ChatGPT answers, unedited

If your priority is “I send my guest one link, they click it, and we’re recording”, I’d look at Riverside and Zencastr first.

My beginner-friendly shortlist

🥇 Riverside

Riverside is probably the easiest all-around starting point if you're doing interviews.

You create a recording room, copy the guest link, and send it to them. Guests can join through their browser without having to install recording software. Riverside records participants locally, which is important because you're not relying entirely on the quality of the internet connection for your final recording. Riverside Riverside

It's particularly attractive if you want video clips for YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, etc. in addition to the podcast.

riverside.fm

🥈 Zencastr

Zencastr is worth serious consideration if you're audio-first or trying to keep costs down.

The guest experience is extremely simple: you send a link, they click it, and they can join without creating a Zencastr account. On a computer, they don't need to download anything. Zencastr records separate tracks for each participant and currently offers a free tier with up to six participants. Zencastr Zencastr Help Center

zencastr.com

What I'd do if I were starting

For a video podcast: Riverside.

For an audio-only interview podcast: Zencastr.

If you already plan to edit heavily in Descript: consider SquadCast/Descript.

One important thing: don't use ordinary Zoom recording as your first choice if podcast audio quality matters. Zoom is incredibly convenient, but dedicated remote-recording platforms are designed to capture each person's audio locally rather than simply recording the compressed video call. Riverside

If you tell me whether you're doing audio-only or video + audio, and your approximate monthly budget ($0 / <$20 / $20–50), I can narrow it down to one and tell you exactly how I'd set it up.

For a beginner, I’d start with Riverside. Guests can join from a link without installing software, and it records separate local tracks for better-quality interviews. Riverside Cutsio

• Riverside: easiest all-around choice, especially if you want video clips later.
• Zencastr: great if you’re audio-only and want to keep costs down.
• Zoom: easiest for guests, but recording quality is generally less podcast-oriented. podstackhq.com

If you tell me audio-only vs. video podcast and your budget (free / <$20 / <$50 per month), I can narrow it down.

For a beginner podcaster doing remote interviews, I’d start with Riverside.

The key thing you want is “guest clicks a link → checks their mic → joins”, while Riverside records each person locally in separate tracks. That means a guest’s shaky internet connection is much less likely to ruin the actual recording. PodStack Cutsio

My shortlist

• 🥇 Riverside — Best all-around starting point. Very simple guest experience, browser-based joining, separate audio/video tracks, and useful built-in editing/clipping tools. PodStack Riverside

riverside.fm

• Zencastr — Good if you're primarily doing audio and want to keep costs down. It also supports browser-based guest joining and separate tracks. PodStack Podcast AI Tools

zencastr.com

• SquadCast / Descript Rooms — Worth considering if you already plan to use Descript for editing. PodStack

descript.com

What I'd do in your shoes

Start with Riverside. Don't overcomplicate your setup yet. Send your guest one link, have them use headphones and a decent microphone, record the interview, and then worry about editing afterward.

If you're audio-only, tell me that and roughly how many interviews you'll record per month, and I can compare the current free/paid plans of Riverside, Zencastr, and a couple of cheaper options for you.

For a beginner podcaster doing remote interviews, I’d usually recommend riverside.fm as the best starting point. Your guests can click a link, allow their mic/camera, and join from a browser without installing complicated software. It records separate tracks for each person, which gives you much better quality than a normal video call. Riverside Podcast Pontifications

Here’s how I’d rank the main options:

1. Best overall for beginners: Riverside

Best for: Interview podcasts, video podcasts, YouTube clips

Pros:

• Guest just clicks your invite link
• Very beginner-friendly interface
• Records each person separately (so your guest’s bad internet is less likely to ruin the final recording)
• Built-in editing, captions, and clip creation tools
• Good if you want video + audio

Cons:

• Paid plans are where the best features are

Riverside Riverside## 2. Best if you only care about audio: Zencastr

Best for: Audio-first interview shows

Pros:

• Simple guest experience
• Good remote audio quality
• Budget-friendly option
• Includes podcast-focused tools

Cons:

• Less appealing if you want polished video clips for social media

zencastr.com Riverside Podcast AI Tools

3. Best if you want editing built around transcripts: Descript / SquadCast

Best for: People who want to edit by editing text

Pros:

• Strong AI-assisted editing workflow
• Good if you plan to remove filler words, create clips, and edit interviews quickly

Cons:

• Slightly more to learn than a pure recording tool

descript.com Riverside

4. Free but less “podcast studio” feeling: Zoom

Best for: Testing your idea with zero cost

Pros:

• Everyone knows how to use it
• Guests rarely need instructions

Cons:

• Audio quality is usually not as good as dedicated podcast recorders

The Podosphere### My beginner setup recommendation

If you’re starting today:

• Recording: Riverside
• Microphone: a USB mic (Audio-Technica ATR2100x, Samson Q2U, or similar)
• Editing: Riverside’s editor at first; move to Descript later if needed
• Hosting: a dedicated podcast host after you have episodes ready

The simplest guest message becomes:

“Click this link 5 minutes before we record. Pick your microphone, click Join, and we’ll start.”

That’s the experience you want. Podcast Pontifications

If you tell me whether your podcast is audio-only or video (YouTube/TikTok clips) and your budget (free / under $20 per month / professional), I can narrow it down to one choice.

For a beginner podcaster doing remote interviews, I’d pick Riverside.

It hits the sweet spot of easy for guests + good recording quality + minimal technical setup. Guests can join through a link, and Riverside records locally rather than relying entirely on the quality of the internet call. It also gives you separate tracks for editing and built-in tools for clips/transcripts. Riverside Riverside

My quick ranking

1. Riverside — best overall for a beginner

• Send guest a link → they join in their browser.
• Excellent audio and video.
• Separate tracks for you and the guest.
• Especially good if you eventually want YouTube/video clips.
• More polished and beginner-friendly than most alternatives. Riverside
• Zencastr — best if you mainly care about audio and cost

• Guests can simply click an invitation link and enter a green room.
• Separate track for each speaker.
• Its free offering supports up to 6 participants in a session.
• I'd choose this if you're making an audio-first podcast and want to keep expenses down. Zencastr Zencastr Help Center
• SquadCast — great if you're already using Descript

• Strong remote recording workflow.
• Particularly attractive if you want to edit your podcast in Descript afterward.
• Slightly less compelling for a complete beginner starting from scratch. Riverside

What I would do in your shoes

Start with Riverside. Your workflow can literally be:

Create recording → copy guest link → send it to guest → both click → record → download/edit.

You don't need to make your guests create complicated accounts or learn podcasting software.

One important tip: don't use ordinary Zoom/Google Meet as your primary recording solution if you care about podcast-quality audio. Dedicated podcast platforms record the participants locally and give you separate tracks, which gives you much more control over the final sound. thepodosphere.com

If you tell me (1) audio-only or video podcast, (2) your budget—free/$10–20/$30+ per month, and (3) whether you want AI editing, I can tell you exactly which one I'd choose and what your beginner setup should be.

For a beginner podcaster doing remote interviews, I’d pick Riverside.

🥇 My pick: Riverside

riverside.fm

Why it’s a great beginner choice:

• Guests just click a link — they don't need to create an account. Riverside
• It runs in the browser, so there's no complicated software installation.
• It records each person's audio/video locally, which gives you much better podcast quality than recording a Zoom call. Riverside
• You get separate tracks for you and your guest, making editing much easier.
• It also has built-in editing, transcription, clips, and video tools, so you can grow into it rather than cobbling together several apps.

🥈 The budget alternative: Zencastr

zencastr.com

Zencastr is particularly attractive if you want to spend as little as possible starting out. Guests can join from a computer simply by clicking your link—no account or download required—and the free plan supports up to six participants. Zencastr Zencastr

My recommendation: If you're serious about building a podcast and don't mind paying for a tool once you outgrow the free tier, start with Riverside. If you're experimenting and want to keep your costs near $0, start with Zencastr.

One important tip: don't use Zoom as your primary podcast recorder if you can avoid it. A dedicated remote-recording platform captures each person's track locally, so internet hiccups don't get baked into the final recording. Zencastr

If you tell me whether your podcast is audio-only or video + YouTube, I can recommend the exact setup I'd use (including mic, recording tool, editing tool, and approximate monthly cost).

If you’re a beginner podcaster doing remote interviews, I’d pick Riverside.

riverside.fm is particularly good because:

• Guests can join from a link rather than you having to walk them through complicated software.
• It records each person’s audio/video locally and separately, which gives you much better podcast quality than a typical Zoom recording. Riverside Riverside
• It works across computer and mobile, useful when guests aren't particularly tech-savvy. PodStack
• You get video + audio, so you can easily turn interviews into YouTube clips and social-media shorts.
• It also has built-in editing, transcription, and clipping tools, which can reduce the number of apps you need as a beginner. Riverside

My beginner shortlist

Zencastr is worth considering if you're audio-only and want to minimize cost; it also lets guests simply click an invitation link and enter a green room. Zencastr Help Center

If I were starting from scratch: I'd use Riverside + a decent USB microphone + headphones, and keep the setup as simple as possible. You don't need a complicated studio to make your first episodes sound professional.

If you tell me your budget ($0 / under $20 / under $50 per month) and whether you want audio-only or video podcasting, I can narrow it down to the best exact setup.

For a beginner podcaster doing remote interviews, I’d start with Zencastr.

zencastr.com

Why I’d pick Zencastr

• Guests just click a link — they don't need a Zencastr account or a download when joining from a computer. Zencastr Zencastr Help Center
• Separate audio tracks for you and your guest, which is much better for editing than recording a normal Zoom/Meet call. Zencastr
• Local recording captures each person's audio on their own device, helping avoid the compressed/robotic sound you can get from an internet call. Zencastr
• There's a free plan, currently supporting up to 6 participants and unlimited recording time. Zencastr
• You get a simple green room where guests can check their microphone and camera before you start. Zencastr Help Center
• It can record audio-only or audio + video, so you can later make YouTube clips if you want. Zencastr Help Center

My beginner ranking

SquadCast is an excellent alternative: guests also simply click a link, with no account or download, and it records separate tracks locally with cloud backups. squadcast.fm squadcast.fm

But if you're just getting started, I'd use Zencastr first. You can send a guest something as simple as:

"Hey! Just click this link at our scheduled time. You don't need to create an account or install anything."

That's about as low-friction as you can get.

If you tell me whether you want audio-only or video podcasting, I can also recommend the best setup for mic + recording software + editing + publishing, keeping it inexpensive.

If you’re a beginner podcaster and your #1 priority is “I send my guest a link and they just click it”, I’d start with Riverside.

🥇 My pick: Riverside

Riverside

Why I’d choose it:

• Guests don’t need an account or software installation—they can click your link and join in their browser. riverside.fm
• It records separate high-quality tracks for you and your guest, rather than simply recording the internet call. riverside.fm
• You get audio + video, which is useful if you want YouTube clips, Reels, TikToks, etc.
• It has built-in editing, transcription, and clipping tools, so you don't need to learn a bunch of software immediately. riverside.fm
• You can create a reusable studio and simply send the same type of invite link to future guests. support.riverside.com

Other good choices

Zencastr is particularly worth considering if you don't care much about video. Guests can join through a recording link, and its sessions aren't tied to a specific scheduled time. support.zencastr.com

What I'd do in your shoes

Riverside → record → download the separate tracks → edit → publish.

You can literally tell a guest:

“I'll send you a link before the interview. Just click it, allow microphone access, and you'll be in.”

That's about as low-friction as remote podcasting gets. riverside.fm

If you tell me whether you're doing audio-only or video + audio, and your budget ($0 / ~$15 / ~$30+ per month), I can narrow it down to the best specific plan for you.

If your priority is “I send my guest a link, they click it, and we’re recording”, I’d start with zencastr.com.

My beginner-friendly picks

• 🥇 Zencastr — best overall for beginners

• Guest clicks a link—no account or download required on a computer. Zencastr Zencastr Help Center
• Records each person on a separate track, which is much better for editing than a normal Zoom call. Zencastr
• Has a free plan with up to 6 participants and unlimited recording time. Zencastr
• Guests get a simple “green room” where they check their mic/camera before joining. Zencastr Help Center
• My pick if you're just starting.
• 🥈 SquadCast — excellent, especially if you want a polished guest experience

• Guests simply click a link; no account or download is required. SquadCast
• Records participants locally in separate tracks and uploads them automatically. SquadCast
• Supports up to 10 people total. SquadCast
• I'd consider it if you're willing to pay for a more established podcast-recording workflow.

What I would not use as your main recorder

Zoom/Google Meet are convenient, but they're designed primarily for meetings. For podcasting, dedicated tools like Zencastr/SquadCast give you separate, higher-quality tracks and are much better suited to editing afterward.

Bottom line: Start with Zencastr. Your workflow can literally be:

Create session → copy guest link → send it → guest clicks → check mic → record.

zencastr.com

If you tell me whether you're doing audio-only or video podcasts, I can also recommend the best $0, ~$15/month, and ~$30/month setup for a beginner.

For a beginner podcaster doing remote interviews where guests simply click a link, I’d start with Riverside. It’s probably the best balance of guest simplicity, professional quality, and room to grow. It lets guests join from a browser link, records separate tracks, and includes tools for editing and making clips. Riverside Riverside

Here’s how I’d rank the main options:

BestCreates Podcast Pontifications### My beginner recommendation

Choose Riverside if:

• You want video clips for YouTube, TikTok, or social media
• You want guests who are not tech-savvy to join easily
• You want the recording to sound better than a normal video call
• You don’t want to stitch together audio files manually

A typical workflow:

1. Create an interview session.
2. Send your guest the link.
3. Guest clicks the link (usually no account needed).
4. They check their mic/camera.
5. You record.
6. You download the separate audio/video tracks and edit. THAT Toronto Podcast Studio

If you are making an audio-only podcast

I’d consider Zencastr instead. It’s simpler and focused on remote podcast recording without needing all the video features. Podcast AI Tools

One thing I would avoid

Don’t use a normal phone call, Discord call, or regular Zoom recording as your main archive if you want a professional-sounding show. Dedicated podcast platforms usually capture each person locally, which helps avoid the compressed “conference call” sound. THAT Toronto Podcast Studio

If you tell me your podcast style (audio only vs video, solo interviews vs panels, and budget: free/$10–30 month/pro level), I can narrow it down to one choice.

My pick: Riverside

For a beginner podcaster doing remote interviews, I’d start with riverside.fm.

The big reason: your guest can simply click your invitation link and join in their browser—no complicated software setup or podcasting knowledge required. Riverside records each person's audio locally, which gives you much better-quality tracks than a typical Zoom call. Riverside Hilite

Why I’d choose it

• Very easy for guests: send them a link → they click → allow microphone/camera → join.
• Separate tracks: you get your voice and your guest's voice separately, which makes editing much easier.
• Good audio + video: particularly useful if you eventually want to publish clips to YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, etc.
• Beginner-friendly: recording, transcripts, clips, and basic editing are all in one place.
• Free option: there is a free tier, so you can test your workflow before paying. Riverside

Riverside vs. the alternatives

Zencastr is probably the closest alternative: it also lets guests join through a browser and records separate local tracks. It's particularly attractive if you're audio-only and want to keep costs down. Cutsio Podcast AI Tools

If I were starting your podcast today: I'd use Riverside + a decent USB microphone + headphones, and keep the production setup as simple as possible. Don't overcomplicate things with a mixer or DAW initially.

If you tell me whether your podcast will be audio-only or video + audio, and roughly how many interviews you'll do per month, I can recommend the exact plan/setup I'd use.

If you’re a beginner podcaster interviewing guests remotely, my top pick is riverside.fm.

🥇 Best overall: Riverside

It’s especially good for your exact use case because:

• Guests just click a link — they can join from their browser without installing complicated software or creating an account. Hilite CreatorStackClub
• It records each person locally, so a guest’s shaky internet connection is much less likely to ruin the actual recording.
• You get separate audio/video tracks, which makes editing much easier.
• It supports high-quality video (up to 4K) if you eventually want to publish video clips to YouTube/Instagram/TikTok.
• It has built-in editing, transcription and clip-making, so you don't have to learn five different programs. Riverside Riverside
• There's a free tier, so you can try it before paying.

My beginner ranking

Zencastr is a particularly good alternative if you're doing audio-only and want to keep costs down. Riverside Podcast AI Tools

SquadCast is worth considering if you plan to edit in Descript; guests can join directly through a link and it has a straightforward "green room" setup. SquadCast

What I'd do in your shoes

Start with Riverside's free plan, record 2–3 real interviews, and see whether you like the workflow. Don't overthink the equipment either: headphones + a decent USB microphone + Riverside is enough to produce a very respectable beginner podcast.

If you tell me (1) audio-only or video, (2) how often you'll publish, and (3) your budget ($0 / <$20 / <$50 per month), I can tell you exactly which plan/tool I'd choose.

For a beginner podcaster doing interviews where guests simply click a link and join, I’d start with Riverside. It’s probably the best balance of guest simplicity + professional quality. Riverside Riverside

My shortlist:

My recommendation by situation

• You want a polished interview podcast (audio + video): Riverside
• You only care about great audio: Zencastr or Cleanfeed
• You want guests who are not tech-savvy: Riverside or Zoom
• You want to turn episodes into YouTube clips/shorts: Riverside
• You have $0 budget while testing your idea: Zoom first, then upgrade

A simple beginner setup:

1. Create a Riverside room.
2. Send the guest the invite link.
3. Guest clicks → allows microphone/camera → joins.
4. Record.
5. Export audio/video and edit.

A few things matter more than the software:

• Ask guests to use headphones (prevents echo).
• Have them use a quiet room.
• Use a basic USB microphone if possible.
• Do a 2-minute test recording before the real interview.

For most first-time interview podcasters, I’d pick Riverside and not overcomplicate the workflow. Riverside

If you're a beginner podcaster doing remote interviews, I'd pick Riverside.

riverside.fm is especially good because your guest can click a link in their browser and join—no complicated setup—and it records each person's audio/video locally in separate tracks, which gives you much better podcast quality than a typical Zoom call. Riverside Riverside

My quick ranking

• 🥇 Riverside — best overall: Easiest combination of guest experience, high-quality audio/video, separate tracks, and built-in editing. Great if you might eventually make video clips for YouTube/social media. Riverside
• 🥈 SquadCast — best for simplicity: Guests don't need an account or download anything; they literally click a link and join. It records separate tracks and is now integrated with Descript. SquadCast
• 🥉 Zencastr — good budget choice: Browser-based, guests join by link, and it has a useful free option, particularly if you're primarily doing audio. Hilite
• Zoom — easiest for guests: Almost everyone knows how to use it, but the recording quality is generally less podcast-friendly because of compression. Riverside

If I were starting today: I'd use Riverside's free tier first, send guests one simple "Click this link at our scheduled time" instruction, and upgrade only when the free limits become restrictive.

If you tell me audio-only vs. video podcast and roughly how many interviews you'll record per month, I can tell you which plan/tool gives you the best value.

For a beginner podcaster doing remote interviews, I’d start with riverside.fm.

🥇 My pick: Riverside

It’s particularly good when your priority is “I send my guest a link, they click it, and we record.” Guests can join from the link, and the workflow is designed around remote podcast interviews. Riverside Riverside

Why I’d choose it as a beginner:

• Very easy for guests — no complicated setup or account management.
• Separate tracks — your voice and your guest's voice are recorded separately, which makes editing much easier.
• Audio + video — useful if you eventually want YouTube clips or social media content.
• Built-in editing tools — you can do more of the workflow in one place.
• Free tier available, so you can try it before committing. Riverside

🥈 Also excellent: Zencastr

zencastr.com is probably my second choice. It has exactly the guest experience you're describing: you create a session, copy an invite link, and your guest clicks it to enter a browser-based recording room. Zencastr Help Center Zencastr Help Center

It also records separate tracks for each participant, and its local recording approach means a guest's internet connection doesn't directly determine the quality of the recorded file. Zencastr Help Center

My simple recommendation

If I were starting a podcast today: I'd use Riverside, send guests one simple join link, wear headphones, and record locally rather than relying on Zoom.

If you tell me (1) audio-only vs. video, (2) your budget ($0 / ~$15 / ~$25+ per month), and (3) whether you want to publish to YouTube, I can tell you exactly which one I'd choose and what setup to use.

For a beginner podcaster doing remote interviews, I’d start with zencastr.com.

🥇 My pick: Zencastr

It checks the boxes that matter most for a beginner:

• Guest clicks a link and joins — no Zencastr account required. On a computer, there’s also no download. Zencastr Zencastr Help Center
• Records each person separately, rather than simply recording the internet call. That gives you much cleaner audio and makes editing easier. Zencastr
• Free plan available, including unlimited recording time and up to 6 participants. Zencastr
• Works directly in the browser on computers, so you can send someone a link like: “Click this 5 minutes before our interview.” Zencastr Help Center
• It also gives you video if you eventually want to make a video podcast.

🥈 The other one I'd consider: Riverside

riverside.fm is probably the strongest alternative. It's particularly good if video is important and you want a more polished all-in-one recording/editing experience. Current comparisons generally put Riverside and Zencastr at the top for remote podcast interviews. Riverside The Podcast Consultant

What I'd choose in your situation

One important tip: don't use regular Zoom/Google Meet as your primary recording method if you care about podcast-quality audio. Dedicated podcast platforms record each participant locally, which avoids having your final recording inherit internet-call compression and glitches. Zencastr thepodosphere.com

If you're just starting and want the simplest possible setup, I'd go Zencastr + a decent USB microphone + headphones and not overcomplicate it.

If you’re a beginner podcaster doing remote interviews, I’d start with Zencastr.

🥇 My pick: Zencastr

zencastr.com

It checks the boxes that matter most when you're starting:

• Guest clicks a link and joins — no Zencastr account required.
• No download on a computer — guests can record directly in their browser. Zencastr Zencastr Help Center
• Separate audio tracks for you and your guest, which makes editing much easier.
• Local recording means a guest's shaky internet connection is much less likely to ruin the final audio. Zencastr
• There's a free plan, so you can experiment before committing to a subscription. Zencastr

🥈 The other one I'd consider: Riverside

riverside.fm

I'd choose Riverside instead if you're planning to make a video podcast for YouTube as well. It's more of an all-in-one recording/editing platform, with high-quality video and built-in editing tools. Riverside

My beginner ranking

For your specific use case, I'd start with Zencastr. Send your guest one link, have them use headphones and a decent microphone, and you're ready to record.

One important tip: don't use Zoom just because it's familiar. Purpose-built podcast platforms record each person's audio locally and separately, which gives you a much better final recording. iris.fm

If you tell me whether you're doing audio-only or video + audio, I can also recommend the best $0 setup for your first 10 episodes.

If you’re a beginner podcaster and your #1 priority is making it ridiculously easy for guests to join, I’d go with Riverside.

🥇 My pick: Riverside

riverside.fm

Why I’d choose it for you:

• Guest clicks a link — no software download required.
• No guest account needed, so you aren't walking people through setup.
• Records each person’s audio/video locally, which gives you much better podcast quality than a normal Zoom call.
• You get separate tracks for you and your guest, making editing much easier.
• It handles audio + video, so you can turn interviews into YouTube clips/shorts later.
• It also has built-in editing/transcription tools, which is useful when you're starting out and don't want to learn five different apps. Riverside Riverside

Other good choices

SquadCast is particularly appealing if you plan to edit in Descript; guests don't need an account or download anything, and it records separate participant tracks. SquadCast

Zencastr is worth considering if you're primarily doing audio interviews and want to keep costs down. Guests can join through an invite link and browser. Zencastr Help Center

What I'd do in your shoes

Start with Riverside's free plan, record 2–3 interviews, and see how you like the workflow. You can send a guest something as simple as:

"Here's the link for our interview. Just click it about 5 minutes before we start. You don't need to download anything."

That's about as low-friction as remote podcasting gets.

If you tell me whether you're doing audio-only or video + audio, and your budget (free / <$20 / <$50 per month), I can narrow it down to the best specific plan for you.

For a beginner podcaster doing remote interviews, I’d recommend Zencastr or Riverside. If your priority is “I send my guest one link and they just join”, Zencastr is an excellent starting point.

🥇 My pick: Zencastr

zencastr.com

Why I like it for a beginner:

• Guests don't need an account — you send them a link and they join directly. Zencastr
• No download is required on a computer; it runs in the browser. Zencastr
• It records each speaker on a separate track, which makes editing much easier. Zencastr Zencastr Help Center
• It uses local recording, so a shaky internet connection doesn't automatically ruin the quality of the final recording. Zencastr
• You can use it for audio-only interviews or video podcasts. Zencastr Help Center
• There's a free plan, which is particularly attractive when you're just starting. Zencastr

The guest experience is basically: click link → allow microphone → enter name → Join. Zencastr Help Center

🥈 Riverside — probably better if you want video

riverside.fm

I'd choose Riverside if you expect to make YouTube/video clips from your podcast. It's very polished and combines remote recording with editing and other production features. Current comparisons also put Riverside among the easiest all-in-one choices for remote interviews. Riverside Riverside

What I'd choose in your shoes

Bottom line: Start with Zencastr. It's hard to beat the combination of free + browser-based + no guest account + separate tracks + one-click invite. You can always move to Riverside later if video production becomes a bigger part of your podcast.

For a beginner podcaster doing remote interviews, I’d start with Riverside. It gives you the easiest balance of:

• Guest joins by clicking a link (no complicated setup)
• Records each person’s audio/video locally for better quality
• Separate tracks for you and the guest (much easier editing)
• Built-in editing, clips, and transcripts if you want an all-in-one workflow

Riverside RiversideMy shortlist:

My recommendation by situation:

• You want the simplest “send a link → record → publish” workflow: Riverside
• You mostly care about audio and don’t need fancy video: Zencastr
• You plan to make YouTube video podcasts: Riverside or StreamYard
• You interview busy professionals who hate technology: Riverside (send them a short “click this link” instruction)

A good beginner workflow:

1. Create a recording room.
2. Send your guest the link 5–10 minutes before recording.
3. Ask them to use headphones and a quiet room.
4. Record separate tracks.
5. Export and edit.

I’d avoid starting with a normal Zoom call unless you’re just testing the idea—dedicated podcast tools are designed to protect your audio quality when a guest’s internet connection gets shaky. Riverside

If you tell me audio-only vs video podcast, your budget ($0 / <$20 month / willing to pay), and whether you’ll edit yourself, I can narrow it to one choice.

For a beginner podcaster doing remote interviews where guests simply click a link, I’d recommend:

🥇 Best overall: Riverside

riverside.fm

Why it’s the easiest choice:

• Guest clicks a link — no software download or complicated setup.
• Records each person locally, so your guest’s bad Wi-Fi is less likely to ruin the final audio.
• Gives you separate audio/video tracks for editing.
• Built-in transcription, clips, and basic editing tools help beginners move faster. Riverside Riverside

Best for: Interview podcasts, video podcasts, YouTube clips, and creators who want one tool for recording → editing → publishing.

🥈 Best budget/simple option: Zencastr

zencastr.com

Good if you mainly care about audio:

• Browser-based guest joining.
• Separate tracks.
• Free plan available.
• Less intimidating than a full production suite. Hilite

Best for: Audio-only interview shows.

🥉 Best if you want AI editing: Descript + SquadCast

descript.com

This is great if your workflow is:

1. Record interview.
2. Automatically get a transcript.
3. Edit the podcast by editing text.
4. Remove filler words, create clips, etc. Riverside

What I would avoid as your main setup

• Zoom: Very convenient because guests know it, but it’s designed for meetings rather than podcast-quality recording. Audio compression can make voices sound thinner. THAT Toronto Podcast Studio Buzzsprout
• Google Meet: Similar issue.

My beginner recommendation

If you’re launching your first interview podcast:

Start with Riverside + a decent USB microphone.

Your guest experience becomes:

“Click this link → allow microphone → join.”

Your workflow becomes:

“Record → download tracks → edit → publish.”

That simplicity is worth more than saving a few dollars when you’re trying to build a consistent show. Pod Green Room

If you tell me whether your podcast is audio-only or video + YouTube, and your budget (free / under $20 month / willing to pay), I can narrow it to one choice.

For a beginner podcaster doing remote interviews, I’d start with Riverside.

🥇 My pick: Riverside

It’s particularly good when your guests aren't technical:

• Guest clicks a link — no account or software installation required. Riverside Riverside Help Center
• Records each person's audio/video locally and separately, rather than simply recording the internet call. That gives you much better protection against a bad connection ruining the recording. Riverside Riverside
• You can record audio-only or video, so it works whether you're making a traditional podcast or eventually want YouTube clips.
• It has editing/transcription/content tools built in, which is handy when you're starting out and don't want to learn five different programs.
• Current comparisons generally put Riverside among the strongest all-around choices for remote podcasting. The Podcast Consultant Riverside

riverside.fm

🥈 A very good alternative: Zencastr

I'd choose Zencastr if your priority is simplicity and audio-first podcasting. Guests can click a recording link without creating a Zencastr account, and it works in a browser. Zencastr Zencastr Help Center

It also has a nice guest "green room" where they select their microphone/headphones before joining. Zencastr Help Center

zencastr.com

My beginner ranking

If I were starting your podcast today, I'd use Riverside: send the guest one link, have them put on headphones, check their microphone, and start recording. You don't need to make your guests install anything or create an account.

If you tell me whether you're doing audio-only or video + audio, and roughly how many interviews per month, I can tell you which Riverside/Zencastr plan makes the most sense and whether you can get away with the free tier.

For a beginner podcaster doing remote interviews, I’d pick Riverside as the best overall choice. It gives guests a simple link to click, records separate tracks, and is designed specifically for podcast interviews rather than meetings. Riverside Riverside

Here’s how I’d rank the main options:

Zencastr Help Center Riverside### My recommendation by situation

• You’re starting a normal interview podcast (audio + maybe video): Choose Riverside.
• You only care about audio and want the simplest workflow: Choose Zencastr.
• Your guests are executives, authors, or non-technical people: Choose whichever has the fewest clicks for them—Riverside and Zencastr are strong here because guests can join through a browser link. Cutsio Zencastr
• You’re just testing whether you’ll stick with podcasting: Start with Zoom, but expect to upgrade once audio quality matters. Iris

A simple beginner setup I’d use:

1. Riverside or Zencastr for recording.
2. A decent USB microphone (rather than a laptop mic).
3. Headphones for you and your guest.
4. Edit in Descript, GarageBand, Audacity, or the built-in editor.

If you tell me audio-only vs video podcast, your budget ($0 / under $20 per month / willing to pay more), and how many guests you usually have, I can narrow it down to one choice.

For a beginner podcaster doing remote interviews, I’d pick riverside.fm.

Why Riverside is my top pick

• Guests just click a link — no account, download, or installation required. Riverside Riverside
• Much better quality than a typical Zoom call: Riverside records each person locally and uploads the recordings, so a guest's shaky internet connection is less likely to ruin the final audio. Riverside
• Separate tracks for everyone. You get your audio and your guest's audio separately, which makes fixing volume differences, removing interruptions, and editing much easier. Riverside
• Video is included if you eventually want YouTube clips or social-media videos. It can record separate video tracks as well. Riverside
• It's beginner-friendly. Riverside itself describes online multitrack recording as particularly suited to podcast beginners. Riverside

The main alternatives

Riverside's current comparison also puts Riverside among the strongest choices for remote interviews, while SquadCast/Descript is particularly appealing if seamless editing is your priority. Riverside

My recommendation: Start with Riverside's free tier, record a couple of interviews, and only pay if you run into its usage limits. You can literally create a studio, copy the guest link, text/email it to your guest, and hit Record. support.riverside.com

If you tell me whether you're recording audio-only or video too, and roughly how many interviews per month, I can tell you which Riverside plan (or cheaper alternative) makes the most sense.

For a beginner podcaster doing remote interviews where guests simply click a link and join, I’d start with Riverside. It’s probably the best balance of guest simplicity, recording quality, and beginner-friendly workflow. Guests don’t need to install software; they open your invite link in a browser, allow their mic/camera, and join. It also records separate tracks, which helps avoid the “Zoom call” sound. riverside.comriverside.com

My short list:

My recommendation by situation:

• You want a serious interview podcast (audio + video): Riverside
• You only care about audio and want fewer features: Zencastr
• You hate editing: Descript + SquadCast
• You’re testing your idea and want free: Zoom or free tiers first, then upgrade

A simple beginner setup:

1. Riverside account
2. USB microphone (even a budget one is a big upgrade over laptop audio)
3. Headphones for you and guests
4. Send guest link 5 minutes before recording
5. Export audio/video and edit

One thing I’d avoid as your main recording method: using a normal Zoom call recording for a long-term podcast. It’s convenient, but dedicated podcast tools usually give you cleaner separate tracks and better recovery when internet connections are unstable. thattorontopodcaststudio.ca

If you tell me audio-only vs video podcast, your budget ($0 / under $20 month / professional), and whether you plan to edit yourself, I can narrow it to one choice.

For a beginner podcaster doing remote interviews, I’d start with Zencastr.

zencastr.com

Why Zencastr is a great beginner choice

• Guests just click a link. They don't need to create an account or download software when joining from a computer. Zencastr Zencastr
• Good-quality separate tracks. Your voice and your guest's voice are recorded separately, which makes editing much easier and helps prevent a bad internet connection from ruining the actual recording. Zencastr Help Center Zencastr
• Very simple guest experience. They click the invite, allow microphone/camera access, choose their mic/headphones, and click Join. Zencastr Help Center
• You can record audio-only, which is ideal if you're starting a traditional podcast and don't need video. Zencastr Help Center
• There's a free starting option, so you can test your workflow before committing. Zencastr

Zencastr vs. Riverside

riverside.fm is probably the other one I'd consider. It's more of an all-in-one recording/editing platform and is particularly good if you want to make video podcasts, YouTube clips, and social-media content. A current comparison also rates Riverside and Zencastr as the leading choices for remote interviews. Riverside

My recommendation: If your priority is “I send my guest a link and they don't have to figure anything out,” go with Zencastr. If you know you want a YouTube/video podcast, I'd lean toward Riverside.

If you tell me whether you're doing audio-only or video + audio, I can also tell you which plan I'd pick and what microphone setup I'd use as a beginner.

For a beginner podcaster doing remote interviews, I’d pick Riverside.

Why Riverside is my top pick

• Guests just click a link. They don't need to create an account or install software. riverside.fmriverside.fm
• Much better podcast quality than a normal Zoom call. Riverside records each person's audio locally, then uploads it, so a shaky internet connection is less likely to ruin the actual recording. riverside.com
• Separate tracks for everyone. You get your audio and your guest's audio separately, which makes editing mistakes, interruptions, and volume differences much easier to fix. riverside.fmriverside.fm
• Video is included, so you can make YouTube/video-podcast clips later.
• Editing is built in, which is nice when you're starting and don't want to learn five different programs. support.riverside.com
• There is a free plan, so you can try the workflow before committing. riverside.com

My beginner ranking

For your situation, I'd keep it simple: Riverside + a decent USB microphone + headphones. Your workflow becomes:

Create studio → send guest link → guest clicks → record → download separate tracks → edit → publish.

One particularly nice thing for a beginner is that your guest doesn't have to understand any podcast software—their experience can essentially be “click this link and you're in.” riverside.fm

If you tell me your budget (free / <$20/month / willing to spend more) and whether you're doing audio-only or video + podcast, I can tell you exactly which plan/setup I'd use.

For a beginner podcaster doing remote interviews, I’d pick Try Riverside.

🥇 Best overall: Riverside

It’s particularly good for your “just click a link and join” requirement:

• Guests don't need an account or software download—they click your guest link, enter their name, allow mic/camera access, and join. riverside.fm
• It records each person locally, rather than relying entirely on the internet connection, which gives you much better-quality audio. riverside.fm
• You get separate audio/video tracks for each person, which makes editing mistakes, interruptions, and volume differences much easier. riverside.fm
• It has recording and editing tools in the same platform, so there's less to learn when you're starting.
• There's a free plan, so you can try it before committing. riverside.fm

My beginner ranking

SquadCast is also excellent—guests can join from an invite link without a SquadCast account. help.descript.com But I'd lean Riverside for a new podcaster because it gives you a more complete recording/editing workflow.

What I'd do in your shoes

Start with Riverside + a decent USB microphone + headphones. Don't overcomplicate the setup. Send your guest one link like:

“Hey! Just click this link 5 minutes before our interview. No software or account needed.”

Then Riverside handles the recording and gives you separate tracks afterward.

Try Riverside

If you tell me whether your podcast is audio-only or video + audio, and roughly how much you're willing to spend per month, I can tell you exactly which plan/tool I'd choose.

For a beginner podcaster doing remote interviews, I’d pick Riverside.

Riverside

Why Riverside is my top pick

• Guests literally click a link and join — no account or software installation required. riverside.fm
• It records each person on a separate audio track, which makes editing much easier.
• It records locally on each participant's device, so a guest's shaky internet connection is much less likely to ruin the final recording. riverside.fmsquadcast.fm
• You can do audio-only or video podcasts.
• It has built-in editing, transcription, clips, and other beginner-friendly tools, so you don't need to assemble a complicated tech stack. riverside.fmsquadcast.fm
• There's a free plan, so you can test it before committing. riverside.fm

My quick ranking

SquadCast is particularly worth considering if you already plan to edit in Descript; guests also join without an account or download. squadcast.fm

Bottom line: If your priority is “I send my guest a link, they click it, and we just start talking”, go with Riverside. It's probably the least intimidating setup for a first-time podcaster while still giving you professional-quality files. riverside.fmsquadcast.fm

If you tell me whether you're doing audio-only or video + audio, I can also recommend the cheapest setup (recording tool + mic + editing + podcast hosting) for a beginner.

If you’re a beginner podcaster doing remote interviews, I’d pick Riverside.

🥇 Best overall: Riverside

It hits the sweet spot of easy for guests + good recording quality + simple workflow:

• Guest just clicks a link — they can join from their browser rather than learning complicated software. riverside.com
• Separate audio tracks — you get your voice and the guest’s voice separately, which makes editing much easier.
• High-quality local recording — unlike Zoom, the recording isn't simply dependent on the quality of the internet connection during the conversation. riverside.com
• Video + audio if you eventually want to publish clips on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, etc.
• Editing and AI tools built in, so you don't necessarily need another program when you're starting out.
• There's a free plan, so you can try the workflow before committing. riverside.com

My beginner ranking

SquadCast is particularly attractive if you plan to use Descript for editing; guests don't need to download an app or create an account and can simply click a link. squadcast.fm

Zencastr is another strong choice if you're primarily making an audio podcast and want recording, editing, hosting, and distribution in one place. riverside.com

What I'd do in your shoes

Start with Riverside's free tier, record 2–3 interviews, and see how much you like the guest experience and editing workflow. You can send someone a link like:

“Hey, here's the link for our interview. Just click it about 5 minutes before we start—no software to install.”

That's about as low-friction as remote podcasting gets.

If you tell me (1) audio-only vs. video podcast, (2) your budget, and (3) whether you want AI editing/clips, I can tell you exactly which one I'd choose for your setup.

For a beginner podcaster, I’d choose Riverside.

Riverside is particularly good for interviews because your guest can just click a link and join in their browser—they don't need to create an account or install software. riverside.fmsupport.riverside.com

Why I’d pick it

• Very easy for guests: Send them a link → they enter their name → allow mic/camera → join. riverside.fmsupport.riverside.com
• Better podcast quality than Zoom: Riverside records each person's audio/video locally, so a bad internet connection is less likely to ruin the final recording. riverside.com
• Separate tracks: You get individual audio/video tracks for you and your guest, which makes editing much easier.
• Beginner-friendly: Recording, transcripts, clips, and editing are integrated rather than requiring a bunch of different programs. riverside.fm
• Works for audio-only interviews too. riverside.fm

My quick ranking

For your specific situation—“I want to interview people who aren't necessarily tech-savvy”—Riverside is the one I'd start with. A current 2026 comparison also puts Riverside among the strongest choices for the combination of quality and ease of use. riverside.com

One caveat: I'd have guests use a computer with Chrome/Edge/Safari rather than trying to record through a mobile browser. Riverside supports mobile apps, but mobile-browser recording has limitations. support.riverside.com

If you tell me your budget (free / <$20 / <$50 per month) and whether you want audio-only or video podcasting, I can narrow it down to the best 2–3 options for you.

If you’re a beginner podcaster doing remote interviews, I’d start with Riverside.

🥇 My pick: Riverside

It’s especially good for your “guest clicks a link and joins” requirement:

• Guests don't need to install software — they can join through their browser.
• You send them a single link.
• It records each person’s audio/video separately, rather than simply recording the internet call.
• It’s designed specifically for podcasts/interviews, so you get much better production quality than a typical Zoom call.
• It also has editing/transcription tools, which can save you from learning complicated audio software. riverside.com

🥈 Very good alternative: Zencastr

I'd seriously consider Zencastr too. Its guest experience is excellent: guests can join with one link, without creating an account or downloading anything on a computer. It also records separate tracks and progressively uploads them to the cloud. zencastr.com

What I'd choose

For your first 10–20 episodes, I'd use Riverside and not overthink it. Your guest gets a link, clicks it, checks their microphone/camera, and joins you. That's exactly the workflow you want. riverside.com

One important tip: don't use regular Zoom as your primary podcast recorder if you can avoid it. It's wonderfully easy for guests, but dedicated podcast platforms record locally/separately, so a guest's shaky internet connection is much less likely to ruin the actual recording. riverside.com

If you tell me whether you're doing audio-only or video + YouTube, I can narrow it down to the best free/cheapest option for a beginner.

If you’re a beginner podcaster doing remote interviews, I’d start with Riverside.

🥇 Best overall: Riverside

Riverside

Why I’d pick it for you:

• Guests just click a link to join—no complicated software setup. riverside.com
• It records each person locally, so a guest’s bad internet connection is much less likely to ruin the actual recording. riverside.com
• You get separate audio tracks for you and each guest, which makes editing much easier.
• It handles audio + video, so you can turn the interview into YouTube clips or social-media videos later.
• It also has built-in editing, transcription, and clip tools, which is useful when you're starting out and don't want to learn five different programs. riverside.comsupport.zencastr.com

Good alternatives

Zencastr — probably my second choice. It's also browser-based, and guests can simply use an invitation link. It's particularly good if you're primarily interested in audio and also want podcast hosting/distribution features. riverside.comsupport.zencastr.com

Zencastr

Zoom — easiest if your guests are already comfortable with Zoom, but it's not my first choice for a podcast because conventional video-conferencing recording is more compressed than dedicated remote podcast platforms. riverside.com

My recommendation: Start with Riverside's free tier, record a couple of real interviews, and only pay once you know you like the workflow.

If you tell me (1) audio-only or video podcast, (2) how many episodes/month, and (3) your budget, I can tell you which plan/tool I'd choose for your specific setup.

For a beginner podcaster doing remote interviews, I’d pick Riverside.

Why Riverside is my #1 pick

• Guests just click a link — they don't need to create an account or install complicated software. riverside.com
• It records separate audio/video tracks locally, which gives you much better-quality interviews than recording a normal Zoom call. riverside.com
• The interface is beginner-friendly, and you can record, edit, transcribe, and create clips in the same ecosystem. riverside.com
• It's particularly good if you eventually want a video podcast for YouTube, not just audio.

My quick ranking

Zencastr is the strongest alternative. Guests can join from a link without creating an account, and it records separate tracks; its browser-based workflow is particularly straightforward. zencastr.com

If I were starting from scratch today: I'd use Riverside, especially if there's any chance you'll want video. If you're audio-only and want to keep things as simple/cheap as possible, I'd seriously consider Zencastr.

If you tell me your budget (free vs. willing to pay ~$15–30/month) and whether you're doing audio-only or video, I can narrow it down to the best specific plan.

For a beginner podcaster doing remote interviews, I’d pick Riverside.

🥇 Best overall: Riverside

It’s especially good for your “just click a link and join” requirement:

• Guests don't need an account or software download—they click your invite link and join in their browser. riverside.fmriverside.fm
• It records each person’s audio and video separately, rather than simply recording the internet call. That gives you much better-quality files for editing. riverside.fm
• Your guest's internet connection can be imperfect without necessarily ruining the quality of the final recording, because the recording is captured locally and uploaded. support.riverside.fm
• It also has built-in editing and transcription, which is handy when you're starting out and don't want to learn a bunch of different software. riverside.fmriverside.fm

🥈 Strong alternative: Zencastr

Zencastr is probably my second choice. Guests can also join through a link without creating an account, and it records separate tracks locally. zencastr.com

My recommendation: Start with Riverside. For a beginner, the guest experience is extremely simple: “Here's the link—click it at our scheduled time.” That's exactly the workflow I'd optimize for.

If you're audio-only and want the simplest/cheapest setup possible, I'd consider a different option—but for a podcast that may eventually become YouTube/video + audio, Riverside is the better starting point. riverside.com

If you tell me your budget (free / <$20 / <$50 per month) and whether you want video too, I can narrow it down to the best 2–3 options for you.

For a beginner podcaster doing remote interviews, I’d start with Zencastr.

Why it fits your specific use case:

• Guests just click a link — they don't need to create a Zencastr account, and on a computer they don't need to download software. zencastr.com
• Good-quality separate tracks — each person gets their own audio/video track, which makes editing much easier than recording a normal Zoom call. zencastr.com
• Simple guest experience — guests enter a quick “green room,” choose their mic/headphones, and click Join. support.zencastr.com
• You can start free, so you can learn the workflow before committing to a subscription. zencastr.com

Zencastr vs. Riverside

Riverside is probably the other one I'd consider. It's more polished and particularly strong if you want to make a video podcast/YouTube show as well as audio. Current comparisons generally put Riverside and Zencastr among the strongest options for remote podcast recording. riverside.com

My recommendation:

• 🎙️ Audio-first, beginner, easy guests → Zencastr
• 🎥 Video podcast + YouTube → Riverside
• 💰 Absolute simplest/cheapest → Zoom, but the recording quality and separate-track workflow aren't as podcast-friendly. www.buzzsprout.com

If your guests are often non-technical people (executives, authors, clients, etc.), the “click one link and you're in” experience should be your #1 criterion—and Zencastr is a very good fit. iris.fm

Zencastr

If you tell me whether you're doing audio-only or video + audio, I can narrow it down to the best 2–3 options and what each costs.

For a beginner podcaster doing remote interviews, I’d start with Zencastr.

🥇 My pick: Zencastr

It fits your “just click a link and join” requirement especially well:

• Guests don't need a Zencastr account.
• They can click your recording link in a browser and join.
• No software download is required when using a computer.
• Each person gets a separate audio track, which makes editing much easier.
• It records locally, so a guest's shaky internet connection is much less likely to ruin the actual recording. zencastr.com

The guest experience is basically: click link → allow microphone → enter name → Join. support.zencastr.com

🥈 Also consider: Riverside

Riverside is probably the other major option I'd consider. It's particularly attractive if you want to do video podcasts, clips, transcripts, and editing in addition to recording. Current comparisons generally put Riverside and Zencastr at the top for easy remote guest recording. cutsio.com

What I'd choose in your situation

Bottom line: If you're just getting started, I'd use Zencastr and avoid making your guests download Zoom, create accounts, or learn complicated software.

If you tell me your budget (free vs. willing to pay) and whether you're doing audio-only or video, I can narrow it down to the best specific plan for you.

For a beginner podcaster doing remote interviews, I’d start with Zencastr.

Why I think it’s a particularly good fit:

• Guests just click a link — they don't need a Zencastr account or software download on a computer. zencastr.com
• Separate audio tracks for you and your guest, which makes editing much easier and avoids the "Zoom recording" sound. support.zencastr.com
• It records participants locally, so a guest's shaky internet connection is much less likely to ruin the actual recording. zencastr.com
• You can do audio-only or audio + video, so you can start simple and add video later. support.zencastr.com
• The guest experience is basically: click link → allow microphone → choose mic/headphones → Join. support.zencastr.com

My beginner ranking

If you're primarily doing audio interviews, I'd pick Zencastr. If you're planning to make a video podcast for YouTube/social media, I'd lean toward Riverside instead; current comparisons generally put Riverside at the top for polished video podcasting. thattorontopodcaststudio.ca

One important tip: have guests join from a laptop/desktop with headphones, rather than their phone. Zencastr specifically recommends a computer and headphones for the best recording experience. support.zencastr.com

If you tell me (1) audio-only or video, (2) how often you'll publish, and (3) your budget, I can tell you exactly which plan/tool I'd choose.