Snapcast

Self-Hosted

Open-source multi-room audio streaming system

Overview

Snapcast syncs audio across devices for a unified multi-room experience using a server-client architecture. Run the server on hardware like a Raspberry Pi or PC, and connect clients (Linux, Windows, macOS, Android, iOS) to play synchronized audio. It supports diverse sources: local files, Spotify (via Mopidy), internet radio, or any server audio output. Deploy via Docker, package managers, or source code. Enjoy low latency, high-quality audio, and full control over your setup—no cloud dependency needed. Ideal for self-hosters seeking a customizable alternative to proprietary multi-room systems.

Self-Hosting Resources

Find Official Image on Docker Hub View Source & Docs

Below is a reference structure for docker-compose.yml. ⚠️ Do NOT run blindly. Replace placeholders with official values.

docker-compose.template.yml TEMPLATE


version: '3'
services:
  snapcast:
    image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
    container_name: snapcast
    ports:
      - "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
    volumes:
      - ./data:/app/data
    restart: unless-stopped

Key Features

Multi-room audio synchronization
Cross-platform client support
Flexible audio source integration

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is Snapcast hard to install?

Snapcast is easy to install via Docker (simplest method) or package managers for Linux. Setup involves running the server, connecting clients, and linking an audio source (like Mopidy or PulseAudio). Guides are available in the official documentation.

? Is it a good alternative to Sonos?

Yes—Snapcast offers similar multi-room sync but with full self-hosted control and no subscriptions. It works with custom hardware (e.g., Raspberry Pi + speakers) but lacks Sonos' pre-built speaker ecosystem and polished native UI.

? Is it completely free?

Snapcast is 100% open-source under the MIT License. All core features are free, and there are no hidden costs or premium tiers. You can use it with any compatible hardware without paying subscriptions.

Top Alternatives

Sonos Multi-Room Search Google

Google Home Audio Groups Search Google

Tool Info

Pricing Open Source

Category Media Streaming - Audio Streaming

Platform Self-Hosted

Pros

⊕ No cloud dependency (full data control)
⊕ Supports custom hardware setups

Cons

⊖ Requires additional tools (e.g., Mopidy) for streaming services
⊖ Limited built-in UI for source management