Starts atFree plan · paid from $11/mo billed yearly
- Free plan2 hours of audio per month, jingle added
Head-to-head
Auphonic vs Riverside: do you need a recorder or a cleanup tool?
At a glance
Starts atFree plan · paid from $24/mo billed yearly
- Free plan2 hours of multi-track recording (one-off), up to 720p
- Free trial14-day free trial on paid plans
- Watermark on free exports
They do different steps. Riverside records remote podcasts and interviews in local quality, up to 4K, then helps you edit and clip. Auphonic takes finished audio and sets loudness, levels voices and cuts noise. Many podcasters record on Riverside and run the file through Auphonic.
Quick verdict
Side-by-side comparison
| Detail | Auphonic | Riverside |
|---|---|---|
| Main job | Post-production: loudness, leveling, noise | Remote recording, editing, clips |
| Free plan | 2 hours of audio a month, Auphonic jingle added | Yes: Free plan at $0. Paid plans have a 14-day free trial |
| Paid plans | Monthly credits: S 9 h to XXL 250 h (prices did not load on its page) | Pro: $35/month, $24 yearly, 5 recording hours |
| Next plan | One-time credits that never expire | Grow: $45/month, $34 yearly, 15 hours |
| Video | Video cutting, up to 1080p on free (Auphonic blog) | Up to 4K, no watermark |
| Best for | Polishing audio | Recording guests |
For Shorts, TikTok and Reels
Riverside's Magic Clips cut captioned shorts from an episode, which is a direct path from podcast to Shorts. Auphonic fixes the sound of any clip, so quiet guests and loud hosts end up at the same level. If you already record elsewhere, Auphonic's free 2 hours may be all you need.
How to choose
- Need to record guests? Riverside.
- Already have recordings that sound uneven? Auphonic.
- Under 2 hours of audio a month? Auphonic Free (with its jingle).
- Want both? Record on Riverside, then polish in Auphonic.
Questions
Is Auphonic better than Riverside?
They do different jobs. Riverside records. Auphonic cleans up audio after.
Is Auphonic free?
Yes, for 2 hours of audio a month, with an Auphonic jingle added. Unused hours don't carry over.
Does Riverside have a free plan?
Yes, a small one. The Free plan is $0 and gives 2 hours of multi-track recording in total (not per month), up to 720p, with a Riverside watermark. Paid plans also have a 14-day free trial. Pro is $35/month or $24 billed yearly.
Related: Descript vs Riverside, Riverside vs Ecamm Live, Riverside alternatives, audio cleanup tools.
Sources: auphonic.com/pricing, riverside.com/pricing (ShortStack data verified 15 Oct 2026). Checked on 16 October 2026. Based on published plans and terms, not a hands-on test.