Riverside vs Loom: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Riverside and Loom comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Riverside
High-quality remote podcast and video recording
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.4/10 vs 8.2/10)
- • You need video & media features specifically
Loom
Async video messages that replace meetings and long emails
Best for you if:
- • You need communication features specifically
| At a Glance | ||
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Video & Media | Communication |
Rating | 84/100 | 82/100 |
| Feature | Riverside | Loom |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 84 | 82 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Video & Media | CommunicationVideo & Media |
Understanding the Differences
Both Riverside and Loom solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Riverside positions itself as "high-quality remote podcast and video recording" while Loomfocuses on "async video messages that replace meetings and long emails". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Riverside
Riverside makes sense if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a free tier solution. With a score of 84/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose Loom
Loom is worth considering if you need a flexible option with both free and paid tiers tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Riverside lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Riverside
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Riverside handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Riverside
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Both have enterprise tiers—compare their security features.
We'd pick: Riverside
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Tight budget? Start free with Riverside, upgrade when you're ready.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Riverside higher (84/100). But the community has upvoted Loom more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Riverside Does Better
- Higher overall score (84/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Loom If
- You want to start free and scale later
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Riverside (84/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Riverside scores higher in our analysis, but Loom might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Riverside or Loom better?
Based on our analysis, Riverside scores higher with 84/100. Riverside isfreemium while Loom is freemium. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Riverside to Loom easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Riverside and Loom offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Riverside is freemium with a free tier.Loom is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.