Head-to-head comparison
Iris 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.
Local-first multitrack browser studio focused on lossless audio and 4K video.
Best for: interview 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
Iris
Pros
- Per-session billing rewards group shows
- WAV and MP4 exports straight away
- Free hour with no credit card
Watch-outs
- Smaller integration ecosystem than Riverside
- Newer brand, thinner support docs
- No native editing — exports only
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 Iris if
You’re building around interview podcasters. Iris pitches itself as a quieter Riverside — same browser, same per-participant local recording, but billed by session hours instead of per-track hours. That math favors interview shows with multiple guests.
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 Iris alternatives.
Frequently asked
What does Iris do better than Riverside?
Iris's standout is "Per-session billing rewards group shows". 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 Iris; if the second does, pick Riverside.
What are the trade-offs?
Iris: smaller integration ecosystem than riverside. 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 Iris doesn't. If you're on a specific OS or device, that may decide for you.
Can I use Iris and Riverside together?
Both are recording tools so most teams pick one. Some workflows do combine them — for example, using Iris for one show or episode type and Riverside for another. Worth trying both free tiers before committing.