Head-to-head comparison

Cleanfeed vs WaveLab Cast

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

Steinberg's podcast-focused audio editor with multitrack recording and direct upload to hosts.

Best for: Steinberg loyalists

At a glance

Field
Cleanfeed
WaveLab Cast
Best for
Live radio and broadcast
Steinberg loyalists
Price tier
Freemiumverify
Platforms
Web
macOSWindows
Audience
Solo creatorsSmall teamsEnterprise
Solo creatorsSmall teams

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

WaveLab Cast

Pros

  • Built on Steinberg's mature audio engine
  • Direct upload to Spreaker, Podbean, SoundCloud
  • 30-day free trial of the full app

Watch-outs

  • Smaller community and fewer tutorials
  • Less narrative-focused than Hindenburg
  • Mac and Windows only

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 WaveLab Cast if

You’re building around steinberg loyalists. WaveLab Cast 2 is the underrated podcast tool from a serious audio company. Same engine as Steinberg's mastering flagship, with direct upload to Spreaker, Podbean, and SoundCloud.

Also worth comparing

Or see all Cleanfeed alternatives.

Frequently asked

What does Cleanfeed do better than WaveLab Cast?

Cleanfeed's standout is "True broadcast audio quality in-browser". WaveLab Cast doesn't make that promise — it leans into "Built on Steinberg's mature audio engine" instead. If the first sentence describes your workflow, pick Cleanfeed; if the second does, pick WaveLab Cast.

What are the trade-offs?

Cleanfeed: audio only, no video for most tiers. WaveLab Cast: smaller community and fewer tutorials. 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 WaveLab Cast doesn't. WaveLab Cast works on macOS, Windows where Cleanfeed doesn't. If you're on a specific OS or device, that may decide for you.

Can I use Cleanfeed and WaveLab Cast 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 WaveLab Cast for another. Worth trying both free tiers before committing.