Tab Audio Recorder: record the audio of any Chrome tab
Tab Audio Recorder is a simple Chrome extension that records the audio of a single browser tab in a few clicks. It captures only the sound of the tab you choose, not your microphone or the whole system, so there is no background noise. Recordings are saved as MP3 or WebM on your device and are never uploaded anywhere.
- Browser
- Google Chrome
- Formats
- Stereo MP3 and WebM
- Shortcut
- Alt+Shift+U to start and stop
- Languages
- English and Spanish
- Privacy
- 100% local. No account, no analytics, no server
- Price
- Free
Why record a browser tab instead of your whole screen?
- No virtual audio devices to set up.
- No notification sounds or other apps in your recording.
- No account, login or registration.
- No limits or watermarks.
How to install and use it
- Install it from the Chrome Web Store and pin it to the toolbar if you want it one click away.
- Open the tab with the audio you want to record: a course, a webinar, a video.
- Start recording from the extension icon (Record this tab) or with Alt+Shift+U. A REC badge appears on the icon while it records.
- Pause and resume if you need to. Stop with the same button or shortcut.
- Choose Save as MP3 or Save as WebM. Or, in Settings, make the shortcut save straight away in your favourite format.
- If you need a different shortcut, change it in chrome://extensions/shortcuts.
Features
- Clean, high-quality audio. It captures the tab's digital audio stream directly, so there is no room noise or microphone echo.
- MP3 or WebM. Stereo MP3 for players, editors and phones; WebM for an instant save.
- Pause and resume without starting a new file.
- Keyboard shortcut. Alt+Shift+U starts and stops recording without leaving what you're watching. Optionally, it saves as MP3 or WebM as soon as you stop.
- Save where you want. Choose the folder for each file, or turn off the dialog and send them straight to your Downloads folder.
- You keep listening to the tab while it records, and a REC badge on the toolbar icon tells you it is recording.
- Nothing is lost by accident. If you close the tab or cancel the save dialog, the recording is kept so you can save it.
What people use it for
- Online courses and e-learning: save lectures to listen to again offline or while commuting.
- Webinars and live events: keep the audio of a session for review or training.
- Language learning: save pronunciation examples, dialogues and listening exercises.
- Music and sound references: record snippets from web synths, tools or sample libraries.
- Browser meetings: where allowed, keep the audio of a web call to review the key points. It records what plays in the tab, not your microphone.
Always check the law and the platform's terms before recording, and only record what you are allowed to.
Privacy
- It does not collect, store or send any personal information, usage data or audio to any server.
- Capture and WebM/MP3 conversion happen inside your browser. Your recordings only leave your computer if you share them.
- No analytics, tracking pixels or third-party sharing.
Built and maintained by AGENCIA RSE, a WordPress and custom software studio in A Coruña, Spain. See all our extensions
Frequently asked questions
Does Tab Audio Recorder record my microphone?
No. It records only the audio of the tab you choose.
Does it record video?
No, only audio, in WebM or MP3.
Where are my recordings saved?
Wherever you choose in the save dialog. If you turn off "Ask where to save each file" in Settings, they go straight to your Downloads folder.
Is the MP3 stereo?
Yes. Since version 1.1 the MP3 keeps both channels, at 192 kbps.
Can I change the Alt+Shift+U shortcut?
Yes, in chrome://extensions/shortcuts.
Is my audio uploaded anywhere?
No. Everything happens locally in your browser.
Is it free?
Yes. No account, no subscription and no watermarks.
Is it legal to record a tab?
It depends on the content and where you are. Check the platform's terms and the law, and record only what you have the right to.
Need a custom extension?
We build browser extensions to order for teams that repeat the same task in the browser every day: Manifest V3, Chrome, Edge and Firefox, published and maintained.
Your first consultation is free. We look at what you tell us and reply within 48 business hours.