If you are a video producer, musician, or journalist, you've probably heard about or used a Zoom portable audio recorder before. Zoom recorders can be used for a variety of applications, from recording lectures to producing audio for commercial video. However, not all Zoom recorders are created equal! Here is our comparison of the Zoom H1, H2n, H4nSP, H5, and H6 recorders to help you decide which is best for your needs.

The Zoom H1 recorder is the smallest of the bunch, a lightweight and super-portable recorder that is small enough to fit in your pocket, but powerful enough to record up to 24-bit broadcast-quality .WAV files with the built in XY Stereo microphone. With the H1 you can easily record song ideas, lectures, meetings, live performances and more!

Pair the H1 with a lav microphone that has a 1/8-Inch output and you're set to record interviews. You can even connect the H1 to your computer with the included USB cable to use it to record audio straight into your computer.

The H1 records onto microSD cards and comes with a 2GB card. This portable Zoom recorder does not have XLR inputs or supply phantom power, so if you would like to be able to use condenser microphones for your recording you may want to consider a Zoom H4nSP, H5 or H6. 

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Zoom H2n

The Zoom H2n recorder is a step up from the H1, featuring the option to switch between five built-in mic capsules for different recording scenarios, a large, clear LCD screen, fast startup time and great battery life (up to 20 hours with just two AA batteries!) These features make the H2n even more flexible and convenient to use for field recording, conducting interviews and more.

The H2n recorder gives you four recording modes: Mid-Side (MS) stereo, 90 degree X/Y stereo, 2-channel and 4-channel. Combining the mid-side and stereo mics gives you the ability to mix surround sound recordings, so if you're looking for more post-production capabilities in a super-portable package then the H2n may be the recorder for you!

This portable recorder uses SD/SDHC cards, records 16-bit/44.1kHz WAV format or 128kbps MP3 format, and comes with a 2GB SD card to get you started. Use the H2n's High-Speed USB 2.0 interface to transfer files to your computer where you can play back, edit or master your recordings using the includedWaveLab LE 7 software.

Like the H1, the H2n does not feature XLR inputs and phantom power so cannot be used with condenser microphones unless you purchase a special adapter or components.

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Zoom H4nSP (formerly known as Zoom H4n)

The Zoom H4nSP recorder is a top pick for video producers and journalists worldwide due to its portability and powerful recording capabilities. This versatile yet still affordable multi-track recorder is our personal favorite (we use it for our demo videos!) and is recommended for DSLR filmmakers and those looking to produce high-quality live concert recordings.

Aside from it's built-in stereo microphones, the H4n features two XLR inputs (with the option to use phantom power) that can be used separately or combined with the stereo mics for 4-channel recording. The inputs allows you to use the H4n with virtually any external professional boom mic or studio condenser microphone out there, making it a popular choice for use in music production, interviews and even narrative films. 

You can also use the headphone jack as a line-out to record your audio directly to your camera's SD card if you desire. If you want to have the option to use external mics (or a combination of both!) the H4nSP may be what you're looking for. However, the H5 and H6 models may be of interest for those with advanced audio experience who are looking for an easy way to record the best-quality audio in a variety of situations. Read on to find out more!

**Note: Zoom used to sell the H4n with an included microphone clip and AC adapter power supply - their new H4nSP package does not include these accessories though they can be purchased separately.**

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Zoom H5

The Zoom H5 recorder features two XLR inputs just like the H4n, with the added ability to switch out the mic capsules at the top according to your needs. This is a nice option for situations where the built-in stereo XY mics might not be the best-suited for the situation. You can quickly and easily swap out these capsules like you would the lenses of a camera, rather than having to invest in additional microphones and lug around extra gear for shoots.

Each input on the H5 has its own dedicated gain control knob with a protective bar that prevents accidental movement during handling. By using the stereo line out (with dedicated volume control) along with the separate headphone out, you can easily route audio to your DSLR while monitoring over headphones - a feature that's not available with the H4nSP as mentioned earlier. 

The H5 is a very powerful multi-track recorder which will surely bring your production abilities to the next level. However f you're looking for more than two XLR inputs for external mics, you may want to consider upgrading to Zoom's new flagship model, the legendary H6 recorder.

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Zoom H6

The Zoom H6 recorder takes portable recording to the next level with 4 XLR/TRS inputs, plus interchangeable mic capsules that let you optimize your recording setup for any situation. The Zoom H6 has the highest price of the recorders reviewed here, but it comes with advanced recording capabilities that put this professional recording interface a cut above the others.

The H6 comes with two mic capsules (XY and Mid-Side) and you can also purchase the optional Zoom SGH-6 Shotgun or EXH-6 Dual XLR/TRS Combo capsules. All 6 inputs have dedicated gain input control knobs with -20dB pads to prevent unwanted distortion, and you can connect either external microphones or line-level devices to record up to 6 tracks at once! 

Use the H6 as a multi-channel USB audio interface for your computer or iPad and you've got a portable recording studio at your fingertips! The H6 also features a large, full-color LCD screen (the other models reviewed here have one-color displays). It records 44.1kHz/16-bit WAV or 128kbps MP3 files onto SD cards and comes with a 2GB SD card, four AA batteries, Cubase LE software, a foam windscreen and a carrying case.

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Hopefully this review will help you choose the perfect Zoom portable recorder for your needs. If you're looking to save big on essential accessories like memory cards and headphones, be sure to check out our hand-picked  Zoom recorder bundles!

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