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Helvum

Free#27 of 30 in Audio Enhancement Software

Helvum: A focused Linux tool for managing PipeWire connections, not enhancing sound. Ranked #27 of 30 in Audio Enhancement Software by our editors (6.3/10); pricing: Free plan; best for linux PipeWire patchbay control.

6.3/10Editor score

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Helvum6.3 Visit Helvum

At a glance

Editor score
6.3 / 10
Pricing
Free plan
Best for
Linux PipeWire patchbay control
Free plan
Yes
Paid from
Free
Facts checked
20 Sep 2026

Where it wins
- Free and open-source under the GPL-3.0-only license
- Graphically creates and removes application and device connections
- Reroutes audio, video, and MIDI data through PipeWire
Where it doesn't
- Linux-only availability limits platform coverage
- Focused on routing rather than audio enhancement
- No equalization, noise reduction, surround processing, or audio effects

Our verdict on Helvum

Helvum is a free, open-source Linux desktop application for managing connections in a PipeWire environment. Its graphical patchbay shows application and device endpoints, allowing users to create or remove links and reroute audio, video, and MIDI data. That makes it a practical fit for Linux users who need visual control over PipeWire routing, especially when connection management is more important than sound processing.

The product’s main strength is its narrow, clearly defined workflow. Helvum can connect applications and devices, disconnect them, and redirect audio, video, or MIDI data between endpoints. Its ecosystem fit is correspondingly focused: PipeWire is the listed integration, and Linux is the supported platform. Distribution through Linux package repositories and Flatpak gives the application more than one installation path, while its GPL-3.0-only license aligns with its open-source model.

Helvum should be considered a routing and connection-management tool rather than a full audio enhancement suite. The published capabilities center on patchbay control and do not extend to equalization, noise reduction, surround processing, or other audio effects. Choose it if you want a free graphical interface for PipeWire connections on Linux. An alternative is a better fit if your priority is changing the sound itself, applying effects, or working across platforms beyond Linux.

Your product? Our editors can test Helvum in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →

Helvum pricing

Plans Free planFree Free to use — no paid tier required for the core job.

See plans on gitlab.freedesktop.org

Helvum fact sheet

Free plan	Yes
Paid from	Free
Noise reduction	Not verified
Equalizer	Not verified
Virtual surround	Not verified
Audio routing	Yes
App-specific profiles	Not verified
Supported platforms	linux
Equalizer bands	Not verified
Deployment	Desktop
Platforms	Linux
Integrations	1 integrations: PipeWire
Pricing	Free plan
Website	gitlab.freedesktop.org
Facts checked	20 Sep 2026

Helvum integrations

Helvum lists 1 integrations on its own site.

PipeWire

Alternatives to Helvum

See all Helvum alternatives →

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Featured on iTechGuides

Helvum is listed in our Audio Enhancement Software directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

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Last updated 7 Oct 2026 · How we research and update