Squadcast vs. Riverside FM

The world of podcasting has evolved dramatically over the past decade, with remote recording platforms becoming essential tools for creators. In 2025, two standout options in this space are Squadcast and Riverside FM. Both platforms promise high-quality audio and video recording, user-friendly interfaces, and features tailored to the needs of podcasters, but they cater to slightly different audiences and use cases. In this review, we’ll dive deep into the features, performance, pricing, pros, cons, and overall value of Squadcast and Riverside FM to help you decide which is the best fit for your podcasting journey.

Squadcast and Riverside FM

Squadcast: The Audio-First Pioneer

Squadcast launched in 2016, founded by Zachariah Moreno and Rockwell Felder, with a mission to simplify remote audio recording for podcasters. Initially designed as an audio-only platform, Squadcast has since expanded to include video capabilities, though its roots remain firmly in delivering pristine audio quality. It’s known for its reliability, straightforward interface, and a community-driven approach that emphasizes customer support and user feedback.

Squadcast’s core philosophy revolves around making remote recording feel as seamless as an in-person studio session. It uses local recording technology with progressive uploads to ensure that audio and video files are preserved in high quality, even if an internet connection falters. Over the years, Squadcast has built a loyal following among podcasters who prioritize audio fidelity and ease of use.

Riverside FM: The Video-Centric Innovator

Riverside FM, founded in 2019 by brothers Nadav and Gideon Keyson, entered the market with a broader vision: to provide a robust solution for both audio and video recording. From the start, Riverside was built to handle high-definition video (up to 4K) alongside uncompressed audio, making it a favorite among creators who produce content for platforms like YouTube as well as traditional podcast feeds. Its user base includes high-profile names like Michelle Obama, Tim Ferriss, and major media outlets such as The New York Times and Spotify.

Riverside’s approach combines local recording with a suite of post-production tools, including AI-driven editing features, transcriptions, and live streaming capabilities. It’s positioned as an all-in-one platform that appeals to podcasters, video creators, and businesses looking to produce professional-grade content remotely.

Feature Comparison

Audio Quality

Both Squadcast and Riverside FM prioritize studio-quality audio, but their approaches differ slightly.

Squadcast: Squadcast records audio in WAV format with a focus on real-time progressive uploads. This ensures that even if a participant’s internet drops, the recording up to that point is safely stored in the cloud. Its built-in echo cancellation (when headphones aren’t used) and high-quality local recordings make it a go-to for audio-first podcasters. Users consistently praise its ability to deliver crisp, clear sound that rivals in-person studio setups.
Riverside FM: Riverside also uses local recording to capture uncompressed 48kHz WAV audio files, which are ideal for post-production editing. Its audio quality is exceptional, and the platform’s design ensures that quality isn’t compromised by internet instability. Riverside’s edge lies in its ability to handle larger groups (up to eight participants) without sacrificing audio fidelity, making it suitable for complex multi-guest episodes.

Verdict: Both platforms excel in audio quality, but Riverside’s uncompressed 48kHz WAV files give it a slight advantage for podcasters who need the highest possible fidelity for post-production.

Video Quality

Video recording is where the two platforms diverge more noticeably.

Squadcast: Squadcast added video recording later in its lifecycle, and while it’s reliable, it caps out at 1080p resolution (1920×1080). This is sufficient for most podcasting needs, but it lacks the ultra-high-definition options that some creators demand in 2025, especially with 4K becoming a standard for video content on platforms like YouTube.
Riverside FM: Riverside was built with video in mind from the ground up, offering up to 4K resolution (depending on participants’ hardware). This makes it a standout choice for creators who want sharp, professional-grade video to accompany their podcasts. Its stability in handling video alongside audio also gives it an edge for multi-track recordings.

Verdict: Riverside FM wins hands-down for video quality, making it the better choice for video podcasters or those planning to repurpose content across platforms.

User Interface and Ease of Use

A platform’s usability can make or break the recording experience, especially for beginners or guests unfamiliar with tech.

Squadcast: Squadcast features a clean, intuitive interface with a “Green Room” feature that lets participants check their audio and video settings before joining the session. Creating a session is simple: generate a link, invite guests, and start recording. Its minimalist design keeps the focus on recording without overwhelming users with extra bells and whistles.
Riverside FM: Riverside also offers a user-friendly interface with a sleek dashboard and a pre-recording “waiting room” for setup checks. It goes a step further by integrating editing tools and customization options directly into the platform, which can streamline the workflow for creators who want an all-in-one solution. However, some users note that its additional features can feel slightly more complex for first-time users.

Verdict: Squadcast edges out slightly for sheer simplicity, while Riverside offers more functionality at the cost of a marginally steeper learning curve.

Guest Experience

Inviting and onboarding guests is a critical aspect of remote recording software.

Squadcast: Guests join via a simple link, requiring no downloads or account creation. The Green Room ensures they’re ready to go, and the platform supports up to four participants (one host plus three guests). It’s a stress-free process that works well for smaller sessions.
Riverside FM: Riverside mirrors this ease with its own link-based guest access and waiting room. It supports up to eight participants (one host plus seven guests), making it more versatile for larger group recordings. Additionally, its mobile app (available on iOS and Android) allows guests to join from their phones, adding flexibility.

Verdict: Riverside takes the lead here due to its higher participant capacity and mobile app support, though both platforms excel in guest onboarding.

Editing and Post-Production Tools

Post-production can be a time-consuming process, and built-in tools can save creators hours.

Squadcast: Squadcast focuses on recording and leaves editing to external software. It doesn’t offer built-in transcription or editing tools, meaning users need to rely on programs like Audacity, Adobe Audition, or Descript for post-production.
Riverside FM: Riverside shines in this area with its AI-powered Magic Editor, which includes features like noise reduction, level balancing, and clip creation for social media. It also provides automatic transcriptions and captions, streamlining the process of repurposing content. The text-based editor lets users tweak recordings without diving into complex software.

Verdict: Riverside is the clear winner for post-production, offering a robust suite of tools that Squadcast lacks.

Live Streaming and Additional Features

For creators looking to engage audiences in real time or add unique functionality, these features can be a deciding factor.

Squadcast: Squadcast doesn’t natively support live streaming, though it offers beta features like community events and office hours for users. Its focus remains on recording rather than live interaction.
Riverside FM: Riverside supports live streaming to platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and Twitch, with options for live call-ins and audience interaction. It also includes extras like screen sharing, a teleprompter, and studio branding, making it a more versatile tool for diverse content creation.

Verdict: Riverside dominates with its live streaming and additional features, appealing to creators who want more than just recording.

Pricing

Pricing is a key consideration for podcasters, especially those on a budget or scaling their operations.

Squadcast Pricing (as of March 2025)

Squadcast offers two main plans: audio-only and audio-plus-video, with pricing based on recording hours:

Audio-Only Plans:
- Starter: $10/month for 2 hours
- Pro: $150/month for 25 hours
Audio + Video Plans:
- Basic: $40/month for 5 hours
- Elite: $300/month for 25 hours

Squadcast’s pricing can feel steep, especially for video users, and its structure can be confusing due to the split between audio and video tiers.

Riverside FM Pricing (as of March 2025)

Riverside offers a tiered structure that includes both audio and video, with more inclusive features:

Free: 2 hours of recording (single track, watermarked)
Standard: $19/month for 5 hours (separate tracks, no watermarks)
Pro: $24/month for 15 hours
Business: $39/month for 20 hours, with additional features like live streaming

Riverside’s plans are more affordable and straightforward, offering video and audio together without the need for separate tiers.

Verdict: Riverside provides better value for money, especially for creators who need both audio and video capabilities.

Pros and Cons

Squadcast

Pros:

Exceptional audio quality with progressive uploads
Simple, intuitive interface
Strong community focus and customer support
Reliable for small-group recordings

Cons:

Limited to 1080p video
No built-in editing or transcription tools
Higher pricing for video features
Smaller participant capacity (4 max)

Riverside FM

Pros:

4K video and uncompressed audio
Comprehensive editing and transcription tools
Supports up to 8 participants
Mobile app and live streaming options
Competitive pricing

Cons:

Slightly steeper learning curve for new users
Occasional upload delays with poor internet
Some reports of sync issues (though rare)

Performance and Reliability

Both platforms leverage local recording to mitigate internet-related issues, but their performance can vary based on user setup.

Squadcast: Known for its rock-solid reliability, Squadcast rarely experiences glitches or data loss. Its progressive upload system ensures recordings are safe even if a session crashes. Users report consistent performance across various setups.
Riverside FM: Riverside is equally reliable for most users, with local recordings and cloud backups providing peace of mind. However, some users have noted occasional upload delays or sync issues when dealing with weaker internet connections or older hardware.

Verdict: Squadcast has a slight edge in raw reliability, but Riverside’s broader feature set makes it just as dependable for most use cases.

Who Should Choose Squadcast?

Squadcast is ideal for:

Audio-focused podcasters who prioritize simplicity and sound quality
Small teams or solo hosts with up to three guests
Creators who already have a separate editing workflow and don’t need built-in tools
Those who value community engagement and responsive customer support

Who Should Choose Riverside FM?

Riverside FM is perfect for:

Video podcasters or creators targeting platforms like YouTube
Hosts needing to record larger groups (up to 8 participants)
Beginners or pros who want an all-in-one solution with editing and transcription
Mobile creators or those who need live streaming capabilities

Final Thoughts: Squadcast vs. Riverside FM

In 2025, the choice between Squadcast and Riverside FM comes down to your specific needs as a podcaster.

Choose Squadcast if you’re an audio purist who values simplicity, reliability, and a community-driven experience. It’s a fantastic tool for straightforward remote recording, especially if you don’t need advanced video or editing features.
Choose Riverside FM if you want a versatile, future-proof platform that excels in both audio and video, with built-in tools to streamline your workflow. Its affordability, 4K video, and extras like live streaming make it the stronger all-around option for most creators in 2025.

For the average podcaster looking to balance quality, features, and cost, Riverside FM emerges as the winner in this head-to-head comparison. Its ability to cater to both audio and video needs, combined with its competitive pricing and innovative tools, positions it as a leader in the remote recording space. However, Squadcast remains a worthy contender for those who prioritize audio above all else and prefer a no-frills approach.

Ultimately, both platforms are excellent choices—your decision will hinge on whether you lean toward Squadcast’s audio-first reliability or Riverside’s video-centric versatility. Whichever you pick, you’ll be well-equipped to create professional-grade podcasts in 2025 and beyond.