gtCore vs Volumio vs Roon: which one to pick for your Raspberry Pi
A comparison built on numbers and the real limits of each option — including where gtCore isn't the strongest choice.
Anyone who already owns a Hi-Fi system and is evaluating Raspberry Pi software almost always ends up comparing the same three options. This comparison isn't trying to declare an absolute "best" — that depends on what you're after — but to put the real numbers and limits of each on the table, including where getile audio (gtCore) isn't the strongest choice.
| gtCore | Volumio (Virtuoso) | Roon | |
|---|---|---|---|
| License model | One-time purchase | Annual subscription | Monthly/annual subscription, or lifetime |
| Indicative cost | $98 Base / $148 Pro, one-time | ~$45/year | $12.49–14.99/month, or $829.99 lifetime |
| Built-in sources | Local library, high-resolution streaming, radio, podcasts, audiobooks, all in one interface | Local library, streaming via plugins | Large streaming catalog, curated library |
| Multiroom | Included in the Pro license | Limited | Yes, with Roon Ready certified hardware |
| Works offline | Yes: library and DSD don't require a connection | Yes, for the local library | No: requires an active online account |
| Native mobile app | No, but supports standard MPD apps | Yes | Yes |
| Native DSD | Up to DSD512 | Depends on the connected DAC | Yes, with compatible hardware |
Where getile audio wins on the numbers
The price comparison holds up on its own, no extra argument needed: a one-time $98 for gtCore Base pays for itself against a year of Roon in under two months. Against Roon's lifetime price ($829.99), the cost is roughly a tenth. Even against Volumio, the break-even point is under 27 months — past that threshold, every following year costs less with getile audio.
Where getile audio isn't the strongest choice
It's worth being just as clear about this: getile audio doesn't have a native app of its own, but it supports standard MPD control apps, on top of the browser interface (gtcore.local) — still a less immediate experience on a phone compared to a dedicated app like Volumio's or Roon's. If your main criterion is the most polished library management on the market, with advanced metadata and discovery, Roon remains the reference point, in exchange for a subscription getile audio doesn't require.
The practical way to choose
- If avoiding a monthly fee matters, and you're fine controlling it from the browser or a standard MPD app: getile audio.
- If you want the most sophisticated library management and discovery, and a subscription isn't a problem: Roon.
- If you're after a free solution and are willing to configure plugins for advanced features: Volumio or moOde.
The cheapest way to check which of the three fits your system is to try it without spending anything: getile audio has a free 30-day trial for anyone who already has a Raspberry Pi.
Try getile audio free for 30 days, no credit card required.
Start the free trial