Podcastr by MRVL vs Riverside: honest comparison for podcasters in 2026
Podcastr by MRVL and Riverside serve different podcast workflows: Podcastr is a complete iOS app for recording, editing, and hosting your show from your iPhone; Riverside is a browser-based studio built for video interviews and multi-guest setups. If you record solo or want one tool to replace Descript, Buzzsprout, and Headliner, Podcastr by MRVL is faster and cheaper. If you need high-quality video interviews with multiple remote participants and don't mind a web interface, Riverside is worth considering.
Quick verdict
Podcastr by MRVL is the better choice if you record solo podcasts, want to edit by cutting words from a transcript, and prefer iPhone-first workflows without a laptop. Riverside is better suited if your show centres on multi-guest video interviews and your team is comfortable in a browser-based studio. For podcasters currently juggling Riverside, Descript, Buzzsprout, and a tipping link, Podcastr by MRVL consolidates the entire stack into one iOS app at £19.99 per month.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Podcastr by MRVL | Riverside |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | iOS only | Browser (any device with Chrome, Safari, Firefox) |
| Solo recording | Yes, native iPhone mic | Possible but not optimised |
| Remote guests | Yes, guest record link (no app install needed) | Yes, video-first |
| Edit by text | Yes, delete words in transcript and audio follows | Manual editing only |
| AI transcription | Yes, built-in (Whisper) | Add-on or platform-dependent |
| Hosting | Yes, podcastr.studio/[show] | Recording only, host elsewhere |
| RSS feed generation | Yes, direct to Apple Podcasts and Spotify | Export only |
| Tipping links | Yes, Stripe tipping at podcastr.studio/tip/[show] | Not included |
| Starting price | Free (3 episodes) | Pricing varies; typically browser login required |
| Monthly Creator plan | £19.99/mo | Comparable tiers typically £15-30/mo |
When Podcastr by MRVL is the better choice
You record your podcast solo or with one co-host and want to stay on your iPhone. Podcastr by MRVL's text-based editing is unique: you delete words in the transcript and the audio cuts automatically, saving hours of scrubbing through waveforms. Many podcasters using Descript for this feature alone will find Podcastr by MRVL simpler and cheaper.
When Podcastr by MRVL is the better choice
You want a complete solution without hiring an engineer. Podcastr by MRVL generates your RSS feed, uploads to Apple Podcasts and Spotify, hosts your show page, and provides a Stripe tipping link. Riverside records interviews but leaves hosting, distribution, and monetisation to you. If you're currently paying £19 for Buzzsprout, £15 for Descript, £9 for Headliner, and hosting your own tipping link elsewhere, Podcastr by MRVL bundles all of that for £19.99/month.
When Podcastr by MRVL is the better choice
Your guests don't want to install an app. Podcastr by MRVL sends a guest record link; they open it in their browser or phone camera app, press record, and the audio streams to you. No account creation. Riverside also requires browser access, but Podcastr by MRVL's lightweight approach feels less formal for casual guests.
When Riverside might suit you better
Your podcast is a video show and video quality is non-negotiable. Riverside was built for video interviews; it handles camera feeds, screen shares, and multi-participant video layout in ways Podcastr by MRVL does not. If you're recording for YouTube or your own video podcast platform, Riverside's video-first architecture gives you more control.
When Riverside might suit you better
You run a multi-guest show with three or more participants regularly. Riverside's browser interface and video focus scale better for panel shows, group interviews, and live-to-tape setups. Podcastr by MRVL supports remote guests but is optimised for solo and two-person recordings.
When Riverside might suit you better
Your team uses Windows or Android. Podcastr by MRVL is iOS only; if your workflow spans devices, Riverside's browser-based access works across any platform. This is a hard blocker for teams not in the Apple ecosystem.
Pricing comparison
| Plan | Podcastr by MRVL | Riverside |
|---|---|---|
| Free tier | £0 (3 episodes, local recording, RSS) | Limited or trial-based |
| Monthly Creator / Solo | £19.99/mo | ~£15-25/mo (varies) |
| Monthly Pro | £29.99/mo (guest management, NFC check-in) | ~£25-40/mo (varies) |
| Monthly Studio | £39.99/mo (teams, white-label) | ~£30-50+/mo (varies) |
| Annual saving (Creator) | £199.99/yr (saves £39.89/yr) | Not advertised |
| What's included | Recording, hosting, RSS, AI transcription, tipping link, show page | Recording and video interview tools; hosting and distribution separate |
Frequently asked
Can I use Podcastr by MRVL if I only have an iPhone and no laptop?
Yes. Podcastr by MRVL is built entirely for iPhone. You can record solo or with remote guests, edit by deleting words in the transcript, generate your RSS feed, and publish to Apple Podcasts and Spotify without touching a laptop. Your show page and tipping link live at podcastr.studio/[show].
Do my guests need to install an app to record with Podcastr by MRVL?
No. You send them a guest record link; they open it in any browser or camera app on their phone, press record, and the audio streams to your iPhone. Riverside works similarly but expects browser access for all participants.
Can I record video interviews with Podcastr by MRVL?
Podcastr by MRVL is audio-first and optimised for podcast recording. If your show is video and you need multi-guest video layout, Riverside is purpose-built for that. Podcastr by MRVL can capture guest faces if you use video calling alongside the app, but it is not a video interview tool.
Which is cheaper: Podcastr by MRVL or Riverside?
Podcastr by MRVL starts at £0 (free, 3 episodes) and £19.99/month for the Creator plan, which includes hosting, RSS, AI transcription, and a tipping link. Riverside pricing varies and typically requires paid access; recording and hosting are usually separate costs. For podcasters currently paying for Descript, Buzzsprout, Headliner, and a tipping service, Podcastr by MRVL consolidates that into one app.
Can I export my podcast from Podcastr by MRVL to another platform later?
Yes. Podcastr by MRVL generates a standard RSS 2.0 feed that you can submit to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and any other directory. You can also download your show page, audio files, and transcripts. You are not locked in.