RNNoise
RNNoise: A focused C library for developers building real-time speech denoising into audio applications. Ranked #19 of 24 in AI Noise Cancellation Software by our editors (6.7/10); pricing: Open source; best for developers integrating a lightweight denoiser.
At a glance
- Editor score6.7 / 10
- PricingOpen source
- Best forDevelopers integrating a lightweight denoiser
- Paid fromFree
- Real-time cancellationYes
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Real-time full-band speech enhancement using a recurrent neural network
- C library, CLI demonstration tool, and loadable model files
- Supports custom model training with optional AVX2 and SSE4.1 optimizations
Where it doesn't
- Requires integration into an audio application rather than offering a ready-made app
- Command-line processing uses raw 16-bit mono PCM at 48 kHz
- No hosted application, subscription plans, or official desktop clients
Our verdict on RNNoise
RNNoise is an open-source C library from the Xiph.Org Foundation for reducing noise in speech audio with a recurrent neural network. It is aimed at developers integrating noise suppression into audio applications, rather than people seeking a finished desktop tool or hosted service. The project provides a real-time, full-band speech enhancement algorithm and is distributed under a BSD-3-Clause license.
Its strongest fit is embedded audio development. The C library is intended for integration, while the command-line demonstration tool offers a way to process raw 16-bit mono PCM input and output at 48 kHz. RNNoise also supports loadable binary model files and includes a custom model training workflow, giving teams a path to adapt the denoising model for their own audio requirements. Optional AVX2 and SSE4.1 optimizations can support environments where those instruction sets are available.
RNNoise is deliberately narrow in scope. It does not provide a hosted application, subscription plans, or official end-user desktop clients, so teams looking for an immediately usable meeting, recording, or communications app should choose another type of product. Its command-line example also centers on a specific PCM format and sample rate, which makes application-side audio handling part of the integration work. Pick RNNoise when you need an open-source denoising component, C integration, real-time processing, and model customization; do not pick it when you need a complete end-user interface or packaged platform integrations.
Your product? Our editors can test RNNoise in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
RNNoise pricing
RNNoise fact sheet
| Free plan | Not verified |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Real-time cancellation | Yes |
| Supported operating systems | Not verified |
| Recording support | Yes |
| Streaming support | Not verified |
| Voice isolation | Not verified |
| Echo cancellation | Not verified |
| Audio source support | Not verified |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Support | Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Open source |
| Website | gitlab.xiph.org |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to RNNoise
- KleervoxA broad freemium option for cleaner meetings, streams, recordings, and calls.9.4
- neepA cross-platform choice for bidirectional noise removal with local processing.9.2
- NVIDIA BroadcastA free Windows toolkit for noise removal, audio routing, and meeting or streaming effects.9.0
See all RNNoise alternatives →
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Featured on iTechGuides
RNNoise is listed in our AI Noise Cancellation 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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