Recording Software

StreamYardvsZoom

Compare StreamYard and Zoom side by side. See pricing, features, and which is right for your podcast.

StreamYard logo

StreamYard

Live streaming studio for podcasters

Full StreamYard Review →
Zoom logo

Zoom

Video conferencing adapted for podcasting

Full Zoom Review →

Pricing Comparison

TierStreamYardZoom
Free TierStreamYard branding, 2 hrs local recordings/mo, 6 on-screen participants40-min meetings, local recording
Starting PriceFreeFree

Feature Comparison

FeatureStreamYardZoom
Max Participants10100
Local Recording
Separate Tracks
Video Recording
Live Streaming
Transcription
Editing
Cloud Storage

StreamYard Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Multi-platform streaming
  • Professional broadcast layouts
  • Easy guest management

Cons

  • No separate audio tracks
  • Cloud-based recording only
  • Pricing increased significantly

Zoom Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Familiar to most guests
  • Very reliable connection
  • Separate audio tracks available

Cons

  • Audio compression reduces quality
  • Not designed for podcast production
  • No built-in editing tools

The Verdict

StreamYard is best for:

  • Live podcast shows
  • Multi-platform streamers
  • Video podcasters going live

Zoom is best for:

  • Podcasters with non-technical guests
  • Those already using Zoom for meetings
  • Budget-conscious creators

Frequently asked questions

Which is cheaper: StreamYard or Zoom?
Zoom is the cheaper way in: its Pro plan is $16.99/month, against $44.99/month for StreamYard's Core. Both also have a free tier.
Do StreamYard and Zoom have free versions?
Both do. StreamYard gives you StreamYard branding, 2 hrs local recordings/mo, 6 on-screen participants, and Zoom gives you 40-min meetings, local recording.
What is the main difference between StreamYard and Zoom?
Zoom covers Separate Tracks, which StreamYard does not. Nothing on the compared feature list goes the other way.

Never Lose a Quote Again

Whichever tool you pick, PodRewind turns your episodes into a searchable archive you can actually chat with—ask questions, find quotes, and generate content from everything you've ever said.