Comparison
Reel vs Voice Memos
Apple's built-in single-track audio recorder for iPhone.
Visit the Voice Memos site ↗The short answer
Voice Memos is great for a quick note to self. It records one take and stops there. The newest iPhones add a basic layered-recording mode, but there is no mixing, no separate tracks and no way to build on what you caught. Reel is built for songs. You lay down a part, then record more over the top while the first one plays back and mix them together. Voice Memos captures a single track at everyday quality. Reel captures up to four in 32-bit float at up to 96kHz and adds looping, punch-in and USB interface support. Reel starts as fast now, too. Hold the Action Button, tap Control Center or the Lock Screen, or ask Siri, and it opens on a fresh reel already recording, with a rolling buffer that catches the moment before the press. If you are chasing a musical idea rather than a spoken one, Reel is the step up.
Feature comparison
| Feature | Reel | Voice Memos |
|---|---|---|
| Simultaneous tracks | 4 (stereo, 8 ch) | 1 |
| Bit depth | 32-bit float | Up to 24-bit |
| Max sample rate | 96kHz | 48kHz |
| Overdub | ||
| Punch-in recording | ||
| Looped playback | ||
| Variable-speed playback | ||
| Tactile transport (jog wheel or scrub) | ||
| Built-in microphones | iPhone mic | Device mic |
| XLR inputs with phantom power | ||
| Records from a USB audio interface | ||
| Works as a USB audio interface | ||
| Runs standalone, no phone or computer | ||
| Price | $14.99 one-time | Free (built-in) |
| Platform | iOS 18+ | iOS |
Every value is researched per product against manufacturer sources and may change over time. Verify current details with each maker.
Where Reel wins
- +4 separate tracks with overdub, versus a single mono take
- +32-bit float at up to 96kHz for headroom and higher fidelity
- +Looping, punch-in and per-track mixing
- +Records from USB audio interfaces, instruments and grooveboxes
Where Voice Memos wins
- +Free and pre-installed on every iPhone
- +Instantly familiar for quick spoken notes and reminders
- +Deep iOS and iCloud integration out of the box
Frequently asked questions
What is a good Voice Memos alternative for recording music?
Voice Memos is excellent for speech and quick single takes, but it records one track at everyday quality with no way to layer parts. For music you want multitrack. Reel records up to four tracks in 32-bit float at up to 96kHz, with overdub, punch-in, looping and USB interface input, so you can build an idea rather than just capture one.
Can Voice Memos record multiple tracks?
Not really. The newest iPhones can layer one basic overdub, but there are no separate tracks and no mixing. Reel is designed for exactly that, with 4 tracks you can layer and mix.
Is Reel better than Voice Memos for music?
For capturing musical ideas, yes. Reel adds overdubbing, looping, 32-bit float quality and USB interface support that Voice Memos does not offer, while keeping a simple one-screen workflow.
Try Reel on your iPhone
A portable 4-track recorder with 32-bit float audio and a hardware-inspired workflow.
Download on the App Store