Turn your phone into an audio hub
AudioRelay transforms your smartphone into a flexible audio peripheral for your computer. It lets you route sound from a PC to a mobile device and also use your phone’s microphone as a higher-quality input for calls or recordings on your desktop. The app supports both wireless streaming and a direct USB connection, making it useful for everyday listening and more demanding, latency-sensitive tasks.
Real-time audio streaming
One of the standout capabilities is low-latency playback of PC audio on a phone. Installation is simple: install the companion app on your mobile device and run the server on your computer, then link them over your chosen connection. This setup is handy for moving around the house while keeping podcasts or music playing, or for using a quick second speaker without extra hardware. The delay is typically much lower than standard Bluetooth, which makes it a viable option for gaming and live conversations.
Use your phone as a PC microphone
Another strong use case is substituting your phone for a dedicated mic. When you need clearer voice quality for meetings or streaming but don’t have an external microphone, the phone’s mic can serve as an effective alternative. It improves audio clarity for calls and recordings and removes the need to carry additional audio gear.
Connection options: USB first, then Wi‑Fi
- USB (recommended for lowest latency): Offers the most consistent, near-instant audio transfer by removing network variability—ideal for latency-critical activities.
- Wi‑Fi (convenient and wireless): Provides the freedom to move and is perfectly adequate for casual listening and many communication scenarios, though performance depends on your network.
Potential issues and troubleshooting
Although the app works well overall, there are a few things to be aware of:
- Initial configuration can require firewall adjustments on some systems, which may be confusing for less technical users.
- Wireless performance depends heavily on signal strength and network congestion, so you may encounter occasional dropouts on weak Wi‑Fi.
- Switching to the USB mode usually resolves connectivity and latency problems caused by the network.
Final assessment
AudioRelay is a practical tool for anyone who wants to extend or improve their PC’s audio capabilities using a smartphone. Its combination of low-delay streaming, microphone passthrough, and multiple connection methods makes it a flexible solution. Minor setup hurdles and reliance on Wi‑Fi quality are trade-offs, but the USB option and overall feature set make the app especially appealing for power users and those who need dependable, low-latency audio.
Technical
- Windows
- Mac
- Free