What is Iris.fm
Iris.fm is a professional remote podcast recording tool built specifically for podcasters and interviewers who need clean, high-quality output rather than a general-purpose video call. Founded in 2019 and trusted by over 10,000 remote podcast teams, it records each participant locally in the browser, meaning internet hiccups during the live call do not degrade the final files. Guests simply click a link — no app installs, no meeting IDs — and the session produces separate audio (WAV and MP3) and video (MP4) tracks per speaker, ready for post-production.
The platform positions itself as a focused, clutter-free alternative to feature-heavy tools like Riverside or Zoom, offering real-time captions saved alongside recordings, automatic cloud backup in case of local recording failure, and a waiting-room feature so hosts control who enters the session. Recording hours are counted by session length, not multiplied by the number of participants, making it cost-effective for multi-guest shows. Up to 9 people can record simultaneously, and the service works across modern browsers on desktop and mobile including iPhone and Android.
Key Features
- Local browser-based recording for each participant (separate audio and video tracks)
- No-download guest access via shareable browser link
- Automatic cloud backup in case of local recording failure
- Real-time captions saved with the recording for show notes
- Waiting room / host-approval before guests enter the session
- Support for up to 9 participants per recording room
- Audio delivered as WAV and MP3; video delivered as MP4
Why we like it
- Guests join via browser link with zero installs — consistently praised as the smoothest guest onboarding of any remote recording tool
- Local recording per participant means internet drops during the call don't ruin the final files
- Session-length billing (not per-participant) keeps costs predictable for panel or multi-guest episodes
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Guests find it extremely easy to join — no software installs or meeting IDs needed
- High-quality, clean audio and video recordings praised by multiple users
- Intuitive dashboard that saves time in post-production
- Fast and helpful technical support noted by reviewers
Cons
- One reviewer noted reliability can feel inconsistent — 'decent when it works, but it feels like a lottery at times'
- Described by at least one reviewer as expensive relative to competing platforms offering more features
- Customer support rated poorly by some SourceForge reviewers, with one instance of the app failing to record a feed entirely
Who is using Iris.fm
Podcast hosts and remote interview producers — from independent creators to small production teams — who prioritise clean, separate audio/video tracks and a frictionless guest experience over advanced editing or AI features.
- Independent podcasters recording remote guest interviews
- Video podcasters needing separate HD tracks for editing
- Remote teams co-hosting a podcast across different locations
- Non-profits and universities producing interview-based audio content (discounts available)
- Producers running heavier workflows or live broadcasts needing up to 9 participants
Iris.fm Pricing
Freemium
Free plan: up to 2 hours of separate audio & video, watermark on exports, up to 720p. Paid plans start at $9/month. One third-party source documented: Standard ~$9/mo (5 hrs/mo + live stream), Pro ~$29/mo (15 hrs/mo, unlimited transcriptions, live call-ins). Yearly plans available at a 10% discount. Discounts available for non-profits and universities on request.
Pricing details may change. Check the official website for the latest information.
What makes Iris.fm unique
Iris.fm differentiates itself from alternatives like Riverside.fm, SquadCast, and Zencastr by deliberately keeping the workflow simple and podcast-focused, avoiding the AI-heavy feature bloat found in competitors. Its pricing model counts recording hours by session length rather than multiplying by participant count, which is a concrete cost advantage for multi-guest shows. The platform also emphasises a zero-friction guest experience — browser link only, no installs — as a core design principle rather than an afterthought.
Iris.fm Alternatives
Riverside.fm, SquadCast, Zencastr, Remotely.fm, Zoom
Reviews & Ratings
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