Head-to-head comparison
Cleanfeed vs Riverside
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
Browser-based studio that records each guest locally in 4K, then helps you edit.
Best for: Remote video interviews
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
Riverside
Pros
- Local 4K tracks survive flaky Wi-Fi
- Separate per-guest tracks by default
- Live streaming and clip generation included
Watch-outs
- Editing tools still lag Descript
- Free tier ships with a watermark
- Hours-based pricing punishes long-form
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 Riverside if
You’re building around remote video interviews. Local recording is Riverside's whole identity, and it actually delivers — separate 4K tracks per guest, the file is on the device whether or not the Wi-Fi cooperates. The editor has improved but still trails Descript when you need real post.
Also worth comparing
Or see all Cleanfeed alternatives.
Frequently asked
What does Cleanfeed do better than Riverside?
Cleanfeed's standout is "True broadcast audio quality in-browser". Riverside doesn't make that promise — it leans into "Local 4K tracks survive flaky Wi-Fi" instead. If the first sentence describes your workflow, pick Cleanfeed; if the second does, pick Riverside.
What are the trade-offs?
Cleanfeed: audio only, no video for most tiers. Riverside: editing tools still lag descript. Whether either matters depends entirely on what you actually need — neither is a deal-breaker by itself.
Do they support the same platforms?
Riverside works on macOS, Windows, iOS, Android where Cleanfeed doesn't. If you're on a specific OS or device, that may decide for you.
Can I use Cleanfeed and Riverside 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 Riverside for another. Worth trying both free tiers before committing.