Free Online Voice Recorder
Orec is a free online voice recorder that works in any browser. Click record, speak into your microphone, and download your audio as WAV or MP3. No software to install, no account to create, and your audio never leaves your device.
Start RecordingHow to Record Audio Online in 3 Steps
Recording takes under a minute. The browser handles all the audio capture through the Web Audio API. Your audio never leaves your device.
- Step 1: Open Orec at orec.live/recorder. Click the mic icon and allow microphone access when prompted
- Step 2: Click Record. A live waveform shows your signal in real time. Aim for peaks between -20 dB and -6 dB
- Step 3: Click Stop. Choose WAV (lossless, ~10 MB/min stereo) or MP3 (compressed, ~1 MB/min). Download your file
Export Formats and Settings
Orec exports WAV or MP3. WAV is uncompressed and the right choice when you plan to edit the recording afterward. The sample rate options are 44.1 kHz (CD quality, standard for music and podcasts) and 48 kHz (video industry standard, use this if syncing with video). For distribution, export WAV first, then convert to MP3 at 128 kbps using the LUFS normalizer to hit your platform's loudness target at the same time.
- WAV: lossless, ~5 MB/min mono at 44.1 kHz 16-bit
- MP3: compressed, ~1 MB/min at 128 kbps
- Sample rates: 44.1 kHz (podcasts, music) or 48 kHz (video)
- Mono or stereo: choose mono for voice, stereo for music or two-mic setups
Crash-Safe Recording
A closed tab or browser crash wipes most online recorders. Orec writes audio data to IndexedDB (local browser storage) continuously during recording. If your tab closes unexpectedly, the session is recoverable. The auto-save happens every few seconds with no action needed on your part. This makes it practical for long sessions like lectures (60+ minutes) or podcast drafts where re-recording is not an option.
What You Can Record
An online voice recorder works for any situation where you need to capture audio through a microphone. Voice memos, lecture recordings, podcast drafts, music ideas, meeting notes, language practice, voice acting auditions, and more. If your device has a microphone, either built-in or external, you can record it. External USB microphones and audio interfaces also work, since the browser picks up any input device your operating system recognizes. After recording, use the silence remover to strip dead air or the auto master to normalize loudness.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to record audio in a browser?
Yes. Orec processes all audio locally on your device using the Web Audio API. Your recordings are never uploaded to a server. When you download the file, it goes straight to your device's storage.
Do I need a special microphone?
No. Any microphone works, including the one built into your laptop, phone, or tablet. For better quality, a USB microphone will give you cleaner audio with less background noise.
Can I record on my phone?
Yes. Orec works in mobile browsers including Safari on iPhone and Chrome on Android. The experience is the same as on desktop.
How long can I record?
There is no time limit. You can record for as long as you need. The only constraint is available storage on your device for the downloaded file.
What is the best free online voice recorder?
Orec is a top choice. It is free, requires no signup or download, and works in any browser. You get WAV and MP3 export, live waveform visualization, crash-safe recording, and editing tools. You can also use the free audio tools at /tools/ for extras like volume boosting and fade effects.
Can I record audio online without signing up?
Yes. Orec requires no signup, no account, and no download. Open it in your browser, allow microphone access, and start recording. Your audio stays on your device and never touches a server.
Is it safe to record audio in a browser?
Yes. Orec processes everything locally using the Web Audio API. No audio data leaves your device unless you choose to share it. It is free, requires no signup or download, and your recordings remain completely private.
What is the best format for voice recordings?
Record in WAV for full quality, or MP3 for smaller files. Orec lets you choose either format for free, with no signup or download. WAV is best for editing later. MP3 is best for sharing via email or messaging apps.