Local Capture vs Riverside.fm: Best Tools for Podcasting in 2025

Introduction to Local Capture vs Riverside.fm

Ready for the local capture vs riverside fm podcast war? Apple just announed in their WWDC 2025 event about their new iOS 26 features and so much more. Watch the video below.

As podcasting continues to evolve in 2025, content creators face an important decision when selecting recording software: should they use Apple's newly introduced Local Capture feature in iPadOS 26 or stick with established platforms like Riverside.fm?

Both solutions offer high-quality recording capabilities, but they cater to different workflows and production needs. In this comprehensive comparison, we'll analyze these two powerful tools to help you determine which is best for your podcasting setup.

Understanding the Contenders: Local Capture vs Riverside.fm

What is Local Capture?

Apple's Local Capture, introduced in iPadOS 26, is a groundbreaking feature that allows users to record high-quality audio and video directly on their iPad during calls.

This technology captures each participant's media locally on their device, ensuring optimal quality regardless of internet connection issues.

Local capture allows users to produce high-quality recordings right from iPad with any video conferencing app, and easily share audio and video files once the call is over. (Apple, 2025)

Key features of Local Capture include:

• Native integration with iPadOS

• Local recording of audio and video

• Seamless operation with FaceTime and other calling apps

• Apple ecosystem advantages

What is Riverside.fm?

Riverside.fm has established itself as one of the leading remote recording platforms for podcasters and content creators. It specializes in studio-quality recordings with separate tracks for each participant, offering professional-grade features that go beyond basic call recording.

Key features of Riverside.fm include:

• Local recording of up to 4K video and 48kHz audio

• Separate audio/video tracks for each participant

• AI-powered editing tools (Magic Clips, transcriptions)

• Live streaming capabilities

• Browser-based accessibility

Head-to-Head Feature Comparison

1. Recording Quality

Local Capture:

• Leverages iPad's advanced camera and microphone array

• Records locally to ensure quality isn't compromised by internet issues

• Limited to iPad hardware capabilities

Riverside.fm:

• Offers up to 4K video resolution

• Records uncompressed 48kHz WAV audio

• Local recording happens on each participant's device

• Superior for professional productions needing highest quality

Winner: Riverside.fm for its higher quality ceiling and format options

2. Editing Capabilities

Local Capture:

• Basic editing through iPadOS native apps

• Limited post-production features

• Requires third-party apps for advanced editing

Riverside.fm:

• Built-in text-based editor (edit by modifying transcript)

• AI tools for automatic filler word removal

• Magic Clips for social media content creation

• Multitrack editing capabilities

Winner: Riverside.fm for its comprehensive editing suite

3. Guest Accessibility

Local Capture:

• Requires all participants to use Apple devices

• Limited to FaceTime or supported calling apps

• No dedicated guest management features

Riverside.fm:

• Guests join via simple link (no account needed)

• Supports up to 9 remote guests

• Works across all platforms (Windows, Mac, mobile)

• Producer mode for team collaboration

Winner: Riverside.fm for its cross-platform accessibility and guest management

4. Workflow Integration

Local Capture:

• Seamless integration with Apple ecosystem

• Files saved directly to iPad storage

• Easy sharing via AirDrop or iCloud

Riverside.fm:

• Cloud-based storage and progressive uploading

• Direct integration with Spotify for Podcasters

• API connections for various platforms

• More flexible for team collaborations

Winner: Tie - Local Capture wins for Apple-centric users, Riverside for broader integrations

5. Pricing and Accessibility

Local Capture:

• Free with iPadOS 26 update

• No ongoing costs

• Limited to iPad users

Riverside.fm:

• Free plan available (with limitations)

• Paid plans start at $15/month

• More features at higher tiers (Pro $24/month)

• Accessible to all device users

Winner: Local Capture for cost, but Riverside offers more value for professionals

Ideal Use Cases

When to Choose Local Capture:

• Solo podcasters using iPad as primary device

• Quick, casual interviews with other Apple users

• Budget-conscious creators who already own an iPad

• Situations where simplicity trumps advanced features

When to Choose Riverside.fm:

• Professional podcast production teams

• Interviews with guests across different platforms

• Content requiring highest audio/video quality

• Shows needing advanced editing and post-production

• Podcasts that will be live-streamed

The Verdict: Which Should You Choose?

For most professional podcasters in 2025, Riverside.fm remains the superior choice due to its:

• Higher quality recording capabilities

• Advanced editing tools

• Cross-platform accessibility

• Professional feature set

However, Local Capture presents an excellent option for:

• Apple-exclusive podcast teams

• Casual creators who prioritize simplicity

• Budget-conscious iPad users

Future Outlook

As Apple continues to develop Local Capture and Riverside.fm enhances its AI features, both platforms are likely to become even more powerful.

The 2025 podcasting landscape benefits from having these two distinct approaches to high-quality recording, giving creators options that suit their specific needs and workflows.

For those serious about podcasting as a profession or growing show, investing in Riverside.fm's capabilities will provide the tools needed to produce truly professional content. Meanwhile, Local Capture offers an accessible entry point for new creators in the Apple ecosystem.

Whichever you choose, both solutions represent significant advancements in podcast recording technology, making 2025 an exciting time for audio and video content creation.

Local Capture vs Riverside.fm: Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the main difference between Local Capture and Riverside.fm?

Local Capture is a built-in iPadOS 26 feature that records high-quality audio and video locally during calls, ideal for Apple users. Riverside.fm is a dedicated podcasting platform offering advanced tools like multitrack recording, AI editing, and cross-platform compatibility.

2. Does Local Capture work on non-Apple devices?

No, Local Capture is exclusive to iPads running iPadOS 26 or later. Riverside.fm, on the other hand, works across Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS.

3. Which has better audio/video quality?

Riverside.fm generally offers superior quality with 48kHz WAV audio and 4K video, while Local Capture depends on the iPad’s hardware (though it still delivers strong results).

4. Can I edit podcasts directly in Local Capture?

No—Local Capture provides basic recording only, requiring third-party apps for editing. Riverside.fmincludes AI-powered editing, automatic transcripts, and multitrack editing.

5. Which is better for remote guests?

Riverside.fm wins here—it supports up to 9 guests across all devices. Local Capture only works seamlessly if all participants use Apple devices.

6. Is Local Capture free?

Yes! It’s free with iPadOS 26. Riverside.fm has a free plan (with limitations) and paid plans starting at $15/month.

7. Can I livestream with Local Capture?

No, Local Capture is for recording only. Riverside.fm supports live streaming to platforms like YouTube and Facebook.

8. Which is best for professional podcasters?

Riverside.fm is the top choice for professionals due to its advanced features, while Local Capture is better for casual Apple users.

9. Does Riverside.fm work on iPad?

Yes! Riverside.fm is browser-based, so it works on iPad, Mac, and other devices.

10. Will Local Capture replace Riverside.fm?

Unlikely—Local Capture is great for simplicity, but Riverside.fm remains the go-to for pro features, editing, and cross-platform support.