Voice recording apps have been around for years, shipping as a standard feature on mostaffordable Android phones. Apps that allow users to record, save, and export audible sound have many applications, like music production, on-the-go podcast creation, and note-taking. The Play Store hasa ton of great appsthat let users record and edit sound, transforming your Android device into a high-quality portable microphone.

Chromebooks don’t have a dedicated audio recording app, so ChromeOS users must get creative with their sound and music editing. While the Google Play Store has a large selection of audio recording apps for smartphones and tablets, many of them do not work properly on Chromebooks. Luckily, there are several ways you can record on your laptop. You can access these services immediately with minimal setup.

Screenshot of the Vocaroo website interface

This guide discusses recording methods that do not require an external microphone.

How to record audio on ChromeOS using Vocaroo

The Vocaroo website functions like a mobile voice note-recording app, using your Chromebook device’s built-in microphone to record audio. While its features are limited, the ease of access makes Vocaroo a decent recording method for casual users. Here’s how it works.

You can upload your recorded MP3 files to Facebook, X, Reddit, or WhatsApp. MP3 files can also be shared as email attachments from the website.

A screenshot of the Vocaroo website interface with a highlight around the record buttom

How to record audio on ChromeOS using Soundtrap

Soundtrap is another great service for recording music and podcast audio with your Chromebook’s built-in microphone. This website is more complex than Vocaroo, with additional features for quality audio production. Files created or edited can be saved and exported for offline use, but an internet connection is required for access. Here’s how it works.

Soundtrap has an app on the Play Store that can be used on Chromebooks. The interface is the same, and you need an internet connection to use it.

Screenshot of the Vocaroo website interface recording with a highlight around the stop recording button

Start recording on your Chromebook

Although Chromebooks may not be the best bet for people who edit audio on a day-to-day basis, they’re a solid pick for lightweight projects and hobbyists. One cool thing about Vocaroo and Soundtrap Studio is their availability on different platforms. You cansync your workacross multiple devices, and easily continue editing on the go. And if you’re the proud owner of aGoogle Pixel 8, or any recent Pixel for that matter, you’re able to leave your laptop at home and use your phone’s microphone with theGoogle Recorder appto capture and transcribe conversations.

screenshot of the Vocaroo website interface with the background noise and auto adjust volume settings highlighted

Screenshot of the Soundtrap.com dashboard with the get started button highlighted