The Zoom H5 sits in that sweet spot between overkill and not enough. It’s portable, expandable, records clean audio, and doesn’t ask much in return. It’s not the latest or flashiest recorder out there — but it still holds up.

You get dual XLR/TRS combo inputs, decent onboard mics, swappable mic capsules (if you’re into that), and a battery life that doesn’t ruin your day. The menus aren’t beautiful, but they make sense. The screen is tiny but readable. The buttons feel like buttons. It’s all very Zoom.

Sound quality is solid. Not pristine, not cinematic, but absolutely usable for interviews, ambient recording, location FX, or grabbing musical sketches when inspiration hits somewhere inconvenient. You’ll probably end up transferring the files into your DAW and EQing them anyway.

It’s been around for years, which means you can find it used, beat up, or bundled — and it still does exactly what you need it to.

Pros:

• Two XLR/TRS inputs with phantom power

• Interchangeable mic capsules

• Good sound for the size

• Battery-powered and USB-powered options

Cons:

• Interface feels a bit dated

• Plastic build, not invincible

• Not as compact as newer options

Verdict:
The Zoom H5 isn’t glamorous, but it’s reliable. It’s the kind of gear that disappears into your workflow — and that’s often the best kind.