FAudio
FAudio: A focused audio runtime for developers porting XNA-based games to open platforms. Ranked #26 of 27 in Game Compatibility Layers by our editors (6.1/10); pricing: Free plan; best for developers needing cross-platform XAudio compatibility.
At a glance
- Editor score6.1 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forDevelopers needing cross-platform XAudio compatibility
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Runtime modelTranslation + runtime
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Reimplements XAudio2, X3DAudio, XAPO, and XACT3
- Provides FAudio# for C# access
- Supports Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, tvOS, and Xbox GDK
Where it doesn't
- Focused on audio runtime compatibility rather than full game compatibility
- Requires SDL for platform audio support
- DirectX support and anti-cheat status are not stated
Our verdict on FAudio
FAudio is an open-source reimplementation of Microsoft XAudio for the FNA game framework. It is aimed at developers porting or building XNA-based games on open platforms, with runtime libraries for XAudio2, X3DAudio, XAPO, and XACT3. The project also includes FAudio#, a C# access layer, making it relevant to teams working with C# alongside native audio components. Its supported targets include Windows, GNU/Linux, macOS, iOS, tvOS, and Xbox GDK.
The strongest case for FAudio is its focused compatibility scope. Rather than presenting a broad game compatibility environment, it concentrates on DirectX Audio runtime behavior and related APIs. Unit tests support XAudio2 behavior verification, while CMake build support helps with Unix-like platform builds. SDL serves as the sole dependency for platform audio support, giving the project a defined integration boundary for developers bringing audio functionality to different operating systems.
FAudio is available under an open-source model with a free plan, so its primary consideration is technical fit rather than tier selection. It should suit developers who need an XAudio-compatible audio layer across several platforms, especially when FAudio# access or XNA-oriented development matters. Teams seeking a complete game compatibility layer, consumer-facing launcher, or broader runtime coverage should look elsewhere, because FAudio addresses the audio portion of cross-platform compatibility. Its focused design is an advantage for audio integration, but it also defines the product's limits.
Your product? Our editors can test FAudio in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
FAudio pricing
FAudio fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Host platforms | Windows, GNU/Linux, macOS, iOS/tvOS |
| Runtime model | Translation + runtime |
| DirectX support | Not stated |
| Vulkan support | Not verified |
| Steam integration | Not verified |
| Anti-cheat status | Not stated |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | github.com |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to FAudio
- CrossOverA mature paid compatibility layer with broad Windows app support for Mac and Linux.9.3
- WineA mature, free compatibility layer for running many Windows apps across Linux and macOS.9.0
- OpenNativeA flexible Android game container with broad runtime controls and unsupported anti-cheat.8.8
Used FAudio? Be the first to review it
The editor score above is our own research. What this page doesn't have yet is a reader's view — what you used FAudio for, what worked and what didn't. No stars are seeded and no review is paid for; an editor reads every one before it appears.
Write a reviewTwo minutes · verified accounts only · read by an editor before it appears
Featured on iTechGuides
FAudio is listed in our Game Compatibility Layers directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.
<a href="https://www.itechguides.com/products/faudio/"><img src="https://www.itechguides.com/best/badge/faudio.svg" alt="Featured on iTechGuides" width="230" height="46"></a>
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
Last updated · How we research and update