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
Head-to-head
Submagic vs Riverside: do you need both for podcast clips?
At a glance
Starts atFree trial · paid from $12/mo billed yearly
- No free plan
- Free trial3 short videos, watermarked downloads
- Watermark on free exports
They do different steps. Riverside records the podcast or interview in high quality, then its Magic Clips cuts short clips. Submagic takes a clip and adds animated captions, B-roll and zooms. If you record remote guests, start with Riverside. If you already have recordings and want styled captions, Submagic.
Quick verdict
Side-by-side comparison
| Detail | Riverside | Submagic |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes: 2 hours of multi-track recording, 720p, Riverside watermark | No. Trial with 3 short videos, watermarked |
| Entry plan | Pro: $288/year ($24/month), up to 4K, no watermark. $29 monthly per ShortStack data | Starter: $19/month or $12/month yearly, 15 videos, 2 min max |
| Next plan | Grow: $34/month yearly ($39 monthly) | Pro: $39/month, 40 videos, 5 min |
| Main job | Recording and editing | Captions and effects |
| Clips | Magic Clips, even on Free | Magic Clips and caption templates |
| Export | Up to 4K on Pro | 1080p. 4K on Business |
| Best for | Podcasters | Caption-heavy Shorts |
For Shorts, TikTok and Reels creators
Riverside's free plan now includes Magic Clips, but adds a watermark at 720p. A common setup: record in Riverside Pro, export clips, and caption them in Submagic. If Riverside's own captions are enough, skip Submagic.
How to choose
- Recording guests? Riverside.
- Captions are your bottleneck? Submagic.
- Try Riverside Free and Submagic's trial before paying for both.
Common questions
Does Riverside have a free plan?
Yes, with 2 hours of multi-track recording, 720p and a watermark.
Is Submagic better than Riverside Magic Clips?
For caption styles and B-roll, Submagic does more. Riverside clips come straight from your recording.
How much is Submagic?
From $19/month, or $12/month billed yearly.
Related: Descript vs Riverside, OpusClip vs Submagic, Riverside alternatives, Submagic alternatives.
Sources: riverside.com/pricing, submagic.co/pricing. Checked on 16 October 2026. Based on published plans and terms, not a hands-on test.