Head-to-head comparison
Craig 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.
Discord voice-channel recording bot with multi-track output for podcasts run on Discord.
Best for: Discord-based shows
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
Craig
Pros
- Free with multi-track output for post-production
- Up to 6 hours continuous recording
- Recordings downloadable for 7 days
Watch-outs
- Audio quality limited by Discord's codec
- Requires server admin to add the bot
- No editing — just raw files
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 Craig if
You’re building around discord-based shows. Craig is the Discord bot that records voice channels with each speaker on a separate track. Free, runs on any server you can add it to, exports FLAC and AAC.
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 Craig alternatives.
Frequently asked
What does Craig do better than Riverside?
Craig's standout is "Free with multi-track output for post-production". 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 Craig; if the second does, pick Riverside.
What are the trade-offs?
Craig: audio quality limited by discord's codec. 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 Craig doesn't. If you're on a specific OS or device, that may decide for you.
Can I use Craig and Riverside together?
Both are recording tools so most teams pick one. Some workflows do combine them — for example, using Craig for one show or episode type and Riverside for another. Worth trying both free tiers before committing.