Podcasting has become one of the most powerful mediums for CEOs, founders, and coaches to build influence and authority. 

But beyond your mic and ideas, your recording and editing software plays a crucial role in how professional your podcast sounds.

Three tools dominate conversations in 2025: Descript, Riverside, and SquadCast.

Each has carved out its niche:

• Descript is best known for its text-based editing and AI-powered features.

• Riverside shines as a high-quality remote recording studio.

• SquadCast focuses on reliability and collaboration for podcasters.

But which one is right for you? Let’s break down their strengths, weaknesses, and use cases so you can choose wisely.

Descript: The All-in-One Podcast Editor

Best For: Podcasters who want easy editing, transcription, and AI tools.

• Editing Style: Text-based (edit audio by editing text).

• Recording: Local and remote recording options.

• Transcription: Built-in automatic transcription.

• AI Features: Overdub (voice cloning), filler word removal, automatic captions.

• Collaboration: Multi-user editing and commenting.

• Pricing (2025): Free (limited), $12/month (Creator), $24/month (Pro).

Pros:
✅ Easy for beginners- edit audio like a Google Doc
✅ AI-powered editing saves hours
✅ Video editing included
✅ Affordable entry-level plan

Cons:
❌ Audio quality depends on setup (not as strong as Riverside)
❌ Overdub and AI tools have a learning curve

Riverside: The High-Quality Remote Studio

Best For: Podcasters who prioritize professional-grade audio & video.

• Recording Quality: Up to 4K video and lossless WAV audio.

• Cloud Storage: Local recording ensures quality even with poor internet.

• Live Streaming: Stream to YouTube, LinkedIn, or Facebook.

• AI Tools: Transcriptions, show notes, automatic clips.

• Collaboration: Multi-guest remote recording.

• Pricing (2025): Free (2 hours/month), $15/month (Standard), $29/month (Pro).

Pros:
✅ Broadcast-level quality (video + audio)
✅ Ideal for remote interviews with guests
✅ Built-in AI tools for clips and summaries
✅ Reliable cloud + local backups

Cons:
❌ More expensive than Descript for premium features
❌ Editing not as simple as Descript

SquadCast: The Reliable Collaboration Platform

Best For: Professional podcasters who want reliability and guest-friendly features.

• Recording Quality: High-quality audio + video recording.

• Focus: Studio-quality sound without tech stress.

• Guest Experience: No app needed, browser-based, simple interface.

• Collaboration: Producer mode, backstage access.

• AI Tools: Auto mastering, transcripts, cloud storage.

• Pricing (2025): Free trial, $20/month (Creator), $40/month (Pro).

Pros:
✅ Smooth guest onboarding (browser-based)
✅ Consistent recording quality
✅ Collaboration-friendly features
✅ Strong customer support reputation

Cons:
❌ Pricier than alternatives for small creators
❌ Fewer flashy AI tools compared to Descript

Comparison Table: Descript vs. Riverside vs. SquadCast (2025)

How to Choose Between Them

• Choose Descript if… you want easy editing, AI tools, and affordability. Great for beginners, solo podcasters, and coaches who want to focus on content, not tech.

• Choose Riverside if… you need studio-quality remote recordings and plan to use both video + audio. Perfect for CEOs and brands doing remote interviews.

• Choose SquadCast if… you value reliability and guest experience, and you’re ready to invest in professional podcast workflows.

The right podcast tool depends on your priorities:

• Descript = Easy, AI-powered editing.

• Riverside = Professional-grade audio & video.

• SquadCast = Reliability and smooth collaboration.

If you’re a founder, coach, or CEO, investing in the right tool means less time stressing about tech- and more time sharing your story, building trust, and growing your brand.

While Descript, Riverside, and SquadCast each bring unique strengths to the table, it’s important to step back and understand what actually makes a podcast editor the right fit for you. 

For a broader perspective, explore our full guide on How to Choose the Right Podcast Editing Software.

🎙️ Your podcast deserves more than just great tools- it deserves the right strategy.

At Command Your Brand, we help professionals like you not only pick the right platforms but also launch, grow, and promote podcasts that build authority and drive results.

👉 Book a call with Command Your Brand today and let’s turn your podcast into a powerful authority-building platform.