Head-to-head comparison
Craig vs StreamYard
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
Live-stream-first studio that doubles as a multi-guest podcast recorder.
Best for: Live multistreaming
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
StreamYard
Pros
- Easiest live streaming setup anywhere
- Multistreams to many destinations at once
- AI Clips auto-generate vertical shorts
Watch-outs
- Core jumped to $44.99/mo in 2024
- Recording quality below dedicated tools
- Free tier carries StreamYard watermark
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 StreamYard if
You’re building around live multistreaming. StreamYard was the easiest browser live streaming tool around, and it still is — the problem is the August 2024 Bending Spoons acquisition jacked Core pricing 80% to $44.99/mo.
Also worth comparing
Or see all Craig alternatives.
Frequently asked
What does Craig do better than StreamYard?
Craig's standout is "Free with multi-track output for post-production". StreamYard doesn't make that promise — it leans into "Easiest live streaming setup anywhere" instead. If the first sentence describes your workflow, pick Craig; if the second does, pick StreamYard.
What are the trade-offs?
Craig: audio quality limited by discord's codec. StreamYard: core jumped to $44.99/mo in 2024. Whether either matters depends entirely on what you actually need — neither is a deal-breaker by itself.
Can I use Craig and StreamYard 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 StreamYard for another. Worth trying both free tiers before committing.