Looking for a software for voice recording? We've compiled a list of the 12 best voice recording software options (free and paid). The article covers audio editors and a screen recorder for PC.
Quick summary
Powerful screen and audio recording software: Movavi Screen Recorder
Free and open-source recorder: Audacity
Versatile PC voice recorder available for various platforms: RecordPad
Our special pick from the table above is Movavi Screen Recorder. It is a unique video and audio capture program that is easy to use and doesn't require any special skills. You can capture your screen activities, make simple edits, save results, and share them with one of the best vocal recording software for a PC and Mac.
Our goal is to provide you with only verified information. To ensure this, Movavi Content Team does the following:
The team tests all the products mentioned in this article.
When testing, we compare the key characteristics of the products, which include selecting capture area, schedule recording, showing keystrokes and mouse, and other significant features.
Movavi Screen Recorder
Best for:
video calls, webinars, and other online events
OS:
Windows and Mac
4.5 out of 5, 49 reviews
Price:
free trial, $42.95 per year, $59.95 for a lifetime license
Taking a video and audio from your computer screen does not require extra hardware or complex programs. With Movavi Screen Recorder, you can record any screen activity and save it in various video formats. Movavi Screen Recorder is best for recording tutorial video screencasts, gameplay, or even simply a video chat with friends. With a frame rate of up to 60 frames per second, you get stunning, high-quality video. You can select one pre-set mode or personalize settings and save the result to any popular video format.
Key features
Pros:
Make your voice recording crispy clear: reduce ambient noise from traffic, wind, or stray chatter your mic picks up
Grab webcam footage, or just the audio stream, to create training videos, instructions, and podcasts
Cons:
Only the full version of the program offers the best results
Audacity
Best for:
podcasts, audiobooks, voice-overs, or music
OS:
Windows, macOS, Linux
4 out of 5
Audacity is one of the best voice recorder software for a PC. This open-source application for audio editing and recording has gained a cultic following. There are no bells and whistles, but it works and is free. You can even edit soundbites and news stories using Audacity. Aside from recording audio directly into Audacity, you can edit within the application. You can cut, reduce noise, enhance the quality with auto tune, fade in and out, amplify, and import your audio files.
Key features
Compatible with external microphones
Mix, cut, and record live audio
Pitch, reverb, noise reduction, and tempo effects
File formats supported include WAV, AIFF, MP3, AU, FLAC, and Ogg Vorbis
Pros:
Stereo recording made easy
An easy-to-use interface for beginners
Effortless workflow
Cons:
GUI needs improvements
It doesn't have a Mac version
Improvements needed for VST integration
WavePad
Best for:
audiophiles, music producers, music teachers, music students, voice actors, podcasts, small businesses
OS:
Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android Chromebook version
3.9 out of 5
This easy-to-use application edits music, voice, and other audio recordings. For Windows and Mac, this audio editing program combines a full-featured audio and music editor. You can use this software to record voice, music, and other audio files. You can cut, copy, and paste parts of audio files and then apply effects such as echo, amplification, and noise reduction.
Key features
Compatible with external microphones
Easily adjust the mic volume and more
Various editing tools, including cut, copy, paste, compression, pitch shifting, etc.
Add echo, amplification, reverb, and noise reduction effects
Supports WAV, MP3, VOX, GSM, and WMA
It has a library of audio effects
Pros:
It is easy to understand, even for non-techies
Cleaning up some bad recordings through the cleanup tools spares you from having to re-record them
You can easily cut out sections of recordings and insert another audio piece
Cons:
WavePad only works with a single audio track. NCH offers MixPad for multi-track editing. We also use MixPad occasionally to mix background music with a voice.
GarageBand
Best for:
music producers, music teachers, voice actors, podcasts, small businesses
OS:
Windows and macOS
7.6 out of 10, 18 reviews
GarageBand Music Creation Studio is a complete computerized music creation studio right on your Mac – with a comprehensive audio library including instruments, guitar and voice studio, and a massive collection of session percussionists and drummers. You can learn, play, record, create, and share your hits easily with Touch Bar features for the MacBook Pro and its intuitive, modern design. With these features, you can create music like a pro.
Key features
Using the multi-track music sequencer, you can record multiple audio channels in one song
The software comes with pre-set technologies that mimic various amplifiers and recording methods
Uses a MIDI keyboard attached to your computer or your keyboard to control the software instruments
Using software instruments, you can play synthesizers, pianos, guitars, and choral sounds
Pros:
Editing is easy since you can simply select what you want to delete and erase it
Syncing tracks when editing is as simple as dragging them together
You can easily insert a click track when needed
GarageBand is intuitive, so the editing, highlighting, and cutting out parts takes minimal time
Cons:
EQing a track can be a little confusing
Setting up MIDI should be easier
RecordPad
Best for:
audiobook creation, digital presentation, or simple message recording
OS:
Linux, Mac, Windows, and Android
3.5 out of 5
For a "small" product, the interface is simple but deep and designed competently, attractively, and consistent with the rest of the NCH family of products, creating a pleasant user experience. This app for computers uses any microphone, integrates seamlessly with Windows, and is especially useful with Olympus Foot Switch and Express Scribe Transcriber. With RecordPad, you can record audio on your iPhone or iPad easily. When you need to record something spontaneous, 'voice activates' comes in handy.
Key features
Records your screen, camera, and audio simultaneously
Edit audio, video, and recorded clips simultaneously on different tracks
Simple screen recording and video editing for everyone
Professional tools allow you to edit recorded clips quickly
Edit the video like a professional with plentiful templates, stickers, openers, and effects
Multi-format export to MP4, MOV, MKV, GIF, and sharing to YouTube
Don't lose the quality of the video when exporting
Pros:
Burning and ripping options are plentiful
Ideal for basic recording
Cons:
File formats are minimal
GoldWave
Best for:
podcasts, audios, interviews, and webinars, transcription work
OS:
Windows, Linux with Wine, Android, iPhone/iPad
4.3 out of 5, 28 reviews
With GoldWave, your computer, laptop, or mobile device becomes a recording studio at your fingertips. You can do everything from recording and editing to advanced audio restoration, enhancement, and conversion. With over 25 million downloads, GoldWave is a popular, trusted program. Users find it easy to use and completely accessible. Besides English, GoldWave supports German, Spanish, French, Chinese, and more!
Key features
You can record audio from any source, including microphones, line inputs, USB devices, and streaming
Overwrite audio, copy, paste, mix, and replace
Features over 100 pre-set and over 40 audio effects
15 real-time visuals, including spectrograms, waveforms, envelopes, and the music staff
Support for foot pedals during playback, excellent for transcription
Pros:
With batch processing, you can perform non-destructive sound editing
Cons:
There are no media-burning tools in the program, which is typical of software of this type
Mixcraft
Best for:
professional music producer/mix engineer, songwriter
OS:
Windows
4.5 out of 5
If you are not a professional musician, this singing recording software is one of your best options. There are a lot of features that require some learning and tutorial video watching before you can use them, but once you do, your creativity only limits you. Making your loops and riffs is easy with this program (you can do it with your keyboard, but it's more accessible with a MIDI controller keyboard). With its warping feature, you can add to or change music files of all types.
There aren't that many pre-made sound loops to choose from, but they are the loops and riffs you would definitely use. You can speed them up and slow them down as you please, and they sound pretty decent, just at the slightly lower sound quality.
Key features
Multi-track recording of MIDI and audio tracks
The Performance Panel automatically syncs audio and MIDI clips on stage or in the studio
It contains a collection of over 7500 royalty-free loops and samples. There are twenty-one pristine-sounding virtual instruments, two new samplers, Alpha and Omni, and 57 pro audio effects
Publish music and videos directly to YouTube, Facebook, SoundCloud, MixCloud, Vimeo, and Twitter with one click
Easily edit video and still images
Export your videos to a DVD or upload them to YouTube
Pros:
Very nice additions to workflow
An extensive collection of plug-in effects
Instruments of top quality
A slick and user-friendly interface
Great for recording vocals and for singing
Cons:
An initial dark impression until you get used to it
Some instruments need updating
i-Sound Recorder
Best for:
professional music producer/mix engineer, songwriter
OS:
Windows
3 out of 5
The i-Sound technology enables you to record sound from any source, whether it's an inner or outer source, into mainstream sound configurations without requiring another circle space. A straightforward and intuitive interface makes i-Sound Recorder easy to use. It lets you record and edit soundtracks on your PC. You can measure, adjust, and alter the sound coming from MIDI, the Internet, real-time media, circles or games that are currently playing, and the receiver.
i-Sound supports MP3, OGG, WMA, WAV, and APE formats. With advanced options for date and time, span, and rehashing account events, this crucial asset is undoubtedly helpful in planning future account events. With this free voice recording software for a PC, you can make multiple sound files, change their names and boundaries, and more.
Key features
You can record both the desktop screen and the webcam at the same time
Professional tools for editing recorded clips
Multiple templates and effects built-in
Supports MP4, MOV, MKV, GIF, and other formats
Pros:
The mixer has a built-in lock that prevents switching between different software programs during a recording session
Cons:
Limited filters and effects options
AV Music Morpher Gold
Best for:
DJs and home users
OS:
Windows, macOS, Linux
3.3 out of 5
AV Music Morpher Gold makes editing audio and performing DJ tasks as easy as pie. Besides its famous patented vocal Remover and Extractor, this software has a brand-new virtual DJ, new Converter functionality, a multi-track recorder, editor, and many other powerful features. You can remix songs, add sound FX, adjust channels, EQ, or any of the hundreds of included studio-quality effects in the DJ module. Using the Converter module, you can convert multi-format audio files.
With version 5.0, the Morphers and Advanced modules we merged have introduced a new compact player mode. Program developers claim the application can transform any PC into a full-fledged production studio, allowing users to make funky hip-hop, DJ remixes, and pop songs.
Key features
Converts audio data from MP3 or WMA to WAV or from OGG, APE, AIF, IRC, NIST, AU, and more
Ripper tool
Digital audio recorder
Cover editor
Adding sound effects
Burner tool
Pros:
Features audio editing tools, including burners and rippers
Enhances music with effects
Free trial version
Cons:
The free trial and regular versions have limitations until you purchase the Gold edition
Ardour
Best for:
musicians
OS:
Windows. Mac, Linux
4.1 out of 5, 11 reviews
Here's another free vocal recording software that's great for musicians. Ardour is more focused on enhancing recorded speech, unlike GarageBand, a complete musical workstation for both voice and music. It offers an intuitive interface with a host of features that enhance recorded audio quality. The recording window allows you to cut, stretch, or split your audio easily.
Besides voice activated recording, you can also use Ardour for audio editing. To mix audio and get creative with your recordings, you can import MIDI files and audio from the free sound database or your computer hard drive.
Key features
Add-ons and plug-ins abound
Records multi-tracks
Audio editing
Pros:
Compatible with all audio engines
Excellent MIDI capabilities
Ripple editing
Cons:
Compared to other programs, it is less powerful
Avid Pro Tools
Best for:
budding musicians and home users
OS:
Windows and macOS
4.5 out of 5
In the same vein as Apple's GarageBand, Avid Pro Tools is an excellent audio workstation that allows budding musicians to make their music with limited investment in musical instruments. A remarkable feature of this app is that it will enable you to create and broadcast music while recording audio.
Recording and composing are much easier with the tool's comprehensive user interface. It allows for cloud collaboration, meaning that you can now work with other artists to create music together via the Internet.
MIDI editing, musical pre-sets, loop recording, and auxiliary tracks round out the various features you can use to experiment and create amazing music.
Key features
Non-destructive editing
Track presets
MIDI editor
Input monitoring
Sound effects
Pros:
A deep set of shortcuts and workflows
Exceptional control over each audio clip
The UI is excellent (especially for veterans of digital audio workstations)
Cons:
The learning curve is steep
Inconsistent cloud projects
Stock plug-ins are not competitive
Zynewave Podium
Best for:
musicians, producers, and casual users
OS:
Windows
4 out of 5, 2 reviews
Zynewave Podium is a free, full-featured computer voice recorder tailored to the needs of Windows users. With this powerful audio recorder, you can capture and edit sound, MIDI, and even use VST effects and instruments. You can also apply any custom sound effects you wish to your recordings. As long as you download and install this software, you can use it without registering.
Key features
User-friendly interface
Support different audio effects
No registration needed
Pros:
Updates happen quickly, so you don't have to wait one year for bug fixes
A simple piano roll
High customization
Hardware and software latency compensation
Once you get used to it, it's easy to use
Cons:
It doesn't allow time-stretching
Dithering is not an option
There is no drag-and-drop functionality between the browser and the VST
The audio editor is poor
Many people automatically assume that freeware means "low audio recording quality." However, there are quite a few reliable programs available for free or low cost, and you can download many of them. The following can help you find your best software for recording vocals:
As a professional, there is likely to be an expectation that equipment and software are of professional quality. Research the 'pros' use and find out if the program is usually free or a business expense.
Will collaborating with someone be compatible with what you have in your studio? Compatibility is key. You can't anticipate every client's requirements. But at least knowing the industry standard can help to make a good choice when selecting which software is the best.
Unless you can use the software, it is of no value to you. The steep learning curve may just be a matter of sitting down and fiddling with it if the software company provides self-help videos or support. If those resources aren't helpful or as available as you'd expect, you might need to look for another voice recording software for free that meets your needs.
A good voice recording software for Windows 10, Windows 8, or Windows 7 will have all the tools you need in an ideal world. Almost all recording software will do what you need, but the interfaces are often filled with bells and whistles that may be helpful or can impede your workflow.
The vocal recording software you choose is compatible not just with the operating system of your computer, but also with your microphone and other hardware.
It's all about quality! In the post-production phase, audio files need to be enhanced to some degree, and professional audio engineers know that to clear the voice on a recording, you must use proper recording techniques before editing. Software that allows you to edit your files without leaving noticeable artifacts may be right for you!
Poor ratings mean the program may not be worth your time or money. The voice-over community can offer sound advice here. The input of those who use the software daily is the most valuable. Join community forums to discover how the voice-over community addresses these very questions.
We hope this article has helped you consider what to look for in a voice recorder and pick the best voice recorder for a PC or Mac. Above are some of the most important things to consider when choosing the best app for voice recording.
Movavi Screen Recorder
Disclaimer: Please be aware that Movavi Screen Recorder does not allow capture of copy-protected video and audio streams.
Frequently asked questions
You can use Movavi Screen Recorder to record audio from a computer:
Download and install the desktop recorder.
Download Movavi Screen Recorder
Download Movavi Screen Recorder for Mac
Launch the program and select the Screen recording button to record your screen activities.
You can also capture either input or output sound simultaneously with the program. Just make sure you highlight the active audio in green.
Click Record to record the software you're using, then click Stop to end the recording.
Choose the saving settings and save your recording.
Here are some options:
Movavi Screen Recorder
Rev Online Voice Recorder
Telbee Voice Recorder
VoiceCoach
Check out this list with one of the high-quality voice recorders for your PC:
AudFree Audio Capture
FlashBack
Open Broadcaster Studio
Bandicam
Icecream Screen Recorder
Check out this guide for more information:
Movavi Screen Recorder
The perfect way to record anything from your screen
An easy way to record from your screen in HD. Make video footage of any application, record online streaming video, webinars, even Skype calls, and save clips in all popular formats.
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