FarPlay

What FarPlay is

FarPlay lets people play music together over the internet with reduced audio delay. It transmits uncompressed, full-duplex 48kHz/16bit PCM audio and includes video, customizable layouts, and screensharing. A Latency Slider lets participants balance lower delay against possible audio glitches. Sessions can be recorded as separate synchronized audio tracks for later import into a DAW, while Broadcast Output sends multi-channel audio to a DAW for livestream mixing.

FarPlay uses peer-to-peer connections and does not require server setup or router-port configuration. It runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows computers, but not phones or tablets except Windows tablets with Intel processors. An internet connection that supports peer-to-peer connections is required; Ethernet is recommended for ultra-low latency. Free sessions are limited to two participants and 45 minutes, though free users can join multi-user sessions. Paid plans start at $5.99 a month, with the first month free. Only the person starting a session needs a subscription for it to have subscription benefits.

Who it suits

FarPlay may suit musicians arranging remote rehearsals, lessons, or performances, as well as people hosting podcasts, readings, or therapy sessions. It is for computer users with a peer-to-peer-capable internet connection, rather than most phone or tablet users.

Limits

The free plan allows one-to-one sessions up to 45 minutes and lets users join multi-user sessions. Standard, the cheapest paid plan at $5.99 a month, adds unlimited session length and multi-user session creation; its first month is free.

Getting started

1. Open https://farplay.io/.
2. Use a Linux, macOS, or Windows computer; an Intel Windows tablet is also supported.
3. Connect to an internet connection that supports peer-to-peer connections; Ethernet is recommended for ultra-low latency.
4. Start with the free plan for one-to-one sessions up to 45 minutes, or choose a paid plan for longer sessions or to create multi-user sessions.
5. For subscription benefits in a session, have the person initiating it subscribe.

Verdict

FarPlay combines reduced-delay audio with video, recording, and DAW routing options. The free tier is constrained to short, two-person sessions; paid plans start at $5.99 a month, with the first month free.