We were not sponsored or endorsed by Zoom. However, we were sent the unit for free as we requested one for testing. The links on this page aren't affiliate links.
Should You Upgrade to the Zoom H5studio?
If you already own the Zoom H5 Handy Recorder, you might be wondering whether the newer Zoom H5studio is worth the upgrade. In this video I show you a side-by-side comparison of the two recorders. looking at features, sound quality, durability and ergonomics.
Below is a breakdown of the key points, plus some takeaways to help you decide whether to upgrade.
What Is Being Compared
The original Zoom H5: a well-established portable recorder used by podcasters, field recordists, videographers, etc.
The new Zoom H5studio: the newer model, which builds on the H5’s features, with some modifications and enhancements.
Key Comparison Criteria
Below are the main areas the video covers when comparing the two:
- Form Factor & Build
- Inputs, Controls & Features
- Sound Quality & Signal Chain
- Usability / Workflow
- Value
1. Form Factor & Build
The H5studio maintains much of the compactness of the original H5. The overall size and ergonomics are quite similar however the XY microphones are considerably bigger in size.
There are tweaks in materials, finish, and possibly internal layout (to accommodate new circuitry or components). The new H5studio no longer has the rubber coating which some users have found gets sticky over time.
The new H5studio feels familiar to the H5. Nothing wildly different in shape or weight however the plastic feels a little less robust.
In short: you won’t have to relearn how to hold or mount the unit.
2. Inputs, Controls & Features
Both units offer multiple XLR / TRS inputs, allowing for external mic or line sources.
The H5studio introduces some new refinements: better preamps, 32 bit recording and a maximum sample rate of 192kHz on all 4 channels.
One of the key upgrades appears to be in how the preamps or internal gain stages are handled (less noise, more headroom). It's stated on the Zoom website that the new H5studio has the F Series preamps which you find in recorders like the Zoom F6 and the F3. Both great sounding devices.
The new H5studio loses a few features including the tuner and the metronome which are fun tools to experiment with.
Essentially, the H5studio gives you improvements in the control and signal chain territory, rather than a radical overhaul. I was mainly interested in the pre-amps and i'm thoroughly impressed.
3. Sound Quality & Signal Chain
In the video I test both recorders under similar conditions to compare noise floor, dynamic range, and clarity.
The H5studio seems to have a lower self-noise (i.e. quieter background), which can matter when recording ambient sound and quiet dialogue like I demonstrate in the video.
There’s better headroom, meaning the newer device handles louder peaks without distortion.
The difference is there, but depending on your use case (e.g. rough voiceovers, casual usage), you might or might not notice it.
If your recordings are already “good enough” on the H5, the upgrade gives you room to push further into more demanding scenarios like recording a dawn chorus in a quiet woodland or loud cars at a race track.
4. Usability / Workflow
Because the form and control layout are similar, workflow is not dramatically disrupted.
Some adjustments in menu navigation, button response and LED indication are a bit smoother on the H5studio. However, the screen is much more difficult to see in bright daylight. I'm a bit old school and prefer the older looking screens. But that's just my preference.
The layout is super easy though, you will pick it up in a matter of minutes and quickly know where everything is. Not a massive amount of menu diving.
Speaking of connectivity, the new H5s has bluetooth capability which I have used to sync timecode. This is really handy for solo filmmaking.
I would like to see POLY WAV files introduced to the H-Series recorders. It's already a thing on the F-Series recorders like the F3, F6 & F8 but on the H-Series when you record 4 tracks simultaniously, the best you're left with is two stereo files in a folder. I find this a bit clunky when renaming and adding metadata to files after a recording session. I'd like to see POLY WAV files introduced in a future firmware update if possible.
5. Value Proposition
This is where you balance cost vs benefit.
Pros of upgrading:
- Quieter preamps / lower noise which is useful in delicate recording conditions.
- Better headroom and robustness for loud sources.
- Slight usability improvements.
- It gives you a future-proofing edge (newer hardware, possibly longer support).
- 32 bit recording.
Cons / what to consider:
- If your current H5 meets your needs, the upgrade may not be worth it.
- The cost difference might be better spent on external mics or accessories like a wind fluffy.
Conclusion & Recommendation
If you’re someone who pushes your gear in challenging recording environments like quiet scenes, demanding dynamic sources or ambient field recording. Then the Zoom H5studio gives you worthwhile improvements in noise performance with the updated pre-amps and extra headroom with the new mic capsules and 32bit.
However, if your use is more forgiving (podcasts, voiceovers, casual field recording), your existing Zoom H5 likely still does the job, and the upgrade won’t massively change your end result.
So ask yourself:
- Do you need lower noise and more headroom today (or think you'll need them soon)?
- Are the new updates enough to justify the upgrade cost in your workflow?
- Could your money be better spent elsewhere in your audio chain (new mic or wind fluffy accessories)?
We were not sponsored or endorsed by Zoom and the links on this page aren't affiliate links.