Who should pick Backpack Studio?

Backpack Studio is shaped for live mobile shows. Live recording with soundboard pads, sound effects, and remote callers all from iPad or iPhone

Is Backpack Studio free?

There is a free tier, with paid plans above it. What we have on record: Free download; optional Backpack Live subscription for cloud and streaming features. Confirm what the free tier includes on their site.

What can I use instead of Backpack Studio?

Other tools in the same category: Riverside, Zencastr, SquadCast.

RecordingFreemium

Backpack Studio

BossJock Studio's spiritual successor — live recording, soundboard triggers, and remote guests on iOS.

Visit Backpack StudioOpens in a new tab. Not an affiliate link.

Our take

Backpack Studio is what BossJock evolved into, built by the same developer with a decade of feedback. Live recording with soundboard pads, sound effects, and remote callers all from iPad or iPhone. The Backpack Live subscription unlocks streaming and cloud. Niche but excellent for live mobile shows.

At a glance

Pricing: Freemium
Category: Recording
Price: Free download; optional Backpack Live subscription for cloud and streaming features
Platforms: iOS
Best for: live mobile shows

Confirm current pricing on Backpack Studio →

In depth

Backpack Studio is the successor to BossJock Studio, made by the same developer with a decade of user feedback baked in. The original BossJock built its following by giving podcasters a hardware-mixer feel on an iPad — soundboard pads, fast level controls, and the ability to record live shows with sound effects triggered in real time.

Backpack carries that DNA forward and adds modern iOS conveniences, including remote guest integration, direct publishing to most major podcast hosts, and a Backpack Live subscription that handles cloud storage and live streaming. The base app is currently around $9.99 on the App Store (down from $19.99 historically), and Backpack Live adds the cloud and streaming features for an additional monthly fee.

For a podcaster who runs a live show, plays a lot of sound effects and music beds, and wants to do the whole thing from an iPad or even an iPhone in a coffee shop, this is the right tool. The trade-off is depth.

Ferrite is the better choice for multitrack editing of a recorded episode after the fact, while Backpack Studio is tuned for the live moment when you're pressing buttons and rolling clips during the show. For mobile live podcasters, it's one of a small handful of legitimately professional options on iOS.

Free, from SliceShorts by SliceFinds the clips in a three-hour episode, captions them, and never puts a watermark on your video.Open it

Related research and guides

How to start a remote podcastRecording tools, starter kits from $0, and what usually goes wrong.
Best remote podcast recording softwareOur researched shortlist, with prices checked.
Podcast Guest SoundcheckA free mic and headphone test to send guests before you record.
How to start an in-person podcastMics, recorders and the room, with starter kits from $0.

Alternatives to Backpack Studio

See all Recording →

Riverside

Recording$$

Browser-based studio that records each guest locally in 4K, then helps you edit.

Best for: Remote video interviews