Head-to-head comparison
Craig vs Zencastr
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
Remote recording, AI editing, hosting and monetization stitched into one workflow.
Best for: All-in-one indie podcasters
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
Zencastr
Pros
- 4K multitrack across desktop and mobile
- Bundled hosting plus monetization options
- Free tier is genuinely usable
Watch-outs
- Editor less mature than Descript's
- No single component leads its category
- Mobile recording quality varies by device
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 Zencastr if
You’re building around all-in-one indie podcasters. Zencastr keeps trying to be everything — recording, editing, hosting, monetization — and that breadth is both the pitch and the catch. The recording engine has been rock-solid for years.
Also worth comparing
Or see all Craig alternatives.
Frequently asked
What does Craig do better than Zencastr?
Craig's standout is "Free with multi-track output for post-production". Zencastr doesn't make that promise — it leans into "4K multitrack across desktop and mobile" instead. If the first sentence describes your workflow, pick Craig; if the second does, pick Zencastr.
What are the trade-offs?
Craig: audio quality limited by discord's codec. Zencastr: editor less mature than descript's. Whether either matters depends entirely on what you actually need — neither is a deal-breaker by itself.
Do they support the same platforms?
Zencastr works on 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 Zencastr 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 Zencastr for another. Worth trying both free tiers before committing.