SquadCast vs Zencastr: which one should you choose?
Quick answer: Choose SquadCast if you want up to 10 people in a recording and Descript editing included, and you can work within a monthly cap on recording hours; paid plans start at $16 per person per month with annual billing. Choose Zencastr if you want a free plan with unlimited recording and podcast hosting in the same tool, for up to 6 participants.
SquadCast vs Zencastr at a glance
| SquadCast | Zencastr | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $16/person/month (Hobbyist, annual billing) | Free |
| Free plan | Yes: 1 recording hour/month, 720p exports with watermark | Yes: unlimited recording and hosting, 6 participants, 4K video |
| Participants per recording | Up to 10 | Up to 6 |
| Recording limits | Hours capped per month on every plan (1 to 40 hours) | Unlimited recording; free plan caps video RSS and views (6,000 and 60,000) |
| Podcast hosting | Not listed | Included, with distribution to major platforms |
| Editing and transcription | Descript editing and transcription included | Text-based editing and unlimited transcription in 11 languages |
| Platforms | Browser-based | Web, iOS, desktop app |
| Best for | Podcasters recording remote guests | Podcasters who record remote guests and want hosting included |
From each official site, checked November 14, 2026. Prices change, so confirm before you buy.
Key differences
- Zencastr includes podcast hosting and distribution on its free plan, while SquadCast is a recording tool with Descript editing and no hosting listed.
- SquadCast records up to 10 participants, and Zencastr is limited to 6 per recording.
- SquadCast caps recording hours each month on every plan, from 1 hour on Free to 40 hours on Business; Zencastr's free plan lists unlimited recording.
- SquadCast is now part of Descript, so its plans and roadmap are tied to Descript.
- Zencastr's pricing page listed only a free plan and a custom-priced Enterprise plan on 14 Nov 2026, while SquadCast has three paid tiers from $16 to $50 per person per month.
In one line each
SquadCast
Remote podcast recording in the browser, now part of Descript with editing and transcription included. Starting price: $16/person/month (Hobbyist). Free plan / trial: Free plan, 1 recording hour/month. Best for: Podcasters recording remote guests.
Read the full SquadCast summary →Zencastr
Free podcast studio for recording, editing, hosting and publishing audio and video shows. Starting price: Free. Free plan / trial: Free plan with unlimited recording and hosting. Best for: Podcasters who record remote guests and want hosting included.
Read the full Zencastr summary →Frequently asked questions
Is SquadCast cheaper than Zencastr?
No. Zencastr's free plan includes unlimited recording and hosting, while SquadCast's free plan allows 1 recording hour a month. SquadCast's paid plans start at $16 per person per month with annual billing.
Does SquadCast or Zencastr have a free plan?
Both do. SquadCast's free plan gives 1 recording hour a month and 720p exports with a watermark. Zencastr's free plan covers 6 participants, 4K video, transcription and hosting.
Which is better for recording many guests, SquadCast or Zencastr?
SquadCast supports up to 10 participants in a recording. Zencastr supports up to 6. Both record a separate track for each person.
Does SquadCast or Zencastr host my podcast?
Zencastr includes podcast hosting with distribution to major platforms. SquadCast's listed features cover recording, editing and transcription, not hosting, so you would need a separate host.
See all audio & podcasting compared →
We summarise each product from its official website, pricing page and documentation. We don't run hands-on tests or give star ratings. Some links on this site may be affiliate links. See our affiliate disclosure.