The 6 Best Music Recording Apps for iPhone

If you’re a musician, podcaster, or content creator, having the right tools to capture high-quality audio on the go is essential. Fortunately, with the powerful capabilities of modern smartphones, there are several music recording apps for iPhone that can transform your device into a professional-grade studio. Whether you’re looking for a simple app to record vocals or a full-featured digital audio workstation (DAW), the App Store offers a wide range of options to suit your needs. In this guide, we’ll explore the best music recording apps for iPhone, highlighting features like multi-track recording, virtual instruments, and intuitive editing tools that can help you achieve studio-quality results from the palm of your hand.

Voice Recorder & Audio Editor

Price: Free/In-App Purchase: Up to $4.99

When it comes to simplicity and versatility, Voice Recorder & Audio Editor stands out. With unlimited recording capabilities, you can capture your creativity without worrying about time constraints. Transcribing your recordings into text is made easy with in-app purchases, and the 3D Touch feature allows you to start and stop recording right from your home screen. You can even add text notes to your recordings and securely store them in the cloud, making it easy to access your audio files from anywhere. Sharing your creations with others is a breeze, thanks to the variety of sharing options available.

Pros of Voice Recorder & Audio Editor:

• Unlimited recording time: Allows users to record lengthy audio files, limited only by available storage space.
• Various file formats: Supports multiple audio formats, including MP3 and WAV, for versatile output options.
• Basic editing tools: Offers essential editing features such as trimming and cutting directly within the app.
• Transcription feature: Automatically transcribes recorded audio into text, adding versatility for note-taking or podcast production.
• Cloud integration: Seamless saving and sharing through iCloud, Dropbox, or email for easy access across devices.
• Passcode protection: Allows users to protect recordings with a passcode, adding an extra layer of security for private files.

Cons of Voice Recorder & Audio Editor:

• Limited advanced features: Lacks professional-grade features like multi-track recording or sound layering found in more advanced apps.
• Ads in free version: The free version includes ads, which can interrupt workflow unless you upgrade to the premium version.
• In-app purchases for full functionality: Some useful features, such as transcription and advanced export options, are locked behind in-app purchases.
• No virtual instruments: The app doesn’t offer built-in instruments or virtual studio effects for more complex music creation.
• Minimal audio effects: Provides only basic editing tools without advanced audio effects or mixing capabilities.

Voice Recorder & Audio Editor on the App Store

Spire: Music Recorder & Studio

Price: Free

Spire takes music recording on your iPhone to the next level. It offers high-quality vocal recording combined with iZotope audio processing. You can import beats, write lyrics, and use Soundcheck to automatically set your levels and tone. Spire simplifies the process of layering vocals and collaborating with other artists or producers. It also provides easy sharing options to showcase your songs to your fans directly from the app.

Pros of Spire: Music Recorder & Studio:

• Studio-quality audio recording: Records in high-definition audio, delivering professional-grade sound quality for musicians and producers.
• Multi-track recording: Allows up to eight separate tracks, enabling users to layer vocals, instruments, and effects for more complex compositions.
• Intuitive editing tools: Offers an easy-to-use interface with simple controls for trimming, mixing, and balancing audio tracks.
• Real-time effects: Provides built-in effects like reverb and delay that can be applied in real time during recording for creative flexibility.
• Automatic level adjustment: Automatically sets gain levels, ensuring recordings are free from clipping or distortion.
• Cloud collaboration: Seamless integration with iZotope’s Spire cloud, allowing remote collaboration by sharing projects with other users in real time.
• Portable studio: Transforms your iPhone into a portable music studio, eliminating the need for extra equipment for on-the-go recording sessions.

Cons of Spire: Music Recorder & Studio:

• Limited free features: Some advanced tools, like premium effects and cloud storage, require a paid subscription.
• No MIDI support: Lacks MIDI input functionality, limiting use for users who want to incorporate electronic instruments or synthesizers.
• Requires external gear for optimal performance: While capable on its own, Spire performs best when paired with external interfaces or microphones, which can increase the overall cost.
• Track limitation: The eight-track limit may be restrictive for larger, more complex music projects that require more layers.
• Storage-intensive: High-definition recordings can take up significant storage space on your device, requiring frequent file management.

Spire: Music Recorder & Studio on the App Store

Also Read: The Best Music-Making Apps for iPhone

MultiTrack DAW

Price: $4.99/In-App Purchase: Up to $9.99

For those looking for a comprehensive digital audio workstation on their iPhone, MultiTrack DAW is an excellent choice, and it stands out among the best music recording apps for iPhone. With support for up to 32 high-quality audio tracks, it’s perfect for recording multiple takes, harmonies, and solos. You can also record with various input sources and import existing audio files. The app offers a wide range of features, including non-linear editing, built-in effects, metronome, and much more.

Pros of MultiTrack DAW:

• Multi-track recording: Supports up to 24 simultaneous tracks, making it ideal for complex projects with multiple instruments and vocals.
• Professional-grade editing tools: Includes advanced editing features like punch-in recording, fade automation, and precise track adjustments, offering flexibility for detailed mixing and mastering.
• Audio interface compatibility: Works seamlessly with external audio interfaces, allowing users to record high-quality audio using professional-grade equipment.
• High-resolution audio support: Provides support for 24-bit, 96 kHz audio quality, ensuring recordings are studio-level and pristine.
• Flexible import/export options: Users can easily import and export audio files in various formats, including WAV, MP3, and AIFF, for seamless integration with other platforms.
• Low-latency monitoring: Enables near-instantaneous monitoring of live recordings, which helps musicians keep perfect timing during performance.
• Customizable effects: Includes built-in effects like EQ, compression, and reverb, allowing users to shape their sound directly within the app.

Cons of MultiTrack DAW:

• Learning curve for beginners: The advanced features and complex interface may be overwhelming for users new to audio production or digital audio workstations.
• No virtual instruments: Lacks built-in instruments or MIDI capabilities, making it less suitable for users who want to create music digitally without external gear.
• Price: The initial cost of the app can be higher compared to simpler recording apps, and additional features may require in-app purchases.
• Storage-heavy: Large projects with multiple high-quality tracks can quickly consume a significant amount of storage on the device.
• Limited real-time effects: Does not offer real-time effects processing during recording, which can limit creative freedom for live performance enhancements.

MultiTrack DAW on the App Store

AudioShare

Price: $4.99

AudioShare is a must-have tool for musicians who want to manage their sound files effectively. The app allows you to organize, record, trim, convert, normalize, and transfer audio files between apps and devices seamlessly. You can even preview and play sound files with waveform displays, making it easier to identify specific sections. The app supports various audio formats and offers versatile sharing and export options.

Pros of AudioShare:

• Comprehensive file management: Provides robust tools for organizing, renaming, and managing audio files, making it easy to handle multiple projects and recordings.
• Versatile audio import/export: Supports a wide range of file formats, including WAV, MP3, AIFF, and AAC, and offers seamless integration with other apps via Open In, AudioBus, and Inter-App Audio.
• Built-in audio editor: Features basic editing tools like trimming, fading, normalizing, and converting audio files, allowing for quick adjustments directly in the app.
• Recording capabilities: Allows high-quality stereo recording with support for external microphones and interfaces, ensuring professional-grade sound capture.
• Flexible sharing options: Users can easily share files through AirDrop, email, SoundCloud, Dropbox, or directly to other compatible apps, enhancing collaboration and project mobility.
• Low-latency recording: Delivers a smooth, real-time recording experience with minimal lag, which is ideal for live performances or field recordings.
• Inter-app compatibility: Works seamlessly with various audio and music production apps, making it a valuable tool for integrating and managing multi-app workflows.

Cons of AudioShare:

• No multi-track recording: Lacks multi-track capabilities, limiting its use for complex projects that require layering multiple recordings.
• Basic editing tools: While it has essential editing features, the app lacks advanced options like non-destructive editing or deep audio manipulation found in full-fledged DAWs.
• No built-in effects or instruments: Doesn’t offer virtual instruments or built-in audio effects, making it less suitable for users looking to create music from scratch within the app.
• External gear needed for optimal recording: To achieve professional-level recordings, users will need to rely on external microphones or audio interfaces.
• Interface may feel outdated: Compared to more modern DAWs or music apps, the interface may feel somewhat utilitarian and less visually appealing.

AudioShare on the App Store

Also Read: The Best Music Streaming Apps

Awesome Voice Recorder

Price: Free/In-App Purchase: Up to $0.99

Awesome Voice Recorder is a versatile tool for recording audio on your iPhone, and it ranks among the best music recording apps for iPhone. The app offers high-quality recording, unlimited recording time, and background recording. You can add descriptions to your voice recordings, making it easy to manage and categorize your recordings. The app also includes features like noise reduction, earphone remote control playback, and various microphone designs to cater to different recording needs.

Pros of Awesome Voice Recorder:

• Multiple recording formats: Supports a variety of formats, including MP3, WAV, and M4A, giving users flexibility in choosing audio quality and file size.
• Pause and resume recording: Offers the ability to pause and continue recording seamlessly without starting a new file, which is useful for long sessions.
• Background recording: Allows recording while using other apps or with the screen locked, adding convenience for multitasking.
• Tagging and notes: Users can add tags and notes to specific sections of recordings, making it easy to organize and navigate through lengthy audio files.
• Dropbox and Google Drive integration: Supports direct saving and sharing to cloud services, simplifying the process of storing and distributing audio files.
• Passcode protection: Users can secure recordings with a passcode, ensuring that sensitive or private recordings remain protected.

Cons of Awesome Voice Recorder:

• Limited editing tools: The app focuses more on recording and file management rather than offering advanced editing features, such as multi-track mixing or audio effects.
• Ads in free version: The free version includes ads, which may disrupt the user experience unless upgraded to the paid version.
• Basic functionality: Lacks professional-grade features found in more advanced DAWs, making it more suitable for voice notes or basic recording rather than complex music production.
• No built-in effects: Doesn’t offer reverb, EQ, or other sound effects, which limits the ability to fine-tune audio directly in the app.
• No multi-track recording: Users can only record a single track at a time, restricting its use for projects that require multiple layers of audio.

Awesome Voice Recorder on the App Store

Also Read: The Best Free Offline Music Apps for iPhone

n-Track Studio DAW

Price: Free/In-App Purchase: Up to $38.99

n-Track Studio is a powerful mobile DAW that transforms your iPhone into a recording studio, and it is considered one of the best music recording apps for iPhone. The app supports an unlimited number of audio, MIDI, and drum tracks and comes with a wide range of built-in effects and virtual instruments. Whether you’re recording with the built-in mic or an external audio interface, n-Track Studio provides the tools you need to create professional-quality music on the go.

Pros of n-Track Studio DAW: Make Music:

• Multi-track recording: Supports unlimited tracks (depending on device capabilities), allowing users to layer instruments, vocals, and effects for complex music projects.
• Built-in virtual instruments: Offers a variety of built-in instruments like drums, pianos, and synths, making it easier to compose music without needing external hardware.
• Advanced editing tools: Features powerful editing options such as pitch correction, beat detection, and automation, providing a professional-grade music production experience.
• Real-time effects: Includes real-time effects like reverb, compression, and delay, allowing users to apply effects during recording or mixing for added creative control.
• MIDI support: Fully supports MIDI recording and editing, enabling seamless integration with digital instruments and controllers.
• Cross-platform compatibility: Syncs projects across devices, making it easy to continue working on a project from your iPhone, iPad, or desktop.
• High-quality audio: Supports high-definition audio formats (up to 24-bit/192 kHz), ensuring studio-quality recordings.
• Cloud collaboration: Users can collaborate with other musicians by sharing projects via the n-Track Studio cloud service.

Cons of n-Track Studio DAW: Make Music:

• Steep learning curve: The array of advanced features may be overwhelming for beginners, requiring time to learn and master the interface.
• Resource-intensive: Demands significant processing power, and larger projects with multiple tracks can slow down performance on older devices.
• Subscription model: Many premium features, such as advanced effects and unlimited tracks, require a subscription, which may not appeal to users looking for a one-time purchase option.
• In-app purchases: Additional content, such as instrument packs and effects, often come at an extra cost, increasing the total investment in the app.
• Not optimized for casual users: While powerful, the app may feel overkill for those seeking a simple, easy-to-use recording tool without all the advanced production features.

n-Track Studio DAW on the App Store

BandLab

Price: Free/In-App Purchase: Up to $40.00

BandLab is not just a music recording app; it’s a social music platform. With its multi-track studio, you can record, edit, and remix music easily. It offers a variety of virtual instruments, effects, and even an auto-tune alternative. You can collaborate with other musicians, access a library of royalty-free sounds, and even get your music mastered directly within the app.

Pros of BandLab:

• Completely free: Offers all its features without any cost or in-app purchases, making it accessible for all users, from beginners to professionals.
• Multi-track recording: Supports multi-track layering, allowing users to record vocals and instruments separately and combine them in a professional mix.
• Built-in virtual instruments: Includes a wide range of virtual instruments like drums, guitars, pianos, and synthesizers, enabling users to create music directly within the app.
• Real-time effects: Features real-time effects such as reverb, delay, and compression, which can be applied during or after recording for more creative control.
• Collaborative platform: Allows musicians to collaborate on projects with others around the world through its built-in social network, making it easy to share ideas and co-produce tracks.
• Cross-platform compatibility: Syncs projects across iOS, Android, and web platforms, enabling users to work on their music from any device.
• Cloud storage: Automatically saves all projects to the cloud, ensuring that users never lose their work and can access their music anywhere.
• Built-in mastering tools: Offers automated mastering services that provide a professional polish to final tracks, even for users with little mixing experience.

Cons of BandLab:

• Limited advanced editing features: While suitable for basic and intermediate production, BandLab lacks some advanced editing tools found in professional DAWs.
• No high-resolution audio: Does not support high-definition audio formats (like 24-bit/96kHz), which may be a limitation for users focused on producing studio-grade quality recordings.
• Resource-heavy on older devices: The app may struggle to run smoothly on older iOS devices, especially when handling large multi-track projects with real-time effects.
• Social platform focus: The app’s emphasis on social sharing and collaboration may feel unnecessary for users who are only interested in recording and editing music privately.
• No offline access for projects: Requires an internet connection to access cloud-synced projects, making offline work less convenient.

BandLab on the App Store