Riverside.fm vs Mux: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Riverside.fm and Mux 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.fm
Record podcasts and videos remotely
Best for you if:
- • You need podcast hosting features specifically
- • Remote recording studio
- • 4K local recording
Mux
Video infrastructure for developers
Best for you if:
- • You need video hosting features specifically
- • Mux is a video infrastructure platform for developers building streaming apps
- • It provides video hosting, encoding, and a player with analytics
| At a Glance |  Riverside.fm | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Podcast Hosting | Video Hosting |
Rating | 86/100 | 86/100 |
| Feature | Riverside.fm | Mux |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 86 | 86 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 80 | 0 |
| Categories | Podcast HostingVideo Editing | Video HostingLive Streaming |
Understanding the Differences
Both Riverside.fm and Mux solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Riverside.fm positions itself as "record podcasts and videos remotely" while Muxfocuses on "video infrastructure for developers". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Riverside.fm
Riverside.fm makes sense if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a free tier solution.
When to Choose Mux
Mux 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.fm lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Riverside.fm
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Mux is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: Mux
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.fm
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Tight budget? Start free with Riverside.fm, 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.fm higher (86/100). But the community has upvoted Riverside.fm more (80 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Riverside.fm Does Better
- More community upvotes
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Mux 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.fm (86/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Riverside.fm scores higher in our analysis, but Mux 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.fm or Mux better?
Based on our analysis, Riverside.fm scores higher with 86/100. Riverside.fm isfreemium while Mux 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.fm to Mux 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.fm and Mux offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Riverside.fm is freemium with a free tier.Mux is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.