Note (September 2026): This guide now has current prices, platforms and product status, and two legal answers have been corrected: recording from subscription services is not simply “generally legal”, and services such as Spotify and YouTube prohibit it in their terms.
A streaming audio recorder is software that captures sound playing on your computer, or converts tracks from a streaming service into files. As of September 2026, the best free options are Audacity and OBS Studio (Windows, macOS, Linux). Paid tools such as NoteBurner Music One, AudiCable, Replay Music and Total Recorder add automatic tagging, splitting and batch conversion. Check copyright law and each service’s terms before recording.
Key Takeaways
- Free: Audacity and OBS Studio are free, open-source and run on Windows, macOS and Linux.
- Paid converters: NoteBurner Music One costs $79.90 and AudiCable $79.90 per year (as of September 2026, per their official sites); both offer free trials.
- Two types: system-audio recorders capture whatever your computer plays in real time; streaming converters pull tracks from services such as Spotify or Apple Music into files.
- Legal limits: Spotify’s User Guidelines prohibit ripping and recording, and US law (17 U.S.C. 1201) bans circumventing access controls such as DRM.
- Product status: Wondershare says its AllMyMusic recorder stops all services on October 15, 2026.
Are you tired of missing out on your favorite radio shows, music, or podcasts because you can’t listen to them in real-time? Or perhaps you want to save that amazing live performance for later enjoyment? Streaming audio recorders are programs that capture the audio your computer plays, or convert tracks from a streaming service into files, so you can listen later. This guide covers seven streaming audio recorders, free and paid, with their main features, how to use each one, and the legal limits you should know.
Introduction
Streaming audio recorders are tools that allow you to capture audio from various online sources, such as streaming services, internet radio, podcasts, and more. These handy applications come in different forms, from desktop software to web-based tools, and each offers unique features to cater to different needs.
Benefits of Streaming Audio Recorders
Before we delve into the best streaming audio recorders, let’s take a look at some of the key advantages of using them:
Time-Shifting: You can record audio streams and listen to them at your convenience.
Offline Listening: Save audio content for offline playback, reducing your data usage.
Quality Preservation: Many recorders capture audio in high quality, preserving the original sound.
Customization: Some recorders offer features like trimming, splitting, and organizing recorded audio.
Here are the seven recorders, starting with a paid streaming converter and followed by free and paid system-audio recorders.
NoteBurner Music One
Benefits of NoteBurner Music One
Before we dive into the specifics of NoteBurner Music One, let’s explore the key benefits of using this tool:
Supports Many Music Services: As of September 2026, NoteBurner’s product page lists Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, TIDAL, YouTube Music, Deezer, Pandora, Audible, LINE Music, SoundCloud, Qobuz and Bandcamp, plus an “Add other source” option (17+ sources in total).
Unlimited Offline Listening: With NoteBurner Music One, you can download your favorite streaming songs and listen to them offline, anytime and anywhere.
Music Preservation: It lets you preserve the original audio quality of the songs, ensuring a high-quality listening experience, for example Spotify 320kbps, Apple Music Lossless, Amazon Music HD, Tidal HiFi & Master, etc.
Two Stable Recording Modes: NoteBurner Music One offers two recording modes: one that works through the music service’s desktop app and one that works through its web player. You choose the source before adding songs.
Customizable Settings: NoteBurner Music One offers options to customize the output format, quality, and other settings according to your preferences.
Support 10X Download Speed: NoteBurner says it converts playlists in batches at up to 10X speed for most services (4X for YouTube audio and SoundCloud). These are the maker’s figures, not independent measurements.
Wide Compatibility: The converted music files are compatible with various devices, media players, and platforms.
NoteBurner Music One runs on Windows (7 to 11) and macOS (11 to 26). As of September 2026 it costs $79.90 for either version, and the free trial converts only the first minute of each track, according to NoteBurner’s product page. Output formats are MP3, AAC, FLAC, WAV, AIFF and ALAC.
How to Install NoteBurner Music One
To get started with NoteBurner Music One, you’ll need to install the software on your computer. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the installation and operation process:
Step 1: Download the NoteBurner Music One Software
Go to the official NoteBurner website.
Look for the “Downloads” section.
Select the version of NoteBurner Music One that matches your operating system (Windows or macOS).
Click the download button to initiate the download.
Step 2: Install the Software
Locate the downloaded installation file (usually in your computer’s “Downloads” folder).
Double-click the file to begin the installation process.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
Step 3: Launch NoteBurner Music One and Choose Download Port
Open it, and choose the streaming music service you want to download.
Step 4: Go to Settings Window and DIY
Click “Settings” and you can choose the output format, quality, output path, etc.
Step 5: Add Streaming Songs to NoteBurner
On Music App or the Web Player window, choose the playlist, can directly click the “Add” icon to add songs to NoteBurner.
Step 6: Record Streaming Songs
Just click the “Convert” button and start downloading your streaming music songs offline.
Audacity
Audacity is a versatile, free, open-source audio recording and editing software that’s perfect for beginners. While Audacity is best known as an editor, it can also record any audio your computer plays, at no cost. Audacity has been owned and developed by Muse Group since April 2021 and remains free and open source (GPLv3); version 4.0.0 was released on September 3, 2026, according to Wikipedia.
Features
- Cross-platform compatibility (Windows, macOS, and Linux).
- Multi-track editing.
- Wide range of audio effects.
- Easy-to-use interface.
How to Use Audacity for Streaming Audio Recording:
- Download and install Audacity on your computer.
- Launch Audacity. On Windows, open Audio Setup, set the Host to Windows WASAPI and pick your speakers or headphones marked “(loopback)” as the recording device (“Stereo Mix” or “What U Hear” also works on sound cards that offer it).
- Click the “Record” button when you’re ready to start recording.
- Save your recording in your desired format.
Streaming Audio Recorder
AudiCable Audio Recorder (sold as an all-in-one music converter) captures and converts tracks from Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Tidal, Pandora, SoundCloud, LINE Music, Deezer, Qobuz, Beatport and Bandcamp. As of September 2026 it runs on Windows 7 to 11 and macOS 11 to 26, costs $79.90 per year and has a free trial, according to AudiCable’s website.
Features
- Easy-to-use interface.
- Supports recording audio from multiple sources.
- Automatic song splitting.
- Built-in audio editor.
How to Use AudiCable Streaming Audio Recorder
- Install Streaming Audio Recorder.
- Select the audio source you want to record.
- Click the “Start” button to begin recording.
- Edit and save your recorded audio.
OBS Studio
OBS Studio is free, open-source (GPL-2.0-or-later) screencasting and live streaming software for Windows 10 or later, macOS 12 or later and Linux. It can also record audio and video playing on your computer. On Windows 10 (version 2004 or later) and Windows 11, its Application Audio Capture source records a single app’s sound on its own track.
Features
- Live streaming capability.
- Customizable scenes.
- Support for various audio sources.
- High-quality recording.
How to Use OBS Studio for Streaming Audio Recording
- Download and install OBS Studio.
- Set up your audio sources by adding them in the audio mixer.
- Configure your settings, such as the recording format and quality.
- Start recording by clicking the “Start Recording” button.
Wondershare Streaming Audio Recorder
Wondershare Streaming Audio Recorder is a tool for capturing audio from streaming services and online radio. Its technical specifications page lists support only up to Windows 10, and as of September 2026 its product page carries a notice that Wondershare AllMyMusic will stop all services on October 15, 2026 (paid sales ended September 15, 2026). Check the product page before buying.
Features
- Record audio from popular streaming services.
- Automatic song and album recognition.
- Built-in audio editor.
- Easily transfer recorded audio to your devices.
How to Use Wondershare Streaming Audio Recorder
- Install the software and launch it.
- Click the “Record” button to start capturing audio.
- The program will automatically identify and tag recorded songs.
- Edit and save your audio files.
Replay Music
Replay Music, made by Applian Technologies, is a Windows and Mac streaming audio recorder that saves songs as MP3 files. Applian says it automatically identifies and tags songs with album art and lyrics and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Features
- Records audio from popular streaming services.
- Automatic song tagging.
- High-quality audio capture.
- Easy-to-use interface.
How to Use Replay Music
- Install Replay Music on your computer.
- Open the program and configure the settings.
- Click the “Record” button to start capturing audio.
- Save and organize your recordings.
Total Recorder
Total Recorder, from High Criteria, is PC recording software that captures streaming audio, microphone and line-in input, converts files, and can schedule future recordings. As of September 2026 its Standard Edition costs $17.95, with Professional and VideoPro editions available as paid upgrades, according to High Criteria’s website.
Features
- Record streaming audio.
- Edit and enhance audio files.
- Convert audio to different formats.
- Support for various audio sources.
How to Use Total Recorder
- Download and install Total Recorder.
- Choose your audio source and configure settings.
- Start recording by clicking the “Record” button.
- Edit and save your audio files.
Conclusion
In this beginner’s guide, we’ve explored the 7 best streaming audio recorders, each with its unique features and capabilities. Depending on your needs and preferences, you can choose the one that suits you best. Whether you’re looking to record online radio, streaming music, or podcasts, these tools provide you with the means to capture and enjoy your favorite audio content offline.
Now that you’re armed with the knowledge of these streaming audio recorders, you can enhance your listening experience and ensure you never miss out on your favorite content again.
Streaming Audio Recorders Compared
The table summarizes each tool as of September 2026, using figures from the makers’ own websites and Wikipedia.
| Tool | Type | Platforms | Price (September 2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| NoteBurner Music One | Streaming converter | Windows, macOS | $79.90; trial converts 1 minute per track |
| Audacity | System-audio recorder and editor | Windows, macOS, Linux | Free, open source |
| AudiCable Audio Recorder | Streaming converter | Windows, macOS | $79.90 per year; free trial |
| OBS Studio | Screen and audio recorder | Windows, macOS, Linux | Free, open source |
| Wondershare Streaming Audio Recorder | System-audio recorder | Windows (specs list up to Windows 10) | Check status: related AllMyMusic ends October 15, 2026 |
| Replay Music (Applian) | System-audio recorder with tagging | Windows, Mac | Paid; 30-day money-back guarantee |
| Total Recorder (High Criteria) | System-audio recorder | Windows PC | Standard Edition $17.95 |
What Types of Streaming Audio Recorders Are There?
Streaming audio recorders fall into two groups. System-audio recorders such as Audacity, OBS Studio, Replay Music and Total Recorder capture whatever the computer plays, in real time, so a one-hour show takes one hour to record. Streaming converters such as NoteBurner Music One and AudiCable connect to a service’s app or web player and turn tracks into files in batches.
System-audio recorders work with almost any source, including internet radio and podcasts. Streaming converters are faster and keep track names and artwork, but they are the tools most likely to conflict with a service’s terms. For creating your own podcast rather than recording others, see our guide to tools and platforms for podcast management.
How to Record Streaming Audio for Free
Audacity’s own support guide describes a different method for each operating system.
Windows
- Open Audacity and click Audio Setup.
- Set the Host to Windows WASAPI.
- Choose your output device marked “(loopback)” as the recording device.
- Start playing the stream first, because WASAPI needs an active audio stream, then press Record.
macOS
macOS has no built-in way to record desktop audio, so Audacity’s guide points to a third-party audio driver, Soundflower, routed through a Multi-Output Device in Audio MIDI Setup. Audacity notes that Soundflower does not work on Apple Silicon Macs (M1, M2 and later), so those users need another virtual audio driver.
Linux
On PulseAudio systems such as Ubuntu and Linux Mint, set Audacity’s host to ALSA and the recording device to pulse, then use PulseAudio Volume Control (pavucontrol) to select the “Monitor” of your playback device.
Whichever system you use, turn off input monitoring to avoid feedback and close other apps, because desktop recording captures every notification and system sound. If you also need video, a screen recorder such as the one in our AnyRec Screen Recorder review records sound and picture together.
Is Recording Streaming Audio Legal?
Recording streaming audio is not automatically legal or illegal; it depends on the country, the source and the use. Three points apply in most cases:
- Service terms: Spotify’s User Guidelines prohibit “ripping” and recording content and circumventing Spotify’s technology. YouTube’s Terms of Service bar downloading content unless the service expressly authorizes it.
- DRM: In the United States, 17 U.S.C. 1201 prohibits circumventing a technological measure that controls access to a copyrighted work, meaning to decrypt, bypass or remove it without the copyright owner’s authority.
- Fair use: The US Copyright Office says whether a use counts as fair use “depends on all the circumstances”; it is decided case by case, not granted to personal copies automatically.
Recording your own content, public-domain audio or broadcasts whose owners permit it avoids these problems. For background on how rights holders license music, read what music licensing is and why it matters. This section is general information, not legal advice.
How to Choose a Streaming Audio Recorder
- Budget: Audacity and OBS Studio cost nothing; paid tools range from a $17.95 Total Recorder Standard Edition to $79.90 converters (September 2026).
- Operating system: Total Recorder is PC software; the others listed run on both Windows and macOS.
- Tagging: Replay Music and the streaming converters add song names and artwork automatically; Audacity and OBS Studio do not.
- Legal use: For subscription music, the service’s own offline mode is the option its terms allow. Our look at how Spotify reinvented the music industry explains how streaming changed the way music is licensed and sold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to record streaming audio?
Recording streaming audio for personal use is not automatically legal. It depends on your country’s copyright law, the source and what you do with the file. Many services forbid it outright: Spotify’s User Guidelines prohibit “ripping” and recording content, so check the terms of the platform you are using.
Can I record audio from YouTube using these tools?
Technically, yes, but YouTube’s Terms of Service do not allow users to reproduce or download content except as expressly authorized by the service or with prior written permission from YouTube and the rights holders.
How can I improve the audio quality of my recordings?
To enhance the audio quality of your recordings, use a good microphone and ensure you’re recording in a quiet environment. Additionally, choose a recorder that allows you to adjust recording settings like bit rate and sample rate.
Tips: Converters such as NoteBurner say they keep the source quality. No recorder can add quality that the original stream does not have.
Are there any free streaming audio recorders available?
Yes, some of the tools mentioned in this guide offer free versions or trial periods with limited features. These can be a great way to get started without any cost.
Can I edit my recorded audio with these tools?
Yes, some of these streaming audio recorders come with built-in audio editing features, allowing you to edit and enhance your recordings.
Which streaming audio recorder is best for beginners?
For beginners, Audacity and OBS Studio are the free choices. NoteBurner Music One is paid ($79.90 as of September 2026), and its trial converts only the first minute of each track.
How much storage space do I need for recorded audio files?
The required storage space depends on the duration and quality of your recordings. High-quality recordings will consume more space. It’s advisable to have ample storage available for your audio files.
Can I record audio from streaming services that have DRM protection?
Some converters, including NoteBurner, advertise downloads from DRM (Digital Rights Management) protected services, but that does not make it lawful. In the United States, 17 U.S.C. 1201 states that “no person shall circumvent a technological measure that effectively controls access” to a copyrighted work, and Spotify’s User Guidelines prohibit circumventing any technology Spotify uses.
With these answers to common questions, you’re well-prepared to start using streaming audio recorders effectively and responsibly. Enjoy capturing your favorite audio content and building your personal audio library!
What is the best free streaming audio recorder?
Audacity and OBS Studio are the best-known free streaming audio recorders. Both are open source and run on Windows, macOS and Linux. Audacity adds full audio editing, while OBS Studio can record video and per-app audio on Windows.
How do I record audio playing on my Windows PC?
In Audacity, open Audio Setup, choose Windows WASAPI as the host and select your output device marked “(loopback)” as the recording device. Start playback, then press Record.
Is Wondershare Streaming Audio Recorder still available?
As of September 2026, Wondershare’s Streaming Audio Recorder product page shows a notice that Wondershare AllMyMusic will stop all services on October 15, 2026, with paid sales ended on September 15, 2026. Check the page for the current status before buying.
What is the difference between a streaming audio recorder and a music converter?
A streaming audio recorder captures sound in real time as it plays. A music converter such as NoteBurner Music One or AudiCable pulls tracks from a service’s app or web player in batches, which is faster but more likely to break the service’s terms.
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