Zencastr vs Riverside: Review, Use Cases, Price + Features Checklist

You’ve blocked off time, lined up a guest, maybe even grabbed a new mic.

Now you’re stuck on the software.

Zencastr or Riverside?

You’ve seen the names. Maybe even tried one. But when it’s time to record your message, your voice, your guest, you don’t want surprises. 

You want tech that actually works whether you’re hosting interviews, coaching clients, or building a show that actually grows.

I’ve recorded hundreds of episodes, helped creators through launch and scale, and built Talks to match top-tier guests with hosts who want real traction.

In this guide, I’ll break it all down: how Zencastr vs Riverside compare, where each one fits best, and what to expect once you hit record.

You’re here to be heard. Let’s make sure your gear keeps up.

Zencastr vs Riverside: A Quick Overview

Zencastr and Riverside both let you record high-quality podcasts and video calls right from your browser, but how they do it is where things split so you can choose the best option for you.

• Zencastr wraps everything into one workflow: recording, editing, hosting, and even AI clipping. It’s designed to keep you inside the platform from start to finish.
• Riverside focuses on production quality. Using Riverside.fm, you get 4K video, local recording, separate audio tracks, and tools for livestreaming and turning long-form content into shorts.

Zencastr is good for speed and ease. Riverside wins on quality and flexibility. Depends on what matters more to you.

What’s the difference between Riverside and Zencastr?

Zencastr and Riverside both offer high-quality remote recording for podcasters and creators. But they serve different priorities. 

Zencastr leans into hosting and AI editing, while Riverside leans into production quality and guest control.

StreamYard vs SquadCast vs Zencastr vs Riverside

Not all podcast software works the same. Some lean into live shows, others go all-in on post-production quality. Here’s how they all compare:

• StreamYard: Great for live shows with visual branding. Stream to multiple platforms, invite guests easily, and add overlays. If your show’s live-first, this is a strong pick.
• SquadCast: SquadCast offers clean, reliable remote podcast interviews. Audio-first with solid video, simple for guests, and reliable recordings.
• Zencastr: Offers both video and audio recording with cloud editing. Flexible, but can get glitchy when you start recording. Good if you want everything in one place and don’t need 4K.
• Riverside FM: Riverside is the best option available for podcasters who care about high-quality recordings. Riverside.FM offers 4K video, lossless audio, local recording, live streaming, and editing tools. Best if you want professional-level output.

Still deciding before you start your free trial? Check out these full comparisons for different podcast recording platforms like Riverside: StreamYard vs Riverside, SquadCast vs Riverside, Riverside vs Zoom, and Riverside vs OBS Studio.

What Is Riverside?

Riverside is a recording platform designed to make remote podcast recording and interviews feel like you’re sitting in the same room. 

It’s one of the best software for podcast interviews because it tackles one of the biggest headaches in remote recording and editing: audio and video recording quality dropping because of shaky or bad internet connection.

Instead of depending on your connection to send everything live, Riverside records each person’s audio and video directly on their device. This recording feature means when the session ends, you get crisp, clear audio files no matter how spotty the Wi-Fi was during the call.

It’s one of the best options for creators who want to produce top-quality shows with as little fuss as possible. 

Whether you’re still learning how to do podcast interviews or hosting your own panels, solo recordings, or live streaming to an audience, Riverside packs the tools to handle it all.

Riverside key features

Riverside offers ease of use and keeps your recording sessions smooth and stress-free. Here’s what makes it work behind the scenes:

1. Uploads while you talk: Your recordings back up in real time, so if someone loses connection, your content stays safe.
2. Easy browser access: No need to install anything. Guests jump in with a simple link via Chrome or Edge.
3. Automatic editing tools: Cuts silences, syncs audio and video, and switches camera angles without you lifting a finger.
4. Live streaming built-in: Stream to YouTube, LinkedIn, or other platforms while recording the highest-quality files locally.
5. Local recording on every device: Each participant’s audio and video are captured directly on their device, preserving top quality.
6. Mobile app support: Capture studio-grade recordings anywhere, straight from your phone.
7. Producer mode for smooth control: A silent co-host can manage guests, layouts, and recordings behind the scenes.
8. Isolated tracks for every guest: Separate audio and video files make editing individual voices or footage straightforward.
9. Auto transcriptions and captions: Quickly generate subtitles and text versions to repurpose your episodes.

Riverside pricing options

Ready to try Riverside? Riverside gives you options depending on what you need and how much you want to spend:

• Free: 2 hours per month, single-track recording, basic editing, but videos have a watermark.
• Standard ($19/month): 5 hours, 720p video, separate tracks, no watermark.
• Pro ($29/month): 15 hours, 4K video, Magic Editor, Producer Mode, the full package.
• Business (custom pricing): For teams who want async recording, team access, and priority support.

Riverside pros and cons

Here’s a quick look at the strengths and limitations of Riverside to help you decide if it fits your podcast setup:

Pros

1. Studio-grade files: 4K video and lossless audio give you top-notch quality.
2. Guest-friendly: Easy to join with a link, simple user interface
3. Safe recording: Uploads while recording podcasts keep your files protected.
4. Built-in editing tools: Cuts down your post-production time.
5. Flexible: Perfect for podcasts, coaching, interviews, and streaming.

Cons

1. Free plan limits: Only 2 hours of separate track recording each month.
2. Watermarked videos: Free users get a Riverside watermark until they upgrade.
3. Slow editing on weak gear: Older computers might struggle with advanced editing features.
4. Locked features: Producer mode and async interviews require paid plans.
5. Sync glitches: Guests on older devices might see audio and video fall out of sync.

What Is Zencastr?

Zencastr is one of the best podcast recording software designed for creators who want to record high-quality audio and video locally.

Since 2016, all types of podcasts have trusted Zencastr to deliver quality audio and video recordings with tools that speed up editing and help grow their shows. 

It’s got everything from crystal-clear multitrack podcast audio to AI-powered editing and a live soundboard baked right in, so you spend less time tinkering and more time creating.

Zencastr makes remote interviews, solo episodes, or group panels easy. Guests just join from a link. 

And with features focused on simplifying your workflow, it’s a strong contender if you’re asking, “Is Zencastr good?”

Zencastr’s key features

Here’s what Zencastr puts in your hands to make podcasting smoother and better:

1. Unlimited multitrack recording: Capture separate audio and video tracks for each guest, all synced and high quality.
2. High-quality video and audio files: Up to 4K video and 16-bit 48kHz WAV audio ensure your recordings sound and look sharp.
3. ZenAI editing suite: Automatic removal of long pauses, filler words, and “ums” plus AI chapterization and transcription-based editing speed up post-production.
4. Direct publishing and hosting: Upload and distribute episodes to all major podcast apps straight from Zencastr, with analytics to track your growth.
5. Social clipping and scheduling: Automatically create clips with captions to share on social media. You can even schedule posts ahead to keep your content flowing.
6. Team collaboration: Assign roles, manage permissions, and handle multiple shows from one account with Zencastr Teams (available on higher plans).
7. Mobile and browser support: Guests and hosts can create high-quality audio recordings on web or iOS without any extra steps.
8. Custom watermarks and embeddable players: Brand your podcasts and embed them easily on your site or elsewhere.

Zencastr pricing options

Zencastr keeps it simple with four plans based on how much content you’re creating:

• Free trial: 14 days with all features, no card needed.
• Standard ($20/month): Unlimited recording, 1080p video, ZenAI editing, podcast hosting, and distribution.
• Grow ($30/month): 4K video, AI-powered filler word removal, social clips, and direct YouTube publishing.
• Scale ($50/month): Everything in Grow, plus 2 shows, 2 users, and dynamic ad insertion.
• Business ($100/month): Up to 5 shows, 4 seats, unlimited editing, and advanced monetization tools.

Zencastr pros and cons

If you’re wondering “is Zencastr worth it,” here’s a quick look at what works and what you might want to consider:

Pros:

1. Strong audio and video quality: Professional-level multitrack recordings that make editing easier.
2. AI-powered editing: Saves time by cleaning up your episodes automatically.
3. Built-in distribution and analytics: Manage hosting and track listener stats all in one place.
4. Flexible plans with free trials: Try before you buy and scale up as you grow.
5. Team-friendly tools: Manage roles and shows without any hassle whatsoever.

Cons:

1. Best features locked behind higher tiers: Team collaboration and advanced AI tools require Scale or Business plans.
2. Pricing is on the higher side: For casual podcasters, the $20+ monthly fees might add up.
3. Learning curve: ZenAI tools are powerful but take some time to master.
4. No live streaming: Zencastr focuses on recording; it doesn’t offer live broadcast options.

What to Look for When Choosing a Streaming Platform (Checklist)

Picking the right platform isn’t just about features. It’s about what fits your workflow, your show, and your goals. Here’s what to check off before committing:

☐ Recording quality: Look for local recording on each device, so your files don’t depend on shaky internet. Lossless audio and HD or 4K video make a big difference in post-production. (Here’s how to record a podcast for clearer audio and video.)
☐ Separate tracks: Make sure each guest gets their own audio and video files. This makes editing smoother and your final product cleaner.
☐ Editing tools: Built-in editing, especially AI-powered options, save you time and make polishing your video podcasts easier.
☐ Live streaming: If you want to broadcast live while recording, confirm the platform supports streaming to platforms like YouTube or LinkedIn.
☐ Guest experience: The easier you make it for guests to join. No downloads, simple links, the better your recordings will be.
☐ Mobile support: Recording on the go can be a lifesaver. Check if the platform supports mobile recording.
☐ Publishing and hosting: If the platform offers podcast hosting and direct publishing, that can streamline your workflow.
☐ Team collaboration: If you work with co-hosts, producers, or editors, look for roles, permissions, and multi-user access.
☐ Pricing: Make sure the price matches what you need, especially around recording time, video quality, and advanced features.
☐ Customer support: Fast, helpful support can save you headaches, especially when you’re new or dealing with glitches.

Tools and Guests That Bring the Crowd

Choosing between Zencastr vs Riverside comes down to what fits your style, your show’s needs, and how you want to grow your podcast. 

Both platforms deliver solid quality and tools, but the best choice is the one that helps you focus on creating without all that tech getting in the way.

Now that you’ve got a clear picture of what each platform offers, it’s time to focus on what really puts your podcast on the map: connecting with the right guests who bring fresh ideas and stories to your show.

If you’re serious about building your podcast’s reach and authority, Talks is the place to make it happen. 

Create your free Talks creator profile, get matched with guests who add real value, and keep your calendar full of standout episodes. 

No more endless hunting. Just quality conversations that grow your audience and boost your impact.

Ready to make your podcast impossible to ignore? Start with Talks today. Create your free Talks creator profile now.