Head-to-head comparison
Soundtrap 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.
Spotify-owned browser DAW with collaborative recording and one-click podcast publishing to Spotify.
Best for: Spotify-first podcasters
Remote recording with progressive local uploads, now bundled with Descript.
Best for: Reliable remote recording
At a glance
The honest trade-offs
Soundtrap
Pros
- Real-time collaborative editing in the browser
- Direct upload to Spotify with transcripts
- Free tier exists; works on any device
Watch-outs
- Recording is cloud-based, not local lossless
- Strongest features assume Spotify hosting
- Pricing climbs past $14/mo for podcast features
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 Soundtrap if
You’re building around spotify-first podcasters. Soundtrap is the browser DAW Spotify quietly built into a podcast tool. Collaboration genuinely works in real time, and the direct upload to Spotify is convenient if you publish there.
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
Or see all Soundtrap alternatives.
Frequently asked
What does Soundtrap do better than SquadCast?
Soundtrap's standout is "Real-time collaborative editing in the browser". SquadCast doesn't make that promise — it leans into "Progressive uploads survive connection drops" instead. If the first sentence describes your workflow, pick Soundtrap; if the second does, pick SquadCast.
What are the trade-offs?
Soundtrap: recording is cloud-based, not local lossless. SquadCast: standalone identity blurred post-acquisition. Whether either matters depends entirely on what you actually need — neither is a deal-breaker by itself.
Can I use Soundtrap and SquadCast together?
Both are recording tools so most teams pick one. Some workflows do combine them — for example, using Soundtrap for one show or episode type and SquadCast for another. Worth trying both free tiers before committing.