Yes. The free tier includes 128 and 192 kbps recording quality with a 30-minute recording limit per session. An optional Pro upgrade ($9.99 one-time, not a subscription) unlocks 320 kbps studio quality and unlimited recording time.
Simple Audio Capture works with Google Chrome and Chromium-based browsers (Edge, Brave, Arc, Opera, Vivaldi). It requires the Chrome Tab Capture API, so it does not work in Firefox or Safari.
No. The extension captures audio directly from the browser tab using the Tab Capture API. Your microphone is never accessed or requested.
You can choose from three MP3 bitrates: 128 kbps, 192 kbps (default), and 320 kbps (Pro). Higher bitrates produce larger files but better audio quality. There is also a volume boost option (1.5x, 2x, or 3x) if the source audio is quiet.
Yes. Once installed, the extension records and encodes entirely offline. No internet connection is needed. The only network request the extension ever makes is a one-time Pro license validation if you choose to upgrade.
Free users can record up to 30 minutes per session. You’ll see a countdown warning in the last 5 minutes, and the recording auto-saves when the limit is reached. Pro users have no time limit — recording length is only constrained by disk space and system memory.
Recordings are saved to your default Downloads folder as MP3 files. The filename includes a timestamp so you can easily find your recordings.
No. Audio is encoded locally in your browser and saved directly to your computer. There are no analytics and no tracking inside the extension. The only network activity is a one-time license key validation if you activate Pro. See the Privacy Policy for full details.
If you have Enhanced Safe Browsing enabled in Chrome, you may see a “Proceed with caution” warning when installing. This is normal for newer extensions on the Chrome Web Store. It is not a security issue with the extension itself. Google’s system requires developers to build a track record of compliance over several months before granting “trusted” status. Simple Audio Capture requests only the minimum permissions needed, records audio entirely on your device, and sends no data anywhere. You can safely click “Continue to install.” For more details, see our Privacy Policy.
Install it from the Chrome Web Store. Click “Add to Chrome” and you’re ready to go.
The extension records audio from one browser tab at a time. It cannot capture system-wide audio or audio from desktop applications — only what is playing inside a Chrome tab. To record a different tab, stop the current recording first and start a new one on the other tab.