Head-to-head comparison
Audio Hijack vs Cleanfeed
Two of the recording tools podcasters reach for. Here's how they differ on pricing, features, audience, and the trade-offs that actually matter day-to-day.
Rogue Amoeba's veteran Mac tool for recording any audio from any app on your system.
Best for: Mac power users
Broadcast-grade browser audio loved by BBC and NPR producers.
Best for: Live radio and broadcast
At a glance
The honest trade-offs
Audio Hijack
Pros
- Multi-track from mic, app, or system audio
- Block-based editor takes ten minutes to learn
- One-time license, free updates within version
Watch-outs
- Mac only — no Windows version planned
- Visual editor intimidates first-time users
- Not a remote-recording tool on its own
Cleanfeed
Pros
- True broadcast audio quality in-browser
- Generous free tier with multitrack
- No install or signup for guests
Watch-outs
- Audio only, no video for most tiers
- Interface and docs are aggressively dated
- Echo cancellation can be inconsistent
Which one should you pick?
Pick Audio Hijack if
You’re building around mac power users. Audio Hijack is the secret weapon every Mac podcaster eventually finds. The block-based session editor — drag a microphone, drag a recorder, drag effects between them — captures any audio source on macOS to independent tracks.
Pick Cleanfeed if
You’re building around live radio and broadcast. Cleanfeed is the quiet pro choice — 320 kbit/s stereo over a browser link with zero fluff. There's no fancy editor, no AI cleanup, just exceptional audio for live remote sessions.
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Frequently asked
What does Audio Hijack do better than Cleanfeed?
Audio Hijack's standout is "Multi-track from mic, app, or system audio". Cleanfeed doesn't make that promise — it leans into "True broadcast audio quality in-browser" instead. If the first sentence describes your workflow, pick Audio Hijack; if the second does, pick Cleanfeed.
What are the trade-offs?
Audio Hijack: mac only — no windows version planned. Cleanfeed: audio only, no video for most tiers. Whether either matters depends entirely on what you actually need — neither is a deal-breaker by itself.
Do they support the same platforms?
Audio Hijack works on macOS where Cleanfeed doesn't. Cleanfeed works on Web where Audio Hijack doesn't. If you're on a specific OS or device, that may decide for you.
Can I use Audio Hijack and Cleanfeed together?
Both are recording tools so most teams pick one. Some workflows do combine them — for example, using Audio Hijack for one show or episode type and Cleanfeed for another. Worth trying both free tiers before committing.