Best Voice Recorders | Best comparison

Dictaphones are not reserved only for doctors who do not have the time to indicate their schedules to their assistant or apprentice spies who want to trap their surroundings. Discrete and lightweight, they can be useful for recording during a particularly busy in college, share your progress with your guitar around, or keep track of your intimate thoughts and great ideas for a new project.

Interested in this subject practical and versatile? Good thing, because we have selected eight dictaphones, with performance adapted according to your needs, and quality / price undeniably interesting! On your marks, get set, register!

Best dictaphones in 2020

1. COOAU – Easy extra dictaphone to handle

Subject discreet and elegant, COOAU voice recorder is distinguished by its long, thin lines, its black glossy finish and its small LCD screen that verifies a glance that the registration takes place in the best conditions. Discreet buttons on the side allow you to control the switching on or off the unit, setting the record, the volume, change audio track when listening and the organization of audio files. A jack is provided for connecting a headset to the device. A suitable USB cable is provided to facilitate the transfer of files to a computer. The microphones are integrated inside the housing, and a small clip on the back allows to fix the object lapel necessary.

The dictaphone COOAU offers 8GB storage capacity. This ability can unfortunately not be increased because the object does not offer port to insert an SD card or other memory card. Nevertheless it will be possible to record many hours of conversation WAV or MP3 format, with a very good quality playback with the DSP device that reduces extraneous sounds. Versatile, this voice recorder can also be a music player, and can support MP3, WAV, WMA, FLAC, APE and OGG for your favorite music and podcasts follow you wherever you go. Its lithium battery is sufficient to use the Dictaphone throughout the day, unabated.

Once turned on, this voice recorder records and pauses when it detects a voice or a prolonged silence. This automatic startup option can be disabled if desired. A button allows replay loop some audio tracks, which can be handy if you use the voice recorder to store information. To avoid data loss due to accidental power off, you can set the voice recorder for it automatically saves the current record at regular intervals (30 minutes, 60 minutes or 120 minutes) without interruption or change track. Furthermore, a class stamping system different audio files by date to facilitate their search. Little more interesting for people saving sensitive data: It is possible to block the use and transfer of dictation data with a password. Thus, if lost or stolen, no one can use your data.

2. ADOKEY S30 – Best Dictaphone for students

Powerful and rather easy to use, the ADOKEY Dictaphone has a quality / price attractive to those seeking a clear voice reproduction in a noisy environment. This stylish voice recorder comes in the form of a black box in bright finish, a bit heavy (72g) with a chrome wheel to scroll through the files, reading and configure the object. An LCD display provides all the information necessary to ensure the proper conduct of the registration. The case is also topped by two chrome microphones for miking fine and clear stereo. Two buttons on the side to manage the tensioning device and data backup. In terms of connectivity, the ADOKEY Dictaphone has a jack for headphones, a micro USB port with the supplied cable to transfer files and charge the battery and an SD card slot.

The dictaphone ADOKEY has an 8GB of memory, expandable with its SD slot can accommodate a memory card of 32 GB. And this extension is indispensable when one realizes that the device provides a file format for recording, WAV. This certainly guarantees impeccable quality, but there is a lot of memory space. The lithium battery ensures that dictation recording a 30h period of uninterrupted listening time of 70 hours continuously or a hundred hours in a configuration of mixed use. To save battery power, the voice recorder will automatically turn off after 3 minutes of silence. Conversely, it is also possible to set the device to trigger a recording when it detects a voice or sound close, being in the acoustic frequency range defined. A device for reducing parasitic noise DSP allows for clear recordings even in noisy areas. Music lovers will appreciate the ability to use this item as a digital music player. In this respect, the dictaphone ADOKEY plays MP3, WAV and WMA. There is also a repeat mode for those who want to learn their lessons. To conclude, it is important to note that the performance of the device, very satisfactory for taking notes or recording voice in the context of a conversation, will prove insufficient to capture music or singing because microphones crackling on high volume.

3. TASCAM DR-05X – The professional voice recorder for the best price

For those wishing to make recordings worthy of a studio without breaking the bank material, the audio recorder Tascam DR-05X may represent the best compromise.

The case of this dictaphone put more on comfort and clarity of use on aesthetics and discretion. On the size and weight equivalent to that of a television remote control, the Tascam DR-05X has a wide LCD display to visualize at a glance all relevant information to monitor the quality of the recording. Large buttons on the front of the device prevent any mishandling. These are explicit enough for a quick start. The case is surmounted by two broad microphones fixed internal capacitor, oriented on the sides, as a catalyst for stereo sound on a wide directional spectrum. In terms of connection ports, you can connect headphones (mini-jack port), an additional microphone (mini jack port) and a mini USB cable for transferring given or the power supply (not supplied with the product). A slot for micro SD card is also present.

Warning: the voice recorder Tascam contains no storage space and comes with a memory card. To keep your registration, it will either connect your dictation directly to your computer or phone (with a cable that you will need to purchase), or invest in a micro SD card. The device runs on two AA batteries. It is also possible to connect to an external battery via a USB cable. These batteries guarantee about 18h Recording time on a WAV audio format. It is possible to record in stereo, WAV and MP3. Each of these formats is configurable, so you can get the best output quality, whatever your sound environment. Although it is not possible to direct the microphones, sensitivity largely makes up for it and captures the most subtle sounds. If necessary, the ability to connect an additional microphone can overcome this defect, which makes the Tascam DR-05X a perfect investment for semi-professional users for both musical projects, podcasts and movies.

4. Benjie M23 – The best extra dictaphone

All dressed in chrome, Dictaphone Benjie M23 can go far for a USB stick, due to its size. The sleek case features two buttons underneath a discreet LCD screen to start and pause recording of a finger. The other side buttons control the power of the device, change recording track and volume, navigation between the various files and setting the record. A mini USB port is for transferring files to a PC and charging of the device, all via a supplied cable. A jack is also included for connecting headphones to the voice recorder, and an SD card slot.

The dictaphone Benjie M23 will delight people who need to record long periods of time. With 16 GB of internal memory, the fear of a possible recording interruption due to lack of memory space flies; This storage capacity can be expanded if you add an SD card. This perspective is reinforced by the life of the lithium battery integrated into the housing guarantees a recording without interruption 25h or 20h of music if you use the voice recorder listening. For this last matter, it is recommended to use an audio rather than the speaker headset, it is not very efficient. The two microphones and noise reduction system can record voices and sounds in mono good quality over an extended distance (50m depending on the manufacturer, less than ten meters by users). We must take precautions, however, and mount the volume to maximum to get a satisfactory rendering. The sound is in MP3 or WAV format, both on a configurable bit rate range from 512 to 1356 kbps. The recorder can play MP3, WMA, APE, FLAC and WAV if you want to use it as a digital music player. It can also store JPEG, PNG and GIF, as a USB key. Finally, two features are of interest to students and busy people: the repeat button, which allows to loop a track for learning, and the recording function activated by voice (configurable), which triggers recording as soon as the microphones capture sound.

5. COOAU – The most versatile voice recorder

The first word that comes to mind when looking at this dictaphone of Cooau brand is robust. Curves stocky, matte metallic finishes, yellow LCD screen and big buttons controls that leave no room for false manipulation: the object is like a mini calculator at the summit of which have implemented two integrated microphones on the sides. However, do not be fooled by appearances. This dictaphone is no shortage of resources for optimum sound recording in various contexts, if we look at its connectivity and accessories that accompany it:

No doubt: this voice recorder responds to virtually all business situations!

The Cooau Dictaphone has an internal memory capacity of 8 GB, not expandable due to the lack of port for SD card. Side autonomy, the built-in lithium battery supplies the energy required to ten hours of continuous operation. The device has only one audio file format for recording, WAV, available in three “qualities”: 324, 128 or 32kbps. This facilitates the setting but can not meet the needs of the most fastidious users. The sound is made by means of two microphones, mono, a satisfactory sensitivity to about 5m. It is possible to improve the rendering quality using either the supplied lavalier microphone or using any microphone connected to the mini jack port for this purpose. The device can play MP3, WMA and WAV if you use it as a digital music player. The repeat function A-B automatic equalizer and buckle can be interesting in this context. Finally, the time stamp files adds an extra touch of simplicity to identify at a glance the recorded audio file to a specific date. Easy to handle and versatile, this voice recorder is a real all-terrain object at a great price.

6. Olympus W852 – Best Dictaphone for conferences

Known for having created many successful on the market for voice recorders, the Olympus offers its model W852 with a powerful purpose and suitable for both experts and newcomers. On sober and simple look, this voice recorder has a large LCD display and large control buttons. Two microphones are hidden in the box on top of the device, on each side. Two jacks are used to connect an external microphone and headphones if needed, while a micro SD card slot is nestled on the other side of the object. Finally, a retractable USB port inside the box eliminates any risk of loss cable to transfer files.

The capacity of the internal memory of the W852 Olympus is a bit small compared to other products in this roundup. 4GB Fortunately, it is possible to extend it by adding a SD card to the device or by connecting directly to your computer during recording. The recorder uses two AAA batteries and offers a battery life of approximately 110h recording, a variable length depending on the setting of the unit. It is possible to record only one file format (MP3), the quality of the latter being configured according to your needs. The sound recording is made in stereo. To facilitate the handling of the device by the greatest number, the Olympus offers two original functions in addition to the automatic voice recognition recording. The first concerns the adjustment of the sensitivity of microphones depending on the sound environment either manually or automatically. Indeed, depending on the volume of the room and the distance of the main contact, the device will choose the best settings for a clear recording even in a noisy conference room. On the other hand, it is possible to choose between a simplified method of use or normal, depending on your comfort with the setting of such an object. In simplified mode, voice recorder offers fewer features in its menus and preset recording configurations, so you can focus on taking notes and not the quality of the capture. Finally, it should be noted that Olympus can not be used as a digital music player, and it only recognizes MP3 files playback.

7. SAVFY Pen Recorder – The recorder who does not look

The voice recorder Savfy wins the prize for the most discreet of this comparative dictaphone, since it hides inside an elegant black ball pen and chrome. One button on top of the unit controls all the actions it is possible to do. Two tiny blue and red lights on the side for a short time indicates the operating mode. The microphone is hidden on top, pin side clip of the pen. Besides the pen and two spare mines, the object comes with a micro SD card to 16GB, earphone, USB cable, charging cable and a small screwdriver.

The recorder pen Savfy hosts a micro SD card to 16GB which serves internal memory. Its rechargeable lithium battery allows it to record conversations for 20 hours without interruption. As can be expected, the pen Dictaphone SAVFY offers no recording setup options. These are 192Kbps MP3 format. A noise reduction system ensures clear rendering of voice without ambient interference in a 10m radius around the pen. To save battery power, the pen switches to standby after 3 s quietly and automatically resumes recording when it detects a sound. The LEDs remain off during the entire duration of use and only light up when the control button is operated for greater discretion. Only 4 controls are available: light, save, save and off. The pen can obviously be used to take notes, but also as a digital music player (but do not read other file formats than MP3). Once connected to your computer, you can recover the files sorted according to the date and time they were created. Simple and suspicion, this voice recorder will be appreciated by those wishing record meetings or conferences discreetly.

8. COOAU TF31 – The extra daily dictaphone

Few elements distinguish the model COOAU TF31 his associates presented above, if not its modern design with finishes in brushed titanium. On one side, the case has a small backlit LCD screen and a single button that controls recording and pausing the dictaphone. On the sides, two small buttons to power up the device and menu navigation. The box contains two microphones, and can accommodate a mini SD card. The voice recorder can connect to a computer via the mini USB cable, or to a headset, through the mini jack.

The dictaphone TF31 of COOAU has an internal memory of 8GB which can be expanded by adding an SD card (32GB max). The rechargeable lithium battery is sufficiently enduring to record sounds for 72h continuously. You can choose the audio format of the return of file (MP3 or WAV), with four bit rate options for each format to adjust the recording quality based on your listening environment. The sound recording is made mono. Like its predecessors it is possible to schedule the backup files every 30, 60 or 120 minutes to take no risk of loss in case of low battery. The tracks are time-stamped to facilitate file search. They also can be protected by password if necessary. Little more, it is possible to adjust the recording settings in the sound recording without interruption. Think to plug in the headphones before you start recording, to directly control the rendering quality. The recorder has a DSP noise reduction device. Repeat mode allows replay of the selected track as many times as you want, at the desired speed. Finally, this voice recorder can be used as digital music player. He can play the following file formats: WAV, MP3, FLAC, APE for your favorite music follow you all day.

Buying Guide: everything you need to know about a dictaphone before buying a

The conditions of use

According to the different uses you plan for your voice recorder, your selection criteria will vary. The sound environment, the duration of the recording session, the processing of recovered sounds … you help define the selection criteria that will be crucial for you.

Generally, voice recorders on the market fall into three categories:

Storage capacity

The storage capacity is a criterion to handle with care. Indeed, depending on the format selected audio file (and the quality of sound reproduction recorded by consequence), the storage capacity stated by manufacturer may seem largely sufficient or otherwise mediocre. In fact, over the recording quality, the higher the audio file will take up space. For example, 1 GB may contain approximately 16h recording in MP3 format at 128Kbps or about 2 hours in WAV format. In most cases, it is recommended to choose a model with a capacity of at least 8GB, which will save the equivalent of a day’s work, regardless of the selected audio format.

Moreover, it may be wise to check the possibility of increasing the storage capacity of the voice recorder, by adding an SD card for example. This can be beneficial to master the cost of investing in such product.

Battery autonomy and

Again, the autonomy of a voice recorder varies depending on the quality of its decision sought. One thing is certain: you do not care that your voice recorder turned off in full recording session! At a minimum, the voice recorder must record a conversation without fading for the equivalent of one working day (10h) continuously.

Also, if you hesitate between two models, the power criterion can help you in your decision making. Many dictaphones still operate on batteries, which causes a triple problem:

Therefore, for your well-being and that of the planet, prefer whenever possible dictation on batteries, if you have regular use.

File formats and compatibility

The ability to choose what file format you can record your conference or interview is crucial. Indeed, this choice gives you flexibility in the use of your voice recorder (by modulating the recording quality), allows you to save resources (storage space and battery life), and provides an overview the compatibility of the product with other objects (microphones, computers, headsets …). It would be a shame not to exploit your registration because the audio file can not be read by your computer!

Depending on your usage, your computer equipment and your render expected, you will probably not need to have a wide variety of formats. MP3, WAV and WMA files (a format compatible with Windows Media Player) are the most common formats proposed by dictating manufacturers, and can play on the quality / storage (MP3 being the lightest and WAV, most informative). FLAC and OGG formats will be interesting for professionals or semi-professional recordings for podcasts or music for example, because they restore all the richness of its WAV without being greedy in storage. Finally Mac product owners will be able to support AAC without difficulties.

Design and Accessories

The dictaphone design can be a criterion optional or predominant choice according to the use you want to do. You will probably not want to walk around with a bulky object in the bag, just to save your lecturer. However, the design may be constrained by the quality of its socket. It is clear that the voice recorders which offer a sound recording in stereo or multi-track, are less discrete when laid on a table by the positioning of their microphones.

Whatever your choice, it is recommended to ensure that the voice recorder has a large enough screen for you to see on what audio you record your course as well as the battery level (and if possible, the storage volume yet available). Simple controls and clear to use can provide additional comfort.

In terms of accessories, these vary by manufacturers and can use the object. The ability to add an SD card to the device to increase its storage volume is an asset for those who wish to save a day of discussions with a good quality of sound. A USB port and cable is required to transfer files to your computer. Some voice recorders also have a jack to listen to your recordings (or your favorite music) without disturbing your neighbor metro. Finally, for most professionals, it is possible to connect an additional microphone to your voice recorder to be sure to only record the sound you are interested in the best possible conditions.

FAQ: it answers the questions that you ask about dictaphones

What is a dictaphone?

A voice recorder can record sounds with ease, be it a class, professional exchanges or even personal notes. It is usually in the format of a case, more or less discrete, containing one or more microphones and a data storage area (mini-cassette, in the case of an analog tape recorder, USB memory for digital dictation). There are three types of dictation: dictation spies (or booster), the monos and stereos. The best known brands are dictaphones Olympus, Sony and Phillips.

Choosing a dictaphone is based on the intended use. Besides the price, it is important to consider the storage capacity of the device, its autonomy in terms of energy, the type of audio files obtained and compatibility with your computer equipment, and connectors used to transfer files or to connect other equipment to the voice recorder (additional microphones, headphones, computer …).

A voice recorder is an easy material to use. However, the next few precautions will help you to recover a quality audio file:

Where to buy a dictaphone?

It is possible to purchase a dictaphone in most stores offer computer hardware, telephony and small appliances. You can also choose a dictaphone on merchant websites of these stores, the brand sites if you know the make and model you want, or sales platforms like Amazon, C.Discount or other …

How much is a dictaphone?

The price of a voice recorder varies depending on the make, model and performance. It takes about ten euros for an input voice recorder range and up to several hundred euros for professional equipment. However, you can find models of a good quality / price ratio between 20 and 50 €, which you will get high quality recordings in a variety of listening environments.