that podcast recorders give you a better quality recorder and more flexibility.
Related: Electro-Voice RE20 Review
Final Thoughts
Podcast recorders can help you record high-quality podcasts wherever you are. Whether you’re on location or are conducting an interview, a podcast recorder can travel with you.
Choosing the best podcast recorder for you will depend on the features and functions that you need. You should consider the memory, battery life, compatibility, recording time, and size of the podcast recorder.
We hope that the information and tips in this article will help you decide which podcast recorder is the best for you.
