kitio.aiPodbean vs Riverside
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Podbean has the lower starting price: about $17 a month, against $29 for Riverside.
At a glance
Best for
Category
Pricing model
Starting price
Free plan
Made by
Based in
Rating
Key features
- Podcast hosting
- Podbean AI audio enhancement
- AI podcast creator
- Dynamic ad insertion
- Podcast Studio recording app
- MCP server
- Local multitrack recording
- Transcript-based editing
- Magic Audio cleanup
- AI clips and show notes
- Live streaming
| Feature | Podbean | Riverside |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Podcast hosting with AI audio cleanup, show notes and episode creation | Studio-quality remote podcast recording with AI editing |
| Category | Audio & voice | Audio & voice |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Starting price | $17/mo | $29/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Made by | Podbean Tech LLC | Riverside |
| Based in | United States | – |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
Podbean has the lower starting price: about $17 a month, against $29 for Riverside.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
5 plans
Basic
Free
- Free podcast hosting
- Limited storage
Unlimited Audio
$17/mo
- Unlimited audio storage
- Unmetered bandwidth
- Podbean AI credits
Unlimited Plus
$39/mo
- Video podcasts
- More AI credits
- Unmetered bandwidth
Network
$99/mo
- Multiple podcasts
- Free dynamic ad insertion
Business
$129/mo
- Private podcasts for teams
- Highest AI credit allowance
5 plans
Free
Free
- 2 hours of multi-track recording (one-off)
- Full suite of editing tools
Pro
$29/mo
- 5 hours multi-track recording / month
- Up to 4K video, 48kHz audio
- No watermark
- 14-day free trial
Grow
$39/mo
- 15 hours multi-track recording / month
- Social scheduling and newsletter
- Podcast hosting for 2 shows
Webinar
$99/mo
- Unlimited multi-track recording
- Webinars up to 100 registrants
- Pre-recorded and recurring webinars
Business
Contact sales
- Unlimited studios
- Produce at scale with full control
Prices in USD, checked Oct 28, 2026 or later. Plans change often, so confirm on each tool's site before you buy.
Pros and cons
Podbean
- Unlimited storage and bandwidth on paid plans
- Several ways to monetize a show
- AI tools built into the host
- AI features use limited monthly credits
- Paid plans can't be downgraded to free
- Monthly billing costs more than yearly
Riverside
- Reliable quality on bad connections
- Separate tracks per guest
- Clips and editing built in
- Free plan has tiny track download limits
- Browser recording can strain old devices
Which one should you choose?
Choose Podbean if you want:
- Unlimited storage and bandwidth on paid plans
- Several ways to monetize a show
- AI tools built into the host
Watch out: ai features use limited monthly credits.
Choose Riverside if you want:
- Reliable quality on bad connections
- Separate tracks per guest
- Clips and editing built in
Watch out: free plan has tiny track download limits.
Podbean vs Riverside FAQ
What is the difference between Podbean and Riverside?
Podbean: Podcast hosting with AI audio cleanup, show notes and episode creation. Riverside: Studio-quality remote podcast recording with AI editing. Both are audio & voice tools.
Is Podbean or Riverside cheaper?
Podbean has the lower starting price: about $17 a month, against $29 for Riverside.
Do Podbean and Riverside have free plans?
Podbean: Yes. Riverside: Yes.
Who makes Podbean?
Podbean is made by Podbean Tech LLC, based in United States.
Who makes Riverside?
Riverside is made by Riverside.
Which should I choose, Podbean or Riverside?
Choose Podbean if you value unlimited storage and bandwidth on paid plans and several ways to monetize a show. Choose Riverside if you value reliable quality on bad connections and separate tracks per guest.