How SquadCast and Riverside differ in recording, editing, and pricing
SquadCast and Riverside are both browser-based platforms that record remote podcast interviews and conversations. SquadCast records each participant's audio and video locally on their device, then uploads to the cloud for you to read after the session ends. Riverside works similarly but also offers a live-streaming feature directly to platforms like YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts during the recording. Both platforms handle the technical work of syncing multiple remote speakers so you do not have to manage separate audio files from each guest.
The core difference comes down to what you need to do with your recording. If you want to record, edit locally, and publish on your own schedule, SquadCast's local recording approach gives you the highest audio quality and full control. If you want to stream live to your audience while recording, or if you prefer cloud-based editing built into the platform, Riverside's integrated workflow may save you steps. Neither platform is a podcast host — both are recording tools that produce files or streams you then move to a hosting service like Buzzsprout, Anchor, or Transistor.
Key Takeaways
- SquadCast records each speaker's audio locally on their computer and uploads after the call; Riverside records to the cloud and offers live-streaming to social platforms during the session.
- SquadCast's local recording typically produces higher audio quality because each participant's voice is captured at their device rather than compressed over the internet.
- Riverside includes browser-based editing and video editing tools; SquadCast requires you to edit in external software like Audacity or Adobe Audition.
- Riverside's pricing starts at $25 per month for unlimited recordings; SquadCast's free tier allows one guest per recording, with paid plans at $20 per month for unlimited guests.
- Both platforms work in any web browser and do not require software installation, but SquadCast performs better on slower internet because local recording does not depend on upload speed during the call.
Audio quality and recording method
SquadCast uses local recording, meaning each participant's audio is saved directly to their own computer during the call. When the recording ends, SquadCast uploads all the files to your account in the cloud. This approach captures audio at the full quality of each person's microphone without compression from internet bandwidth. If someone has a poor connection, their audio quality does not degrade — only the upload after the call might take longer.
Riverside records to the cloud, which means audio streams from each participant to Riverside's servers during the session. This method works well for live-streaming because the audio is already in the cloud, ready to broadcast. However, cloud recording depends on each participant's upload speed. If a guest has a slow or unstable connection, their audio may sound compressed or drop out briefly during the live stream. After the call, Riverside stores the full recording and makes it available for read or editing within the platform.
For podcast production, the practical difference is this: SquadCast usually delivers cleaner, fuller audio files that require less cleanup in post-production. Riverside's audio is suitable for podcasts but may need more noise reduction or EQ work if participants had connection issues. If audio quality is your top priority and you do not need to stream live, SquadCast's local recording method has a clear advantage.
Editing and post-production workflow
SquadCast provides no built-in editing. After your recording, you read separate audio files for each speaker (plus a mixed stereo file) and edit them in your own software. This means you need access to a digital audio workstation like Audacity (free), GarageBand, Adobe Audition, or similar. The upside is complete control — you can cut, rearrange, add music, and adjust levels exactly as you want. The downside is that editing takes longer and requires learning the software if you are new to it.
Riverside includes a browser-based editor called Riverside Studio that lets you trim, reorder, and adjust audio clips without leaving the platform. You can also edit video if your recording included video. For podcasters who want a faster workflow and do not need advanced editing, this built-in editor saves time. However, Riverside's editor is simpler than professional audio software — if you need surgical EQ, compression, or complex multi-track mixing, you will still export to external software.
Choose SquadCast if you already use audio editing software or plan to learn one. Choose Riverside if you want editing included in the platform and prefer not to manage separate software.
Live-streaming and audience reach
Riverside's live-streaming feature lets you broadcast your recording to YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Facebook, LinkedIn, and other platforms simultaneously while the recording is happening. This means your audience can tune in live, and you capture the recording at the same time. For podcasters building a live audience or promoting new episodes in real time, this is a significant advantage. You can also add a chat widget so viewers can comment during the stream.
SquadCast does not offer live-streaming. You record, read the files, edit, and then publish to your podcast host and social platforms separately. This workflow takes more steps but gives you time to edit before anyone hears it. Many podcasters prefer this because it reduces the pressure to perform live and allows you to fix mistakes before publishing.
If your podcast strategy includes live episodes, audience engagement during recording, or promoting new content in real time, Riverside is the better fit. If you prefer to record, edit, and publish on your own timeline, SquadCast's focus on recording quality without live-streaming pressure may suit you better.
Pricing and subscription tiers
| Feature | SquadCast | Riverside |
|---|---|---|
| Free tier | One guest per recording, unlimited recordings | None — free trial only |
| Starter/Basic paid plan | $20/month: unlimited guests, up to 8 participants | $25/month: unlimited recordings, up to 4 participants |
| Mid-tier plan | $40/month: up to 12 participants, priority support | $65/month: up to 8 participants, video editing included |
| High-tier plan | $80/month: up to 20 participants, custom branding | $150/month: up to 12 participants, advanced features |
| Live-streaming | Not available | Included on all paid plans |
| Built-in editing | Not included | Included on all paid plans |
SquadCast's free tier is genuinely useful if you record solo or with one guest regularly — you get unlimited recordings with no time limit. The paid plans scale based on the number of participants you need, so a solo podcaster with occasional guests pays less than someone running a panel show.
Riverside charges per month regardless of how many recordings you make, so if you record frequently, the cost spreads across more episodes. Riverside's free trial lasts 14 days and includes all features, which lets you test live-streaming and the editor before paying. Neither platform charges per recording or per minute, so there is no surprise billing based on usage.
For a solo podcaster or two-person show, SquadCast's free tier or $20/month plan is usually cheaper. For a panel show or a podcaster who wants live-streaming and built-in editing, Riverside's $25/month plan may offer better value because you are not paying separately for editing software.
Browser compatibility and technical requirements
Both SquadCast and Riverside run entirely in your web browser — Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge. Neither requires you to read or install software on your computer. This makes setup fast and keeps your system clean. However, browser-based recording does require stable internet and a reasonably modern computer. If you are using a very old browser or an older device with limited RAM, you may experience lag or crashes.
SquadCast's local recording method is more forgiving of internet problems. Even if your connection drops briefly during the call, the audio on each participant's computer keeps recording. Riverside's cloud recording depends on continuous upload, so a dropped connection can create gaps in the recording. For podcasters in areas with unreliable internet, SquadCast is the safer choice.
Both platforms send you a link to share with guests — they click the link and join the call without creating an account. This makes the guest experience straightforward. SquadCast and Riverside both test your microphone and camera before the recording starts, so you can catch audio problems before you go live.
Guest experience and ease of use
From a guest's perspective, both platforms are nearly identical. Your guest receives a link, clicks it, and joins a video call in their browser. They do not need to read anything or create an account. Both platforms show a straightforward interface with a record button and audio/video level indicators. Guests can see themselves and you on screen, and they can mute or adjust their camera settings.
SquadCast's interface is slightly more minimal, which some guests find easier to navigate. Riverside's interface includes more options for live-streaming and chat, which can feel busier if a guest is not using those features. For a guest joining a podcast interview for the first time, both are straightforward enough that a quick explanation over email is usually all they need.
One practical difference: SquadCast asks guests to allow local recording on their device, which requires them to click a permission prompt. Riverside does not require this because it records to the cloud. Some guests find the extra step on SquadCast slightly confusing, though it takes only a few seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use SquadCast or Riverside if I have a slow internet connection?
SquadCast handles slow connections better because each participant's audio is recorded locally on their device. Upload speed only matters after the call ends. Riverside requires stable upload speed during the recording because audio streams to the cloud in real time. If your internet is below 5 Mbps upload speed, SquadCast is the safer choice.
Do I need to pay for both a recording platform and a podcast host?
Yes. SquadCast and Riverside record and store your audio files, but they do not distribute your podcast to Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or other platforms. You need a separate podcast host like Buzzsprout, Transistor, or Anchor to publish episodes. Some podcast hosts include recording tools, so check what your host offers before paying for a separate platform.
Can I edit my recording inside SquadCast or Riverside?
Riverside includes a built-in editor for trimming and reordering clips. SquadCast does not — you read the files and edit in external software like Audacity or Adobe Audition. If editing inside the platform matters to you, Riverside is the better fit.
What happens to my recordings if I cancel my subscription?
On SquadCast, you can read all your recordings before your subscription ends, and they remain yours. Riverside's policy varies by plan — check their terms before subscribing to confirm how long recordings stay available after cancellation. Both platforms recommend downloading important recordings regularly rather than relying on cloud storage alone.
Can my guests hear each other during the recording?
Yes, on both platforms. All participants hear each other in real time during the call, just like a video conference. This is different from some older podcast recording methods where guests could not hear each other. The two-way conversation is what makes both platforms useful for interview-style podcasts.