Recording audio on your computer or smartphone is easier than ever thanks to innovative online voice recording tools. Whether you need to record a podcast, capture ideas on-the-go, or even sing a song, these handy apps make it simple to record studio-quality audio.
In this guide, we compare the top 9 online voice recorders to help you find the perfect tool for your needs.
Why Use an Online Voice Recorder?
Traditional hardware recorders can be bulky, expensive, and inconvenient to carry around. Online voice recorders provide some great benefits:
➤ Convenience – Record from any device with an internet connection, no special equipment needed. Many also have mobile apps for easy on-the-go recording.
➤ Affordability – Most online recorders are free or cheap to use. Much more budget-friendly than pro recording hardware.
➤ Flexibility – record, store and share audio seamlessly from one online platform. No need to transfer files between devices.
➤ Audio quality – Online tools now match or exceed standalone hardware for sound quality thanks to better bandwidth and compression algorithms.
➤ Editing features – Many apps provide editing tools to trim recordings, clean up audio and publish professional recordings with just a few clicks.
With so many options though, how do you pick the right online voice recording app? This guide compares the top picks based on features, use cases and price to help you decide.
1. Rev – Best Transcription Services
Key Features:
- Free unlimited recording and mp3 downloads
- Encrypted recordings not stored online
- Integrated paid transcription services
Pros
- Very intuitive simple interface
- Perfect audio quality
- Automated or human transcriptions
Cons
- Transcripts cost extra
- Browser-only, no mobile app
Price: Free. Transcriptions from $0.10/min
Rev makes it wonderfully simple to record audio and order speedy transcriptions. As soon as you hit record, crystal clear audio captures using your built-in or external mic. Preview and download the mp3 with a single click.
Rev really shines with its integrated transcription services. Order detailed and accurate human-generated transcripts at an economical rate. Automated transcripts via AI are also available for lower cost. This makes Rev perfect for recording interviews, meetings, lectures or even dictating notes and letters.
For quick, no-fuss voice recordings and transcriptions, Rev delivers excellent quality. Our only gripe is it doesn‘t yet offer mobile recording capability outside of the browser.
2. Telbee – Best for Customer Service
Key Features:
- Unlimited free recordings
- Share via email and social media
- Custom branding and lead integrations
- Automated transcripts (paid extra)
Pros
- Feature-packed free plan
- Great for customer service
- Highly customizable
Cons
- Transcription costs extra
- Some features exclusive to paid tiers
Price: Free to $29/mo
Telbee makes it a breeze for businesses to record, share and transcribe audio. One click uploads your recording to their secure cloud. You then get a sharable link to send via email or embed on your site.
Handy integrations with CRM platforms like Salesforce capture lead details automatically with every recording. Business owners can also brand the recorder with their logo and color theme for a polished look.
If you want to take customer service or sales calls to the next level with voice messages, Telbee is a superb choice. Upgrade to a paid plan if you need features like storage management, mass emailing and audio analytics.
3. Google Recorder – Best for Automated Transcription
Key Features:
- Automatic voice-to-text transcription
- Edit transcripts to alter audio
- Share clips through Google Assistant
Pros
- Transcription happens in real-time
- Tight integration with other Google services
Cons
- Pixel exclusive currently
- Requires good internet connection
Price: Free
Google Recorder excels at real-time automated transcription thanks to the search giant‘s powerful AI. As you record, your audio is converted to searchable text for editing or sharing.
The tight integration with Google‘s ecosystem is a real boon too. Recordings can be searched and referenced through other Google apps. Voice clips easily attach to emails via Google Assistant. And transcribed notes sync seamlessly across devices.
For Pixel users wanting automated voice-to-text on the fly, Google Recorder hits the mark. Unfortunately the lack of support for other Android/iOS devices holds it back from topping our list. But we hope to see wider availability soon.
4. VirtualSpeech – Most Private
Key Features:
- One-time $5 payment
- Recordings NOT saved online
- Download mp3 or playback recordings
Pros
- Very private and secure
- Simple no-fuss recordings
Cons
- No editing tools
- Browser-only
Price: Free trial then $5 one-time
For those wanting a very simple yet private online voice recorder, VirtualSpeech delivers. All recordings are saved ONLY to your device – nothing stored on remote servers at all.
The clean interface has only a record button and playback tools. Hit record, speak your message then download the audio or listen on-page. Useful for quick voice memos, but lacks trimming/editing features.
If privacy is a priority and you just want an easy way to capture audio on your computer, VirtualSpeech perfectly fits the bill. Be prepared to pay the reasonable $5 one-time fee after your free trial though.
5. Vocaroo – Best Free Option
Key Features:
- 100% free unlimited use
- Upload audio files
- Embed and share recordings
Pros
- Totally free with no limits
- Easy sharing tools
Cons
- Very basic editing features
- Audio quality isn‘t the best
Price: Free forever
It doesn‘t get simpler than Vocaroo if you want completely free unlimited recording. The intuitive browser-based interface has just a record button and basic tools to replay, trim and share your audio.
It lacks some of the polished features and audio fidelity of premium tools. But being 100% free with no caps, Vocaroo is handy for basic voice memos, sharing music clips or adding narration to videos.
Embeddable widgets and QR codes make sharing recordings to mobile users a cinch too. For unfussy free voice recording, Vocaroo hits the spot.
6. SpeakPipe – Best Embedding Tools
Key Features:
- Unlimited free recordings
- Share via email and web
- Embed recorder on any site
- Mobile apps
Pros
- Feature-rich free tier
- Easy to embed and share
- Above average audio
Cons
- Can‘t select audio source
- No audio editing features
Price: Free
SpeakPipe makes it a cinch to record audio straight from your browser and share it across devices and platforms. Install-free browser recording just requires access to your mic. Or use iOS and Android apps to record on the go.
Where SpeakPipe really stands out is embedding tools. Share recordings via simple weblinks or embed the slick recorder widget on your own site for easy customer voice messages.
The free plan won‘t limit your recordings. Audio quality is better than most online recorders too. If seamless sharing and embedding are priorities, SpeakPipe is a very solid pick.
7. Easy Voice Recorder – Best Mobile App
Key Features:
- Cross-platform mobile apps
- Cloud storage integration
- Trim, boost and convert audio
- Android Wear support
Pros
- Feature-rich mobile recording
- Handy smart watch support
- Robust editing tools
Cons
- No browser/desktop support
- Most features paid only
Price: Free with in-app purchases
Amongst dedicated mobile apps, Easy Voice Recorder leads the pack for Android users wanting rich recording and editing tools. Even free users get handy features like trimming, compression and integration with cloud drives.
One standout trick is Android Wear support – use your smartwatch as a microphone for discreet voice capture! Paid upgrades unlock even more formats, effects and editing capability rivaling a digital audio workstation.
If your recording needs are mobile-focused, Easy Voice Recorder has all bases covered. From quick voice memos to polished music clips, it‘s a very versatile pocket recording studio.
8. Itself – Most User Friendly
Key Features:
- No login or software needed
- Recordings only saved locally
- Simple playback tools
Pros
- Extremely easy to use
- Secure encrypted recordings
Cons
- Very limited controls
- Browser-only
Price: 100% Free
Itself lives up to its name – requiring zero user effort to start recording your voice instantly. Just click allow on the mic access popup to enable one-touch recordings completely anonymous and securely.
Judging by the barebones interface, Itself was designed with usability in mind above all else. Controls are limited to record, stop, play and download. But if quick simple recording is all you need, Itself delivers admirably.
Be aware your recordings only download as compressed OGG files. So it‘s great for voice memos, but lacks advanced controls for music recording.
9. Sodaphonic – Best Editing Features
Key Features:
- Browser recording
- Upload recordings to edit
- Insert, pitch shift, filters & more
- Collaborate on projects
Pros
- Advanced editing capabilities
- Handles both recording & editing
Cons
- Tricky interface
- Features require free account
Price: Free with account
While most online voice recorders focus just on recording, Sodaphonic goes all-in on editing features too. Their online digital audio workstation rivals premium installed software.
Sodaphonic guides you smoothly from recording vocals or instruments through to a polished, radio-ready track. Insert, arrange and apply studio effects with precision to individual audio elements. Real-time pitch correction helps you sing perfectly in key.
Freely collaborate with remote contributors on shared projects. And export your finalized creations lossless to share. If serious editing and effects are essential to you, Sodaphonic is a cut above browser-based solutions.
The feature-dense interface does have a learning curve though. Novices may still prefer more pared-back recording tools.
Key Considerations When Choosing a Voice Recorder
With so many varied options, keep these key factors in mind when deciding on a voice recording tool:
➤ Usage – Will you mainly record meetings, music, podcasts or just quick voice memos? Certain tools cater better to specific use cases.
➤ Platform – Is desktop, mobile or browser-based recording more convenient? Some tools offer apps across multiple platforms.
➤ Audio Quality – Do you need crisp professional recording quality? Or is standard good enough?
➤ Automated Transcription – Useful for long recordings. But results vary so try tools first before relying on them.
➤ Editing Tools – Trim and clean up recordings, insert effects, convert file formats. Pay for premium plans if advanced editing is needed.
➤ Privacy – All reputable tools here record securely without your files stored online. But some like VirtualSpeech offer extra privacy conscious features.
➤ Sharing & Embedding – If you want to publish, embed or share recordings integrate with sites/apps, ensure platform has robust tools for this.
➤ Price – Premium tools offer more features and quality, but free options like Vocaroo work fine for basic needs.
Conclusion – Start Recording Your Best Audio Now
As this guide demonstrates, modern voice recorders no longer constrain you to a dedicated device. Cloud-powered online tools give you clear professional recording and sharing from any device with just a browser.
For quick voice notes on the move, SpeakPipe and Easy Voice Recorder shine on mobile. Rev makes it simple to dictate speech and transcribe it online. While Google Recorder and Sodaphonic leverage AI to unlock editing possibilities.
The best part is most online voice recorders have very generous free tiers. So you can test which option best suits your needs with no financial commitment.
We hope this breakdown gives you clarity to pick the top tool for your next voice recording task. Just click record and start creating!