# Plaud NotePin S review

By [David Wilson](https://testbenchlab.com/authors/david-wilson/). Updated 2026-10-02. Assessment: researched.

Price: $179 at Plaud store (checked 2026-10-02).

## Verdict

Plaud NotePin S is our wearable choice within Plaud’s range. Its physical button and highlighting control suit people who want recording close at hand, although Notta Memo remains our overall recorder preference.

This researched assessment uses published specifications. It does not claim a first-hand laboratory test; the Testbench score is an editorial rating, not a measurement.

## NotePin S vs the original NotePin: what the extra $20 buys

Plaud describes the S upgrade as a tactile button, press-to-highlight control and the full set of wearing accessories. The recording platform is shared, so the upgrade is mainly about interaction. Buy it for easier physical control rather than expecting a wholly new transcription engine.

## Wearing it: clip, wristband and lanyard

Choose a position that keeps the recorder stable and its microphones exposed. A clip or lanyard can keep it near speech; a wrist position moves more and may be farther from other speakers. Comfortable attachment matters because a wearable only helps if you keep wearing it.

## Recording quality on the move

Movement adds clothing friction, handling noise and changing distances. Avoid covering the recorder with a collar or sleeve. A short trial recording in your usual wearing position is more informative than a language count or an AI accuracy claim on the box.

## Battery life

Plaud rates NotePin S at up to 20 hours of continuous recording. This is an advertised maximum. A wearable recording throughout the day has different charging needs from a device used only for scheduled meetings.

## Plaud plans

NotePin S uses Plaud’s transcription service. The device is not a route around the service’s minute allowances: choose the plan according to how much audio you process. Our subscription guide explains the options without requiring you to repeat the same calculation for each Plaud model.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the difference between Plaud NotePin and NotePin S?

The S adds a tactile recording button, press-to-highlight and more included wearing accessories. Plaud lists the same core battery and storage specifications.

### Can Plaud NotePin record phone calls?

It is primarily a wearable for surrounding speech, rather than a card recorder with direct phone-call capture. Use a supported call-recording method for that task.

### Is the NotePin S waterproof?

Do not treat it as a waterproof swimming or shower device. Follow the current manufacturer care instructions and keep it away from immersion.

## Related reading

- [AI voice recorders](https://testbenchlab.com/categories/ai-voice-recorders/)
- [Plaud vs Pocket: which AI recorder should you buy?](https://testbenchlab.com/compare/plaud-vs-pocket/)
- [Plaud Note Pro vs NotePin S: card or wearable?](https://testbenchlab.com/compare/plaud-note-pro-vs-notepin-s/)
- [The best AI voice recorders of 2026](https://testbenchlab.com/best/best-ai-voice-recorders/)

## Sources

1. [Plaud NotePin S specifications](https://www.plaud.ai/products/plaud-notepin-s)
2. [What changed in NotePin S](https://uk.plaud.ai/blogs/articles/plaud-notepin-vs-plaud-notepin-s)

Cite as: Wilson, D. (2026). Plaud NotePin S review. Testbench Lab. https://testbenchlab.com/reviews/plaud-notepin-s-review/