Best Portable Recorders Under $300

11 picks ranked by value score (rating + review confidence vs price).

#	Product	Price	Rating	Reviews	Value	Action
1	Zoom H1n Zoom 24-bit/96kHz, X/Y stereo, micro SD, compact	$69.99	⭐ 4.3	8,920	4.86	View
2	Zoom H1essential Zoom 32-bit float, USB-C, 120dB SPL, lightweight	$99.99	⭐ 4.5	5,670	3.38	View
3	Tascam DR-05X Tascam X/Y stereo, USB audio, 96kHz/24-bit, simple	$99.99	⭐ 4.4	5,670	3.30	View
4	Zoom M2 MicTrak Zoom 32-bit float, X/Y stereo, USB-C, compact	$149.99	⭐ 4.5	1,890	1.97	View
5	Tascam DR-40X Tascam Dual A/B or X/Y, XLR inputs, 96kHz/24-bit	$179.99	⭐ 4.4	3,450	1.73	View
6	Sony PCM-A10 Sony Tri-mic, Hi-Res, Bluetooth, USB, 96kHz/24-bit	$199.99	⭐ 4.5	2,340	1.52	View
7	Zoom H4essential Zoom 32-bit float, 4-ch, 2 XLR inputs, USB audio	$219.99	⭐ 4.6	2,340	1.41	View
8	Zoom F3 Field Recorder Zoom 2-ch, 32-bit float, dual XLR/TRS, ultra-compact	$299.99	⭐ 4.7	1,890	1.03	View
9	Zoom M4 MicTrak Zoom 32-bit float, stereo shotgun + XLR, USB-C	$279.99	⭐ 4.5	1,230	0.99	View
10	Tascam DR-10L Pro Tascam 32-bit float, lavalier recorder, compact	$299.99	⭐ 4.5	1,890	0.98	View
11	Tascam Portacapture X6 Tascam 6-track, 32-bit float, touchscreen, app launcher	$299.99	⭐ 4.5	1,230	0.93	View

Value score is a quick ranking signal, not an absolute quality measure. Check product details for I/O, gain, connectivity, and workflow fit.