Head-to-head · Voice Note Apps
Apple Voice Memos vs AudioPen
Apple Voice Memos leads on 0 checks, AudioPen on 0, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 4 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreApple Voice Memos · 9.0/10
- Free planboth
- Most featuresApple Voice Memos · 3 of 4
Apple Voice Memos scores higher on our rubric for voice note apps: 9.0 against 8.6 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #7.
Apple Voice Memos is the better fit for free, simple recording in the Apple ecosystem. AudioPen is the better fit for turning rough speech into polished writing.
- Apple Voice Memos fits best
Free, simple recording in the Apple ecosystem
- AudioPen fits best
Turning rough speech into polished writing
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Side by side
| Feature | Apple Voice Memos 9.0/10 Visit ↗ | AudioPen 8.6/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.0 | 8.6 |
| Ranking | #3 in Voice Note Apps | #7 in Voice Note Apps |
| Best for | Free, simple recording in the Apple ecosystem | Turning rough speech into polished writing |
| Pricing model | Free | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | Free plan | $99/yr |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop, Mobile | Cloud, Desktop, Mobile, Browser extension |
| Platforms | iOS, macOS | Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Chrome extension |
| Support | Docs | |
| Integrations | 2 integrations | 3 integrations |
| Built for | Solo, Small business | Solo, Small business, Mid-market |
| Features Apple Voice Memos 3/4 · AudioPen 0/4 | ||
| Transcription | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Voice reminders | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Audio export | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Text export | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Supported platforms | iOS, macOS | Not checked yet |
| Note organization | Folders | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Apple Voice Memos is a free voice-recording app for capturing personal notes, lectures, meetings, and musical ideas on iOS and macOS. It suits people who want a straightforward way to record and organize audio within the Apple ecosystem,… Read the review → |
AudioPen is a voice-to-text and AI writing app for people who think faster than they type. It records speech, preserves the original transcript, and turns rough thoughts into structured writing through selectable styles and output… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Apple Voice Memos — where it wins
- Records through built-in, Bluetooth, or compatible external microphones
- Searchable transcripts, folders, favorites, and playback controls
- Exports audio and syncs recordings across Apple devices with iCloud
Where it doesn't
- Available only on iOS and macOS
- Transcription depends on supported devices and regions
- Focuses on audio notes rather than a broader set of AI note features
AudioPen — where it wins
- Rewrites speech into selectable styles and languages
- Searchable notes, tags, folders, and SuperSummaries
- Works across web, desktop, mobile, Chrome, and Apple Watch
Where it doesn't
- Free recordings are limited to two minutes
- Free access allows only 20 transcribed and rewritten recordings
- Paid access starts at a $33 one-time three-month pass
- Apple Voice Memos9.0/10 · Free plan
A free Apple recording app with useful editing, folders, iCloud sync, and transcription.
Visit AppleFull verdict → - AudioPen8.6/10 · Free plan
A broad voice-to-writing toolkit with useful AI features and costly paid passes.
Visit AudioPenFull verdict →
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All voice note apps comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update