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 track and stops there, with no way to layer or mix. 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. 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 | ||
| Looping | ||
| 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
Can Voice Memos record multiple tracks?
No. Voice Memos records a single track at a time and has no overdub or multitrack 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