Loom vs Riverside: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Loom and Riverside? Both are popular video & screen recording tools. Below we compare them on pricing, free tiers, features, and pros & cons so you can pick the right fit for your stack.
Quick verdict
Loom is the safer pick if budget matters — it has a free tier, while Riverside does not. Choose Riverside when its specific features justify the cost. In our catalog, Loom rates slightly higher (4.4 vs 4.1 out of 5).
Loom vs Riverside — Side by Side
| Loom | Riverside | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Video & Screen Recording | Video & Screen Recording |
| Pricing | Free · paid from $12.5/mo | From $19/mo |
| Starting price | Free tier available | From $19/mo |
| Free tier | — | |
| Rating | 4.4 | 4.1 |
| Best for | Video & Screen Recording — async, communication | Video & Screen Recording — podcast, recording |
Pros & Cons
Key Features Compared
Loom
- Screen + camera recording
- Instant shareable links
- Basic editing
- Up to 25 videos/person
Riverside
- Screen and camera recording
- Cloud hosting and sharing
- Automatic transcription
- Trim and edit tools
Choose Loom if…
- You want to start free — Loom has a free tier and Riverside does not.
- Budget is tight — paid plans start lower ($12.5/mo vs $19/mo).
- Saves meetings (async video)
- Dead-simple recording
Choose Riverside if…
- Records locally, so quality survives bad connections
- Separate tracks per guest
- Good AI clips
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Loom better than Riverside?⌄
Loom is the safer pick if budget matters — it has a free tier, while Riverside does not. Choose Riverside when its specific features justify the cost. In our catalog, Loom rates slightly higher (4.4 vs 4.1 out of 5).
What is the difference between Loom and Riverside?⌄
Loom — Async video messaging — record your screen and camera to explain things faster than meetings. Free tier available. Riverside — Studio-quality remote recording with local capture. Both are video & screen recording tools; the comparison table above breaks down pricing, free tiers, and what each is best for.
Loom vs Riverside: which is cheaper?⌄
Loom pricing: Free · paid from $12.5/mo. Riverside pricing: From $19/mo. Confirm current pricing on each tool's official site, as plans change.
Which is rated higher, Loom or Riverside?⌄
In our catalog, Loom rates 4.4 out of 5 and Riverside rates 4.1 out of 5, so Loom has a slight edge on reviews.
See more options in our guide to the best video & screen recording tools for startups.
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