Choosing Riverside vs Descript for Podcasting (2025 In-Depth Comparison)
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Choosing the wrong editing software kills podcasts before they even have a chance to begin.
If you’re overwhelmed every time you open up the tools you need, that friction is enough to throw you off course once the motivation of being a new show starts to wear off.
I’ve been using Riverside and Descript for about five years at this point, and it’s also something that I teach clients of mine so that they can own their means of production.
What used to take a team of two to eight people can now be done by yourself if you want to, thanks to software like Riverside and Descript.
So in this email, I’m going to help you choose the right one for your needs.
I’m going to compare Riverside versus Descript across 15 categories that I think are important to consider for beginners who are looking to record their podcasts remotely.
1. User interface
If you asked me this question four or five years ago, Descript may have had a shot in this category.
Because of the classic version, it was much more approachable than what you see today, especially as they’ve added more features over the years to compete with robust software like Premiere Pro.
Even though Riverside has added more features too, side by side my clients feel less overwhelmed starting with Riverside.
So Riverside wins for being cleaner and more efficient.
2. Recording reliability
Descript’s screen recording feature is wonderful — I don’t need Loom for tutorials anymore.
But when I tried solo recording inside Descript, I recorded for over an hour and the audio had issues. That was frustrating.
For guest recordings, Descript’s Squadcast partnership felt unfinished.
Riverside, on the other hand, built its name on reliable recording.
They also have customer service processes to help recover files if something goes wrong — unlike older tools I used where if it was gone, it was gone.
Riverside wins.
3. Scheduling guests
Descript doesn’t have this feature.
Riverside does — and it’s improved a lot since the clunky version they offered years ago.
Now it’s polished and customizable.
Riverside wins.
4. Live streaming
Descript doesn’t support it.
Riverside lets you stream to YouTube, Twitch, Facebook, LinkedIn, and more.
It’s smooth enough that some clients switched over from StreamYard since Riverside does both recording and streaming with better features.
Riverside wins.
5. Mobile support
Descript is designed for desktop.
Yes, editing in the browser is possible, but I don’t recommend it.
Riverside has had a mobile app for years.
It was clunky at first and only on iOS, but now there’s also an Android app.
It’s not perfect, but it makes podcasting on the go realistic.
Some big-name shows even bring in guests from their iPhone with AirPods.
Riverside wins.
6. Teleprompter
Descript doesn’t have one.
Riverside does, and it keeps your eyes on the camera instead of darting side to side reading notes.
It also reduces the need for extra gear.
Riverside wins.
7. Editing features
Descript is a strong editor, competing with Premiere Pro or DaVinci.
But many of its features are unnecessary day to day.
For example, eye correction is cool but not useful.
Captioning was easier in Descript’s legacy version — now there are presets I don’t like and you have to customize every time.
Riverside, though less advanced, offers presets and makes editing beginner-friendly.
Even if a clip or two isn’t perfect, it generates so many so quickly with layouts already done that it doesn’t matter.
Ease of learning plus speed means Riverside wins.
8. Brand kit
Descript doesn’t let you save colors, fonts, or presets.
It makes no sense when it can do advanced things but not this basic one.
Riverside does — including automatic end screens added to clips.
This saves tons of time.
Riverside wins.
9. AI tools
Descript was a pioneer.
It has tons of features — title generation, descriptions, eye correction, green screen — but most you won’t use daily.
Riverside focuses on core AI features like Magic Clips and Magic Editing.
With one click, you can get a polished episode ready to go.
Descript’s studio setting works okay at 30–50% but is too aggressive at 100%.
Riverside wins because its AI is easier and more frequently useful.
10. Export options
Descript has tons of export choices, including to Premiere and DaVinci.
But it’s overwhelming.
Riverside makes it simple — with AI layouts and speaker-switching that used to require manual editing.
Riverside wins.
11. Speed and load time
Both are cloud-based, so internet connection matters.
Descript is faster since you can download the app to your computer.
Riverside in the browser is slightly slower.
Not a huge issue, but Descript wins this category.
12. Ease of use
Both can be learned, but Riverside is quicker for beginners.
Descript has gotten harder as it added more features.
Ease of use matters because 90% of podcasts don’t make it past episode 3–7 — often because editing becomes too much.
Riverside wins.
13. All-in-one capabilities
Intermediate to advanced users will still pair software with other tools — I color grade in Premiere Pro, for example.
But compared to four or five years ago, Riverside now lets you schedule, record, edit, live stream, and promote all in one place.
Descript is a strong editor but still requires other tools.
Riverside wins.
14. Learning curve
Descript is not as hard as Premiere or DaVinci, but it’s beyond Riverside.
Riverside’s streamlined workflow reduces friction and improves consistency.
Consistency is the name of the game in podcasting.
Riverside wins.
15. Overall winner
Considering all 15 categories, Riverside is clearly the winner.
It gives beginners high-quality content from start to finish without friction.
It lets you learn as you go.
It keeps you consistent.
3 Takeaways
- Riverside wins in the majority of categories.
- Descript is powerful but bloated with features most podcasters don’t use.
- Ease of use and reduced friction matter more than advanced tools when starting out.
If you’re a beginner podcaster: start with Riverside.
If you’re an editor with experience: Descript can still have a place, but you’ll pair it with other tools anyway.
The key: pick the tool that helps you show up consistently week after week.
90% of podcasts don’t make it past episode 3 or 7 — and your editing choice can be the deciding factor.
If you want to try Riverside, make sure to use my code PODMAHAL to get 15% off any paid plan.
In your corner,
Misbah Haque
Author & Consultant at Pod Mahal
Writer & Host of Habit Chess
