Our resident audio engineer presents the best portable audio recorder options, with stereo & multitrack capabilities suitable for music, podcasting, and field recordings.
Stereo Recorders | Stereo Recorders Product Image | Product Title | *GEARANK | **Sources | Check Prices |
 | 92 | 3950+ | |||
 | 89 | 4225+ |
Multitrack Recorders | Multitrack Recorders Product Image | Product Title | *GEARANK | **Sources | Check Prices |
 | 95 | 2250+ | |||
 | 93 | 2275+ |
*Gearank = Rating score out of 100.
**Sources = Number of gear owner and user opinions analyzed for these product Gearank Ratings.
Research Process: How Gearank Works
Digital voice recorders have revolutionized the way we capture audio in various settings, providing high-quality recordings for musicians. In addition to musicians, these devices are essential tools for journalists, students, and professional field recordists who need to record interviews, lectures, and meetings.
Thanks to advancements in technology, modern digital voice recorders now have more quality-of-life features that enhance field recording experience.
One of the key features of these devices is their ability to handle various audio files. They support high-quality recording formats like WAV, which are crucial for professional applications. Additionally, the playback and editing capabilities of these recorders allow users to review and modify their recordings with ease.
Capturing audio effectively in different scenarios is vital, whether using portable recorders, smartphone apps, or other recording devices.
However, if portability is not an issue, you may want to look at our recommendations for the best multitrack recorders.
The Best Portable Audio Recorder Handheld Units – 2025
Having a portable recorder is important for multiple reasons. While not the best primary form of recording for some situations, the immediacy and convenience of readily recording something on the go still hold value.
Whether you want one ready for sudden musical ideas, or for conducting interviews, recording jam sessions, or for use as an audio interface, this guide will help you choose the best one for your needs.
A good portable audio recorder lets you have a great quality capture as opposed to mobile phone recordings that can end up distorted from high volumes. Portable recorders are essential if you want better audio quality in your recordings. This is crucial for recording jam sessions or for documenting live performances.
Beyond simple convenience, each portable recorder is built differently, and the ones that made it onto the top list represent the best on the market.
Best Portable Audio Recorder – Stereo Recorders
Sony PX470 Stereo Digital Handheld Recorder
Suitable for podcasting, local recordings, interviews, lectures, or personal notes. It is a cost-effective option if you do not need professional-grade features.
At publication time, this was the best portable stereo recorder.
Pros:
- Versatile
- Expandable memory
- Clean and Clear recordings
- Decent Battery Life
- No LCD backlight
- Uses 2 AAA Batteries
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The Sony ICD-PX470 is a budget-friendly digital recorder that offers good value for its price. It may not compete directly with higher-end models, but it has some noteworthy features. The design is compact and lightweight, with built-in stereo microphones and a clear display window. It is powered by two AAA batteries and has a micro SD card slot for storage.
In terms of features, it has a USB connection for file transfer, standard recording controls, and offers good recording quality with high sensitivity and low background noise. However, it cannot recharge batteries, has a maximum expandable memory of 32GB, and lacks a backlight for the display.
Overall, the Sony ICD-PX470 is a practical choice for beginners, students, or anyone on a tight budget who needs reliable recording capabilities.
- Inputs: Hi-Speed USB, Stereo Mic-in jack
- Outputs: Stereo Earphone jack
- Built-in MIc: Stereo
- Recording / Playback Format: WAV,MP3
- Storage capacity: 4 Gb expandable
- Power Requirements: 2 AA batteries
- Battery Life: 55 Hours
- Weight : 2.7oz
- Dimensions: 38.3 x 114.1 x 19.3 mm 1.51 x 4.50 x 0.76 inches
Zoom H2N Handy Stereo Recorder
The Zoom H2N looks more like a microphone than a recorder. It can capture different wide-range areas with its 5 built-in microphones and 4 recording modes by turning its dial control.
Pros:
- Very versatile with mic positions
- Good onboard sound effects
- Decent battery life
- Plastic enclosure doesn’t inspire confidence in long-term durability
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This unit includes effects such as compression, limiting, and low-cut filtering. Its XY built-in microphone allows two matched unidirectional microphones at a 90-degree angle to capture stereo recording.
The MS (Mid-side) microphone is based on the mid-side technique where one microphone acts as a center channel, while the two “side” microphones create ambiance either adding or subtracting sound waves. Using both the XY and MS microphone helps record audio from different directions.
The H2N can be used in a wide variety of ways which is a testament to its flexibility. Its internal microphone and preamps provide clean and crisp audio quality, and it is quite lightweight. Multiple mic patterns also add to the versatility, giving you choices that range from picking up one sound source precisely or the entire room.
Compared to other Zoom products, it has a longer battery life. This makes it ideal for long recording sessions or extended interviews where it’s important to be uninterrupted. The Zoom H2N’s features, like compression and limiter, are particularly useful for managing volume disparities in an audio track.
There are some disadvantages to the H2N. The mic is sensitive, which could be a plus in many situations, but wind noises and background sounds can get picked up when you don’t need it. I recommend using a windscreen to prevent some wind noise. As for background noise, that’s just a reality for most mics. The H2N is full featured but all this is housed in a plastic enclosure, which raises some concerns especially with long term durability.
Its sibling, the Zoom H1N, is a portable audio recorder meant for recording human voice, ideal for interviews, speech, vocals and the like.
The H2N is a good portable recorder that has a bunch of useful features for any situation. Get it if you want versatility and don’t mind the plastic enclosure.
- Inputs: 1 Line/mic in 1/8″ stereo jack (with plug-in power)
- Outputs: 1 Line/headphone out 1/8″ stereo jack
- Built-in Mic: Directional (XY, MS mid mics); Bidirectional (MS mic), 2-channel surround and 4-channel surround
- Recording / Playback Format: WAV,MP3
- Storage capacity: Comes with 2GB microSD; Expandable to 32GB
- Power Requirements: 2 AA batteries, USB (Optional AC adapter)
- Battery Life: 20 hours
- Weight: 4.59oz.
- Dimensions: 2.67″ (W) x 4.48″ (H) x 1.68″ (D)
Best Portable Audio Recorder – Multi-Track Recorders
Zoom H6 All Black 6-Track Handheld Recorder
The Zoom H6 All Black is a versatile digital voice recorder known for its exceptional audio quality and functionality.
Versatile and user friendly, the H6 All Black features an X/Y stereo microphone capsule, six versatile mic/line inputs, and up to 6-track recording.
Pros:
- Multiple inputs
- Modular mic system enables use of other mic patterns
- Good amount of gain with a low noise floor
- This version does not include multiple mic modules and accessories
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Zoom H6 “All Black” model is an update to the long-running H6 series recorders.
The modular inputs allow you to use different mic modules, and you can use the device as an audio interface.
A unique feature of a recorder of this size is its simultaneous recording of 6 tracks with the built-in stereo mics + inputs. This enables multiple mics to be used to record other people or even a drum kit. Despite its size, it has sufficient gain for most mics. This also means that it has a low noise floor, which is useful if you’re using the unit for field recordings.
A few important things that I found were missing in this version compared to the previous one is the lack of accessories and the inclusion of only one mic module. This might be a dealbreaker for people who saw the older version’s accessories and thought the black version would also include them.
It offers multiple memory options, compatibility with external microphones, and various file formats to ensure high-quality recordings. This makes it ideal for different recording environments, from professional studios to on-the-go sessions.
Zoom H5 Handy 4-Track Recorder
A flexible portable recorder with enough inputs for external microphones. Capable of simultaneous multi-tracking, perfect for detailed outdoor or indoor recordings.
Pros:
- Good frequency range
- Captures low end really well
- Versatile use
- Good focus and noise reduction
- Average battery life
- No locks on the XLR port
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The Zoom H5 comes with an interchangeable XY microphone capsule that can be swapped out for other mics and input modules that are sold separately by Zoom.
It provides four-track recording, two mic/line inputs (XLR/TRS), and phantom power. The unit can also be used as a 4-in/2-out USB audio interface.
It has a 15 hour run time and transport controls on the front. Other built-in features include a metronome and a tuner.
Build, interface, and layout of controls are good. Its immaculate X/Y microphones provide clear and crisp sound quality with low noise. The manual dials make adjusting gain input easy to do on-the-fly.
It is flexible and practical for both editing and simultaneous 4-track recording. The wide-ranging frequency response is another quality that I’m impressed with, particularly when capturing low-end sounds. It does a good job of picking up sounds from a specific direction with minimal bleeding from other sources. An example of this is in a live setting where it could record the performance at a long distance without too much noise from the audience.
Battery life is decent but can be lacking for long recording sessions. The XLR outputs don’t have locks, so you have to be careful not to pull the plugs out while recording. Be careful when using this in humid weather. To be safe, invest in a case.
- Inputs: 4 x XLR inputs, 2 x XLR-1/4″ combo, 1 x 1/8″ (capsule secondary input)
- Outputs: 1 x 1/8″ (line out)
- Built-in Mic: Interchangeable Capsule System, XYH-6 Capsule Mic (included)
- Recording / Playback Format: BWF, WAV, MP3
- Storage capacity: SD, SDHC, SDXC (up to 512GB)
- Power Requirements: 4 x AA Batteries / DV DC USB power supply (AD-17 AC sold separately) / USB bus power
- Battery Life: Up to 20 hours
- Weight: 0.78 lbs.
- Dimensions: 1.9″ (W) x 4.6″ (H) x 6.4″ (without capsule), 8.77″ (with capsule) (D)
Things To Consider When Buying A Portable Handheld Recorder
Uses
The best portable recorder for musicians is subjective but there are specific use cases that one must consider. They have to be convenient to use in many settings such as live performance venues, rehearsals, and even for recording outdoor ambiance.
But you don’t have to be a musician to benefit from a good audio recorder. You can use them as stand-alone field recorders or capture high quality audio with your video recordings for a short Tiktok video. While videographers can also use it for recording high quality audio for feature films. They are also used by podcasters for location recording. Additionally, some have a voice activated recording feature that allows the recorder to pause and restart recordings automatically after silences, improving the overall recording experience and convenience for the user.
Microphones, Polar Patterns, and Sound Quality
An iPhone can definitely be in the menu if you want to do basic audio recording, but the results won’t be on the same page in terms of quality compared to a stand-alone audio recorder. Mostly because of the type of microphone used. Microphone polar patterns determine how much sound they capture from different directions. Some digital recorders have a built-in omnidirectional microphone that captures all the surrounding sounds from all directions.
Some have bi-directional microphones that capture two opposing directions. Others have a unidirectional built-in microphone that only captures sound from a single direction. For example, if you’re recording a singer/guitarist and don’t want ambient noise then you’ll need one with uni-directional mics. A bidirectional mic will allow you to pick up audience sounds and the performer. The best field recorder type will depend on the sound source and ambience that you want to capture.
Microphone Configurations – XY, MS and AB
Most recorders have a built-in XY configuration. The XY set-up comprises two cardioid microphones angled at between 90 and 135 degrees positioned at the same point to produce a stereo image. This configuration shows the center of the two microphones panned left and right facing directly at the sound source. Sound arrives at nearly the same time reducing phase problems. Another type of configuration is the MS (mid-side) set-up.
This includes a cardioid microphone (mid) that faces directly at the source while having a bi-directional microphone (side) that faces left and right. The “mid” picks up the sounds from the source while the “side” picks up sounds from the side. The AB set-up is another optional microphone configuration. This type includes two cardioid or omnidirectional microphones, spaced a few inches apart from each other, and panned in left/right.
Storage Features
Storage capacity of internal memory should be taken into account when looking for a field recorder and voice recorder. The best audio recorders are usually expandable, so check which type of storage the one you want uses and you can buy larger amounts of memory for longer recording times. Looking into the types of formats it can record determines whether it can support WAV, MP3, or even both. Better if there are options to expand storage via a microSD card, or via connecting to a smart sound device through a USB C connector. Bottomline is, the storage has to be big enough for your mobile recording needs.
Batteries
The best portable digital recorder should have good battery life. It is important to know how long the batteries will last when recording to prevent loss of data in the event of power running out. Knowing the type of batteries you need, whether they be rechargeable or replaceable is important. Check whether you need to keep purchasing batteries or if you can use a USB or AC Adapter for charging. The best portable recording device would be one that gives you more battery life, and charging options.
Connections
Having the right amount of inputs and outputs also depends on how you are going to make use of the recorder. Having a USB connector to store your files on your PC is needed for editing and storing purposes too. For convenience, some recorders have separate headphone outputs and line outputs for connecting to other sound devices. Some digital recorders act as audio interfaces as well. Using voice recording apps on smartphones can simplify transferring and editing files directly on your device but may not sound the best.
Other Features
There are some portable recorders out there with more than the typical 2 stereo channels. Some of them also provide multi-tracking features in which external microphones can be utilized in addition to the built-in microphones. Mid-range priced recorders often have XLR/TS Line inputs for plugging in external dynamic or condenser mics. Some of the best handheld recorder units offer extra features which include effects such as compression, reverb, and EQ. Some include a metronome and playback tempo change function. In this market, the best deals are ones that offer the most features along with reliability.
Best Portable Audio Recorder Selection Methodology
The first edition was published in 2017. The current edition was published on November 29, 2024.
We looked at all highly rated handheld digital audio recorders that are sold by major American retailers and short-listed the most promising for detailed analysis. We then examined information from over 21,100 sources which included retail store ratings, user and expert reviews, forum posts, and more. We processed that information with the Gearank Algorithm to generate the rating scores out of 100 that we used to narrow down the list to just the highest rated options above. For more information about our methods see How Gearank Works.
About the Author and Contributors
Here are the key people and sources involved in this guide’s production – click on linked names for information about their music industry backgrounds.
Lead Author & Researcher
Handheld portable recorders are somewhat of a niche item for me. I usually keep one around for quick note taking, song ideas, recording gigs or rehearsals. I’ve found use for a them to record overheads and room mics in a limited setup. Regardless of your use case, there’s always a place for a portable recorder in your mic locker. It’s a good thing to have prepared for when you need it.
Contributors
Jerry Borillo: Product Research.
Alexander Briones: Supplemental Writing, Editing.
Jason Horton: Editing and Illustrating.
Media / Image Credit
Main/Top Image: By Gearank.com using a photograph of the Zoom H6 All Black.
The individual product images were sourced from websites, promotional materials or supporting documentation provided by their respective manufacturers.
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Comments:
19 responses
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The following recorders came off the recommended list when we published our November 2022 Edition:
- TASCAM DR-05X
- Zoom H1n (2018)
- Zoom H4N Pro Handheld Recorder
- TASCAM DR 40X Handheld Recorder
- Zoom H5 Handheld Recorder
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Publication of our November 2021 Edition resulted in the following recorders coming off the recommended list above:
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Our October 2020 update resulted in the following recorders coming off the recommended list above, but you can still see our analysis of them:\
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As a result of the December 2019 update to this guide the following came off the recommended list above, but you can still see our analysis of them:
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Allo Friends, thanks for your analysis, very helpful. I am looking for an audio player that give play back the recording of private seminar information without going via internet. I want to listen, and take notes on a keyboard. Thank you very much for recommending me something!
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Our recommendations are primarily based on music production uses so we can’t really help you with that – maybe one of the readers here will have an answer for you.
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I am curious why on your updated 2018 list you did not include the TASCAM DR-100mkIII as one of your options?
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It was on our short-list however its ratings weren’t high enough for us to include it in the recommended list above.
You can see its ratings in the Music Gear Database: TASCAM DR-100mkIII.
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The PCM-D50 and ICD-SX750D might be quite good but they’re no longer widely available so they didn’t qualify for this guide.
The Sony PCM-D100 was on our short-list, however its ratings aren’t high enough for us to recommend it – you can see its rating here.
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UPDATE: The Sony PCM-D100 now has higher ratings compared to most other options and it was added to the recommended list above for our December 2019 update.
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The Roland R-26 was on our short-list but didn’t quite rate high enough to make it into our recommendations – it was very close though and you can see it’s Gearank rating in the Music Gear Database.
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Q.
Greetings.
“I am totally blind. Does any of those recorders have some voice guidance built in?”
So they can be accessible for us as a blind community.
Example.
(Olympus LS 100):d
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I have 2 questions. Can I overdub multiple guitar and bass parts one at a time? Can I plug the handheld recorder directly into monitors?
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All of the multitrack recorders above, the ones that list the number of Simultaneous Recording/Playback channels, allow you to record additional parts.
All of the ones that have a line out listed in the specifications will drive powered studio monitors.
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Today we removed the Roland R-05 Wave/MP3 Recorder from out recommended list above due to it no longer being available from several major music gear retailers.
If you would like to read what we said about it, then you’ll find it at: Roland R-05 Meta-Review.
More Recording Gear
Disclosure
About the Author and Contributors
Here are the key people and sources involved in this guide's production - click on linked names for information about their music industry backgrounds.
Lead Author & Researcher
Raphael Pulgar
I've been an audio engineer for 20 years specializing in rock and metal recordings. I also play guitar and produce original music for my band and other content creators.
Some of the recording gear I use in my studio includes the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20, Focusrite Scarlett Solo, Samson QH4 Headphone Amp and Cloudlifter CL-1. My mics include Aston Origin, Aston Element, Shure SM57, Rode NT1, Rode PodMic and MXL V67G.
Handheld portable recorders are somewhat of a niche item for me. I usually keep one around for quick note taking, song ideas, recording gigs or rehearsals. I've found use for a them to record overheads and room mics in a limited setup. Regardless of your use case, there's always a place for a portable recorder in your mic locker. It's a good thing to have prepared for when you need it.
Contributors
Jerry Borillo: Product Research.
Alexander Briones: Editing.
Jason Horton: Editing and Illustrating.
Media
Main/Top Image: By Gearank.com using a photograph of the Zoom H6 All Black.
The individual product images were sourced from websites, promotional materials or supporting documentation provided by their respective manufacturers.
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