How to record audio on your computer or phone
You may need to record different types of audio for different purposes, including voice memos, podcasts, interviews, music, and more. This article walks you through a few common tools for recording audio on your computer or mobile device.
Contents
Audio Recording
This article covers built-in and free tools for recording audio on Windows PCs, Macs, iPhones, and Android devices.
PC (Windows 10+)
Your PC should have a built-in microphone; however, you may use an external microphone or headset for better sound quality.
Voice Recorder
Voice Recorder is a simple built-in voice recording tool for Windows computers, allowing you to easily record sound directly on your PC. See How to Use Voice Recorder for more information.
Audacity
Audacity is a free cross-platform multi-track audio editor and recorder. Use Audacity to record audio and edit and mix with its integrated editing tools. This interface is less intuitive than other tools and has a bit of a learning curve. Download Audacity for free. See the Audacity Reference Manual for more information.
Mac (MacOS)
Your Mac should have a built-in microphone; however, you may use an external microphone or headset for better sound quality.
Voice Memos
Voice Memos is a built-in voice recorder available on Apple devices. This tool allows you to record audio from your iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch and sync across your Apple devices with iCloud. See the Voice Memos User Guide for MacOS for more information.
GarageBand
GarageBand is a music creation studio for the Mac and allows you to record, use loops, add effects, and mix and share your music. See the GarageBand User Guide for MacOS for more information.
Audacity
Audacity is a free cross-platform multi-track audio editor and recorder. Use Audacity to record audio and edit and mix with its integrated editing tools. This interface is less intuitive than other tools and has a bit of a learning curve. Download Audacity for free. See the Audacity Reference Manual for more information.
iPhone (iOS)
Your iPhone has a built-in microphone; however, you may use an external microphone or headphones for better sound quality.
In addition to built-in tools, many third-party audio recording apps are available in the App Store. Before downloading a third-party application, be sure to check the price, terms of service, and data privacy statement.
Voice Memos
Voice Memos is a built-in voice recorder available on Apple devices. This tool allows you to record audio from your iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch and sync across your Apple devices with iCloud. See the Voice Memos User Guide for iOS for more information.
GarageBand
GarageBand is a music creation studio for the Mac and allows you to record, use loops, add effects, and mix and share your music. See the GarageBand User Guide for iOS for more information.
Android
Your Android device has a built-in microphone; however, you may use an external microphone or headphones for better sound quality.
Most Android devices should have a built-in voice recorder app for capturing basic audio. However, each Android device is different, and different models will feature different standard applications. In addition to built-in recording tools, many third-party apps are available in the Play Store. Before downloading a third-party application, be sure to check the price, terms of service, and data privacy statement.
Samsung Voice Recorder (Samsung Only)
Samsung Voice Recorder is built into Samsung phones and allows you to easily record audio and convert speech to text. See How to Record Audio on the Samsung Phone Voice Recorder App for more information.
Google Recorder (Pixel only)
Google Recorder is built into the Pixel and allows you to record and transcribe audio. See Google Recorder for more information.