Head-to-head comparison
Elgato Wave Link 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.
Free mixing software that turns any USB mic and Mac or PC into a virtual broadcast console.
Best for: streamer-podcasters
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
Elgato Wave Link
Pros
- Free and works with any USB or XLR setup
- Five independent output mixes with effects
- Stream Deck integration for hands-on mixing
Watch-outs
- Built for streaming, not deep multitrack capture
- Mac and Windows only
- Some advanced features need Elgato hardware
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 Elgato Wave Link if
You’re building around streamer-podcasters. Wave Link 3.0 is the rare hardware-brand utility that works with any mic, not just Elgato's.
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.
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Frequently asked
What does Elgato Wave Link do better than Riverside?
Elgato Wave Link's standout is "Free and works with any USB or XLR setup". 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 Elgato Wave Link; if the second does, pick Riverside.
What are the trade-offs?
Elgato Wave Link: built for streaming, not deep multitrack capture. 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 Web, iOS, Android where Elgato Wave Link doesn't. If you're on a specific OS or device, that may decide for you.
Can I use Elgato Wave Link and Riverside together?
Both are recording tools so most teams pick one. Some workflows do combine them — for example, using Elgato Wave Link for one show or episode type and Riverside for another. Worth trying both free tiers before committing.