RNNoise review
A focused C library for developers building real-time speech denoising into audio applications.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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.
RNNoise pros and cons
- 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
RNNoise fact sheet, pricing and score →
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