Head-to-head comparison
Elgato Wave Link vs SquadCast
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
Remote recording with progressive local uploads, now bundled with Descript.
Best for: Reliable remote recording
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
SquadCast
Pros
- Progressive uploads survive connection drops
- Separate tracks per participant
- Bundled with Descript editing in some plans
Watch-outs
- Standalone identity blurred post-acquisition
- Video quality trails Riverside slightly
- Browser-only for guests, no native app
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 SquadCast if
You’re building around reliable remote recording. SquadCast was always the dependable, less flashy sibling to Riverside, and the Descript acquisition has only sharpened that role. Progressive uploads work as advertised — recordings survive connection drops that would destroy a Zoom call.
Also worth comparing
Frequently asked
What does Elgato Wave Link do better than SquadCast?
Elgato Wave Link's standout is "Free and works with any USB or XLR setup". SquadCast doesn't make that promise — it leans into "Progressive uploads survive connection drops" instead. If the first sentence describes your workflow, pick Elgato Wave Link; if the second does, pick SquadCast.
What are the trade-offs?
Elgato Wave Link: built for streaming, not deep multitrack capture. SquadCast: standalone identity blurred post-acquisition. Whether either matters depends entirely on what you actually need — neither is a deal-breaker by itself.
Do they support the same platforms?
Elgato Wave Link works on macOS, Windows where SquadCast doesn't. SquadCast works on Web 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 SquadCast 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 SquadCast for another. Worth trying both free tiers before committing.