Riverside vs Descript: Which is the Best Podcasting Tool for 2025?
When it comes to podcast creation, picking the right platform is crucial. In this article, we’ll introduce you to two popular options: Descript and Riverside. Both promise to enhance your production experience, but how do you choose the right one? Descript shines with its powerful editing tools, while Riverside is known for seamless recording through virtual rooms. This guide will walk you through the strengths of each platform, so you can decide which best fits your podcasting needs.
Descript vs Riverside at a glance
Here’s a quick comparison between Descript and Riverside to help you choose the right podcasting tool for your needs.
| Feature | Descript | Riverside |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Starts at $12/month, Premium $24/month, Business $40/month | Starts at $15/month, Premium $24/month, Enterprise available |
| Platform Support | Web, Windows, macOS | Web, macOS, iOS, Android |
| Recording Focus | 🟡 Partial (Descript Rooms) - Limited compared to Riverside | ✅ Excellent recording features including all guests’ audio/video |
| Editing Complexity | ✅ Advanced features, steeper learning curve | 🟡 Simpler editing tools |
| AI Features | ✅ Content generation, transcription, filler removal, Studio Sound | ✅ Similar AI tools like Magic Audio |
| Transcript Editing | ✅ Both support text-based editing | ✅ Both support text-based editing |
| Audio Enhancement | ✅ Studio Sound for clearer audio | ✅ Magic Audio for enhanced sound |
| Voice Cloning | ✅ Edit or create sections with cloned voice | ✅ Clone voice for edits |
| Filler Removal | ✅ Automatically remove silences/fillers | ✅ Same feature available |
| Repurpose Content | ✅ Create clips, notes, descriptions | ✅ Create clips, notes, descriptions |
| Webinars | ❌ | ✅ Host and manage webinars |
| Eye Contact Fix | ✅ Adjust eye contact in videos | ❌ |
| Mobile App | ❌ | ✅ Available for iOS/Android |
Recording Capabilities
Riverside shines in its recording features, offering a virtual room system that’s perfect for remote interviews. Users can invite guests through a simple link, and the platform records separate high-quality tracks for each participant’s audio and video. This approach ensures the best possible quality, even if internet connections fluctuate during recording.
Descript has recently entered the remote recording space with Descript Rooms, built on their acquisition of Squadcast. While this feature is newer, it provides similar functionality to Riverside, though with less polish in the recording interface.
Platform Compatibility
Riverside offers broader platform support, making it accessible through web browsers, dedicated mobile apps for iOS and Android, and a macOS application. This flexibility lets podcasters record from almost anywhere, using their preferred device.
Descript takes a more limited approach to platform support. While it works through web browsers and offers desktop apps for both Windows and macOS, it lacks mobile support. This limitation might affect podcasters who need to record on the go.
Target Audience
Riverside caters to podcasters who want a straightforward recording experience. Its interface focuses on making the recording process simple, with additional features for webinar hosting. The platform suits both beginners and experienced podcasters who prioritize ease of use.
Descript attracts users who need powerful editing tools. While it can handle podcast recording, its strength lies in post-production work. The platform includes advanced editing features that come with a steeper learning curve.
AI Features
Shared AI Features
Both platforms include AI capabilities that streamline the podcasting workflow. They offer transcription-based editing, letting users edit their audio by modifying the transcript. They also provide voice cloning for corrections, filler word removal, and audio enhancement features - Magic Audio in Riverside and Studio Sound in Descript.
Unique AI Features
Descript stands out with additional AI features like Eye Contact Fixer, which adjusts video recordings to make it appear as if speakers are looking directly at the camera.
Editing Features
Descript excels in editing, offering a full suite of video editing tools alongside its audio features. The text-based editing approach makes it easy to remove mistakes or restructure content. The platform includes multiple AI tools that help polish the final product.
Riverside provides basic editing capabilities with some AI assistance. While it handles common editing tasks well, it focuses more on getting the initial recording right rather than extensive post-production work.
Content Repurposing
Both platforms help creators maximize their content’s reach. They can automatically generate show notes, YouTube descriptions, and social media clips from recordings. This feature saves time and helps maintain consistency across different platforms.
Pricing
Riverside’s pricing starts at $15 per month, with a premium tier at $24. The platform includes webinar capabilities, which adds value for creators who host online events.
Descript begins at $12 monthly, matching Riverside’s premium tier at $24. While Descript offers a $40 business plan, Riverside provides custom enterprise pricing. The pricing structures remain competitive, with only small differences at the entry level.
Conclusion
Key Differences
The main distinction between these platforms lies in their primary focus. Riverside excels at recording, providing a reliable and user-friendly experience for capturing content. Descript prioritizes editing power, offering more post-production capabilities at the cost of complexity.
Recommendation
Choose Riverside if you want an easy-to-use platform focused on recording, especially if you plan to host webinars. Pick Descript if you need advanced editing features and don’t mind spending time learning the platform’s capabilities.