3 best hand held recorders

Handheld recorders, specifically digital voice recorders, are portable electronic devices designed for the purpose of recording audio. They are commonly used for a variety of applications, including taking notes, conducting interviews, recording lectures, capturing live music, and more. Here are some key features and information about handheld recorders:

Digital Recording: Handheld recorders use digital technology to capture and store audio. This allows for high-quality recordings with minimal noise and distortion.
Portability: These devices are compact and lightweight, making them easy to carry in a pocket, bag, or briefcase. They are ideal for on-the-go recording needs.
Built-in Microphones: Most handheld recorders come with built-in microphones, which can vary in quality and configuration. Some models have stereo microphones for better audio capture, while others may have adjustable microphone patterns for different recording scenarios.
External Microphone Support: Many handheld recorders also feature input jacks for connecting external microphones. This allows users to use specialized microphones for specific recording situations, such as lavalier microphones for interviews or shotgun microphones for capturing distant sound.
Storage Capacity: Handheld recorders typically use internal memory or removable storage media like SD cards to store recorded audio. The storage capacity can vary widely, and some models offer expandable storage options.
Recording Formats: These recorders can save audio in various formats, including WAV and MP3. The choice of format affects the audio quality and file size. WAV files offer higher quality but consume more storage space, while MP3 files are more compressed.
Battery Life: Battery life is an important consideration for handheld recorders. The duration a recorder can operate on a single set of batteries or a rechargeable battery varies depending on the model and usage.
Playback and Editing: Many handheld recorders have built-in speakers or headphone jacks for playback. Some models also offer basic editing features, such as trimming and dividing recordings directly on the device.
USB Connectivity: Handheld recorders can often be connected to a computer via USB for transferring recordings and charging. This makes it easy to archive and edit recorded audio on a computer.
Recording Quality: The recording quality of handheld recorders can vary significantly. Some are designed for basic voice memos, while others are capable of high-fidelity audio recording suitable for professional applications.
User Interface: Handheld recorders typically have user-friendly interfaces with buttons or touchscreens for easy operation. Some models even offer voice-activated recording, which starts recording when it detects sound.
Applications: These recorders are widely used by journalists, students, musicians, podcasters, and anyone who needs to capture audio content.They are also handy for fieldwork, such as in research and investigation.

In conclusion, handheld recorders, particularly digital voice recorders, are versatile and portable devices used for capturing audio in a wide range of settings. They offer various features and options to meet the needs of different users, from basic voice memos to high-quality audio recording for professional applications.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best hand held recorders on the market

EVISTR 16GB Digital Voice Recorder Voice Activated Recorder with Playback - Upgraded Small Tape Recorder for Lectures, Meetings, Interviews, Mini Audio Recorder USB Charge, MP3

EVISTR

Based on 7 reviews Check latest price

Product description

EVISTR L157 Digital Voice Recorder for Lectures - 16GB, 1536KPBS Digital Recorder with Playback Mini recording device, capture voice clear, ideal from remember things, take down notes. Built-in speaker, playback the crystal sound audio easily MP3 Player Store Music File outside the RECORD fold, upgraded design, same music processor as a professional MP3 Player, support mostly song format: MP3/WAV/FLAC/APE/OGG/WMA Small and extremely lightweight Only 62.8 gram and dimensions 101X27X10.8MM,portable recorder, comfortable to hold in palm. Upgraded Feature - 1536kpbs HD Recording Quality - Auto Record: set for recording appointment, lectures, class, speeches, meetings, interviews automatically (Notice: Need to keep the POWER button at ON position) - Cross-platform: recording at MP3/WAV, file could download to playback at computer, cell phone, MP3 etc. - Optimized Menu Choice for more intuitive navigator Why EVISTR Voice Recorder L157? Not just the upgraded from thousands customer feedback A handful useful function, voice activated recording, Subsection Recording, A-B Repeat, a very good voice recorder for lectures, meetings A must assistant recorder for teachers, students, doctor,patients anyone need to remember something WARNNING - Do not shut down the device until you press STOP to saving recording properly, it will show “Saved!” - Do not shut down the device, when you format the device, until it shows “format completed” - Any errors, get customer support quickly, with happy solutions Package 1 x Voice Recorder, 1 x earphone, 1 x USB Cable, 1 x VIP Card Get EBOOK from below section or contact us, visit our online trouble shooting guide

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.

User questions & answers

Question:	Can you record with the headphones out
Answer:	Yes!
Question:	How long does it record for
Answer:	the battery full charged can record 12hours more, the storage can hold at least 24hours. it based on recording quality, if set at 64KPBS, it can hold about 560hours
Question:	I have 2 questions. Am I able to select voice activated or continuous recording? Does the device have a mic input jack, and what is the plug size
Answer:	1) in default, it was continuous recording. we could go to record settings -> AVR mode, if we turn on AVR mode, it will be voice activated recording 2) This device only support hear with earphone, don't have input mic jack
Question:	How to prevent background noise when trying to record while carrying in pants pocket. Ideas
Answer:	well if it does not matter to you where you carry the recorder they sell arm band carriers to carry the recorder on you upper arm to prevent the recorder from capturing the sound of the material rubbing sounds it captures being in your pocket. I saw it a video on YouTube that's how some paranormal investigators advise so you don't get all the noise pick up from holding it in your hand or the material rubbing sounds, sounds it may picks up from being in your pocket when you walk or move,,,,,,,,, I hope this help you out in some way.

Product features

Upgraded Evistr Voice Recorder

- 1536kpbs HD Recording Quality

- Voice Activated Recording

- Cross-platform: recording at MP3/WAV, file could download to playback on computer, cell phone, MP3 player etc.

- Optimized Menu Choice for more intuitive navigator

WARNNING

- Do not shut down the device until you press STOP to confirm file saved properly, it will show “Saved!”

- Do not shut down the device, while you are formatting, wait until it shows “format completed”

- If you get any errors, we can provide happy solutions

Package Contents

1 x Voice Recorder, 1 x earphone, 1 x USB Cable, 1 x VIP Card

Why EVISTR Voice Recorder L157?

Upgraded from thousands of user feedback suggestions.
New Digital Signal Processor, 1536KPBS Unbeatable Clear Recording Quality
New useful function, voice activated recording, Subsection Recording, A-B Repeat, a very good voice recorder for lectures, meetings
A must assistant recorder for teachers, students, doctor,patients. Perfect for anyone needing to remember a conversation

Recording at WAV / MP3

Simple download file to computer via USB Cable
Not limited to listening on the device itself with built-in speaker (or earphone)
Recordings can be downloaded to play on computer, cell phone, MP3 easily

Simple Operation

REC: recording

STOP: Save recordings

Voice Activated Record

Capture only when teacher is speaking

Reduce blank and whispering snippet

Notice: when recording at voice activated mode, low decibel talking will be ignored in recordings

USB Rechargeable

Voice Recorder USB Rechargeable

Simple download & Charge via USB Cable

Easy File Management

File name with Year, Month, Day, Hour, Seconds

Easy to notice when the recordings recorded

Digital Voice Recorder Voice Activated Recorder for Lectures, Meetings, Interviews Aomago 8GB Audio Recorder Mini Portable Tape Dictaphone with Playback, USB, MP3

Aomago

Based on 4 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Do you feel distressed when you can’t catch teacher’s words in class?

Do you feel annoyed when you forget the key points in a meeting?

Do you want to have a clear recorder in a interview?

Aomago digital voice recorder will meet all your demands.

Portable Design

Compact and portable size with premium metal shell and well operated buttons make it easier for you on the go when use it. The voice recorder is so weightless that you can carry it easily.

A-B Repeat

1. During playback, press the DEL/A-B button to enter the A-B repeat function.

2. Once pressed, the ‘A’ mark will be selected. Press the button again to select the ‘B’ mark.

3. Then the file will repeat from the ‘A’ mark to the ‘B’ mark.

What You Get

Package include 1x digital voice recorder, 1x instruction, 1x charging cable.

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.

User questions & answers

Question:	Is there a plug-in for earbuds? What type of adapter do you need
Answer:	Yep. Standard 1/8" jack.
Question:	Does it record phone calls on speaker
Answer:	Yes. If the phone is on speaker it will pick it up.
Question:	Does it records time and date
Answer:	Yes
Question:	Where can I get printed instructions for using this recorder
Answer:	The printed instruction will come with the voice recorder. If there is no instruction in your package, please contact customer service team at "[email protected]". There will be a perfect solution! Any question or need, please feel free to contact us! We're there to assist you, all the time! Aomago Team Abby

Product features

Warning:

1.Do not use the right “POWER” button to totally shut down your voice recorder, or it will reset your voice recorder system time to default.

We suggest you press PLAY/PAUSE button for two seconds to power off your voice recorder, and next time you just need to press “PLAY/PAUSE” again to wake up your voice recorder.

2.When Battery is almost exhausted or too weak, functions maybe limited, please recharge!

3.Charge time between 3 to 4 hours, turn on voice recorder before charging.

4.Press the REC button while recording to pause or resume recording. The LED will flash when the recording is paused.

A-B Repeat

1.During playback, press the "DEL/A-B" button to enter A-B repeat function.

2.Once pressed, the‘A’mark will be selected. Press the button again to select the ‘B’ mark.

3.Then the file will repeat from the ‘A’ mark to the ‘B’ mark.

Portable Design

Compact and portable size with premium metal shell and well operated buttons make it easier for you on the go when use it. The voice recorder is so weightless that you can carry it easily.

What you get

Package include 1x digital voice recorder, 1x instruction, 1x charging cable.

Simple Operation

REC: Recording

STOP: Saving

PLAY/PAUSE: Playing

MP3 Function

The digital recorder can help you enjoy the relax music whenever you want.

Easy to carry

The voice recorder can be applied to all kinds of situation you want to record. You can always carry it easily.

Sony ICD-PX370 Mono Digital Voice Recorder with Built-In USB Voice Recorder,black

Sony

Based on 4 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Easily record meetings, lectures and more in high-quality audio with this digital voice recorder featuring up to 57 hours of battery life and a built-in, direct USB connection for easy file transfer. Enjoy 4GB of built-in memory, Plus auto voice recording that reduces background noise so you can always hear what's being said.

Record MP3 Audio quickly and easily
Up to 57 hours of battery life for extended recording (MP3 128Kbps stereo)
Built in, direct USB Connection for quick file transfer to your PC
In the box: IC Recorder, size AAA alkaline batteries , Operating Instructions, Warranty card

User questions & answers

Question:	I can use with ear buds
Answer:	Yes. Good sound quality with earbuds.
Question:	does it have a memory card slot as it doesn't mention it in the description
Answer:	It does 'mention' the card sizes in the description: " Expand your memory with the micro SD card slot The ICD-PX470 comes with 4 GB of memory built-in, which gives you a max recording time up to 59h 35m when recording in stereo at MP3 128 kbps. You can expand your memory capacity with a micro SD card for up to 32 GB of additional memory—equivalent to over 536 hours (Micro SD 32 GB, MP3 128 kbps) of recording time. "
Question:	Do the recordings delete when the batteries die
Answer:	I think what happens is that the recording is still resident but just ends with the beep beep of the battery dying. I've not paid attention lately to it, though.
Question:	Does this unit have a lighted display
Answer:	Hi Matthew, yes, this recorder has a lighted display which can be turned off and on. You may refer to this link for the recorder's manual: https://docs.sony.com/release//Help_4595548311.pdf Thanks, -Mark

Product features

Record MP3 audio quickly and simply

Record in MP3 audio quickly and easily. MP3 files are compressed but require less memory, making them better for recording long lectures or meetings.

Long battery life enables up to 57hrs recording (MP3 128kbps stereo)

Record up to 57 hrs of audio (MP3 128 kbps) with exceptional battery life that makes it possible to record for long periods of time.

Built-in USB connector lets you plug in to your PC.

Transferring files to or from your computer is fast and convenient. Just plug the ICD-PX370 straight into a free USB port for an immediate connection—no USB cable needed.

Auto Voice Rec reduces ambient noise for clearer recordings

Want to record someone talking? Turn on Auto Voice Recording and the ICD-PX370 will optimize audio capture settings for vocal frequencies. The result is a purer recording with reduced background noise. And when you listen back to the recording, Clear Voice technology cleans up the signal even more for improved clarity.

The 4GB memory stores up to 59hrs35m of recording (MP3 128kbps stereo)

The 4GB2 memory stores up to 59hrs35m of recording (MP3 128kbps stereo).

Scene Select lets you optimize settings for music, meetings, and more

Choose from four 'scene' pre-sets (music, meeting, interview, dictation) to optimize the audio settings.

Expand your memory with the micro SD card slot

The ICD-PX370 comes with 4 GB of memory built-in, which gives you a max recording time of 59hrs 35m when recording in stereo at MP3 128 kbps. You can expand your memory capacity with a micro SD card for up to 32 GB2 of additional memory —equivalent to over 536 hours (Micro SD 32 GB, MP3 128 kbps) of recording time.