Head-to-head comparison
Cleanfeed vs Loopback
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.
Broadcast-grade browser audio loved by BBC and NPR producers.
Best for: Live radio and broadcast
Rogue Amoeba's virtual audio router that combines any sources into a single Mac input.
Best for: complex Mac routing
At a glance
The honest trade-offs
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
Loopback
Pros
- Virtual aggregate audio devices done right
- Pairs perfectly with Audio Hijack
- One-time license, free trial watermarks audio
Watch-outs
- $99 is a lot for a routing utility
- Mac only
- Overkill for one-mic solo recording
Which one should you pick?
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.
Pick Loopback if
You’re building around complex mac routing. Loopback is the wire-free patch bay every Mac podcaster wishes macOS shipped with. Drag in sources, drag in outputs, connect them with virtual cables, and feed the result to any recording app as a single device.
Also worth comparing
Or see all Cleanfeed alternatives.
Frequently asked
What does Cleanfeed do better than Loopback?
Cleanfeed's standout is "True broadcast audio quality in-browser". Loopback doesn't make that promise — it leans into "Virtual aggregate audio devices done right" instead. If the first sentence describes your workflow, pick Cleanfeed; if the second does, pick Loopback.
What are the trade-offs?
Cleanfeed: audio only, no video for most tiers. Loopback: $99 is a lot for a routing utility. Whether either matters depends entirely on what you actually need — neither is a deal-breaker by itself.
Do they support the same platforms?
Cleanfeed works on Web where Loopback doesn't. Loopback works on macOS where Cleanfeed doesn't. If you're on a specific OS or device, that may decide for you.
Can I use Cleanfeed and Loopback together?
Both are recording tools so most teams pick one. Some workflows do combine them — for example, using Cleanfeed for one show or episode type and Loopback for another. Worth trying both free tiers before committing.