Riverside vs. SquadCast

In the ever-expanding universe of podcasting, where over 464 million listeners tune in globally, the tools you choose can make or break your production. Whether you’re a solo creator crafting intimate audio stories or a team recording high-definition video interviews, remote recording platforms like Riverside and SquadCast have become indispensable. Both promise studio-quality results, seamless guest experiences, and robust features—but which one deserves your mic time? Let’s dive into an in-depth comparison of Riverside and SquadCast, exploring their strengths, quirks, and everything in between to help you pick the perfect partner for your podcasting journey.

Riverside, launched in 2019 by brothers Nadav and Gideon Keyson, burst onto the scene with a focus on both audio and video excellence, quickly attracting big names like Mark Zuckerberg and Hillary Clinton. SquadCast, founded in 2016 by Zachariah Moreno and Rockwell Felder, started as an audio-first platform before expanding into video, earning a loyal following for its reliability and simplicity. Both have carved out their niches, but how do they stack up head-to-head? Let’s break it down.

Features

Riverside

Riverside positions itself as a comprehensive solution for creators who want it all—pristine audio, stunning video, and a suite of editing tools. Its standout feature is local recording, where each participant’s audio and video are captured on their own device in uncompressed formats (48kHz WAV for audio and up to 4K for video). This ensures that internet hiccups don’t ruin your final product—a game-changer for remote sessions. Once recorded, files are uploaded to the cloud progressively, minimizing data loss risks.

Beyond recording, Riverside offers AI-powered tools like Magic Audio for noise removal, transcriptions, captions, and even a teleprompter feature to keep ad reads smooth. Its Media Board lets you drop in sound effects or jingles on the fly, while the Editor tool allows for quick post-production tweaks without leaving the platform. Add in mobile apps for iOS and Android, and Riverside feels like a Swiss Army knife for modern creators.

SquadCast

SquadCast, with its roots in audio recording, excels at delivering exceptional sound quality—also in 48kHz WAV format—via local recording and progressive cloud uploads. It’s designed to feel intuitive, with a “Green Room” feature where hosts and guests can prep their setups before hitting record. Like Riverside, it records separate tracks for each participant, making post-production a breeze.

While SquadCast has added video recording (up to 1080p), it’s not as robust as Riverside’s 4K offering. Its focus remains on simplicity and reliability, with features like echo cancellation and integrations with tools like Descript for editing. However, it lacks the built-in editing suite and advanced AI tools that Riverside boasts, positioning it as a more streamlined option.

Pricing: Value for Your Dollar

Riverside

Riverside’s pricing is a major draw, especially for budget-conscious creators. It offers a free tier with 2 hours of separate audio and video tracks (44.1kHz audio, watermarked video), giving you a taste of its capabilities. Paid plans start at $19/month (Standard) for 5 hours of recording, jump to $29/month (Pro) for 15 hours with full features, and scale up to $99/month (Business) for 60 hours plus team collaboration tools. Annual billing shaves off a few bucks, making it competitively priced for what you get.

The lack of separate audio-only and video plans simplifies decision-making—no need to guess how much video you’ll use. Plus, Riverside’s generous hour allotments and included editing features add significant value.

SquadCast

SquadCast takes a different approach, with no free tier but a 7-day trial to test the waters. Its plans are split into audio-only and audio+video tiers, which can feel confusing. Audio-only starts at $10/month for 2 hours, scaling to $150/month for 25 hours. Audio+video plans begin at $20/month (Creator) for 5 hours, rise to $40/month (Pro) for 12 hours, and top out at $125/month (Studio) for 25 hours. Custom enterprise options are available too.

SquadCast’s pricing feels steeper, especially since it doesn’t include editing tools or match Riverside’s recording-hour generosity. For creators needing video, the jump from Riverside’s $29 Pro plan (15 hours) to SquadCast’s $40 Pro plan (12 hours) is hard to justify.

Usability: Who’s Easier to Handle?

Riverside

Riverside’s interface is a breath of fresh air—sleek, modern, and easy to navigate. Setting up a session is as simple as logging into your browser (Chrome recommended), creating a studio, and sending guests a link. No downloads required, and the mobile apps add flexibility. The dashboard is uncluttered, with a waiting room to check audio/video inputs before recording. Features like the big red record button and tabbed workflows might take a minute to get used to, but they rarely confuse.

Guests love the simplicity too—just click the link, tweak settings in the waiting room, and go. Riverside’s AI tools and Editor are seamlessly integrated, though some users note occasional quirks like upload delays or sync issues.

SquadCast

SquadCast prides itself on ease of use, and it mostly delivers. The browser-based platform (no mobile app yet) offers a clean setup process: create a session, invite guests via link, and enter the Green Room to prep. It’s a no-fuss experience that guests appreciate—no accounts or downloads needed.

However, the dashboard can feel less polished than Riverside’s, with a stage/backstage system that might trip up new users. Some report technical glitches, like audio routing sticking to system defaults, which can frustrate tech-savvy hosts. Overall, it’s reliable but lacks the finesse of Riverside’s design.

Quality and Reliability: Sound and Vision

Riverside

Riverside shines in quality. Its 48kHz WAV audio is crisp and professional, rivaling in-studio setups. The 4K video recording is a standout, perfect for YouTubers or video podcasters who want sharp visuals unaffected by internet lag. Reliability is strong, though rare reports of data loss or sync issues pop up—usually tied to user error or unstable connections during upload.

SquadCast

SquadCast’s audio quality is equally impressive, with 48kHz WAV files that sound pristine. Its progressive upload system adds an extra layer of security, reducing the chance of lost recordings. Video, at 1080p, is solid but doesn’t match Riverside’s 4K clarity, making it less ideal for video-first creators. Past reliability hiccups have been noted, though recent updates have smoothed things out.

Strengths and Weaknesses: The Nitty-Gritty

Riverside Strengths :

4K video and 48kHz audio for top-tier quality.
AI tools (transcriptions, captions, noise removal) and built-in editing.
Competitive pricing with a free tier and generous hours.
Mobile apps for on-the-go recording.

Riverside Weaknesses:

Occasional upload or sync glitches.
Workflow (e.g., multiple tabs) can feel unconventional.
No advanced multi-track editing built-in.

SquadCast Strengths:

Exceptional audio quality with reliable uploads.
Simple, guest-friendly setup.
Strong community focus and customer support.
Echo cancellation and editing integrations.

SquadCast Weaknesses:

Higher pricing with no free tier.
Limited to 1080p video, trailing Riverside.
No mobile app or built-in editing suite.
Past technical issues linger in user memory.

Ideal Use Cases: Who Should Choose What?

When to Pick Riverside

Riverside is your go-to if you’re a multimedia creator who values video as much as audio. Its 4K recording and editing tools make it ideal for video podcasts, YouTube content, or polished productions needing quick turnarounds. Budget-conscious beginners will appreciate the free tier and affordable plans, while its mobile apps suit creators on the move. If you want a one-stop shop that handles recording and light editing, Riverside’s your match.

When to Pick SquadCast

SquadCast excels for audio-focused podcasters who prioritize simplicity and sound quality over flashy features. Its reliability and guest-friendly design make it perfect for interview-heavy shows or creators with less tech-savvy collaborators. If you’re willing to pay a premium for stellar support and don’t need 4K video or built-in editing, SquadCast fits like a glove.

Community and Support: The Human Touch

Riverside offers decent support via chat and a knowledge base, but it’s not known for hand-holding. SquadCast, however, shines here—its team is vocal, engaged, and runs community events like Office Hours. If you value a personal connection with your tool’s creators, SquadCast has the edge.

Final Thoughts: Riverside Takes the Lead (For Now)

In 2025, Riverside emerges as the stronger contender for most creators. Its blend of high-quality audio and video, affordable pricing, and versatile features outpaces SquadCast’s more focused, audio-centric approach. While SquadCast holds its own with reliability and simplicity, its higher cost and lack of advanced tools make it less competitive in today’s multimedia landscape.

That said, the choice isn’t one-size-fits-all. Test both with their trials—Riverside’s free tier and SquadCast’s 7-day offer—to see what clicks for your workflow. Whether you’re chasing 4K glory or pristine audio with minimal fuss, these platforms prove remote podcasting can rival any studio setup. So, grab your mic, invite your guests, and let your story shine—whichever tool you choose.