The 6 Best Dictaphones for Recording Lectures, Ideas and Interviews

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Best Dictaphones – Comparison Table

Best Dictaphone – Reviews

1. Sony ICD-UX570 Series Digital Voice Recorder

Pros

• Built-In USB: Don’t worry about cables, the simple plugin feature will have you transferring files quick as a flash.
• Easy Search: With two dedicated buttons, you can easily skip ahead by 10 seconds or back by 3.
• Large Memory: The UX570 can hold up to 159 hours of recording on its built-in 4GB memory, with it bundled alongside a 3GB microSD card to further boost memory.
• High Sensitivity S-Microphone: You can record in a variety of formats, such as MP3, AAC, WMA, or WAV.
• 3 Recording Functions: Choose between Normal, Focused, or Wide recording to suit your scenario perfectly.

Cons

• A Little Pricey: While cheaper than some of the high budget options on this list, the Sony UX570 is still a relatively expensive bit of tech.

Summary

Pros

• USB Direct Connection: Just like the UX570, this benefits from a direct, no fuss, USB drive which means you can easily transfer your files to a computer.
• Records in MP3: No more file conversion attempts, the WS-852 easily records in an MP3 format.
• MicroSD Card Slot: If 4GB of space weren’t enough, you can insert a microSD card and boost the Olympus’ memory further.

Cons

• Difficult to Hear: Some customers have reported that it is difficult to hear their recorded audio in some cases, though this could be to do with thee speakers on the dictaphone.

Summary

When it comes to dictaphones, you can’t go wrong with Olympus. Offering useful features like the USB connector, and the MicroSD card slot means recording and transferring files has never been easier. Of course, some users have complained about the speaker quality – but you could transfer and listen to files on a computer.

Pros

• Designed for Professionals: With a large colour display, and an ergonomic design, this dictaphone is designed to be used by professionals.
• Easy to Use: Intuitive controls make the Digital Pocket Memo remarkably easy to use.
• Durable: Stainless steel casing means that the DPM6000 is robust and durable.
• High-Quality Recordings: Choose between higher quality DSS or MP3 formats to record crisp, clear audio.

Cons

• Priced for Professionals: One of the most expensive dictaphones available, this is definitely priced towards people who need the best money can buy.

Summary

This is an incredibly useful dictaphone, with intuitive controls and high durability. The price puts it out of budget for casual consumers, but if you do choose this, you’ll receive exceptional quality.

Pros

• Built-in USB: Just like the UX570, this dictaphone allows you to plug straight into a USB slot, without needing any additional cables.
• Includes Headphone Jack: Want to hear yourself before you commit to keeping the recording? The included headphone jack can let you know how you sound before you decide on anything.
• Quick Charge Feature: Battery running low? A 3-minute charge is enough to provide the Sony UX560 with 1 hour of power.
• 3 Recording Options: Whether you want to record in stereo, focus, or normal mode, the UX560 can enable that with its variety of options.
• Small and Portable: It fits incredibly well in the hand, and is extremely light too. Easy to carry anywhere without much fuss at all.

Cons

• Very Expensive: Almost triple the price of basic dictaphones, you may have to rethink if you’re set on this.
• Laborious UI: Some customers have had difficulty with the User Interface, stating that trying to delete older recordings is harder than it needs to be.

Summary

One of the most expensive dictaphones you can buy, the Sony UX560 is a great choice. It may be overpriced, but it comes packed with little goodies like the quick charge feature or the alternative recording options.

Pros

• Budget-Friendly: A good price, this is a dictaphone that won’t cost an arm and a leg to begin recording meetings, lectures, or whatever audio you wish to capture.
• Simple Functionality: Recording can be started and stopped at the press of clearly labelled buttons.
• 16GB Memory: With such a large memory built into the EVISTR, you won’t need to concern yourself with clearing older recordings for a while.

Cons

• Limited Functionality: Whereas more expensive dictaphones typically offer a whole host of features and recording settings, the EVISTR simply doesn’t.

Summary

A lot more cost-friendly than some of the others on this list, the EVISTR is exceptionally easy to use. Its biggest drawback is that it doesn’t offer quite as many options, though this isn’t surprising considering the lower price. If you’re after a decent voice recorder that won’t break the bank, this is the one I’d suggest.

Pros

• Low Pricing: This is the lowest priced dictaphone on this list, and one to consider if you don’t need something with professional-level functionality.
• Sleek: The appearance of the Victure is one of beauty, and it’ll look amazing in your hand or on the table.
• One Key Recording: Starting a recording is as easy as sliding a switch, simply slide it back to end and save the audio file.
• Large Inbuilt Memory: With 8GB of memory space, you won’t have to worry about filling the device too quickly.

Cons

• Long Charging Time: With a 6 hour charging time, it can take a while to recharge if not topped up frequently.

Summary

If you’re looking for a cheap but functional voice recorder, then look no further. If you need something recorded for any reason, this will sort you out without even denting your wallet. Recording on the Victure is easy, it looks sleek, and it has loads of memory. It’ll take a while to charge up, but really that’s the only failing in this wonderful little recorder.