Choose software around your workflow
Remote podcast software needs to fit your guests, speaker count, and editing process. Local recording and separate tracks are different properties. A file saved on the host’s computer can still contain audio that travelled over the live connection. Evaluate the exported files.
| Requirement | Shortlist | Question to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Browser recording | Airtape, Riverside, Zencastr | Guest access and source tracks |
| Audio conversations | Cleanfeed | Audio routing and required plan |
| Editing workflow | Riverside, Descript | Required editing and export features |
| Existing meetings | Zoom | Separate audio setting and connection quality |
Airtape: capture with separate tracks
Airtape records each participant locally and supplies audio and video tracks for editing. Free includes two hours monthly, two people total, and seven-day retention. For larger discussions, check the participant limit of the plan. Keep guest pages open until upload completes and download your files promptly.
Compare Riverside and Zencastr fairly
Both support local capture and guest links without guest accounts. For Riverside, identify the editing functions you actually need. For Zencastr, evaluate the current recording and publishing workflow. Old claims about mandatory guest accounts or paid-only capture are not a useful basis for a decision.
Where Descript, Cleanfeed, and Zoom fit
SquadCast was acquired by Descript. Use current Descript documentation to evaluate its recording workflow. Cleanfeed focuses on remote audio; multitrack recording is a Pro feature. Zoom supports separate audio files in computer recordings, which does not automatically mean guest-local original capture.
Run a test instead of choosing a universal winner
- Compare with the same microphone, room, and guest.
- Record a short sample including pauses and overlapping speech.
- Open and listen to every source file after upload.
- Record guest effort, export formats, and retention.
- Compare total costs for capture, editing, and hosting.
This editorial comparison uses documented capabilities; it does not claim an independent hands-on benchmark. Sources and detailed comparisons are linked below.