Riverside vs Around
Riverside edges out Around in our comparison. Studio-quality recordings vs Unique floating interface — pricing, features, and when to pick each one.
Quick Verdict
Riverside wins this matchup. It scores 0.4 points higher, and the gap shows: studio-quality recordings vs unique floating interface. Around is still worth considering if smaller user base aren't a dealbreaker for your team.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Riverside | Around |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Starting Price | Free + $15/mo | Free + $10/user/mo |
| Rating | 4.8/5 | 4.4/5 |
| Reviews | 789 | 312 |
| Best For | Remote podcast recording | Pair programming sessions |
| Key Feature | Local recording for max quality | Floating video bubbles |
Overview
Riverside studio-quality recordings for podcasts and interviews. Around lightweight video calls designed for remote teams with floating video bubbles. They compete in the Video Conferencing space, but they serve different types of remote teams.
Riverside scores higher overall (4.8/5 vs 4.4/5), but that doesn't tell the whole story. Around has strengths in areas where Riverside falls short — specifically very lightweight on system resources.
Pricing Comparison
Riverside starts at $15/mo with a free tier. Around starts at $10/user/mo with a free tier.
Both tools offer free plans, so your team can test them risk-free. The difference is what you get for free vs paid — Riverside's free tier focuses on 2 hours recording/month, while Around emphasizes unlimited meetings.
Key Differences
What sets them apart:
- **Riverside has** Local recording for max quality, Separate audio/video tracks, AI transcriptions in 100+ languages — things Around doesn't offer - **Around has** Floating video bubbles, Auto-mute and noise cancellation, Echo Prevention technology — things Riverside doesn't offer
Riverside is built around studio-quality recordings. Around focuses on unique floating interface. If your team needs local recording for max quality, Riverside is the pick. If floating video bubbles matter more, go with Around.
Strengths & Weaknesses
**Riverside** - Strengths: Studio-quality recordings, Works even with poor internet, Excellent for podcasting, AI-powered editing tools, Separate tracks for editing - Drawbacks: Not designed for regular meetings, Higher learning curve, Limited hours on lower plans, Overkill for simple video calls
**Around** - Strengths: Unique floating interface, Very lightweight on system resources, Great for pairing and collaboration, Excellent noise cancellation, Modern, thoughtful design - Drawbacks: Smaller user base, Not ideal for formal presentations, Limited webinar features, Newer company, less proven
The dealbreaker test: if not designed for regular meetings is a problem for your team, Around is the alternative. If smaller user base is worse, pick Riverside.
Who Should Pick What
**Pick Riverside if** your team prioritizes studio-quality recordings and needs local recording for max quality. It's the better choice when remote podcast recording is your primary goal.
**Pick Around if** unique floating interface matter more and you want floating video bubbles. It wins when your team's focus is pair programming sessions.
**Consider both if** your team has different workflows — Riverside for works even with poor internet and Around for very lightweight on system resources.
The Verdict
Choose Around if:
It scores 0.4 points higher, and the gap shows: studio-quality recordings vs unique floating interface. Around is still worth considering if smaller user base aren't a dealbreaker for your team.
Try Around →Full Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: Riverside or Around?
For most teams, Riverside is the better pick — it scores 4.8/5 vs 4.4/5, and its studio-quality recordings gives it an edge. But Around wins if unique floating interface is your priority.
Which free plan is better?
Both offer free tiers. Riverside's free plan gives you 2 hours recording/month, while Around's includes unlimited meetings. Try both and upgrade the one that fits your team's workflow.
Which handles large meetings better?
For daily standups and 1:1s, either tool works. For all-hands meetings and webinars, Riverside's local recording for max quality give it an edge over Around.