Best of
Best podcast recording software: 3 options compared
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| Tool | Best for | Free option | Starting price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Riverside Our pick | interview podcasts and video shows | Free plan | Free plan; paid from $29/mo |
| Zencastr | podcast-first teams that want a generous free plan | Free plan | Free plan; see official pricing |
| StreamYard | live streaming to several platforms | Free plan; 7-day trial on paid | Core from $44.99/mo |
How we chose
We looked at recording quality, editing tools, free plans, live streaming and price. Facts come from each vendor’s own public pages; where a price or limit was not shown we say so instead of guessing.
The options in detail
Riverside
Best for: interview podcasts and video shows.
- Local recording up to 4K on paid plans
- Text-based editing, Magic Clips and dubbing
- Webinars with HubSpot lead sync
Watch out: The free plan is capped at 720p and watermarked.
Read the Riverside reviewZencastr
Best for: podcast-first teams that want a generous free plan.
- Free: 6 participants, 4 seats, 5 shows
- Video up to 4K, 48 kHz WAV audio
- AI tools and podcast hosting
Watch out: Paid plan prices were not shown on the page we read.
Official siteStreamYard
Best for: live streaming to several platforms.
- Core: 1080p streaming and recording, 3 destinations
- Advanced: 4K local recordings, 8 destinations
- Free: 2 hours of local recordings a month
Watch out: Core and Advanced are for individual use only.
Official siteVerdict
If the points above match your needs, start with Riverside and use its free option or trial to confirm. Choose another option only when a specific limit blocks you.
Go deeper: riverside vs zencastr streamyard · Riverside review · Riverside alternatives
Prices and limits can change; always confirm on the official sites. Last verified: 2026-10-13