Skype Recorder

Skype Recorder is, as you would expect, an audio recording application that can record and play back any Skype call. Despite the name, Skype Recorder can also work with most other VoIP based apps such as AIM, ICQ, MSN, and so on. Skype Recorder installs without a hitch, but .NET Framework needs to be in place.

The Skype Recorder interface is pretty basic (and not very attractive). There are three buttons to record, pause and stop recording. There's a section of the interface for setting the function hot key for these capabilities, as well. Finally, you have three options for automatically recording calls, playing back the audio automatically after recording and saving, and minimizing Skype Recorder. There's also a nag for upgrading to the paid application, which will cost you $24.95. If you want to use the free version you still need to register and get a registration code, providing payment information in advance, and then cancel if you don't want the full version.

Skype Recorder did record calls off Skype and ICQ in our tests, and the quality was quite good (although there were some compression artifacts when the calls got busy), but having to pay in advance is annoying (and not very well disclosed when you sign up). There are other apps that do the same thing, for less.

Editors' note: This is a review of the trial version of Skype Recorder 13.0.