Best Squadcast.fm Alternatives

SquadCast.fm has long been a popular choice for podcasters seeking a reliable platform to record high-quality audio and video remotely. With features like local recording, progressive uploads, and an intuitive interface, it’s easy to see why it has garnered a loyal user base. However, as the podcasting landscape evolves, creators are increasingly looking for alternatives that offer better pricing, enhanced features, or greater flexibility to suit their specific needs. Whether you’re a hobbyist on a budget, a professional seeking 4K video capabilities, or a team looking for advanced collaboration tools, there are plenty of SquadCast.fm alternatives worth exploring.

What is the Best Squadcast.fm Alternatives In 2025?

Here is my top picks for the Best squadcast.fm Alternatives for recording long distance podcast this year.

  • Riverside. FM
  • Zencastr
  • Streamyard
  • Cleanfeed
  • Restream studio
  • Zoom
  • Descript

I will start with my favorite squadcast.fm Alternatives for recording long distance podcast this year.

1. Riverside.fm

Riverside.fm has emerged as a powerhouse in the remote recording space, offering robust audio and video capabilities that rival—and in some cases surpass—SquadCast.fm. Designed with both podcasters and video creators in mind, Riverside.fm emphasizes high-quality local recordings and a feature-rich platform.

Key Features

  • Local Recording: Each participant’s audio and video are recorded locally in up to 48kHz WAV audio and 4K video resolution, ensuring top-tier quality regardless of internet stability.
  • Progressive Uploads: Files upload in real-time, minimizing the risk of data loss.
  • Live Streaming: Stream your recordings directly to platforms like YouTube, Twitch, or Facebook.
  • AI-Powered Tools: Includes automatic transcription, Magic Clips for creating short social media snippets, and a seamless editor.
  • Producer Mode: Allows a behind-the-scenes team member to monitor and manage the session without appearing in the recording.
  • Mobile App: Record on the go with iOS and Android support.

Pros

  • Superior video quality with 4K recording.
  • Comprehensive editing and repurposing tools save time in post-production.
  • Affordable pricing compared to SquadCast’s video tiers.
  • Supports up to 8 participants (1 host + 7 guests).

Cons

  • Some users report occasional audio sync issues.
  • Requires a stable internet connection for optimal performance during live streaming.

Pricing

  • Free: 60 minutes of recording (watermarked).
  • Standard: $19/month (5 hours of separate tracks, 1080p video).
  • Pro: $24/month (15 hours, 4K video, live streaming).
  • Enterprise: Custom pricing for larger teams.

Best For

Riverside.fm is ideal for professional podcasters and video creators who prioritize high-quality visuals and need tools to streamline content creation and distribution.

2. Zencastr

Zencastr is a veteran in the podcasting world, known for its simplicity and focus on delivering crystal-clear audio. While it has recently added video recording, its strength lies in its audio-first approach, making it a strong contender for SquadCast.fm users.

Key Features

  • High-Quality Audio: Records in 16-bit 48k WAV locally for each participant.
  • Video Recording: Supports up to 1080p video on paid plans.
  • Automatic Post-Production: Applies noise reduction, leveling, and enhancements with one click.
  • Cloud Backup: Automatically uploads recordings to Dropbox or Google Drive.
  • Unlimited Guests: No cap on participants, though performance may vary with larger groups.

Pros

  • User-friendly interface with minimal setup.
  • Free tier available for audio-only recording.
  • Robust post-production features save editing time.
  • Reliable audio quality trusted by seasoned podcasters.

Cons

  • Video quality lags behind Riverside.fm (no 4K option).
  • Limited advanced features compared to newer platforms.

Pricing

  • Free: Unlimited audio recording (MP3 quality, 2 guests).
  • Hobbyist: $20/month (WAV audio, 1080p video, 10 hours/month).
  • Professional: $45/month (unlimited recording, advanced features).

Best For

Zencastr suits audio-focused podcasters who want a straightforward, budget-friendly solution with solid post-production tools.

3. StreamYard

StreamYard is a browser-based recording and live-streaming platform that’s gained traction among podcasters for its ease of use and versatility. Unlike SquadCast.fm, it offers a free plan with video recording, making it accessible to creators at all levels.

Key Features

  • Browser-Based: No downloads required; works on any device with a browser.
  • Local Recording: Offers both cloud and local recording options.
  • Live Streaming: Broadcast to multiple platforms (YouTube, Facebook, etc.) simultaneously.
  • Custom Branding: Add logos, overlays, and backgrounds to your recordings.
  • Guest Invitations: Send a link for guests to join—no account needed.

Pros

  • Free plan includes video recording (up to 20 hours/month of cloud recording).
  • Highly stable and reliable, even with multiple participants.
  • Intuitive interface with quick setup.
  • Supports up to 10 participants on paid plans.

Cons

  • Audio quality (MP3) is lower than SquadCast’s WAV standard on the free plan.
  • Limited built-in editing tools.

Pricing

  • Free: 20 hours/month of cloud recording, 2 hours/month of local recording.
  • Basic: $20/month (unlimited streaming, 10 hours of local recording).
  • Professional: $39/month (higher limits, multi-streaming).

Best For

StreamYard is perfect for creators who want a free or low-cost option with live-streaming capabilities and don’t mind outsourcing advanced editing.

4. Cleanfeed

Cleanfeed is a lesser-known but highly effective alternative focused solely on audio recording. Built for live radio and podcast production, it offers multitrack recording in a browser-based environment without the complexity of video.

Key Features

  • Studio-Quality Audio: Records in high-bitrate stereo audio.
  • Multitrack Recording: Separate tracks for each participant.
  • No Software Required: Works entirely in the browser.
  • Free Tier: Unlimited connections and recording time with no account needed for guests.

Pros

  • Completely free for basic use.
  • Crystal-clear audio trusted by broadcasters worldwide.
  • Simple and lightweight, with no video overhead.

Cons

  • No video recording option.
  • Lacks advanced features like transcription or editing.

Pricing

  • Free: Unlimited use with basic features.
  • Pro: $22/month (multitrack recording, higher quality).

Best For

Cleanfeed is a great pick for budget-conscious audio-only podcasters who value simplicity and reliability.

5. Cast

Cast is a cloud-based platform that combines recording, editing, and hosting in one package. It’s designed to streamline the podcasting process, making it a compelling alternative to SquadCast.fm for creators who want an all-in-one solution.

Key Features

  • Local Recording: High-quality audio tracks for each participant.
  • Automatic Transcription: Converts recordings into text for easy repurposing.
  • Integrated Editor: Trim, enhance, and publish directly from the platform.
  • Hosting: Host your podcast with analytics included.

Pros

  • All-in-one workflow reduces the need for multiple tools.
  • Accurate transcription saves time.
  • Affordable pricing for small creators.

Cons

  • Video recording is limited compared to Riverside.fm or StreamYard.
  • Fewer advanced features for large-scale productions.

Pricing

  • Hobby: $10/month (10 hours of recording, unlimited editing).
  • Pro: $30/month (100 hours, advanced hosting stats).

Best For

Cast is ideal for solo podcasters or small teams looking for a simple, integrated podcasting solution.

6. Descript

Descript isn’t just a recording tool—it’s a full-fledged audio and video editing platform with recording capabilities. Its text-based editing and AI features make it a unique alternative to SquadCast.fm.

Key Features

  • Text-Based Editing: Edit audio and video by editing a transcript.
  • Overdub: Create AI-generated voiceovers from your voice.
  • Local Recording: High-quality audio and video tracks.
  • Collaboration: Team-friendly with cloud storage.

Pros

  • Revolutionary editing experience saves hours.
  • AI tools enhance creativity and efficiency.
  • Strong collaboration features.

Cons

  • Higher learning curve for new users.
  • Recording features are secondary to editing.

Pricing

  • Free: 1 hour of transcription/month.
  • Creator: $12/month (10 hours of transcription).
  • Pro: $24/month (30 hours, advanced features).

Best For

Descript is best for creators who want powerful editing alongside recording, especially for narrative or solo podcasts.

Comparison Table

PlatformAudio QualityVideo QualityFree TierStarting PriceBest Feature
Riverside.fm48kHz WAV4KYes$19/monthAI tools & 4K video
Zencastr16-bit 48k WAV1080pYes$20/monthAuto post-production
StreamYardMP3 (upgradable)1080pYes$20/monthLive streaming
CleanfeedHigh-bitrateNoneYes$22/month (Pro)Free audio recording
CastHigh-qualityLimitedNo$10/monthAll-in-one workflow
DescriptHigh-quality1080pYes$12/monthText-based editing

Final Thoughts

SquadCast.fm remains a solid choice for remote podcasting, but its alternatives offer compelling advantages in 2025. Riverside.fm stands out as the top pick for its blend of high-quality recording, advanced features, and competitive pricing—making it a worthy successor for creators seeking a premium experience. Zencastr and StreamYard cater to different ends of the spectrum, with Zencastr excelling in audio simplicity and StreamYard offering free versatility. Cleanfeed, Cast, and Descript round out the list with niche strengths for budget users, all-in-one workflows, and editing enthusiasts, respectively.

Ultimately, the best alternative depends on your goals, budget, and workflow. Test out free tiers where available, and don’t hesitate to experiment until you find the perfect fit. Happy podcasting!