Recording a remote podcast or video interview on Zoom produces mediocre audio and compressed video. For professional content, you need a platform that records locally on each participant’s device and uploads the high-quality files separately.
Three platforms dominate this space: Riverside, Descript (which acquired SquadCast), and SquadCast (now integrated into Descript). Here’s how they compare.
Why Local Recording Matters
Regular video calls (Zoom, Google Meet, Teams) compress audio and video in real-time to reduce bandwidth. That compression destroys quality — you hear it as artifacts, muddy audio, and digital distortion.
Local recording platforms work differently:
- Each participant records audio and video locally (full quality)
- A lower-quality live preview enables the conversation
- After recording, full-quality files upload from each participant
- You get studio-quality audio from everyone, regardless of internet quality
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Riverside | Descript | SquadCast (via Descript) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Free / $15-24/mo | $24-33/mo | Included with Descript |
| Local recording | Yes | Yes (via SquadCast) | Yes |
| Max video quality | 4K | 4K | 1080p |
| Max audio quality | WAV 48kHz | WAV 48kHz | WAV 48kHz |
| Separate tracks | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in editing | Basic + AI clips | Full editor | Basic (use Descript) |
| AI transcription | Yes (99%+) | Yes (97%+) | Yes (via Descript) |
| AI clips | Magic Clips | Clips from AI | Via Descript |
| Max participants | 8 (Pro) | 10+ | 10+ |
| Screen sharing | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Live streaming | Yes | No | No |
| Mobile recording | iOS & Android | No | No |
| No download for guests | Yes (browser) | Yes (browser) | Yes (browser) |
Riverside — Best for Recording Quality
Price: Free (2hr/mo) / Standard $15/month / Pro $24/month
Riverside is a dedicated recording platform built for podcasters and video interview creators. It does one thing exceptionally well: capture high-quality remote recordings.
Strengths
- 4K video recording — Highest quality of any remote recording platform
- Separate audio and video tracks — Each participant’s files are independent
- Magic Clips — AI auto-generates short clips from your recording
- Text-based editing — Edit by modifying the transcript
- Live streaming — Stream to YouTube, LinkedIn, Twitch simultaneously
- Mobile recording — iOS and Android apps for recording on the go
- No software for guests — Guests join via browser link
- Producer mode — Technical producer can manage without being recorded
Limitations
- Editing capabilities are basic compared to Descript
- More expensive than basic recording needs require
- Free tier is limited (2 hours/month)
Best For
Creators who prioritize recording quality above all else and will edit in a separate tool (Premiere, Resolve, or Descript).
Descript — Best for Recording + Editing
Price: Free tier / Hobbyist $24/month / Business $33/month
Descript combines recording (via SquadCast integration) with the most innovative editing workflow available. Record remotely, then edit the entire episode by editing text.
Strengths
- Full editing suite — Record and edit in the same platform
- Text-based editing — Delete text to delete audio/video
- Filler word removal — AI removes “um,” “uh,” “like” automatically
- Studio Sound — AI audio cleanup rivals professional post-production
- Overdub (voice clone) — Fix mistakes by typing what you meant to say
- Multitrack editing — Edit each participant independently
- Screen recording — Built-in screen recording for tutorials/demos
- Publishing — Publish directly to podcast hosts
Limitations
- Recording quality (via SquadCast) maxes at 1080p video (not 4K)
- More complex than a simple recording tool
- Higher price for the full suite ($24-33/month)
- SquadCast integration can feel like two products stitched together
Best For
Podcasters and creators who want a single platform for recording, editing, and producing. The efficiency of doing everything in one tool is significant.
SquadCast (Now Part of Descript)
Price: Included with Descript subscription
SquadCast was acquired by Descript in 2023 and is now Descript’s remote recording engine. It still exists as a standalone recording interface within the Descript ecosystem.
What Happened
- SquadCast’s recording technology powers Descript’s remote recording
- Existing SquadCast users were migrated to Descript
- The SquadCast brand continues but is deeply integrated with Descript
When to Use SquadCast
If you’re a Descript user, you’re already using SquadCast for remote recording. There’s no separate decision to make.
Head-to-Head Comparisons
Audio Quality
Tie (both excellent). Both Riverside and Descript/SquadCast record WAV audio at 48kHz locally. In blind tests, the audio quality is indistinguishable.
Video Quality
Riverside wins. Riverside records up to 4K per participant. Descript/SquadCast records up to 1080p. For podcasts (audio-first), this doesn’t matter. For video interviews published on YouTube, Riverside’s 4K is noticeably sharper.
Editing
Descript wins by a mile. Riverside has basic trimming and AI clips. Descript has full text-based editing, multitrack timeline, filler word removal, AI voice cloning, and advanced audio processing.
Ease of Use for Guests
Tie. Both work in the browser — guests click a link and join. No downloads, no accounts needed.
AI Features
Descript wins. Descript’s AI suite (Studio Sound, filler removal, Overdub, text-based editing) is the most comprehensive in any audio/video tool. Riverside’s Magic Clips are useful but narrower in scope.
Price
Riverside wins on entry price. Free: 2hr/month recording. $15/mo for Standard. Descript costs $24/mo for similar recording capabilities plus editing.
Live Streaming
Riverside wins. Riverside can livestream your recording to YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitch simultaneously. Descript doesn’t offer live streaming.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Riverside If:
- Video quality is your top priority (4K)
- You want to livestream interviews
- You already use a separate editor (Premiere, Resolve, Final Cut)
- You want mobile recording capabilities
- You need a simple, focused recording experience
Choose Descript If:
- You want recording + editing in one platform
- You make dialogue-heavy content (podcasts, interviews, tutorials)
- AI editing features (filler removal, text editing, Studio Sound) appeal to you
- Efficiency matters more than maximum video quality
- You want to produce the complete episode without switching tools
Choose Both If:
- You record in Riverside (for 4K video quality) and import into Descript (for AI-powered editing). Several professional podcasters use this workflow.
Alternative Options
| Tool | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Zencastr | Free / $13/mo | Solid but fewer features than Riverside or Descript |
| Zoom | From $13/mo | Acceptable for backup, but compressed quality |
| StreamYard | From $20/mo | Better for livestreaming than recording |
| Remotion | Varies | For programmatic video generation, not recording |
The Bottom Line
Best recording quality: Riverside — 4K video, studio-grade audio, live streaming. Best all-in-one: Descript — record, edit, produce, publish in one tool. Best budget: Riverside free tier (2hr/month) for casual recording.
For most podcasters who want the simplest complete workflow, Descript is the right choice. For creators where video quality is paramount, Riverside is worth the separate tool. And if budget allows, using both together gives you the best of everything.
