Best portable field recorders

Steve Romanoski Avatar
Steve Romanoski
Last Updated: Oct 3, 2022

Online shopping can be a time-consuming task to perform, especially if you've never had the product before. Luckily, there're ultimate reviews like this one that can help save you hours on the research. The www.playersbenchmusic.com researchers have carefully selected the top 20 portable field recorders out there. Below you'll find our detailed reviews of the best options from Amoper, KAISH, MI&VI.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Zoom F1-SP Field Recorder
#TOP 1
Zoom F1-SP Field Recorder
ftb score rating icon 9
PBM Score
Zoom F2-BT Ultracompact Bluetooth-Enabled Portable Field Recorder
#TOP 2
Zoom F2-BT Ultracompact Bluetooth-Enabled Portable Field Recorder
ftb score rating icon 9
PBM Score
Zoom F2-BT Ultracompact Bluetooth-Enabled Portable Field Recorder
#TOP 3
Zoom F2-BT Ultracompact Bluetooth-Enabled Portable Field Recorder
ftb score rating icon 9
PBM Score

Top 20 Best portable field recorders Reviews 2022

#TOP 1

Zoom F1-SP Field Recorder

Zoom / Photo Savings

Features

  • Zoom F1 Field Recorder with Shotgun Microphone offers a flexible solution for videographers who want to capture professional quality audio
  • Cleaning cloth designed with Fibertique technology to safely and effectively clean your equipment included in the Photo Savings Bundle with 16GB card and 2 AAA batteries to start recording right away
  • Two-channel recorder records up to 24-bit/96 kHz audio in BWF-compliant WAV or a variety of MP3 formats directly to microSD and SDHC cards up to 32GB
  • Make sure this fits by entering your model number.
  • Low-profile design attaches to belts or waistbands, and fits inside pockets. Stereo 1/8” mic/line input, stereo 1/8” phone/line output, Micro-USB port
  • Easy-to-read display with one-touch controls, essential features include a Record Hold function, tone generator, sound markers, onboard limiter, and more
#TOP 2

Zoom F2-BT Ultracompact Bluetooth-Enabled Portable Field Recorder

Zoom

Features

  • LOW PROFILE AND LIGHTWEIGHT: The lightweight F2-BT attaches neatly on belts and waistbands, or can be slipped into a pocket so the recorder can be easily concealed.
  • BLUETOOTH CONTROL: The F2-BT comes with built-in Bluetooth. And with the free Zoom F2 Control app the F2-BT can wirelessly start/stop recordings, display battery levels, adjust output volume, control lo-cut and more.
  • Make sure this fits by entering your model number.
  • This Photo4Less Top Value Bundle Includes: Zoom F2 BT Bluetooth Field Recorder with Lavalier Microphone - Sandisk Extreme 32GB MicroSDHC Memory Card - 4 AAA Alkaline Batteries - Photo4Less Black Cleaning Cloth
  • LOCK ‘N LAV: Screw-lock connectors keep your lav plugged-in securely no matter the situation.
#TOP 3

Zoom F2-BT Ultracompact Bluetooth-Enabled Portable Field Recorder

Zoom

Features

  • BLUETOOTH CONTROL: The F2-BT comes with built-in Bluetooth. And with the free Zoom F2 Control app the F2-BT can wirelessly start/stop recordings, display battery levels, adjust output volume, control lo-cut and more.
  • Make sure this fits by entering your model number.
  • LOCK ‘N LAV: Screw-lock connectors keep your lav plugged-in securely no matter the situation.
  • This Photo4Less Top Value Bundle Includes: Zoom F2 BT Bluetooth Field Recorder with Lavalier Microphone - Sandisk Extreme 32GB MicroSDHC Memory Card - 4 AAA Alkaline Batteries - Portable Case (Black) - Photo4Less Black Cleaning Cloth
  • LOW PROFILE AND LIGHTWEIGHT: The lightweight F2-BT attaches neatly on belts and waistbands, or can be slipped into a pocket so the recorder can be easily concealed.
#TOP 4

Zoom F2 Ultracompact Portable Field Recorder

Zoom

Features

  • POWER FOR HOURS: To keep up with the pace of on-location production, the F2 can be powered via two AAA alkaline, Lithium, or NiMH rechargeable batteries (alkaline included), a Zoom AD-17 power adapter (available separately), or a USB Type-C battery pack (available separately). With up to 15 hours of run time on AAA batteries, all-day shoots are no problem for the F2.
  • Make sure this fits by entering your model number.
  • BLUETOOTH CONTROL: The F2-BT comes with built-in Bluetooth. And with the free Zoom F2 Control app the F2-BT can wirelessly start/stop recordings, display battery levels, adjust output volume, control lo-cut and more.
  • HIGH-QUALITY RECORDING SETTINGS: The F2 boasts two high-quality recording resolutions to choose from—32-bit / 44.1 kHz or 32-bit / 48 kHz, both in mono uncompressed BWF (Broadcast Wave File) format. No data compression means that no quality is lost in the creation of the audio files. Use the onboard 80 Hz low-cut filter to reduce rumble and bass buildup in your recordings.
  • RECORD DIRECT TO MICROSD CARDS: Maximize portability by recording directly to a microSD/microSDHC/microSDXC card (available separately) for up to 512GB of storage space.
  • MIC INPUT WITH PLUG-IN POWER: The F2 can accommodate mic-level signals via its locking 3.5mm mini-jack input. Since it supplies 2.5V plug-in power, you're free to use common condenser mics such as lavaliers, headsets, and earsets.
#TOP 5

Zoom F3 Professional Field Recorder

Zoom

Features

  • Compact yet rugged metal casing, mounting bars and tripod mount
  • 2 locking-XLR inputs / 2-track field audio recorder
  • High quality mic preamps with a super-low noise floor (−127 dBu EIN)
  • 32-bit float recording and dual AD converters for full dynamic range and clip-free audio capture with no need to set gain
  • Record up to 192 kHz sampling/32-bit float WAV format, mono or stereo files to SD cards up to 512GB
#TOP 6

Zoom F6 Field Recorder/Mixer

Zoom

Features

  • 32-Bit float recording with dual a/D converters
  • 6-Channel/14-track field audio recorder/mixer
  • Ios wireless control with F control app
  • Advanced look-ahead hybrid Limiters for 24-bit recording
  • 6 discrete inputs with locking Neutrik XLR connectors
#TOP 7

Zoom H4n Pro 4-Input / 4-Track Portable Handy Recorder

Zoom

Features

  • Make sure this fits by entering your model number.
  • 2-CHANNEL MICROPHONE/LINE/INSTRUMENT INPUTS: Equipped with two locking XLR-1/4" combo inputs and a 3.5mm stereo mini-jack input, the H4n Pro can accommodate condenser microphones, line-level sources, or unbalanced instrument-level signals. Turn on 24 or 48 VDC phantom power to the XLR jacks, or 2.5V plug-in power to the mini jack. Whether you plan on plugging in a guitar and your favorite studio condenser mic to record a singer-songwriter, or feel like hooking up a lavalier mic for an interview,
  • CONNECT TO A CAMERA OR HEADPHONES: The 3.5mm line/headphone mini-jack output features a dedicated volume control, making it capable of feeding your camera/DSLR or a pair of headphones. For quick playback reference, a built-in monophonic speaker is provided.
  • THIS PHOTO4LESS TOP VALUE ACCESSORY KIT INCLUDES: Zoom H4n Pro 4-Input / 4-Track Portable Handy Recorder with Onboard X/Y Mic Capsule (Black) - SanDisk 32GB Ultra SDHC UHS-I Memory Card - Vidpro Professional Lavalier Condenser Microphone - 4 AA Batteries & White Charger - Table Tripod Hand Grip - Photo4Less Black Cleaning Cloth
  • OVERDUBBING AND 4-CHANNEL RECORDING: The H4n Pro boasts multiple recording modes, and is capable of up to 24-bit / 96 kHz resolution. Record in stereo from the onboard mic or input jacks, or use 4CH mode to simultaneously record the onboard mic (or 3.5mm mic input) and two external sources via the XLR-1/4" jacks (great for getting the room sound and a stereo feed from a mixer).
#TOP 8

Zoom H5 4-Track Portable Recorder

Zoom

Features

  • Max sound pressure input: 140 dB SPL
  • Four-track simultaneous recording; Built-in speaker: 400mw 8 Ω mono
  • Includes detachable x/Y capsule (xyh-5) with extended signal capacity and shock mounted mics for reduced handling noise
  • Two mic/line inputs with XLR/TRS combo connectors each with selectable Phantom power and -20dB pad
  • Compatibility: Compatible with all Zoom input capsules. Multichannel and stereo USB audio interface for PC/Mac/iPad with Loop Back function
  • Runs on 2 AA batteries and records directly to SD/ SDHC cards up to 32GB
  • Uses a system of interchangeable input capsules that can be swapped out as easily as the lens of a camera
#TOP 9

Zoom H1n Portable Recorder

Zoom

Features

  • One-touch button controls
  • Streamlined body with matte finish and newly designed protective mic enclosure
  • Playback Speed control, voice emphasize filter, and stereo overdubbing functions
  • Localized and intuitive menus for easy operation
  • Built-in stereo condenser microphones in 90-Degree x/Y format
#TOP 10

Zoom H1n Handy Recorder Blue Edition

Zoom

Features

  • New tone generator for easily calibrating your device and camera's audio
  • 1-Touch buttons for easy and fast recording
  • Excellent built-in Mike for up to 24-bit audio at sampling rates of 11.1, 48, or 96 kHz in WAV and many different MP3 formats
  • Multiple recording settings for CONVENIENT use
  • Usb port transports data in and out of computer and provides double-function as USB Mike and microSD card reader
#TOP 11

Zoom H2n Stereo/Surround-Sound Portable Recorder

Zoom

Features

  • File types supported: mav, MP3
  • Over 20 hours of operation using two standard AA batteries
  • Records in WAV up to 24-bit/96kHz and MP3 up to 320kbps
  • Additional functions include lo-cut filter, compressor/limiter, Auto gain, pre-rec, auto-rec, Tuner, metronome, variable speed playback
  • Key control, a-b repeat, file dividing, normalize, MP3 post-encode, marker and surround mixer
#TOP 12

Tascam DR-100MKIII 192kHz/24-Bit Stereo Portable Audio Recorder

Tascam

Features

  • An integrated shock mount structure for the directional stereo microphone suppresses unwanted vibration and handling noise
  • Onboard dual stereo microphones with integrated shockmounts deliver flexible recording options with professional quality audio performance
  • Supports high definition recording at both 96kHz/24-bit and 192kHz/24-bit, ensuring that recordings achieve the sonic fidelity of studio-born counterparts
  • Features dual AKM AK4558 converters with VELVET SOUND architecture, providing both high sound quality and low power consumption
  • Designed for the most demanding audio designers and engineers, combining robust reliability, an updated UI and studio-quality sonic performance
  • The dual battery design allows the built-in high-capacity lithium-ion battery to be used with AA batteries for extended battery life
  • The XLR/TRS inputs, used to connect external mics, deliver some of the highest sound quality and lowest noise of any TASCAM Handheld Digital Recorder
#TOP 13

Tascam DR-07X Stereo Handheld Digital Audio Recorder and USB Audio Interface

Tascam

Features

  • The dual internal condenser microphones can handle anything from subtle to loud, with sensitivity to capture every detail
  • Equipped with adjustable unidirectional microphones that can be used for recording in both the A-B position and X-Y position
  • A revamped layout means operations like recording, adjusting levels, deleting bad takes and adding markers are quick and easy
  • Uses only two AA batteries, but can record for an outstanding 17.5 hours; it can also be powered by a USB mobile battery
  • Connect to a PC using USB Audio interface mode for voiceover work, live streaming, podcasting and songwriting with studio-quality audio
#TOP 14

Tascam DR-05X 2-Input / 2-Track Portable Audio Recorder

Tascam

Features

  • Stereo Omnidirectional Condenser Mics
  • Dictation Mode with Speed Control and EQ
  • 2-In/2-Out USB Audio Interface
  • Overwrite Function for Punch-Ins
  • For Voice, Music, and Lecture Recording
#TOP 15

Tascam DR-60DMKII 4-Channel Portable Audio Recorder

Tascam

Features

  • 1/8" Camera Audio In/Out
  • 1/8" Headphone Output
  • 2 x Mic Preamps
  • 1/8" Stereo Input
  • 4-track Ptable Audio Recder with Slate Transpt Controls
#TOP 16

TASCAM DR-05 Portable Digital Recorder (Version 2)

Tascam

Features

  • Tempo change (VSA) function for adjusting the speed from 0.5 to 1.5 times (in 0.1 increments)
  • Discontinued Model replaced by Improved DR-05X
  • Built-in omni-directional microphones
  • Stereo mini headphone jack for external stereo microphones (provides plug-in power) / External line input
  • Chromatic tuner, Powered by 2 AA batteries, USB power or optional AC adapter (Tascam PS-P515U), MicroSD 4GB card
#TOP 17

Tascam DR-60DmkII 4-Channel Portable Recorder

Tascam

Features

  • Includes: 16GB SDHC Memory Card Ultra + BeachTek SC35 3.5mm Stereo Output Cable + Watson 4-Hour Rapid Charger with 4 AA NiMH Rechargeable Batteries (2300mAh)
  • The DR-60DmkII can record up to 4-tracks simultaneously, allowing multiple microphones to be used while filming. Inputs 1/L and 2/R can be selected for mono or stereo link operation.
  • Lightweight Body Designed for Rugged Portability
  • Quality mic preamps are a necessity for quality sound
  • Multiple Record Modes for On-Set Challenges
  • Make sure this fits by entering your model number.
#TOP 18

Tascam DR-70D 4-Track Portable Audio Recorder

Tascam

Features

  • The High-Quality HDDA Mic Preamps include 64dB of gain for quiet performances, and all four inputs have individual gain controls
  • The compact format can be mounted either above or below a camera, and a pair of built-in microphones can capture sound on-set
  • Uniquely designed to provide multi-track recording in a compact package for filmmakers, television producers, advertisers, and documentarians
  • Also included is Dual Recording mode, which records a safety copy of your audio at a lower level to prevent distorted takes
  • The interface is designed for quick adjustment, with additional features to keep recording levels under control
  • Tracks on the DR-70D are captured to SD card, SDHC or SDXC media – with cards up to 128GB supported
  • Four balanced XLR mic inputs with phantom power meet the requirements of production sound, from pro users to indie DSLR shooters
#TOP 19

Tascam DR-70D 4-Track Portable Audio Recorder

Tascam

Features

  • Four-channel recorder and mixer
  • Four XLR microphone inputs with phantom power
  • Mic preamps feature 64dB of gain with individual controls per channel
  • Make sure this fits by entering your model number.
  • Tascam DR-70D Recorder + Pro Headphone + Pair EMB XLR Cables + Gravity Phone Holder Bundle
  • Compact case with tripod mounts designed for use with cameras
#TOP 20

Zoom F2 Ultracompact Portable Field Recorder

Teds Electronics

Features

  • This Zoom F2 Ultra compact Portable Field Recorder with Lavalier Microphone comes with a kit which includes the following, Zoom WSL-1 Windscreen for LMF-1 / LMF-2 Lavalier Microphone, Recorder Case, 32GB MicroSD Memory Card and Batteries taking your Recording Sessions to a whole new level
  • Built-in Bluetooth for connection to the F2 Control app for settings adjustment and remote transport control (Bluetooth Model only)
  • 32-Bit Float recording for clip free recording and no gain adjustment
  • Full year warranty provided by Zoom
  • Records directly to micro SD and SDHC cards up to 512 GB

Things to Consider When Selecting the Perfect portable field recorders

What is the most common recorder?

Soprano. The soprano recorder is the most common of all the recorder family. This instrument comes in around 11.81 inches long.

Can you record someone without their knowledge and use it in court?

Yes, as stated above, you may record someone without their consent or knowledge AND be able to use it against them in court. In fact, this is one of the more useful ways to gain advantage in your case over the other party.

Can a cell phone detect a listening device?

To search specifically for cameras that may be planted in your home, use either an infrared scanner or IR and visible light emitters. You can also use a flashlight to locate the gleam of a camera lens reflecting light back. Your phone can also detect hidden cameras and microphones.

Editor's Notes

In total, our experts spent 44 hours on the research prior to come up with the selection of the 20 best portable field recorders out there. We've found over 1969 of real buyers' reviews to get the full picture of the current situation on the market. In our review, you'll find models with an average rating of 183 - so rest assured all of them are worth your attention.

Steve Romanoski Avatar
Written by

Steve Romanoski

Steve loves music. Steve Romanoski and his wife live in Alaska. They are always on the go, exploring new places and trying out new products (especially those which can help them enjoy the great musics even more). When he's not writing about products, Steve Romanoski enjoys reading books about history and science. He likes to think of himself as a renaissance man, but his wife would probably say that he's just a big kid at heart.