Google Chrome is at the top of the list of the most popular browsers on the globe for a reason. It’s lightweight, easy to use, stable, and secure. And most importantly, it can be easily modified to suit your needs, even without experience in programming and customizing complex software. All you need to do is open the official marketplace, select the required extension, and click the Install button.
Google Chrome extensions cover a wide range of user needs. Let’s say you are participating in an important online conference and want to save every word of the speakers for later analysis. Or you need to record the content of a video embedded in a cloud service that is not available for download. Specialized audio recorder extensions will help you.
Here’s how to prepare Google Chrome for sound capture, which extension you can install, and what alternatives are available to you.
How to Record Audio in Chrome: Preparing Your Device
The first step is to check if you can use your device’s audio system to record audio. It’s crucial because this feature can be blocked by default on some computers. The instructions are straightforward:
- On Windows 10, press Windows+X to open the Device Manager. Expand the Audio Inputs and Outputs section. If necessary, turn on the microphone and sound system manually and update the drivers. Press Windows+I. In the settings, select Privacy and then Microphone in the left menu. Make sure Google Chrome can use the microphone.
- On Mac OS, press Command+Space and find the Audio MIDI Setup app in Spotlight Search. Make sure the microphone and audio system are active and not muted. To allow your computer to capture audio, click the Apple menu, select System Preferences, then Security & Privacy, and the Privacy tab. Make sure Google Chrome has access to the sound system. If not, click the Padlock button and enter the system password.
The second step is to select the appropriate settings for the browser:
- Launch Google Chrome and open the main menu. Click the button with three dots at the top right.
2. Open the Settings menu.
3. Click the Privacy and Security tab.
4. Open the Site Settings section.
5. Select Microphone.
6. Select the Sites Can Ask to Use Your Microphone option. Make sure the site you need is not added to the list of exceptions.
In many cases, the Record Audio from Browser option is available by default, especially when it comes to personal computers. Still, it’s a good idea to ensure in advance that you can capture audio at any time and won’t have to lose valuable minutes of recording due to an annoying error.
And now, we move on to the third point — the most important one. You also need to select and install an audio capture extension. Use the following instructions:
1. In the Chrome main menu, select the Extensions section and click the Visit Chrome Web Store button.
2. Enter the name of the extension in the search bar.
3. After selecting the extension, click Add to Chrome.
4. When you need to use or configure the extension, select Manage Extensions from the main menu or click the shortcut button next to the address bar in Google Chrome.
Is everything ready for recording? Then, we can move on to the ranking of the best audio recorder extensions.
Top-10 Extensions to Download Audio from Website in Chrome
We advise you to be careful when choosing and installing extensions. Although Google is attentive to cybersecurity, it can also miss suspicious applications or simply outdated software that creates holes in your computer’s security system. Remember that you are granting these extensions broad access rights, so use only trusted services that receive regular updates.
1. Chrome Audio Capture
Rating: 4.3/5
One of the most popular extensions that allow you to download audio from a website. Chrome Audio Capture has a simple interface with an intuitive layout of functional elements and support for hotkeys to control recording. The service allows you to record audio from multiple tabs simultaneously, saving it as separate MP3 or WAV files. You can stop recording at any time or even temporarily mute the sound in any tab.
Pros:
- Minimalistic interface, low RAM requirements;
- Supports simultaneous recording of audio from multiple tabs;
- Offers a choice between MP3 and WAV formats.
Cons:
- Recording is limited to 60 minutes due to Chrome memory constraints;
- No built-in audio file editing tools.
Pricing: Free forever.
2. Screencastify
Rating: 4.0/5
A popular all-in-one tool for video and audio recording. Screencastify enables you to save media files and edit them by cutting out unnecessary fragments. It is an ideal choice for recording long conferences and meetings where interesting speeches are followed by long pauses. An interesting feature of the extension is the ability to save short videos as GIF animations.
Pros:
- A high bitrate of recordings; exceptional voice clarity;
- Allows you to make text notes in parallel with the audio;
- Direct file saving to your Google Drive cloud storage.
Cons:
- The free version limits the length of recordings to 5 minutes;
- Requires mandatory authorization to use any features.
Pricing: A free basic plan; premium starts at $29/year.
3. Screen Recorder
Rating: 3.8/5
An extension with a wide list of options. Screen Recorder allows you to save audio or video from any browser tab, from any application window in the operating system, and from your microphone and webcam. You can switch between sources while recording, creating complex video instructions or guides. Another feature is a built-in player with a search function for the moments you want.
Pros:
- Simple interface;
- No video watermarks and time limits for recording;
- Supports hardware recording from a microphone and a computer camera.
Cons:
- Opens in a new window — not very convenient if you work with many tabs;
- No editing tools included.
Pricing: Free without limits.
4. Audio & Voice Recorder
Rating: 4.6/5
An extension for recording sound while surfing the Internet. You can choose a microphone, browser tab sound, or both as a source, saving high-bitrate MP3 media files. Audio & Voice Recorder is designed for simplicity, making it a handy tool for voice memos and quick recordings. The output is high-quality and easily shareable.
Pros:
- Simple interface with the ability to start recording in one click;
- High bitrate; clear voice recording;
- Minimal load on the system.
Cons:
- The extension does not have an official website;
- The developer hides information about prices until the moment of payment.
Pricing: Five recordings per month for free and paid plans starting at $14.99/month.
5. Veed Online Voice Recorder
Not an extension but a cloud service that allows you to capture audio at any time from any source. VEED works with all popular browsers, including Google Chrome. It doesn’t require installation and works seamlessly across desktop and mobile devices. Users can easily save or share their recordings. It is an ideal choice for creators who record podcasts, audio tracks for videos, and other types of media.
Pros:
- Cloud-based service that works without prior installation;
- Integration with many online services and applications;
- Works on desktop and mobile devices.
Cons:
- Free subscription has many limitations;
- You have to pay extra for some features like subtitle generation and audio cleaning.
Pricing: Free with basic features; premium starts at $9/month.
6. Mote: Voice Notes & Feedback
Rating: 4.6/5
A specialized voice capture extension that seamlessly integrates with Google Workspace. You can use it to record audio in your Google Drive storage, add notes to Google Slides, share in Google Classroom, and more. Mote also offers real-time transcription for better collaboration — ideal for large teams and organizing the learning process.
Pros:
- Long trial period with unlimited functionality;
- Seamless integration into most Google web services;
- Clear voice recording and the ability to transform it into text with one click.
Cons:
- Many useful features are hidden behind the paywall;
- In the free version, recordings are split into files up to 1 minute long.
Pricing: 30 days of free testing, 20 recordings per month after. Paid plans start at $59.40/year.
7. Reverb Record — Share Your Voice
Rating: 4.2/5
Another web service that allows you to record sounds from a microphone and audio system, store them online, and send them to other users in the form of instant shareable links. Reverb Record is fast, easy to use, and doesn’t require an account or installation. Ideal for quick feedback or voice messages.
Pros:
- Can be used in a web interface or as a browser extension;
- There is a free version for personal use;
- There are many useful features, including voice tone changes.
Cons:
- Most additional features are hidden behind the paywall;
- The free version has a limit of 2 minutes or 60 MB per file.
Pricing: 10 free records per month. Paid subscription starts at $9/month.
8. FuseBase Clarity
Rating: 4.5/5
A professional extension for website recording and microphone sound capture. FuseBase Clarity allows you to switch between these sources at any time, creating high-quality guides, reviews, and audio tracks for blogs. You can also supplement your files with screen recordings and text notes.
Pros:
- Built-in generative AI to create descriptions for video and audio files;
- Tools for editing media files;
- Convenient web portal for teamwork and distribution of finished materials.
Cons:
- Registration is required for access to all features;
- The service has additional modules with separate pricing.
Pricing: A free basic version; premium plans are available from $38/month.
9. Audio Downloader Prime
Rating: 3.6/5
A specialized tool for downloading audio files from most websites. Audio Downloader Prime has built-in tools for mixing recordings with your voice, creating notes, and editing finished results easily. Its straightforward interface ensures smooth operation for most web pages.
Pros:
- Supports many media formats;
- Ability to start downloading in one click;
- No paywalls — developers accept donations but do not oblige users.
Cons:
- The extension does not work with YouTube and other Google services;
- Not the most convenient mixing and editing functions.
Pricing: Completely free of charge.
10. Apowersoft Free Online Audio Recorder
A universal online tool that does not require any extensions — all you need to start recording is Internet access. Apowersoft Free Online Audio Recorder works with system and microphone audio. It’s great for recording meetings, calls, or streaming and supports high-quality output in various
Pros:
- You can install an application to work offline if you want;
- The service supports many formats with high sound quality;
- An API is available for developers, which opens up great opportunities for automation.
Cons:
- You will have to create an account on the site when you first launch it;
- Lacks advanced editing features.
Pricing: Free for personal, non-commercial use.
Simple and Useful Alternative to Audio Downloading
If you’re working with pre-recorded video or a conference on YouTube, you don’t have to waste time installing extensions or downloading and decrypting audio files. All you need to do is use NOIZ — this service analyzes subtitles (including those automatically generated by the service), improves their quality using AI, and uploads accurate transcriptions.
Moreover, NOIZ offers you the function of generating short summaries. The service can highlight the moments you need — insightful, funny, actionable, and controversial. Or you can simply generate a time-stamped list of the key points in the video. The next step is to quickly upload the finished file or transfer the data to another web application for processing.
Pros:
- Works without registration and authorization;
- Has additional functions — generating ideas for blogs and videos, summarizing documents, etc.;
- Fast transcription generation — up to 10 seconds per hour of video.
Cons:
- No audio recording function — only video recognition;
- Currently, it only works with YouTube.
Pricing: Free for everyone without registration.
Which Extension Is the Best for Chrome Audio Recording?
Choosing the best audio recorder extension will depend on your needs. If you value simplicity and versatility, Chrome Audio Capture will suit as it supports simultaneous recording of audio from different browser tabs. Screen Recorder is a great alternative If you need a wider range of recording options. It records audio alongside screen activity without watermarks, catering to personal and professional tasks.
For professional use, Screencastify, with its annotation tools, and Mote, which integrates effortlessly with Google Workspace, are also good options. Audio Downloader Prime is a specialized tool offering fast and efficient downloads in various formats for those looking to download audio. And if you want to get a video transcription or generate a summary, you should choose NOIZ, a free web service with many features and no registration.
FAQ
How do you use audio capture in Chrome?
Make sure your computer’s microphone and audio system are turned on and that Google Chrome has access to them. Install the appropriate extension from the Chrome Web Store. Select the tab to record, activate the extension, and click the record button. When you’re done, stop the recording and save the file.
Is Chrome audio capture safe?
Yes, as long as you download it from the official Chrome Web Store and don’t install any shady extensions with warnings on their marketplace pages. It is better to use trusted services, such as those from our rating.
How do I record audio in a browser?
There are two ways to do this. The first is to install a browser-based audio recorder like Screen Recorder or Chrome Audio Capture. After that, you just need to select a tab, activate the extension, and click the record button. The second is to use an online service like VEED or Apowersoft Free Online Audio Recorder. In these services, you may need to select settings, such as the signal source.
Can Chrome play audio files?
Yes, Google’s browser has a built-in audio player. You can listen to audio recordings online on various sites or simply drag and drop files from your computer’s memory to a new tab. Whether it’s MP3, WAV, or AAC, Chrome has you covered — no fancy software required.
How do I enable audio in Chrome?
Open the main menu (the button with three dots on the top right). Then go to Settings — Privacy and Security — Site Settings. Select the microphone or audio system, allow its use, and check the list of sites prohibited from accessing the equipment.
How do I record from Chrome?
Click the padlock or info icon in the address bar while on the site you’re visiting. Check permissions to ensure audio is allowed. If it’s muted, unmute it in Chrome’s settings or directly in the tab. Chrome isn’t shy — it just respects boundaries.
Does Chrome allow internal audio recording?
No, Google’s browser doesn’t have any native sound capture tools. However, you can use various extensions and web services to access the features you need.
How do I enable recording in Chrome?
Install the extension. Log in to the relevant services and select the optimal settings if necessary. Make sure the websites you want to use have access to the microphone and audio system. Also, ensure that the use of the equipment is not prohibited at the operating system level.