Comparison
Reel vs Zoom F3
Zoom's ultra-portable 2-channel 32-bit float recorder with dual AD converters.
Visit the Zoom F3 site ↗The short answer
Here is the twist with the Zoom F3: it and Reel are better as teammates than rivals. The F3 is a tiny two-input recorder with pro dual converters and almost no menus, built for pointing at external XLR mics and forgetting about levels. It has no mics of its own. The thing is, it also works as a 32-bit float USB interface, so you can plug it into your iPhone and record its pristine inputs straight into Reel. On its own the F3 is a beautifully simple field recorder. Paired with Reel it becomes the front end of a pocket multitrack rig, your XLR mics feeding a 4-track tape-style recorder with overdub and looping.
Feature comparison
| Feature | Reel | Zoom F3 |
|---|---|---|
| Simultaneous tracks | 4 (stereo, 8 ch) | 2 |
| Bit depth | 32-bit float | 32-bit float |
| Max sample rate | 96kHz | 192kHz |
| Overdub | ||
| Punch-in recording | ||
| Looping | ||
| Variable-speed playback | ||
| Tactile transport (jog wheel or scrub) | ||
| Built-in microphones | iPhone 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 | ~$329 |
| Platform | iOS 18+ | Standalone device |
Every value is researched per product against manufacturer sources and may change over time. Verify current details with each maker.
Where Reel wins
- +4 tracks with overdub and looping, versus 2-channel capture
- +Jog-wheel scrubbing and tape transport
- +Built-in capture using the iPhone microphone (the F3 has no mics)
- +Records hardware instruments and grooveboxes over USB
Where Zoom F3 wins
- +Dual-AD-converter 32-bit float for extreme dynamic range
- +Pro XLR/TRS inputs for external microphones
- +Pocket-sized and runs standalone
- +Can double as a 32-bit float USB interface for the iPhone
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the Zoom F3 with Reel?
Yes. The F3 can act as a USB audio interface, so you can connect it to your iPhone and record its 32-bit float inputs directly into Reel, combining pro converters with multitrack recording.
Does the Zoom F3 have built-in microphones?
No. The F3 records from external XLR/TRS microphones only. Reel can capture with the built-in iPhone microphone or from a connected interface such as the F3.
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