Choosing a Digital Podcast Recorder: At-a-Glance

Digital recorders are portable, versatile, and ultra-convenient

They're a lot more stable and reliable than computers or phones

Different tiers of recorders have different features

Find a recorder that suits your budget, as well as your needs: Read on for the full details…

The most basic thing you need for any podcast is a recording device. Pretty simply, to create an audio file, you need to be able to record your voice!

Recording devices take many forms, from really basic dictaphones to full-quality professional audio recorders. At a basic level, your computer can act as a recording device – it’s easily possible to record a regular podcast using no more than a laptop and its inbuilt microphone.

But, when you start looking to improve both your sound and your workflow, a good digital podcast recorder is a vital tool. Here I'm going to take you through the digital recorder options, from entry level to pro kit. Whatever your Podcasting needs and budget, you'll find something that suits right here.

Why Do I Need a Digital Recorder for Podcasting?

Anyone that's into broadcasting will tell you it’s vital to have at least a simple mobile recording device in your arsenal. Without a recorder that you can carry around, you’ll be stuck at your computer desk for all your podcast creation. This can be quite limiting.

Thinking beyond planned recording sessions, many podcasters will keep a little dictaphone handy when they're out and about. This is just in case they come across a great guest unexpectedly; you never know when an ideal interview subject will fall into your lap.

I use a digital recorder for a whole load of different purposes, including directly in my studio recording. I record from a mixer right into my Zoom H6 as I find it's the most reliable method, by a long shot. My other favoured way of getting content, out and about, is through face to face interviews. You can see in this article how to use a digital recorder to best effect in that context.

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How to Choose the Best Podcasting Digital Recorder

It’s worth spending more than the minimum on a podcast recording device – with this type of kit the quality is very dependent on price. Moving above the $50+ mark generally takes you into the range of good quality recorders, and you can spend infinitely more than that it you try.

To get started, just buy what you can afford, or use the equipment you already have available. Better to get started with basic kit than not at all.

But over time you might look to save up for something that'll give you tonnes of recording options, and can really help you to take your podcast sound to the next level.

A quick heads up that the links here we use are affiliates, but rest assured we never recommend anything that we wouldn't use ourselves.

So let's get started walking through the best podcast recorder options on the market then – starting at the sub-$100 level.

Budget Level Digital Podcast Recorders – Under $100

The Zoom H1N

For the budget-conscious podcast producer, have no fear. The sub-$100 Zoom H1N records high-quality audio in stereo or mono using its onboard X-Y mics. They are extremely high-end for the price and capture details very well.

The H1N is easy to operate, with many of its functions easily selectable via buttons on the recorder rather than cycling through endless menus.

The unit is about the size of a handheld microphone. Recording is quick with a tactile record button that is very easy to find without looking. The Zoom H1N is also a great device if you are interested in getting started in stereo field recording for audio dramas on a budget.

Read our full Zoom H1 review

Tascam DR-05

Tascam's answer to budget handheld recording. The Tascam DR-05 boasts similar features to the H1N, a compact design, easy to operate, and great audio quality for the price.

I have used the DR-05 and the H1N interchangeably. The only con to the Tascam is that the record button is more difficult to find by touch.

Read our full Tascam DR-05 review

High Quality Digital Podcast Recorders – Under $200

In the $100-$200 range, the features of the digital audio recorder get much more flexible. Typically, these recorders record higher-quality audio with less noise. As an added bonus, this tier of recorders allows the use of XLR microphones and even phantom power for sweet, silky condenser mics.

Tascam DR-40X

With quiet pre-amps and, great audio quality, and a host of excellent features, the Tascam DR-40X is a fantastic package.

It's able to record four tracks simultaneously, using its onboard mics in tandem with two external microphones. This makes it perfect for group or 'roundtable' recordings. The DR-40X's small form factor allows the recorder to fit easily in a small bag or purse.

It records up to pro-quality 96/24 – more than enough to handle everything from interviews to recording sound effects as they happen.

Zoom H4N

Zoom's entry in this weight class is the ever-popular Zoom H4N. I own one of these and if it ever kicks it, I will likely buy another. While the DR-40X edges the H4n into 2nd with quieter preamps, the difference, to most ears, is unnoticeable.

Both devices can act as a USB Audio Interface, record at 96/24 and produce great quality sound in easy to operate packages.

Pro-Level Digital Podcast Recorders – Under $300

In the $300 range, handheld recorders become more customized with features that suit different styles of recording. Choosing which features are right for your podcast is going to depend heavily on your style of podcasting and the needs of your show.

Zoom H5

The Zoom H5 is a great pick for producers looking for versatility in their portable recording.

With interchangeable capsules to fit X-Y, Vocal and Shotgun microphone setups, and two additional jacks with phantom power to handle any of your external microphones, the H5 steps up in terms of the ultimate configurability.

Read our full Zoom H5 review

Tascam DR-100 MKIII

What the Tascam DR-100 lacks in configurability, it makes up for in quality.

With quiet pre-amps and an impressive 192/24 recording capability, this unit is perfect for the podcaster and field recordist who wants pristine, high-sample-rate audio for professional productions and clean sound effects/field recording.

Top Level Podcast Recorders – Over $300

You'll get excellent sound quality with even the cheapest recorder in this roundup. But if money is no object, or if you're creating an ultimate podcasting wishlist, then here are a couple of podcast recorder options to consider.

Zoom H6

The Zoom H6 is the cream of the crop when it comes to portable digital recorders.

At the time of writing, you'll spend $350 to pick one up brand new on Amazon. These recorders are everything the Zoom H5 is, with a few bells and whistles.

The Zoom H6's USP is in its ability to record 6 individual audio tracks simultaneously. This makes it an excellent choice for folks who do larger group recordings. This could be anything from a roundtable discussion, to a troupe of audio drama actors.

Read our full Zoom H6 review

Rode Rodecaster Pro

Okay so this bit of gear is a little different than the others mentioned in the roundup. The Rodecaster is a sort of hybrid between a mixer and a portable digital recorder.

It needs external mics in order for you to record into it, so it isn't a self-contained kit like everything else on here.

But it's a superb basis for building a studio around. With multitrack recording features, to online and phone call recording capabilities, the Rodecaster is often referred to as ‘the ultimate podcast recorder'.

It doesn't need a computer to function, and is still portable enough for you to use in different locations.

A brand new Rodecaster will set you back about $600, and that's before you pick at least one mic to plug into it. So definitely not one for the “on a tight budget” podcaster!

Read our full Rode Rodecaster Pro review for more details.

The ‘Honorable Mention' Podcast Recorder

Zoom H2N

Sometimes, it is difficult to classify recorders, as they differ from other recorders in their price range in terms of overall functionality. The Zoom H2N is one such recorder, and I'd be remiss not to mention it as a highly compact, all-in-one recorder perfectly suited to podcasting.

The H2N doesn't allow external XLR microphones like its cousins in the under $200 range. Instead, it is fitted with multiple microphones, making it a perfect grab and go recorder to record in several different mono, stereo, multichannel, and even surround sound formats.

The H2N is my go-to recorder when attending conferences and concerts.

Read our full Zoom H2N review

Need More Help?

I hope this guide has helped you out if you're in the market for a podcast recorder.

If you're wondering about the best external microphone options for plugging into your recorder, be sure to check out our best podcast microphones roundup too.

And if you're looking more help with choosing the right podcasting equipment, then we'd love to work with you.

Check out The Podcast Host Academy, where you'll get access to our weekly live Q&A sessions, courses, tools, and downloadable resources. You'll find everything you need there to plan and launch a successful podcast!