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Podcast & Audio Publishing · head to head

Auphonic vs Criterion Channel

Auphonic logo

Auphonic

Podcast & Audio Publishing

Automated audio mastering and loudness processing

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Criterion Channel logo

Criterion Channel

Media & Entertainment

Criterion Collection curated films

From
$10.99/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Auphonic has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Auphonic the free tier covers 2 hours of processed audio a month; Criterion Channel maximum streaming quality is HD, no 4K or Ultra HD
  • They diverge on capability: Auphonic covers Automatic loudness optimization, Criterion Channel covers Criterion films.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Auphonic and Criterion Channel actually diverge.

Attributes where Auphonic and Criterion Channel differ
AttributeAuphonicCriterion Channel
Starting priceFree$10.99/month
Pricing modelfreemiumUnknown
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWebWeb, Android, Apple TV, iOS, Roku, Samsung TV, Amazon Fire TV, Xbox
CategoryPodcast & Audio PublishingMedia & Entertainment
Founded20101984

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Auphonic

  • Automatic loudness optimization
  • Noise reduction
  • Audio restoration
  • Intelligent processing
  • API integration
  • Auto-upload
  • Podcast hosts
  • Dropbox

Only in Criterion Channel

  • Criterion films
  • 4K restoration
  • Essays
  • Special features
  • Curated selections
  • Smart TVs
  • Streaming devices
  • Account security

Both cover

  • Web support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Auphonic

  • Automatic loudness levelling and noise reduction on podcast audionot Criterion Channel
  • Batch processing an archive of recordingsnot Criterion Channel
  • Generating transcripts and chapters from an episodenot Criterion Channel
  • Producing consistent output across multiple formats from one uploadnot Criterion Channel

Criterion Channel

  • Streaming classic, foreign, and independent films with curated collections and retrospectivesnot Auphonic
  • Watching filmmaker interviews, commentary tracks, and bonus/supplemental contentnot Auphonic
  • Following themed programming such as double features and director/actor spotlightsnot Auphonic
  • Educational and film-study use due to curated context and extrasnot Auphonic

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Auphonic

  • The free tier covers 2 hours of processed audio a month
  • Billing is by audio duration with a 3 minute minimum per production, so many short clips cost more than the running time suggests
  • Multilingual speech recognition, automatic chapters and show notes all require a paid plan
  • Watch folders, batch productions and team accounts are paid features
  • Free output carries an Auphonic jingle

Criterion Channel

  • Maximum streaming quality is HD, no 4K or Ultra HD
  • No PlayStation 4 app available
  • HDCP compatibility issues reported on some devices like Chromebooks and Xbox One
  • No live chat or phone support for customer service
  • Limited library compared to mainstream services like Netflix and Hulu

Pricing, plan by plan

Auphonic

Free
  • FreeFree
    • 2 hours/month processing
    • Basic mastering
    • Download files
  • Personal$10/month
    • 50 hours/month
    • Advanced mastering
    • API access

Criterion Channel

$10.99/month
  • Monthly$10.99/month
  • Annual$99.99/year

Which should you pick?

Choose Auphonic if

  • You need automatic loudness optimization.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You also want noise reduction.
Auphonic review

Choose Criterion Channel if

  • You need criterion films.
  • You work on Web, Android, Apple TV, iOS, Roku, Samsung TV, Amazon Fire TV, Xbox.
  • You also want 4k restoration.
Criterion Channel review

Questions people ask

Is Auphonic or Criterion Channel better?
Neither clearly leads. Auphonic starts at Free and Criterion Channel at $10.99/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Auphonic or Criterion Channel?
Auphonic has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Auphonic and $10.99/month for Criterion Channel.
Does Auphonic or Criterion Channel run on more platforms?
Auphonic runs on Web. Criterion Channel runs on Web, Android, Apple TV, iOS, Roku, Samsung TV, Amazon Fire TV, Xbox.
Can I use Auphonic for free?
Yes. Auphonic has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Criterion Channel starts at $10.99/month.
What is Auphonic best used for?
Auphonic is most often used for automatic loudness levelling and noise reduction on podcast audio, batch processing an archive of recordings, generating transcripts and chapters from an episode, producing consistent output across multiple formats from one upload. Of those, automatic loudness levelling and noise reduction on podcast audio and batch processing an archive of recordings are not what Criterion Channel is typically brought in for.
What can Auphonic do that Criterion Channel cannot?
Auphonic covers Automatic loudness optimization, Noise reduction, Audio restoration, Intelligent processing. Criterion Channel covers Criterion films, 4K restoration, Essays, Special features. Both handle Web support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Criterion Channel: Can I watch Criterion Channel offline?

No, Criterion Channel requires an active internet connection for streaming. The service does not offer offline viewing or download capabilities.

Source
Criterion Channel: What devices does Criterion Channel work on?

Criterion Channel works on Amazon Fire TV, Android, Apple TV, iOS, Roku, Samsung TV, and Xbox. There is no PlayStation app or dedicated mobile app for iOS/Android.

Source
Criterion Channel: How much does Criterion Channel cost?

Criterion Channel costs $10.99/month or $99.99/year with a 7-day free trial for new subscribers.

Source
Criterion Channel: What is the maximum video quality on Criterion Channel?

Criterion Channel streams in HD quality only. The service does not offer 4K or Ultra HD resolution.

Source
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