The best audio servers, according to hackers
3 audio servers were recommended on Hacker News between November 2025 and November 2026. We rank them by how many separate people recommend each one, and 2 earn the Hacker Approved badge.
Top picks
The two most recommended audio servers with the badge. Each figure is 5 people. RecommendsCriticizes One comment
Fewer audio problems than PulseAudio
Replaces PulseAudio on Linux with broad compatibility, low latency and fewer audio problems. Common caveat: some users still hit bugs and find it hard to debug.
Very low audio latency
Free low-latency audio server that lets pro audio apps share sound on Linux. Common caveat: setup can be fiddly.
All 3 audio servers, ranked
Select a column heading to sort. Approval share is recommenders out of everyone who gave an opinion; the tick on each bar marks the 2 to 1 line the badge needs. Months counts the months, out of 13, in which someone recommended it.
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | PipeWire | 70 | 20 | 78% | 11 | 2 yrs4 owners | Approved |
| 2 | JACK Audio Connection Kit | 12 | 4 | 75% | 6 | — | Approved |
| 3 | ALSA | 9 | 12 | 43% | 9 | — | — |
How we rank
Rank is the number of separate people who recommend a product in a Hacker News comment over the past year. Someone who praises the same audio server in five threads counts once.
The badge goes to audio servers that at least 10 people recommend, with recommenders outnumbering critics at least 2 to 1, recommended in at least 4 of the 13 months.
Rankings are never for sale. We may earn a commission when you buy through our links. It never changes the order.