FAudio review
A focused audio runtime for developers porting XNA-based games to open platforms.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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.
FAudio pros and cons
- 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
FAudio fact sheet, pricing and score →
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