Head-to-head · Virtual Recording Studio Software
Riverside vs Iris.fm
Riverside leads on 0 checks, Iris.fm on 1, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 5 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreRiverside · 8.9/10
- Lowest starting priceIris.fm · $9/mo
- Free planboth
- Free trialonly Riverside
Riverside scores higher on our rubric for virtual recording studio software: 8.9 against 7.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #8.
Iris.fm is cheaper to start at $9/mo against $15/mo.
Riverside is the better fit for creators producing polished remote audio and video. Iris.fm is the better fit for budget-conscious mobile-friendly interview creators.
- Riverside fits best
Creators producing polished remote audio and video
- Iris.fm fits best
Budget-conscious mobile-friendly interview creators
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Side by side
| Feature | Riverside 8.9/10 Visit ↗ | Iris.fm 7.9/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.9 | 7.9 |
| Ranking | #2 in Virtual Recording Studio Software | #8 in Virtual Recording Studio Software |
| Best for | Creators producing polished remote audio and video | Budget-conscious mobile-friendly interview creators |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | $15/mo | $9/mo (best) |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | 14 days | — |
| Deployment | Cloud, Desktop, Mobile | Cloud |
| Platforms | Web, macOS, iOS, Android | Web, iOS, Android |
| Support | Live chat, Docs · 24/7 | |
| Integrations | 8 integrations | 2 integrations |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Solo, Small business, Mid-market |
| Features Riverside 3/3 · Iris.fm 3/3 | ||
| Separate tracks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Video recording | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transcription | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Max participants | Not checked yet | 9 participants |
| Max video resolution | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
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| Our verdict | Riverside brings remote audio and video recording, editing, and publishing into one cloud-based studio. It is aimed at podcasters, interviewers, webinar hosts, and creators who want participant tracks recorded locally for post-production.… Read the review → |
For podcasters, interviewers, co-hosts, and video creators recording remotely, Iris.fm provides browser-based recording with separate local audio and video files for each participant. Guests join through a link without installing an app,… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Riverside — where it wins
- Records separate audio and video tracks locally on each participant’s device
- Combines text-based editing, transcription, AI clips, and show notes
- Supports 4K video, streaming, podcast hosting, and publishing integrations
Where it doesn't
- Free exports include a watermark and video is limited to 720p
- Free multi-track recording is capped at 2 hours
- Separate-track downloads and streaming features require paid plans
Iris.fm — where it wins
- Records separate local audio and video tracks for each participant
- Supports live captions, automatic transcriptions, and progressive uploads
- Offers web, iOS, and Android access with Drive and Dropbox uploads
Where it doesn't
- Cloud deployment means recordings are not self-hosted
- Google Drive and Dropbox are the listed storage integrations
- Email is the listed support channel
- Riverside8.9/10 · Free plan · 14-day trial
Local multitrack recording, editing, and publishing in one remote studio.
Visit RiversideFull verdict → - Iris.fm7.9/10 · Free plan
A budget-friendly remote recording studio with separate tracks, captions, and transcription.
Visit Iris.fmFull verdict →
More comparisons
All virtual recording studio software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update