Head-to-head comparison
Riverside vs WaveLab Cast
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
Steinberg's podcast-focused audio editor with multitrack recording and direct upload to hosts.
Best for: Steinberg loyalists
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
WaveLab Cast
Pros
- Built on Steinberg's mature audio engine
- Direct upload to Spreaker, Podbean, SoundCloud
- 30-day free trial of the full app
Watch-outs
- Smaller community and fewer tutorials
- Less narrative-focused than Hindenburg
- Mac and Windows only
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 WaveLab Cast if
You’re building around steinberg loyalists. WaveLab Cast 2 is the underrated podcast tool from a serious audio company. Same engine as Steinberg's mastering flagship, with direct upload to Spreaker, Podbean, and SoundCloud.
Also worth comparing
Or see all Riverside alternatives.
Frequently asked
What does Riverside do better than WaveLab Cast?
Riverside's standout is "Local 4K tracks survive flaky Wi-Fi". WaveLab Cast doesn't make that promise — it leans into "Built on Steinberg's mature audio engine" instead. If the first sentence describes your workflow, pick Riverside; if the second does, pick WaveLab Cast.
What are the trade-offs?
Riverside: editing tools still lag descript. WaveLab Cast: smaller community and fewer tutorials. 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 WaveLab Cast doesn't. If you're on a specific OS or device, that may decide for you.
Can I use Riverside and WaveLab Cast 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 WaveLab Cast for another. Worth trying both free tiers before committing.