The 10 Best Audio Recorders for Mac [2024]

Speaking of media file creation and editing, macOS has built-in audio recorders, video players, and more. However, people who want to capture high-quality audio files may choose professional audio recording software for Mac.

What is the best audio recorder for a Mac? That is a big question, but don't worry - we have at least ten good answers. Today, we will introduce you to the ten top-rated solutions for new, intermediary, and expert users. We will focus on sound recorders that can produce high-quality recordings and help you edit them to perfection.

Top 10 Audio Recorders for Mac

Below are short descriptions of 10 best MacOS sound recorders, along with their main and unique features. Some of these tools are known to be expensive, so we've made sure to include their pricing information, as well. We only recommend products with real value.

For that reason, each tool description includes honest online reviews, ratings, and a list of pros and cons.

1. Wondershare DemoCreator

Wondershare DemoCreator is a complete sound recording software for Mac that includes advanced editing options and AI-based tools for sound polishing. It records both internal and external sound - separately or with screen and webcam capture.

You can use it to produce podcasts and make high-quality voiceovers for online tutorials, presentations, gameplay, and more. Moreover, it has an online version called DemoAir, which can help you record audio on a Mac without installing any software.

Key Features

• Record and edit microphone sound (external audio);
• Capture your screen with system sound (internal audio);
• Record conversations from Zoom, FaceTime, Skype, etc;
• Add crystal-clear voiceovers to videos in a single click;
• Change your voice to sound like a professional narrator;
• Produce crisp sound with AI Denoiser and Speech Enhancer;
• Use sound effects and background music for dynamic content;
• Turn speech into captions or have AI read your script;
• Use AI Teleprompter to read the script while recording a video;
• Export and share in various multimedia and audio file formats.

Reviews & Rating

DemoCreator is one of the top-rated video and sound recorders for Mac on customer review sites like Trustpilot (4.6 stars), G2 (4.5 stars), and Capterra (4.8 stars). Most users love that it gives them beginner-friendly options for recording and editing sound at home, and they especially praise AI tools like text-to-speech, subtitle generator, and voice changer.

Excellent editing tools and download quality are fantastic - Sintu Laha on Trustpilot

Perfect app for generating auto-captions. DemoCreator has taken my video creation journey to another level. - Subhiksha on Trustpilot

The best app I've used for recording ever, for along time I have been trying to find a simple editing app to use for my videos, most of them were complicated but this one is shocking. It has simple features and you can do everything easily without the nonsense instructions. I recommend this alot. - Alixsia on Trustpilot

Pricing

Pros & Cons

2. QuickTime Player

QuickTime Player is Mac's native multimedia framework for playing videos and music. Among other things, it also works as a sound recorder for Mac that allows you to record your screen and sound coming from your mic on Mac. QuickTime Player also makes it possible to capture internal sound, but this feature needs a third-party plugin (Soundflower) to work.

QuickTime Player comes with your Mac and is 100% free to use.

Key Features

• Record external sound from your microphone on Mac;
• Record internal sound (Soundflower is needed);
• Capture the full screen or custom capture area;
• Split, trim, merge, and rearrange audio clips;
• Play videos, audio, images, and other content;
• Export and share recordings in MOV and M4A.

Pro-tip: how to record screen and audio using QuickTime

Reviews & Rating

QuickTime Player gets mixed reviews from MacOS users, who either praise or criticize its simplicity. Even though it has average ratings on popular customer review sites (2.7 out of 5 stars on Sitejabber and 2.9 out of 5 stars on CNET), it is often described as "underrated" in online discussions. One of the top reasons why people stop using QuickTime is limited file format support.

...As far as I know, Quicktime Player is the only video player I know where you trim clips instantly and losslessly. (...) This is super convenient for getting clips for video editing but equally for my niche hobby of making gifs. - u/tpfang56 on Reddit

It did take some time to get used to using the program, but after you get the hang of it...it is easy. My students like to hear my voice and listen to the lessons I record. - Julie A.P. on Common Sense

I have found QuickTime to be at times better than some media players that are out there, but others have encountered problems with it. - Omega R. on Sitejabber

Pricing

You can use QuickTime Player on all MacOS computers for free.

Pros & Cons

3. Voice Memos

Voice Memos is a voice recording software for Mac developed by Apple. It's a really good option for Mac users with non-complex audio recording needs - you can use it on any Mac without having to download or pay for it, and it has decent editing tools.

Voice Memos is perfect for everyday use: it lets you record and edit memos, ideas, and lectures, create voiceovers, etc.

Key Features

• Record external sound from your microphone;
• Replace or delete a part of an audio recording;
• Set audio quality to Compressed or Lossless;
• Adjust playback speed and skip the silent parts;
• Reduce background noise and reverberation;
• Duplicate, rename, and organize audio clips;
• See your audio recordings on all Apple devices;
• Share or save to your device in the M4A format.

Further reading: how to record a voice memo on Mac

Reviews & Rating

While Voice Memos for iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch enjoys raving reviews on the App Store and other platforms that collect user feedback, community ratings for the Mac version of Voice Memos falls a bit short.

A growing number of users complain about the reduced quality of audio recordings and the fact that exported clips lose the improvements achieved with the app's Enhanced feature.

Voice Memo has some limitations. It is cross-platform, though. If you enable Cloud Sync for that app, anything you record on Voice Memo on your phone, you will be able to see on your laptop - and vice versa - DirtDog on TalkBass

Pricing

Voice Memos is a completely free voice recorder for Mac users.

Pros & Cons

4. Audio Hijack

Audio Hijack is one of the best audio recorders for Mac that lets you capture internal and external sound. It is best for recording website and app audio, including VoIP conversations from services like Zoom. On top of that, this useful tool offers live streaming capabilities and audio adjustments for recording mics and apps. You can use it for personal and creative projects, podcasts, etc.

Key Features

• Record internal sound from any application on a Mac;
• Record external sound from microphones, mixers, etc;
• Capture conversations from Zoom, FaceTime, Skype, etc;
• Increase the volume of internal or external audio source;
• Live stream recordings to YouTube, Facebook, and Twitch;
• Share and save to the Audio Hijack app in AIFF file format.

Reviews & Rating

According to online reviews, most users of audio recorders for Mac consider Audio Hijack "trusty" and "intuitive." The new app, developed by industry veterans Rogue Amoeba, is an upgrade from Audio Hijack Pro, but some users label it a "downgrade."

Despite occasional criticism, Audio Hijack maintains high grades—4.3 out of 5 stars on CNET and 4.2 out of 5 stars on MacUpdate.

I've found the new Audio Hijack very intuitive and its performance has improved by leaps and bounds. Recording is now a breeze with the new presets of its main functions and meets many users' needs without further tweaking. - Fariborz at MacUpdate

Audio Hijack is a downgrade from Audio Hijack Pro - wktowstego at CNET

I would give 5 stars if the UI was less flashy and full of unnecessary animations. - ocean442 at MacUpdate

Pricing

A lifetime license to unlock Audio Hijack for a single user on one or more Macs costs $64.

Pros & Cons

5. GarageBand

GarageBand is a professional software for recording, editing, and mixing sound on Macs. It is aimed primarily at aspiring musicians who want to learn more about the music-making process and record their first tracks. You can use GarageBand to record voice and virtual and real instruments, edit MIDI files, sample multitrack source files, and take music lessons for beginners.

Key Features

• Create music tracks with real or digital instruments;
• Extensive keyboard and guitar amp collections;
• Record instruments using genre and style presets;
• Add reverbs, effects, compression, loops, and more;
• Finesse tracks with advanced sound engineering;
• Export or share online in AAC, MP3, AIFF, or WAVE;
• Learn to play the piano and guitar or hone your skills.

Further reading: how to record audio using GarageBand

Reviews & Rating

GarageBand has been an industry staple since 2004. It has garnered a large and loyal following over the years and is generally considered the top recording software for up-and-coming musicians. It has a rating of 9 out of 10 on TrustRadius and 4.3 out of 5 stars on G2. One of the rare complaints about GarageBand is that it comes with a steep learning curve.

I use Garage Band both for my Voice podcast and for recording music that I can sell. It lets me put together my bi-weekly podcast with ease. Plus, when I need to record vocals or piano, I can do it right here at home using Garage Band as my software. - Tara Bureske on TrustRadius

GarageBand is great for talk audio editing as well as music. It is also free compared to other audio editors, which is a major bonus. It is less appropriate if someone is just recording audio and not editing it. In those cases I would recommend Voice Memos app as it's also an Apple product. GarageBand is also not available to non-Apple users. - Kira Dineen on TrustRadius

You do eventually reach a limit of the software. The most obvious one here is the limitations on plugins available to use. If you are using professional software like Logic you have even more features available. However for the basic user this is something they can grow into. - Joel O. on G2

Pricing

GarageBand comes pre-installed on all Macs and is completely free to use.

Pros & Cons

6. Audacity

Audacity is an open-source sound and voice recorder for Mac that is mainly used by musicians. It boasts an extensive list of editing features for creating professional-sounding recordings, ranging from essential tools for cutting, trimming, and pasting to sound enhancers and creative effects. You can use Audacity to record and fine-tune original music for various projects.

Key Features

• Record with a microphone or mixer or edit imported recordings;
• Smooth out audio with essential editing tools (cutting, pasting, etc);
• Adjust tempo, alter frequencies, add distortion, echo, reverb…;
• Isolate vocals and eliminate background static with noise reduction;
• Use Spectrogram view to visualize and analyze audio recordings;
• Import, export, and convert files in MP3, M4A, FLAC, WAV, etc.

Further reading:

How to download Audacity for Mac

How to record system audio on Mac using Audacity

Reviews & Rating

Audacity is widely regarded as the best free audio enhancement and editing tool for musicians with a Mac. It keeps a steady 3.9 out of 5 stars rating on Trustpilot and has 4.4 out of 5 stars on G2. When asked about their dislikes, most users cite limited compatibility options, lack of MIDI support, and insufficient editing precision for professional editing.

Audacity was the first DAW (digital audio work station ) i ever tried out . its extremely easy to use and can really give you an idea on how DAW's work . you can get a few things done like record , remove background noises and as you go on you'll probably learn a thing or two about auto-tune plug-in's . its pretty great - Mercury Man on Trustpilot

I am constantly using audacity to record audio for our companies help videos. It makes it so to record and then add effects to really make the audio pack a punch. - Jordan W. on G2

I am not fond of Audacity's limitations, and this program may be frustrating to use for more experienced engineers. Editing functions are not precise, and it is difficult to produce a clean recording. Audacity has an array of effects, but these are fairly primitive tools when compared to more advanced DAWs. - Howard G. on G2

Pricing

Audacity is 100% free and open-source audio recording software for Mac that anyone can download and use.

Pros & Cons

7. Ableton Live

Ableton Live is a sound recorder and editor for Mac—and so much more. It is often dubbed the revolutionary DAW because it can be turned into an instrument for live recording. In addition, it packs reliable tools for composing, mixing, arranging, and mastering. You can use Ableton Live to create and stream music live and for professional sound production.

Key Features

• The Season View feature allows you to use your Mac as a musical instrument (among other things);
• A plethora of third-party plugins;
• The Racks feature helps you create custom signal chains for MIDI, effects, and instruments;
• The Push external device allows for easy live control and monitoring;
• The Link feature helps you easily connect to other devices.

Reviews & Rating

When Ableton Live is up for discussion, the general consensus among online reviewers is that this audio recorder for Mac is a "go-to software" with an "intuitive interface" that inspires "creative experimentation." Ableton Live keeps an enviable 9.9 out of 10 rating on TrustRadius and 4.7 out of 5 stars on G2. For cons, most users cite the tool's expensive price.

I've used Ableton Live since version 4. I'm really impressed with how well it keeps up with the times and continues to further our abilities as producers and engineers. There are many other DAWs out there, but for me and my studio, I use Ableton. The ability to work with others is unparalleled also. Sounds great. Very Intuitive. And very easy to learn as a new employee. - Eric Fox on TrustRadius

really enjoy Ableton Live's simplistic user-interface, allowing me to easily select a VST and produce music instantaneously. I very much enjoy using Ableton Live's Analog synth, as it allows you full control over shaping the sound by making adjustments to the instrument. Ableton's layout is also visually appealing, making it a software that I can spend a lot of time using. - Callum B. on G2

I feel the only disadvanage about Ableton live is that it is very expensive as compare to other digital audio workstations available in Market. Other than this there is not much to dislike about ableton. - Nellimoottil Jose F. on G2

Pricing

Pros & Cons

8. Cubase

Steinberg Cubase is one of the finest DAWs available to modern-day composers. In addition to the powerful audio engine, it contains fantastic features for editing sound while recording and countless instrument and vocal presets.

It's known for its comprehensive editing console and mixer with manual and automatic tools. Cubase is ideal for songwriters and producers.

Key Features

• Record using a 64-bit audio engine with 5.1 surround sound;
• Harmonize vocals while recording and build complex vocal harmonies;
• Produce sound with eight virtual instruments and 3,400 patches;
• Manipulate the pitch, adjust the timbre, and patch up off-key vocals;
• Convert audio to MIDI and put together chord progressions;
• Edit and delete segments during playback in the Key Editor;
• Mix sound using a powerful console with 150 track presets;
• Use the Inspector to adjust length, transpose, and quantize;
• Use precision tools to edit notation, rhythm, MIDI events, etc;
• Export audio mixdown, OMF, AAF, ADM, MIDI files, and more.

Reviews & Rating

The vast majority of songwriters and music producers adore Steinberg's DAW for helping them "see their full creative potential." Online ratings reflect this sentiment: Cubase has 4.7 out of 5 stars on GetApp, 4.7 out of 5 stars on Capterra, 4.7 out of 5 stars on Software Advice, and 9.6 out of 10 stars on TrustRadius.

I continue to see the full creative potential in my music production thanks to the great features in Cubase, where it has helped me carry out my music production on a more professional level. - Reyes R. on GetApp

Cubase has provided me with functionalities that I didn't find in other daws, it is easy to use even though it is created to compose more elaborate works, it has a good quality/price ratio and in my opinion, it is the most complete daw on the market. - Cristhian Josue J. on Capterra

There are too many features that I do not need and these pollutes the menus and interface in general. - Flavio V. on GetApp

Pricing

Pros & Cons

9. Pro Tools

Pro Tools is a comprehensive digital audio workstation that lets you record, edit, and master music. It was designed by Avid Technology 35 years ago and it continues to be one of the best audio editing solutions for professional and home-based studios alike.

Using Pro Tools, you can produce music and sound for movies, video games, and more.

Key Features

• Record vocals and instruments in top-notch quality;
• Choose from a solid collection of virtual instruments;
• Use MIDI sequencing to create and edit MIDI tracks;
• Polish your tracks with a feature-rich mixing console;
• Adjust the frequency balance with various EQ plugins;
• Experiment with compression, reverbs, and delays;
• Remove noise, correct pitch, and manipulate the timing;
• Add modulation effects like flanger, chorus, phaser, etc.
• Collaborate on tracks in real-time and manage tracks;
• Share tracks and export them in multiple file formats.

Reviews & Rating

Three and a half decades after its original release, Pro Tools upholds an impeccable reputation among musical artists and engineers. It keeps a sky-high rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars on GetApp, 4.8 out of 5 stars on Capterra, and 4.8 out of 5 stars on Software Advice. On the other hand, let-down users frequently complain about Pro Tools being "hard to navigate."

I like the fact that pro tools comes with so many easy to use plugins which is great for mixing vocals and making beats. - Pressilla D. on GetApp

I've been using PT since it required proprietary hardware, and I'd say it's improved a lot since then. Moving from the iLok system was also a good move, but the monthly fee is a hard pill to swallow if you're not making a living doing audio stuff. - Dave S. on Capterra

The only downside with this software is that it takes a bit of time to learn how to use, but I don't know if I'd really call that a downside. There are so many options, it can feel a little overwhelming to start, but once I got the hang of it, I was very grateful for all the many options. There are several YouTube videos explaining different functionalities, which I found helpful while learning. - Julia A. on GetApp

Pricing

Pros & Cons

10. Logic Pro

Apple Logic Pro is a professional-grade DAW for recording, editing, and mixing sound. It provides a complete toolkit for producing original music, focusing on virtual instruments and audio effects. You can use Logic Pro to make music magic and score movies or video games.

Key Features

• Record high-quality audio in a professional multitrack environment;
• Pick the perfect virtual instrument from Logic's enormous bundle;
• Brush up melodies, harmonies, and rhythms with MIDI editing tools;
• Adjust the timing and pitch of recorded audio with Flex Time and Pitch;
• Add equalizers, compressors, reverbs, delays, and other audio effects;
• Customize your mixing board and automate the mastering workflow;
• Find your original sound with creative sampling, looping, slicing, etc;
• Make a perfect final mix using multiband compressors and limiters;
• Share projects and collaborate with other musicians and producers;
• Export a single region or complete tracks in multiple audio file formats.

Reviews & Rating

Logic Pro is a top-rated digital audio workstation with outstanding reviews for functionality, features, and value for money. Apple's DAW also bodes pretty high regarding ease of use, which is an often criticized attribute in similar solutions. Software Advice and G2 reviewers gave Logic Pro 4.8 and 4.6 out of 5 stars, respectively, describing it as "GarageBand on steroids".

Open Logic with no inspiration, and get a track done in hours. It is so feature-packed you can work with its onboard set of tools and create something excellent. The GUI feels professional and user-friendly at the same time, shows that time was taken to make sense of things, instead of just cramming floating window after floating window like most other DAWs. - Jean Philippe B. on Capterra

As a music producer for 20 years, I have high demands and high standards in any DAW I use. Logic Pro has all the tools I need, from intuitive mixer and editing, excellent 3rd party plugin support and all the output (render/mixdown) options I'll ever need. - Kevin S. on Capterra

The initial configuration was something that I did not like, since it was somewhat complicated to locate my folders, in addition to the fact that the interface should have a simpler command instruction - Zaid S. on Capterra

Pricing

Logic Pro has only one pricing model - a lifetime purchase that costs $199.99.

Pros & Cons

What Is the Best MacOS Sound Recorder for You?

Having a variety of options doesn't always make things easier. To help you make the best possible decision for your audio recording needs, we've created a side-by-side overview of all the solutions presented in this article. Look for your best fit in the comparison table below.

Conclusion

Are you still looking for the best audio recorder for a Mac? We understand—there are so many highly recommended solutions that cutting through all that noise often seems impossible. Hopefully, this rundown has been of some help. Once again, let's recapitulate what we know.

If you need an audio recorder for professional music production, you can choose between Ableton Live, Cubase, Pro Tools, and Logic Pro. Every pro has a preferred way of recording and editing sound, so choose accordingly. If you are a beginner, pick Audacity or GarageBand.

User-friendly audio recorders for personal use, creative projects, and amateur content come in many shapes and sizes. If you want an easy solution that you don't have to invest time and money into, just look at your Mac - Voice Memos and QuickTime Player are already there.

If you need audio and voice recording software with sophisticated capabilities and powerful editing tools, you can use Hijack Audio and Wondershare DemoCreator. DemoCreator has an advantage - it lets you record, edit, share, and stream your screen with crystal-clear sound.