Riverside.fm vs. Zoom: Which Is Better for Podcasting in 2025?
If you’re thinking about launching a podcast, or leveling up your current workflow, you’ve probably asked yourself this question: Should I use Riverside.fm or just stick with Zoom?
At first glance, they both let you record remote interviews. But under the hood, they’re very different beasts, and choosing the right one can make a massive difference in your audio quality, editing time, and listener experience.
Let’s break it down.
Audio Quality: Riverside Wins by a Landslide
Riverside.fm records locally, which means each participant’s audio is captured directly from their device, not through the internet. This eliminates glitches, dropouts, or robotic voices due to bad connections.
Zoom, on the other hand, records over the internet, compressing the audio and video in real time. That’s fine for meetings, but for podcasts? It’s a noticeable downgrade.
Winner: Riverside
If you care about clean, broadcast-quality sound, Riverside is the clear choice.
Video Recording: High-Quality vs. Utility
If you’re doing video podcasts or repurposing for YouTube or social, Riverside records 4K video on each participant’s device, then uploads it automatically. The result? Crisp, pro-looking footage.
Zoom compresses video in real-time. Even with HD enabled, the result is... meh. Usable? Sure. Ideal? Not even close.
Winner: Riverside
For podcasters who want polished video content, Zoom can’t compete.
Ease of Use: Zoom Is Simpler for Beginners
Zoom is familiar. Most guests have used it before, so there’s little onboarding. The UI is simple, and it just works.
Riverside, while user-friendly, sometimes needs a little more prep, especially for guests who’ve never used it. Uploads can stall if someone has poor internet, even though recordings are local.
Winner: Zoom
For quick-and-dirty interviews or low-tech guests, Zoom has the edge.
Features & Tools: Riverside Packs in More for Podcasters
Riverside offers podcast-specific tools:
Separate audio and video tracks
Automatic backups
AI transcriptions and editing
Clip creation tools
Audience call-in features (great for live shows)
Zoom wasn’t built for podcasts. It’s a meeting platform that can record. No multitrack, no AI tools, and limited editing support.
Winner: Riverside
It’s built for creators, not corporate meetings.
Pricing: Zoom Is Cheaper (At First)
Zoom: Free for 40-min meetings (1-on-1 is unlimited), or $15–20/month for Pro.
Riverside: Free trial, then $15–29/month depending on features and recording hours.
Winner: Tie
If you’re just starting or budget-conscious, Zoom might be good enough. But if podcasting is your thing, Riverside is worth the investment.
Ideal Use Cases
Platform: Riverside.fm
Best For: Podcasters, content creators, YouTubers, anyone who cares about audio/video quality
Platform: Zoom
Best For: Beginners, low-tech guests, casual or internal podcasts, fast turnaround interviews
If podcasting is more than a side hustle, or you want your episodes to sound as good as they are, Riverside.fm is the way to go. It delivers the quality and flexibility content creators need.
That said, if your top priority is speed, simplicity, or budget, Zoom can still get the job done, just know you may be trading off some quality in the process.