# Backpack Live vs Zencastr

The clearest difference is rating: Zencastr at 4.9 against Backpack Live's 3.0. Zencastr also leads on update cadence (fortnightly vs every 55 months) and ratings volume (721 vs 1). Backpack Live's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Zencastr sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $19.99 per month. Backpack Live asks for nothing beyond the download.

Zencastr holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 3.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Zencastr has 721 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Backpack Live ships an update every 55 months, Zencastr fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on September 19, 2026 and September 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Backpack Live | Zencastr |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/backpack-live/id1551059183/reviews) | **[4.9 (721 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/zencastr/id1560999033/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 1 | **721** |
| Positive reviews | — | 61.5% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 55 months | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Freemium |
| Size | 47 MB | 96 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | **17.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | +4 | 17+ |
| Developer | [Ed Filowat](https://appshunter.io/developer/657780411) | [Zencastr, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1560999035) |

## What reviewers say

### Backpack Live

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/backpack-live/id1551059183)

This app enables users to participate in virtual podcasting and live radio streams. Connect with hosts using a room code and record in studio quality directly from your device.

**Highlights:** Co-host podcasts, Guest on live radio, Virtual studio recording, Studio quality audio, Join via room code

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### Zencastr

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/zencastr/id1560999033)

Record high-quality audio and video podcasts directly from your mobile device. This app offers individual WAV recordings and HD video for up to six guests, with automatic cloud backups. It also provides mobile-optimized videos for social sharing and integrates with Google Drive and Dropbox.

**Highlights:** HD audio and video recording, Record up to six guests, Separate audio and video tracks, Automatic cloud backups, Google Drive/Dropbox integration, Mobile-optimized video output

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Upgrade to Pro | $19.99 | per month |
| Professional | $19.99 | per month |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fast and efficient recording process
- 👍 User-friendly and intuitive interface
- 🎧 Excellent sound quality
- 📱 Easy mobile podcast creation
- 🌐 Seamless remote recording with guests

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Misleading pricing and billing practices
- 🚫 No free trial without payment requirement
- 😤 Deceptive interface design to encourage spending
- ⚠️ Difficult cancellation and refund process

**Reported bugs**

- Continued charging after cancellation
- Misleading free trial implementation

**Requested features**

- Free trial option without upfront payment
- Clearer pricing transparency


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Backpack Live free?

Backpack Live is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Zencastr free?

Zencastr is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Backpack Live or Zencastr?

Zencastr is rated higher. Backpack Live averages 3.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while Zencastr averages 4.9 from 721 ratings.

### Do Backpack Live or Zencastr have ads?

Neither Backpack Live nor Zencastr shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Backpack Live or Zencastr?

Backpack Live ships an update every 55 months, and Zencastr fortnightly. Most recently, Backpack Live was updated on September 19, 2026 and Zencastr on September 24, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*