Stream What You Hear review
A focused, free utility for sending Windows audio across a local network.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Stream What You Hear (SWYH) is a free, open-source Windows application for sending audio playing on a computer to compatible devices on the same local network. It is intended for people who want to listen to computer audio through UPnP/DLNA televisions, amplifiers, speakers, media players, and other network devices. The application captures the current Windows audio output rather than producing a video broadcast, making it a focused utility for local audio playback.
Its strongest fit is the UPnP/DLNA ecosystem. SWYH can automatically discover compatible media renderers and stream audio directly to them. It also exposes HTTP stream URLs for compatible players and devices, giving users another way to access the stream beyond automatic device discovery. Output support includes MP3 and uncompressed PCM/L16, while the current audio stream can be saved as an MP3 file. These features make the product relevant when local-network compatibility and audio format choice matter more than online distribution.
The narrow scope is also its defining limitation. SWYH does not provide video streaming, multistreaming, live production tools, or social-platform integrations, so it is not suited to broadcasting shows or events to online audiences. It is also available for Windows only and depends on compatible network devices or players for playback. Choose SWYH for a free way to route Windows audio around a local network or record that stream as MP3. Choose a broader live-streaming product instead when the goal is video, production workflows, or distribution to social platforms.
Stream What You Hear pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Free and open-source Windows audio streaming
- Automatically discovers compatible UPnP/DLNA media renderers
- Records streams as MP3 and supports PCM/L16 output
- Where it doesn't
- Windows-only availability
- Requires compatible network devices or players
- No video, multistreaming, or social-platform integrations
Stream What You Hear fact sheet, pricing and score →
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