Despite the fact that many modern devices such as mobile phones, tablets and even mp3 players are equipped with the audio recording function of what is happening around, classic voice recorders continue to be popular. They are used in various fields - students to record lectures, journalists during interviews. Of particular note are devices for covert recording.
In digital technology stores, you can find quite a lot of similar devices that differ from each other in a number of parameters, so choosing the most suitable device will not be easy, especially if the person does it for the first time. If you belong to this user group, then this article will be very useful. Before proceeding to consider the basic qualities of such products, we first want to analyze the quality of the recorders that you need to pay attention to when buying them.
Summary of the rating:
What characteristics are fundamental when choosing a hidden voice recorder?
It is necessary to take into account the following operational properties of the product: the format in which the recording process is carried out; the ability to connect to a laptop or personal computer; maximum recording duration and its final quality; the presence of a slot for placing a memory card and directly the amount of internal memory. Let's dwell on each of the points in more detail.
It is desirable that the recorder can record in several formats at once. One of the most popular today are .mp3, .wma, .dss. The first type does not need a lot of free space, it is of acceptable quality, moreover, the recording can be played on any device - a mobile phone, tablet, laptop and even an .mp3 player. The second format is of higher quality, and also needs an increased amount of free space. The latest extension is characterized by a high level of quality and at the same time has a high degree of compression, so it takes up very little free space in the device's memory. Unfortunately, not all devices and players of operating systems can work with it - you will have to download a special application to play it.
It is desirable that the recorder has a USB connector or jack with the ability to connect the appropriate cable. This allows you to quickly free up gadget memory and save data to a USB flash drive, external hard drive, or to computer memory. Considering that it is undesirable to compress files to preserve recording quality, it is advisable to provide that the recorder has a special slot for working with memory cards. The most compact modern devices are compatible with microSD format products.
If the owner plans to use the recorder quite often, then it is best for him to purchase a model with a sufficiently large amount of internal memory, especially if the device does not have a slot for memory cards. Today on sale you can find products for which this parameter is about 16-20 GB. Such a capacity will be enough to record several tens of hours of audio.However, such devices will be quite expensive. In this regard, you can give preference to voice recorders, the memory capacity of which does not exceed 4-8 GB.
When we selected models for inclusion in our rating of the best hidden voice recorders of 2019, we focused mainly on the above parameters. However, some more points were also taken into account - user reviews and value for money. We tried to select models that are not too expensive, so that each of our readers can choose the best products for themselves.
Top 10 Voice Recorder Models
10. Olympus VP-10
These products will be very suitable for users who want to get a fairly high quality recording. With small overall dimensions, this device has decent functionality. Externally, the recorder is very similar to the most ordinary pen that can be put in your pocket. The main controls for the device are located on the front of the product. There is also an LED indicator that lights up after the recording function has been turned on. Exactly the same element is duplicated from the back. The recording process is activated by a special lever located at the top of the product. On the side there is another lever that turns the device on and off. It is quite tight, so you cannot accidentally shift it. The kit comes with a nickel-magnesium battery, which can be recharged if necessary - a charger is also available.
A standard 3.5 mm headphone jack is provided at the top of the product. Here you can also find two very sensitive microphones that record sound in stereo format. The case is made of high-quality plastic with a matte finish, so the recorder will always look like new. A clothespin is provided on the back, which allows you to fix it in your pocket. The device connects to a computer using a standard USB connector. There is a small matrix display with a resolution of 108x84 pixels, the interface is Russified.
Benefits:
- Simple enough settings;
- It can be used for a variety of household purposes;
- Provides a very clean recording;
- If necessary, you can connect to a personal computer;
- Insignificant overall dimensions and weight.
Disadvantages:
- Too many functions are controlled with just one button.
9. Ritmix RR-145 8GB
It has compact overall dimensions, the case is made of high-quality Hi-Tech metal coated with powder paint. The front coating is matte, reliably protected from the accumulation of various contaminants. On the front side there is a fairly informative matrix display. It shows the battery level, recording duration, the remaining amount of free memory, and so on. This model, just like the previous one, has two built-in microphones, characterized by a high level of sensitivity, but the recording is in stereo. The model is characterized by a huge set of fine quality settings and recording modes.
If necessary, the recorder can be used as a music player. The management is carefully thought out and very understandable - even a user who previously had no experience with similar products will instantly understand it. The recording process starts after clicking on the corresponding button. Formats are standard, do not need additional conversion. If the battery is completely discharged during recording, the file will still be automatically saved. The battery is fully charged within 2-3 hours. The maximum recording time is 582 hours when saving a file in .mp3 format or 36-38 hours when using .wav.
Benefits:
- Compact overall dimensions;
- Reasonable cost;
- The control buttons are optimally located;
- A decent amount of internal memory;
- Good battery capacity.
Disadvantages:
- With prolonged continuous use, it may hang slightly.
8. Olympus VN-541PC
The recorder is perfect for ordinary notes, as well as recording lectures, negotiations, various kinds of interviews. It has several modes of operation, each of which has its own sensitivity indicators and range. It is worth noting that the ME51 stereo microphone is supplied with the recorder, which is able to capture all the details of the conversation at a considerable distance. This device has an interesting music recording function. When it is used, the level of detail of sounds increases significantly due to the fact that the bass line filtering is turned off. Another feature called LP helps optimally use the amount of internal memory if the device has been in continuous mode for a long time.
The model is able to work without recharging up to 60 hours, and the built-in 4 GB of memory will be enough to record about 1560 hours of audio. The case is ergonomic, slightly curved, so the recorder is very convenient to hold in your hand. The record start button is rubber, has a relief coating, so it is very easy to find by touch. You can play the recording using the recorder itself - for this, the design has a small but rather loud speaker, as well as a jack for connecting standard headphones.
Benefits:
- Very easy to use;
- A large number of different operating modes that are strikingly different from each other;
- Decent capacity of the built-in battery.
Disadvantages:
- The recording process is carried out in mono format, which is not always convenient when decoding it.
7. Philips DVT1200
It has an informative liquid crystal display, the diagonal of which is one and a half inches. In addition to the internal memory of 4 GB, the device is equipped with a slot for connecting a microSDHC memory card, it supports up to 32 GB. By default, recording is performed with the extension .wav, however, if necessary, you can switch to a more economical .mp3. Battery life can reach 42 hours. The overall dimensions of this product are 108x37x19 mm with a mass of 49 grams. You can connect to a personal computer without installing additional software or drivers. Recording is started using the original one-touch function.
The built-in memory is enough to accommodate 23 hours of recording in .wav format. Finding all materials is very simple - for this, the manufacturer has provided a special function for searching by voice tags. This recorder is perfect for interviews, lectures, and ordinary notes. Compact overall dimensions allow you to discreetly carry it in your pockets. The sound is recorded in mono format. Two batteries are included, which, if necessary, can be replaced with batteries. They will be recharged when the recorder is connected to a personal computer.
Benefits:
- Reasonable cost;
- Compact overall dimensions;
- Quite wide functionality;
- Very high quality workmanship and assembly;
- Recording starts instantly - immediately after clicking on the corresponding button, no delays occur;
- The presence of a sufficiently large liquid crystal display.
Disadvantages:
- The built-in microphone sometimes causes unnecessary interference.
6. Ambertek VR408
Despite its small overall dimensions, this product is characterized by a fairly wide functionality, so it is perfect for conducting audio recordings both in the open mode and invisibly to people around. There is an mp3 player function here. The products are connected to the computer using the USB connector, this product does not need to install specialized software and drivers, so the recorder can be used even as an ordinary USB flash drive.The operating system is designed in such a way as to practically not consume battery power, which allows continuous recording for about 35 hours. The recorder is equipped with a built-in battery, the capacity of which is 1200 mAh, it can fully charge within 2-2.5 hours. The dimensions are really very small - 50x20x7 mm with a mass of only 10 grams.
On the surface of the case there is a universal clip, which allows you to fix the product on clothes. There is a built-in sound sensor - it automatically starts recording if a sound is heard with a volume exceeding 30 dB. You can activate it in the recorder settings. The microphone is equipped with a noise reduction function, so no interference will be heard while listening. The built-in memory is as much as 8 GB, so about 100 hours of recording in .wav format can fit here. Through the menu, you can delete unnecessary entries without connecting the device to a personal computer.
Benefits:
- Minimum overall dimensions;
- Decent memory capacity;
- High build quality;
- You can easily use it completely unnoticed by the interlocutor.
Disadvantages:
- The function of the mp3 player is poorly developed.
5. Edic-mini Tiny 16 U49-300h
Digital model designed for professional separately directed voice recording, the maximum duration of which is 300 hours, the maximum recording range reaches 15 meters. This effect can be achieved thanks to five built-in microphones, which also have good sensitivity and an active noise reduction system. The amount of internal memory is not too large - only 2 GB, but thanks to modern compression capabilities, even this parameter is enough to record about 300 hours if you use a sampling frequency of 8 kHz. Even when the mode is on, the device will start recording only when voices start to sound.
There are two recording modes - linear and circular. In the first case, the gadget continues to record the conversation until the free memory space runs out. Ring recording is performed as follows: after the exhaustion of the available volume, the recorder automatically deletes the oldest files and replaces them with new ones. Each recorded file has corresponding labels indicating the date, start time, and it also has a digital signature. With the help of the latter, it is possible to determine on which recorder the recording was made, and also whether any changes were made to it. In addition, there is a system of information protection - for this, the user can set a password for the recorder, which will not give access to the documents stored on it. The kit comes with the appropriate adapter through which the device connects to the computer.
Benefits:
- A large number of different settings;
- Five multidirectional microphones at once;
- Voice Activation;
- The ability to set a password;
- Ergonomic shape and compact overall dimensions.
Disadvantages:
- A standard USB port is not provided, although there is an adapter.
4. Ritmix RR-610 8Gb
A rather original and functional model, which in addition to the function of recording voice and other sounds, has the capabilities of an mp3 player, in addition, there is a radio receiver that works with the frequency of FM. Using the products is quite convenient, recording is in .wav format, and this is the only format, switching to .mp3 is not provided here. Like most models included in our rating, there is the possibility of voice activation. It is quite sensitive - this parameter can be adjusted if necessary. There is a special microphone jack. The recorder is connected to a personal computer using a retractable USB port. There is a slot for installing a memory card, the maximum amount of which can reach 32 GB.
The case of the recorder is made of high quality plastic.Its surface is matte, on the front panel there is an informative and functional liquid crystal display that will inform the user about the time elapsed since the start of recording, there is a battery indicator, clock, display of the selected mode. The capacity of the built-in battery will be enough for continuous operation for 20 hours, the built-in memory is enough for about 98 hours. The recorder itself is narrow, it is very convenient to carry it discreetly in your pocket.
Benefits:
- The original location of the USB connector;
- Battery life;
- Good workmanship and assembly;
- Absolutely imperceptible;
- Acceptable recording quality.
Disadvantages:
- Not very convenient menu.
3. Edic-mini PRO B42-300h
It has a functionality that is fully accessible through the menu of the recorder itself; to access all the features you do not have to connect this product to a personal computer. The products are equipped with an OLED display with a high contrast ratio, making it very easy to configure, navigate through the menu. Despite the fact that the design is equipped with a USB 2.0 connection interface, the data transfer speed is still quite high. Overall dimensions are 94x12x12 mm, the mass of the device is 16 grams, excluding accumulators or batteries. The built-in memory is enough for recording from 300 to 1200 hours, depending on the selected format and quality, the device can work on the order of 100 hours on a single battery charge.
For more comfortable work with this unit, there is special software that provides full access to the settings of the recorder. Here you can also set a password that prohibits unauthorized access to data stored in memory. A timer function is provided. Thanks to her, the recorder can be configured to record daily at a specific time, turn on at the right time. The use of this feature can significantly save memory and battery power. There is also a set that includes eight profiles with the ability to customize them. The case is made of durable metal, which helps to significantly extend the life of the product. It is not surprising that the possibility of linear or circular recording is provided.
Benefits:
- A huge number of features and capabilities;
- Strong metal case;
- Informative display;
- Superior build quality
- A lot of settings.
Disadvantages:
- For comfortable work, you will have to install a special application on the computer;
- High price.
2. Philips DVT2510
Literally a step away from the leader, a rather interesting and functional model stopped, which is perfect for recording personal thoughts and ideas, for journalistic work, for students and so on. The products are equipped with a pair of microphones that work in stereo format, so that the recording quality is quite high. Another distinctive quality is the presence of a rather large full-color display, with which you can provide very convenient access to all equipment settings. This allows you to start recording almost instantly and make it as clear and high-quality as possible. Files in different formats are saved. If necessary, you can use the hands-free function, which provides voice control of the device. The interface is quite simple and straightforward. Recording is activated by a simple click on the button.
The device automatically configures its system software to work with various platforms - Windows, MacOS, Linux. In total, 8 GB of internal memory is provided here. This amount will be enough for a very long recording.In addition, there is a slot for a memory card. The recorder has a search function by date and time of recording, so you can find the desired file within a few seconds. The microphones were developed using the latest technology, which allows for very clear voice recording and completely suppresses noise interference.
Benefits:
- Two-channel recording of high quality;
- A decent amount of internal memory;
- If desired, you can use it as a .mp3 player;
- Microphone sensitivity can be adjusted;
- Large full color display;
- Low weight.
Disadvantages:
- A little expensive for a voice recorder.
1. Ritmix RR-120 4Gb
We hasten to present you an original and very respectable model, which was honored to take first place in our ranking of the best hidden voice recorders. Appearance is very attractive: the case is made of high-quality metal, it is pleasant not only by sight, but also by touch. It has a pleasant matte sheen. All buttons are located as convenient as possible for the user. They are made of metal, pictograms and corrugations are applied to them. The matrix display is monochrome, but its information content is enough to comfortably use the equipment. In addition, he quite organically fit into the exterior of the recorder itself.
The model is characterized by decent recording quality, which was achieved thanks to the installation of two very sensitive microphones equipped with a stereo recording function and an active digital noise reduction system. The last opportunity allows you to make the recording quality truly perfect. In addition, the recorder has its own speaker, through which you can listen to the recordings made or music downloaded into the product’s memory. At the same time, the speaker quality is also very good, no noise and wheezing was detected even at maximum volume. There is also a radio here, and the broadcast can be recorded, however, it should be borne in mind that the radio works only with headphones or a headset, which additionally perform the function of an antenna. There is a microSD card slot. You can turn on the recorder by timer or activate it by voice. The capacity of the built-in battery is 320 mAh - quite enough for quite a long time.
Benefits:
- Convenient and fairly easy to use;
- A huge number of opportunities;
- Superior recording and playback quality;
- There is a built-in radio.
Disadvantages:
- You won’t be able to listen to the radio through the speaker.
Finally, a useful video
Our review is nearing completion. Before saying goodbye, we would like to express the hope that the article was able to help you choose the best products. If you still have any questions, then ask us in the comments below the publication. We will quickly answer them: we will collect the information of interest, dispel any doubts or give useful advice.
(1 ratings, average: 5,00 out of 5)
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