The recording software you choose for a remote podcast affects more than just how you capture audio. It determines your editing workflow, how you handle guests, whether you can do video, and what happens when someone’s internet connection drops mid-recording. Riverside, Descript, and Squadcast are the three platforms that come up most often — and they’re designed for different things.
Quick Picks
Best overall for remote recording: Riverside.fm — from $19/month — local track recording at full quality, up to 4K video, progressive upload, no guest software required.
Best for editing and post-production: Descript — from $12/month — text-based editing, automatic filler word removal, Overdub AI voice, and Squadcast recording included.
Best entry-level option: Zencastr — from $20/month — browser-based separate track recording with a solid set of features for podcasters getting started with remote recording.
Quick Wins: What You Need at a Glance
Riverside is the best recording platform
Local recording on each participant’s device, up to 4K video, progressive upload (files save even if the call drops), and a clean guest link experience. For remote podcast recording specifically, it leads the category.
Descript is the best editing platform
Descript’s text-based editing — where you edit audio by editing a transcript — is genuinely different from a DAW. It also removes filler words automatically. It acquired Squadcast, so the combined product covers recording and editing in one subscription.
You may need both, or neither
If you record locally or in-person, you don’t need Riverside or Squadcast. If you do all your editing in a DAW like Audacity or GarageBand, you don’t need Descript. Know your workflow before subscribing.
Riverside vs Descript vs Squadcast: The Core Differences
Best for Remote Recording
Riverside.fm
Riverside.fm
Browser-based remote recording platform with local track capture at full quality — separate audio and video files per participant, up to 4K resolution, with progressive upload that protects recordings even when connections drop
Pros
- Local track recording on each participant’s device ensures full quality regardless of internet speed — the recording is captured at the source, not streamed and re-compressed over the network
- Progressive upload saves recordings continuously during the session — even if the connection drops entirely, the portion already recorded is preserved and resumes uploading automatically
- Up to 4K video with separate video and audio tracks per participant — the highest local recording quality of any browser-based platform for remote podcast production
- Browser-based with no guest software download required — guests click a link and record without creating an account or installing anything
- Separate audio tracks export cleanly per participant — each guest’s audio is an isolated file ready for independent processing, mixing, or noise reduction
Cons
- Standard plan starts at $19/month for watermark-free, full-resolution exports — more expensive than some alternatives at the entry level
- Editing tools are basic compared to Descript — Riverside is a recording platform, not a full post-production workflow, so editing still requires a separate tool
Bottom line: Riverside is the right choice for anyone who records remote podcasts with guests and wants the highest quality separate tracks without asking guests to install software. The local recording approach is the key technical advantage — what you capture on each device is the actual recording, not a re-compressed version of a video stream. Progressive upload means you’ll never lose a recording to a connection failure. If remote recording quality is your priority, Riverside leads the category.
Best for Editing and Post-Production
Descript
Descript
All-in-one podcast and video editing platform with text-based editing — cut, rearrange, and fix audio by editing a transcript, with AI-powered filler word removal, Overdub voice correction, and Squadcast remote recording included
Pros
- Text-based editing lets you cut, rearrange, and fix audio by editing a transcript — no waveform scrubbing or timeline editing required, which significantly reduces editing time for spoken-word content
- Automatic filler word removal detects and removes “um,” “uh,” and other filler sounds across the full recording in a single click — a feature not available in any traditional DAW
- Overdub AI voice model can generate replacement audio in your own voice — fix a mispronounced word or re-record a sentence without scheduling another session
- Includes Squadcast for remote recording at the Creator tier and above — one subscription covers recording sessions and the full post-production workflow without additional tools
- Works for both audio and video podcast production — edit video by editing the transcript the same way you edit audio, then export at up to 4K
Cons
- Learning curve for anyone used to traditional DAW-based editing — the text-based workflow is genuinely different and takes time to adjust to if you’ve worked in Audacity or Adobe Audition
- Transcription accuracy drops with heavy accents, crosstalk, or low-quality source audio — the text-based editing approach is only as good as the underlying transcription
Bottom line: Descript is the right tool if your editing bottleneck is time spent scrubbing through a waveform in a timeline editor. For spoken-word podcast content, the transcript-based approach genuinely speeds up the process — you read the transcript, delete the parts you don’t want, and the audio updates automatically. Filler word removal and Overdub add AI capabilities that no traditional DAW provides at any price. At $24/month for the Creator tier (which includes Squadcast), it’s a complete remote recording and editing solution. If you’re already efficient in a DAW and don’t need AI-assisted editing, the value case is weaker — but for anyone who finds editing slow or tedious, Descript is a meaningful improvement.
Best Entry-Level Option
Zencastr
Zencastr
Browser-based remote recording platform with separate audio tracks per participant, AI-powered editing tools, and an all-in-one approach that combines recording, editing, hosting, and distribution in a single subscription
Pros
- Browser-based recording with no guest software download required — participants join via link without creating an account or installing an application
- Separate audio tracks per participant with local recording in the browser — same fundamental approach as Riverside, capturing at each device rather than re-compressing a stream
- All-in-one platform that combines recording, AI editing, podcast hosting, and distribution — covers more of the podcasting workflow in a single subscription than most alternatives
- AI-powered filler word removal and social clip creation included in higher tiers — useful post-production tools without requiring a separate Descript subscription
Cons
- No longer offers a permanent free tier — plans now start at $20/month, which puts it at the same price point as Riverside’s Standard plan without the same recording quality ceiling
- Video support and advanced AI editing features are limited to higher-priced tiers — the $20/month entry tier doesn’t match Riverside or Descript at equivalent price points for video podcasting
Bottom line: Zencastr’s all-in-one approach is its strongest argument — recording, editing, hosting, and distribution in a single platform simplifies the workflow for podcasters who don’t want to manage multiple tools. The price point is competitive, though the removal of the permanent free tier changes the entry calculation. At $20/month versus Riverside’s $19/month, the comparison comes down to whether you value Zencastr’s hosting and distribution features over Riverside’s superior recording quality. For audio-focused podcasters who already have a hosting solution, Riverside is the stronger choice at this price.
Riverside vs Descript vs Squadcast: Platform Comparison
| Feature | Riverside.fm | Descript | Squadcast (via Descript) | Zencastr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Local recording | Yes | Via Squadcast | Yes | Yes |
| Video support | Yes (up to 4K) | Yes (up to 4K) | No | Yes (up to 1080p) |
| Text-based editing | No | Yes | No | No |
| Filler word removal | No | Yes | No | Yes (Grow+) |
| Free tier | Limited (2h/mo) | Limited (1h transcription) | No | No (14-day trial) |
| Podcast hosting | No | No | No | Yes |
| Starting price | $19/mo (annual) | $12/mo (annual) | Included w/ Descript | $20/mo |
Riverside vs Squadcast: Key Differences Explained
If you’re specifically weighing Riverside vs Squadcast (rather than all three platforms), here’s what you need to know: both are purpose-built for remote podcast recording with local track capture — meaning each guest’s audio records directly on their device, not over the internet. The quality ceiling is the same. The differences show up in workflow and pricing.
Riverside gives you a slicker studio interface, video recording up to 4K, and a built-in media player for clips. Squadcast is leaner and more editor-friendly — it integrates tightly with Descript if you’re already in that ecosystem. The key difference between Riverside and Squadcast comes down to whether you need video + audio in one place (Riverside) or want the simplest possible clean audio pipeline that hands off easily to your editing tool (Squadcast).
For podcasters who don’t edit video, Squadcast’s audio quality and Riverside’s audio quality are essentially identical — your decision is really about the surrounding features and which pricing tier fits your publish frequency.
Riverside, Descript, or Squadcast: Which Is Right for You?
The right choice depends on whether your priority is recording quality, editing efficiency, or an all-in-one workflow.
Choose Riverside if: You record with remote guests and want the highest quality separate tracks with the best-in-class recording reliability. Video podcasting is a priority, or you want 4K local recording per participant.
Choose Descript if: You want to edit your podcast by editing a text transcript and want AI-assisted filler word removal and voice correction. You’re willing to learn a new workflow in exchange for significantly faster editing.
Choose both if: You record on Riverside for the best possible track quality, then import into Descript for text-based editing. This is the highest-quality full workflow available without dedicated studio equipment.
Choose Zencastr if: You want recording, editing, hosting, and distribution in a single platform and don’t need Descript’s text-based editing or Riverside’s 4K video capability.
Riverside vs Descript: Which Has Better Editing Tools?
Descript is built around editing. Its transcription-based editor lets you cut audio by deleting text from a transcript, remove filler words automatically, and apply AI-powered tools like Studio Sound for noise reduction. If post-production efficiency is your main priority, Descript has a clear advantage.
Riverside focuses primarily on the recording experience. Its editing tools are more limited — you can trim clips and arrange segments, but it is not designed to replace a full audio editor. Most Riverside users export their recordings and edit in a separate tool like Descript, Audacity, or Adobe Audition.
Riverside vs Descript vs Squadcast: Full Pricing Breakdown
Pricing across all three platforms shifts regularly, so always check the current plan pages before committing. As of 2025, Riverside offers a free tier with limited recording hours, a Standard plan around $19 per month, and a Pro plan with higher video quality and more storage. Descript has a free tier with limited AI actions per month, a Creator plan around $24 per month, and a Business plan for teams. Squadcast is now bundled with Descript following its acquisition, so pricing has consolidated.
For solo podcasters on a budget, all three platforms have usable free tiers that let you test the workflow before spending anything. Run a test recording session on each before deciding.
Best Choice for Solo Podcasters, Interview Shows, and Teams
For solo podcasters who record commentary or monologue content, any of the three platforms work, and Descript may add the most value through its editing tools. For interview-format shows recording remote guests, Riverside and Squadcast both shine with their local track recording that protects audio quality even over a weak connection.
For teams producing multiple shows or managing high recording volume, a Descript Business plan with Squadcast integrated gives the most complete workflow from recording to publishing in a single ecosystem.
FAQ: Riverside vs Descript vs Squadcast
Does Riverside record locally or over the internet?
Riverside uses a hybrid approach. The video call itself runs over the internet like any video conference, but the actual recording happens locally on each participant’s device. Audio and video files are captured at full quality directly to the participant’s computer, then uploaded to Riverside’s servers progressively during the session. Even if someone’s internet connection drops mid-recording, the portion already recorded is not lost — it continues uploading once the connection recovers. This is why Riverside’s recording quality is independent of internet speed: the upload happens in the background, not in real-time during the recording.
What happened to Squadcast?
Squadcast was acquired by Descript in 2023. It continues to operate as a standalone product but is now integrated into Descript subscriptions — the Creator tier and above include Squadcast recording functionality at no additional cost. Squadcast’s core feature — separate high-quality audio tracks per participant with local recording — is preserved within the Descript ecosystem. If you’re evaluating Descript at the Creator level ($24/month), you’re already getting Squadcast included, which changes the comparison significantly: you get both remote recording and text-based editing in one subscription.
Is Descript worth it for a podcast?
Descript is worth it if your editing bottleneck is time spent scrubbing through a waveform in a timeline editor. The transcript-based approach genuinely speeds up editing for spoken-word content — you read through the text, delete what you don’t want, and the audio updates automatically. Filler word removal and Overdub voice correction add AI capabilities that no traditional DAW provides at any price. At $24/month for the Creator tier (which includes Squadcast), it’s a complete remote recording and editing solution. If you’re already efficient in Audacity or GarageBand and don’t need AI-assisted editing, the value case is weaker — but for anyone who finds editing slow or tedious, Descript is a meaningful improvement.
Can I use Riverside for free?
Riverside offers a limited free tier that includes up to 2 hours of recording per month, recording limited to 720p video, and watermarked exports. It’s sufficient for testing the platform or occasional low-volume use, but not practical for regular podcast production. The Standard plan at $19/month (billed annually) removes the watermark, increases resolution to 1080p, and provides unlimited recording hours — which is the minimum viable subscription for consistent use. The free tier is most useful for evaluating whether Riverside’s workflow fits your setup before committing to a paid plan.
What’s the best free alternative to Riverside?
The most capable free option for remote podcast recording with separate tracks is Riverside’s own free tier at 2 hours per month. Beyond that, Zoom records separate participant tracks on paid plans (starting at $15/month), and Audacity is free for local recording but has no built-in remote recording capability. For purely local recording, Audacity or GarageBand cover the basics at no cost. The honest answer is that free remote recording with genuinely separate tracks and reliable quality doesn’t exist — the platforms that do it well charge for it, typically in the $15–20/month range.
Do I need recording software if I record in-person?
No. If all participants are in the same room, you don’t need a remote recording platform. You need a microphone (or multiple microphones), an audio interface, and recording software installed on your computer — Audacity, GarageBand, or Adobe Audition. Riverside, Descript’s recording features via Squadcast, and Zencastr are designed for remote sessions where participants are in different locations. Descript’s editing capabilities apply regardless of how you originally recorded, so it may still be worth considering for post-production even if you record locally — but the recording platform itself is only relevant for remote setups.
What is the difference between Riverside and Descript for podcasting?
Riverside is primarily a recording platform — it captures high-quality local audio and video from remote guests with tracks kept separate for editing. Descript is an editing tool first, using AI transcription to let you edit audio by editing the transcript. Many podcasters use both: record on Riverside, edit in Descript. Squadcast is now part of the Descript ecosystem after being acquired.
Is Riverside or Squadcast better for podcast recording?
Since Descript acquired Squadcast, the two platforms share infrastructure and Squadcast is being integrated into Descript. Riverside remains fully independent with a more polished interface. For recording quality, both are comparable — Riverside has a slight edge in interface polish, while Squadcast/Descript integration is more convenient if Descript is already your editing tool.
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Both Riverside and Squadcast record locally on each participant’s device for lossless audio quality. The key differences: Riverside offers 4K video recording and a polished creator studio interface; Squadcast is more audio-focused and integrates directly with Descript for seamless editing. If video matters, choose Riverside. If you want the cleanest audio-only pipeline, Squadcast is the simpler choice.
Riverside.fm is better than Squadcast if you need video recording alongside audio — it handles both in one polished interface. Squadcast is better if you’re audio-only and want a straightforward recording pipeline that integrates cleanly with Descript. Both deliver equivalent audio quality through local recording, so the choice is really about workflow, not sound.
Can I try Riverside, Descript, or Squadcast for free before buying?
Yes — all three platforms offer free tiers or trials. Riverside allows limited recording hours on its free plan. Descript offers a limited number of AI actions and transcription minutes per month. Squadcast, now integrated with Descript, is accessible through Descript plans. Test each with a real recording session before committing to a paid tier.
Which platform is better for video podcasting — Riverside or Descript?
Riverside is the stronger choice for high-quality remote video recording. It captures local video files from each participant at up to 4K resolution, independent of internet connection quality. Descript focuses more on post-production editing of video content. Use Riverside to record, then import into Descript to edit if you want the best of both.
Does Squadcast record locally or stream through the browser?
Squadcast records audio locally in each participant’s browser and uploads the files separately to the cloud after the session. This means a weak internet connection during recording does not degrade the final audio quality. It is the same approach Riverside uses and is one of the strongest arguments for choosing these platforms over a basic video call.