Head-to-head comparison
Loopback 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.
Rogue Amoeba's virtual audio router that combines any sources into a single Mac input.
Best for: complex Mac routing
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
Loopback
Pros
- Virtual aggregate audio devices done right
- Pairs perfectly with Audio Hijack
- One-time license, free trial watermarks audio
Watch-outs
- $99 is a lot for a routing utility
- Mac only
- Overkill for one-mic solo recording
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 Loopback if
You’re building around complex mac routing. Loopback is the wire-free patch bay every Mac podcaster wishes macOS shipped with. Drag in sources, drag in outputs, connect them with virtual cables, and feed the result to any recording app as a single device.
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 Loopback alternatives.
Frequently asked
What does Loopback do better than Riverside?
Loopback's standout is "Virtual aggregate audio devices done right". 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 Loopback; if the second does, pick Riverside.
What are the trade-offs?
Loopback: $99 is a lot for a routing utility. 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, Windows, iOS, Android where Loopback doesn't. If you're on a specific OS or device, that may decide for you.
Can I use Loopback and Riverside together?
Both are recording tools so most teams pick one. Some workflows do combine them — for example, using Loopback for one show or episode type and Riverside for another. Worth trying both free tiers before committing.