GNOME Sound Recorder as a Linux alternative to Windows Voice Recorder
Updated
Our verdict
GNOME Sound Recorder is a good replacement for Windows Voice Recorder if you need basic voice memo functionality on Linux. It handles quick recordings reliably, has a clean interface, and integrates well with the GNOME desktop. The ability to pause and resume recordings is a small advantage over the Windows app. It won’t appeal to users needing advanced editing or proprietary formats, but for students, journalists, or professionals capturing short notes, it’s more than sufficient. If you’re moving from Windows and want a no-frills recorder, this app fits the job.
- License
- GPL-3.0
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 42.0
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Simple, minimal interface focused on quick recordings
- Records from the default microphone input
- Supports basic playback of saved recordings
- Automatic file naming using date and time
- Designed for short, frequent voice memos
What is different
- Saves only in OGG Vorbis by default (Windows uses M4A)
- No built-in editing features like trimming or splitting
- No cloud sync or integration with Microsoft account
- Pause and resume during recording is supported (a plus)
- Limited to GNOME environments; less visible on other desktops
Opening your Windows Voice Recorder files
GNOME Sound Recorder can't directly open .m4a files from Windows Voice Recorder, but most Linux audio players like Rhythmbox or Audacity can import and convert them. You can manually convert recordings using ffmpeg. If you have existing Windows Voice Recorder files, copy them to your Linux system and use a tool like totem or VLC to play them, or convert them in bulk to OGG or MP3 for broader compatibility.
Switching from Windows Voice Recorder to GNOME Sound Recorder, step by step
- Install GNOME Sound Recorder via your package manager (e.g., sudo apt install gnome-sound-recorder)
- Grant microphone access when prompted
- Copy existing .m4a recordings from Windows to your Linux home folder
- Use a media player or ffmpeg to convert .m4a files if needed
- Organize recordings in a dedicated directory like ~/Recordings
- Use GNOME Search to quickly find past recordings by date
Key features of GNOME Sound Recorder
- Records audio from the default input device
- Supports basic playback of recordings
- Saves files in OGG Vorbis format by default
- Simple, clean GNOME-style interface
- Automatic file naming with date and time
- Integrated with GNOME search and file picker
- Supports pause and resume during recording
How to install GNOME Sound Recorder on Linux
sudo apt install gnome-sound-recordersudo apt install gnome-sound-recordersudo dnf install gnome-sound-recordersudo pacman -S gnome-sound-recorderFrequently asked questions
Can I change the audio format from OGG to MP3?
Not directly in the app. You’ll need to convert OGG files afterward using ffmpeg or another tool, provided MP3 encoding is enabled on your system.
Is there a mobile version?
No official mobile version exists. For recording on phones, consider alternatives like Audio Recorder on Android or use a cross-platform note app.
Does it support external microphones?
Yes, as long as the microphone is recognized as the default input device in your system sound settings.
3 other alternatives to Windows Voice Recorder
AudacityAudacity is a free, cross‑platform audio editor and recorder used for editing, mixing and restoring sound.Open sourceFreeFlatpakAudacity vs Windows Voice Recorder
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