Riverside.fm and Zencastr

ByObeydul Haque

As podcasting continues to grow in popularity, creators are increasingly seeking reliable tools to produce high-quality audio and video content remotely. Two platforms that frequently come up in discussions are Riverside.fm and Zencastr. Both are designed to simplify remote recording, offering features like local recording, separate tracks, and user-friendly interfaces. But which one is the better choice for your podcasting needs in 2025? In this  review, we’ll compare Riverside.fm and Zencastr across key aspects such as features, pricing, performance, ease of use, and customer support, helping you decide which tool reigns supreme.

Riverside.fm and Zencastr

Riverside.fm

Launched in 2020 by brothers Nadav and Gideon Keyson, Riverside.fm has quickly established itself as a go-to platform for podcasters and content creators who prioritize both audio and video quality. Riverside.fm markets itself as a comprehensive solution for recording studio-quality content remotely, with support for up to 4K video and 48kHz WAV audio. Its standout feature is local recording, which ensures that the quality of your recording isn’t compromised by internet instability. The platform has gained traction among high-profile users like Guy Raz, Spotify, and The New York Times, showcasing its appeal to both individual creators and large organizations.

Riverside.fm isn’t just about recording—it’s packed with additional tools like AI-powered editing, live streaming, transcriptions, and a media board for adding pre-recorded clips. It’s a versatile platform that caters to podcasters looking to diversify their content across audio and video formats.

Zencastr

Founded in 2016 by engineer Josh Nielsen, Zencastr has a longer history in the podcasting space and has built a reputation as a reliable, audio-focused recording tool. Initially designed for podcasters who needed high-quality audio without the complexity of video, Zencastr has evolved over the years to include video recording capabilities (up to 1080p). It’s known for its simplicity and separate track recording, which makes post-production a breeze. High-profile users like John Lee Dumas of Entrepreneur on Fire have praised its consistency.

While Zencastr has traditionally been an audio-first platform, recent updates have brought it closer to competitors like Riverside.fm by adding video recording and automatic post-production features. However, it still leans toward creators who prioritize ease of use and audio quality over advanced video functionality.

Feature Comparison

Audio Quality

Both Riverside.fm and Zencastr excel at delivering high-quality audio, but there are subtle differences.

  • Riverside.fm: Offers uncompressed 48kHz WAV audio recorded locally on each participant’s device. This ensures pristine sound quality, even if someone’s internet connection falters during the session. Riverside also includes automatic noise suppression settings to minimize background noise, though it’s not foolproof and still requires a quiet recording environment.
  • Zencastr: Provides lossless 16-bit 44.1kHz WAV audio for paid users (free users are limited to 128Kbps MP3). Like Riverside, it records separate tracks locally, ensuring that audio remains clear regardless of connectivity issues. Zencastr’s automatic post-production tool enhances tracks with leveling, noise suppression, and dynamic range adjustments, giving it a slight edge for users who want quick fixes without external software.

Verdict: Riverside.fm edges out Zencastr slightly with its higher 48kHz audio capability, but Zencastr’s post-production tools make it more convenient for audio-focused podcasters.

Video Quality

Video recording is where the two platforms diverge significantly.

  • Riverside.fm: Supports up to 4K video resolution, making it ideal for video podcasters or creators who want to repurpose content for YouTube or social media. Local recording ensures that video quality isn’t degraded by internet issues, and features like screen sharing and live streaming add versatility.
  • Zencastr: Offers video recording up to 1080p, which is sufficient for most podcasters but falls short of Riverside’s 4K capability. Video was a later addition to Zencastr, and while it’s functional, it feels less polished than its audio features.

Verdict: Riverside.fm is the clear winner for video quality and versatility, making it the better choice for creators who need both audio and video.

Local Recording and Separate Tracks

Both platforms use local recording to capture audio and video on each participant’s device before uploading to the cloud, minimizing the risk of glitches or dropouts.

  • Riverside.fm: Records separate audio and video tracks for up to eight participants, giving editors maximum flexibility. It also provides a cloud backup in case local files fail.
  • Zencastr: Records separate audio tracks for up to five participants (video tracks are included in paid plans). While reliable, it doesn’t offer the same participant capacity as Riverside.

Verdict: Riverside.fm takes the lead with support for more participants and a robust cloud backup system.

Editing Tools

Post-production is a critical part of podcasting, and both platforms offer tools to streamline the process.

  • Riverside.fm: Features a “Magic Editor” that uses AI to stitch together separate tracks, create clips, and enhance recordings. It also offers transcriptions in over 100 languages, captions, and a media board for adding pre-recorded audio or video clips during recording. However, it lacks comprehensive built-in editing tools, so advanced edits require external software.
  • Zencastr: Includes an “Automatic Postproduction” feature that mixes tracks and applies enhancements like noise suppression and leveling. Paid users get up to 10 hours of editing per month, while hobbyists can purchase credits. Zencastr also offers unlimited English transcriptions for Professional plan users.

Verdict: Riverside.fm’s AI-powered tools and media board give it an edge for modern, multi-format content creation, but Zencastr’s post-production suite is simpler and more audio-focused.

Live Streaming and Additional Features

  • Riverside.fm: Supports live streaming to multiple platforms (e.g., YouTube, Twitch), making it a great choice for creators who want real-time audience interaction. Other features include a teleprompter, async recording (for guests who can’t join live), and studio branding options.
  • Zencastr: Lacks live streaming but offers a soundboard for live editing (e.g., adding intros or ads) and built-in VoIP chat for real-time communication during recording.

Verdict: Riverside.fm’s live streaming and advanced features make it more versatile, while Zencastr’s soundboard is a niche perk for audio podcasters.

Ease of Use

  • Riverside.fm: Boasts an intuitive interface with a dashboard for managing studios and recordings. Guests join via a simple link, and mobile apps (iOS and Android) add flexibility. However, it’s Chrome-only on desktop, which may limit some users.
  • Zencastr: Known for its straightforward, beginner-friendly design. Guests join via a link, and it supports multiple browsers (Chrome, Edge, Brave). There’s no mobile app, but the web interface is clean and easy to navigate.

Verdict: Zencastr wins for simplicity and browser compatibility, while Riverside.fm offers more flexibility with mobile support.

Pricing

Riverside.fm

  • Free Plan: 60 minutes of recording (one-time use), 720p video, 44.1kHz MP3 audio.
  • Standard Plan: $19/month (or $15/month annually) – 5 hours of recording, 4K video, 48kHz WAV audio.
  • Pro Plan: $24/month (or $19/month annually) – 15 hours of recording, plus transcriptions and live streaming.
  • Business Plan: Custom pricing for teams with advanced features.

Zencastr

  • Free Plan: Unlimited recording, 720p video, 128Kbps MP3 audio.
  • Hobbyist Plan: $20/month – 10 hours of recording, 1080p video, 16-bit 44.1kHz WAV audio, post-production credits available.
  • Professional Plan: $45/month – Unlimited recording, transcriptions, and advanced features.

Verdict: Zencastr’s free plan is more generous for audio-only users, while Riverside.fm’s paid plans offer better value for video podcasters. Zencastr’s Professional plan is pricier but includes unlimited recording, which may appeal to frequent creators.

Performance and Reliability

Riverside.fm

Riverside.fm has a strong reputation for reliability, with local recording ensuring consistent quality. However, some users report occasional glitches—like audio dropouts or upload delays—especially during live calls. Customer support is generally praised for responsiveness, though response times can vary.

Zencastr

Zencastr is known for its stability, particularly for audio recording. Past outages were a concern, but recent updates have improved reliability. Video recording can occasionally experience sync issues, requiring manual adjustments in post-production. Support is solid, with quick email responses and a helpful knowledge base.

Verdict: Both platforms are reliable, but Zencastr has a slight edge for audio consistency, while Riverside.fm excels in video performance.

Customer Support 

  • Riverside.fm: Offers live chat, email support, and a wealth of learning resources (tutorials, blogs). The active user community provides additional tips and troubleshooting.
  • Zencastr: Relies on email support and an online knowledge base. Responses are prompt, and the community is engaged, though it lacks the live chat option of Riverside.

Verdict: Riverside.fm wins with more support channels and resources.

Who Should Choose Riverside.fm?

Riverside.fm is ideal for:

  • Video podcasters needing 4K resolution and live streaming.
  • Creators who want AI-powered editing and multi-format content (e.g., YouTube, social media clips).
  • Teams or professionals requiring advanced features like studio branding and async recording.

Pros:

  • Superior video quality (4K).
  • Robust feature set (live streaming, AI tools).
  • Mobile app support.

Cons:

  • Chrome-only on desktop.
  • Limited free plan.
  • Occasional technical glitches.

Who Should Choose Zencastr?

Zencastr is best for:

  • Audio-focused podcasters who prioritize simplicity and reliability.
  • Beginners or hobbyists on a budget, thanks to the generous free plan.
  • Creators who don’t need advanced video features.

Pros:

  • Simple, beginner-friendly interface.
  • Strong audio post-production tools.
  • Multi-browser support.

Cons:

  • Lower video resolution (1080p).
  • Fewer advanced features.
  • No mobile app.

Final Thoughts : Riverside.fm vs. Zencastr in 2025

Choosing between Riverside.fm and Zencastr depends on your podcasting goals. If you’re a modern creator who wants to blend high-quality audio and video, Riverside.fm is the superior choice. Its 4K video, live streaming, and AI tools make it a powerhouse for multi-platform content creation, despite a steeper learning curve and browser limitation. It’s the platform for those looking to future-proof their podcast with video and social media potential.

Zencastr, on the other hand, shines as an audio-first tool that’s reliable, affordable, and easy to use. It’s perfect for traditional podcasters who don’t need advanced video features and prefer a straightforward workflow. While it’s playing catch-up in the video department, its simplicity and generous free tier keep it competitive.

In 2025, Riverside.fm takes the crown for versatility and innovation, but Zencastr remains a strong contender for audio purists. 

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