RNNoise review
A developer-focused denoising library, not a ready-to-use conferencing app.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
RNNoise is an open-source noise-suppression library from the Xiph.Org Foundation, built around a recurrent neural network. Its intended users are developers and researchers creating audio-processing applications, not people looking for a conferencing app with a ready-to-use cancellation switch. The project is positioned for speech noise reduction and can be self-hosted, making it an integration component rather than a complete desktop workflow.
The supplied command-line example reads noisy mono 48 kHz, 16-bit raw PCM and writes denoised raw PCM. That gives developers a concrete file-processing path, while the library is intended to be built into other software. The API can load model weights from a file, and the project includes model-training utilities and instructions. An alternative smaller model is also included. These components make RNNoise relevant when an application team needs to work with the suppression model and its surrounding tooling rather than simply enable cancellation in an existing meeting app.
That focus also defines the trade-off: RNNoise does not present itself as a packaged end-user application, and the example centers on raw PCM files rather than a turnkey microphone experience. The available platform fit points to Linux, so teams should assess their own integration requirements before choosing it for other environments. Its open-source model may suit projects seeking a library they can incorporate and adapt; users who want a standalone conferencing tool or a ready-made cancellation workflow should choose a product designed for direct use instead. The upstream README points to Xiph's GitLab for the latest source, describing GitHub as a convenience copy.
RNNoise pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Provides a recurrent-neural-network noise-suppression library for integration.
- Includes a CLI example for denoising mono 48 kHz, 16-bit raw PCM.
- Offers model-training utilities and file-loaded model weights.
- Where it doesn't
- Requires integration into other software rather than offering a standalone app.
- The example tool is limited to raw PCM file processing.
- Platform evidence is limited to Linux.
RNNoise fact sheet, pricing and score →
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