Head-to-head comparison
Riverside vs Vocaster Hub
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.
Browser-based studio that records each guest locally in 4K, then helps you edit.
Best for: Remote video interviews
Focusrite's companion app for the Vocaster interface line, tuned for podcast voice work.
Best for: Vocaster owners
At a glance
The honest trade-offs
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
Vocaster Hub
Pros
- Auto Gain handles input levels for beginners
- Free with any Vocaster purchase
- Clean routing for mic, computer, phone, camera
Watch-outs
- Requires Vocaster hardware
- Less flexible than Wave Link or MOTIV Mix
- Built around two-mic workflows
Which one should you pick?
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.
Pick Vocaster Hub if
You’re building around vocaster owners. Vocaster Hub is Focusrite's free control app for the Vocaster One and Two interfaces. Auto Gain, voice presets, and clean input metering make it useful for newer podcasters.
Also worth comparing
Or see all Riverside alternatives.
Frequently asked
What does Riverside do better than Vocaster Hub?
Riverside's standout is "Local 4K tracks survive flaky Wi-Fi". Vocaster Hub doesn't make that promise — it leans into "Auto Gain handles input levels for beginners" instead. If the first sentence describes your workflow, pick Riverside; if the second does, pick Vocaster Hub.
What are the trade-offs?
Riverside: editing tools still lag descript. Vocaster Hub: requires vocaster hardware. 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 Vocaster Hub doesn't. If you're on a specific OS or device, that may decide for you.
Can I use Riverside and Vocaster Hub together?
Both are recording tools so most teams pick one. Some workflows do combine them — for example, using Riverside for one show or episode type and Vocaster Hub for another. Worth trying both free tiers before committing.