Tips for Choosing the Best Voice Recorder 

Note:  To find Voice Recorders right away, browse our selection below this article, or select one of the category links in the column at left, or enter your keyword search terms in the search bar also located in the column at left. 

Digital Voice Recorders versus Cassette or Microcassette Recorders - which is best?

1.  Digital Voice Recorders allow you to store a ton of information in a very compact device, usually without any external memory cards. 

Cassette Recorders require the purchase of cassettes that typically record in increments of 30-120 minutes depending on the size of your cassette.  You will have the extra expense of purchasing tapes, and the burden of keeping track of your tapes.

2.  Digital Voice Recorders usually come with the ability to upload your recordings to your computer (lower priced models may not have this ability).  These recordings can then be stored online and deleted from the Recorder.  They can be shared with others.  They can be manipulated into other formats, such as MP3.  Some even come with voice to print software.

Cassette Recordings can also be uploaded to your computer using special equipment and software, although the process is not quite as smooth.   

3.  Digital Voice Recorders are well suited for lectures, meetings, interviews, thoughts and reminders due to the ease of use and the compact size.  External microphones attached to your recorder will greatly enhance the sound quality of your recordings.  There are several different types of microphones for different uses - one type of mic will work better for lectures versus one on one interviews.  Some mics knock out background noise, while others pick up every peep in the forest.  Digital Voice Recorders have a feature called files - much like the files on a computer - where you can store your recordings.  This provides you with a good sense of organization.

Cassette Recorders - ditto for these - although the sound quality is likely to be better with a digital recorder.  Cassette recordings are probably more easily accessible.  Pop in a tape and there it is. 

4.  Digital Voice Recorders are easy to use, but the display usually tends to be small and difficult to read for some folks. 

Cassette Recorders are quite simple to operate, with or without good eyesight. 

5.  Digital Voice Recorders are here to stay, and they will only improve with time.   If you make long recordings, are a professional, like to record your thoughts and reminders - then digital is the way to go. 

Cassette Recorders, while they may not completely disappear from the marketplace, they will become more scarce and supplies will become more difficult to find.  If you are old-fashioned, stubborn (did we really say that?), or just like to record a few things here and there, now and then - then a cassette recorder is the way to go.   :)

To view our selection of voice recorders - please browse our selection below, or select one of the category links in the left hand column, or enter your keyword search terms in the search bar also located in the column at left.