When you play games with friends, being able to talk clearly makes everything easier—and more fun. Whether you’re calling out strategies or just laughing at someone’s silly move, good voice chat is a game-changer. In this guide, I’ll show you how to set up your own voice servers, using tools like TeamSpeak and Mumble.
These are apps that let people talk to each other over the internet. You don’t need to rely on Discord or other big platforms. You can run your own server, on your own terms.
I’ll share my personal experience, what worked, what was tricky, and how I got it running smoothly on my VPS. Don’t worry—I’ll keep it simple.
What Is a Voice Server?
A voice server is software that lets people connect and talk in real-time using microphones and speakers or headphones. It runs on a computer, usually a VPS (Virtual Private Server) or home server.
Here’s the deal: instead of using public services like Discord or Skype, you host the voice chat yourself. You control who joins, what settings are used, and even the audio quality.
Why Use TeamSpeak or Mumble?
You might be thinking: “Why not just use Discord?” Good question.
Here’s why I sometimes choose TeamSpeak or Mumble instead:
- They’re lightweight—your voice server won’t hog memory or slow down your game.
- Low latency—your voice reaches teammates faster, with less lag.
- More control—host your own rules, channels, and users.
- No accounts needed for users (especially on Mumble).
- Works well even with weak internet.
And let’s be honest, saying “I run my own voice server” makes you sound like a pro—even if your cat still walks on your keyboard.
What You’ll Need
Before we dive in, here’s what you need to get started:
- A VPS or home server (Linux is best—Ubuntu or Debian)
- Basic terminal skills (just enough to copy/paste commands)
- A little time and patience
- A sense of humor helps
Step-by-Step: Set Up TeamSpeak Server
I’ll start with TeamSpeak. It’s been around forever and is known for stability.
Step 1: Download the Server
First, connect to your server via SSH. Then download the TeamSpeak server (check their website for the latest link).
Example (replace URL with latest one):
wget https://files.teamspeak-services.com/releases/server/3.13.7/teamspeak3-server_linux_amd64-3.13.7.tar.bz2
Step 2: Extract the File
tar -xvjf teamspeak3-server_linux_amd64-3.13.7.tar.bz2
Move into the folder:
cd teamspeak3-server_linux_amd64
Step 3: Start the Server
Create a user for security:
adduser ts3
Move files and switch to that user:
mv * /home/ts3/
chown -R ts3:ts3 /home/ts3/
su - ts3
Then start the server:
./ts3server_startscript.sh start
You’ll see a message with your admin token. Copy it. You’ll need it when connecting for the first time.
TeamSpeak uses port 9987 for voice. Make sure your firewall is open for that port.
Step-by-Step: Set Up Mumble Server (aka Murmur)
Mumble is free, open-source, and super fast. It’s also easier to set up.
Step 1: Install Murmur
Run:
sudo apt update
sudo apt install mumble-server
Step 2: Configure It
Run the setup helper:
sudo dpkg-reconfigure mumble-server
Set it to run at boot. Then edit the config:
sudo nano /etc/mumble-server.ini
You can change the server name, max users, welcome message, etc.
Want to set a password? Find this line and edit:
serverpassword=
Save and exit with Ctrl + O, Enter, then Ctrl + X.
Restart the server:
sudo systemctl restart mumble-server
Connect to Your Server
For both TeamSpeak and Mumble, you now need the public IP of your server.
Open your client (TeamSpeak or Mumble), go to “Add Server,” and enter:
- IP address
- Port (default: 9987 for TeamSpeak, 64738 for Mumble)
- Username
- Password (if you set one)
Boom—you’re in.
Benefits of Hosting Your Own Voice Server
Here are some reasons I like running my own voice server:
- Privacy: You know who’s listening. No ads, no tracking.
- Performance: Lower lag and better audio quality.
- Customization: Make channels, roles, even silly welcome messages.
- Learning: You get to learn cool server stuff.
Once, I added a channel called “AFK Dungeon.” Anyone idle too long gets moved there. My friends hate it. I love it.
Two Quick Lists
Why Gamers Like Self-Hosted Voice Chat
- You don’t depend on third-party apps
- Less background CPU use than Discord
- Full control of moderation and access
- You can theme or brand your own server
TeamSpeak vs. Mumble: Quick Comparison
| Feature | TeamSpeak | Mumble |
|---|---|---|
| Audio Quality | High | Very High |
| Encryption | Optional | Default (always) |
| Open Source | No | Yes |
| Mobile Apps | Paid | Free (unofficial) |
| Easy Setup | Moderate | Easy |
Tips to Keep Things Smooth
- Always open the needed ports in your firewall.
- Set up a cron job to auto-restart the server if it crashes.
- Use TLS certificates if you want secure connections.
- Back up config files, especially if you change passwords or channels.
You can also use tools like fail2ban to protect your voice server from bots.
A Few Puns Before We Wrap
- If your mic quality is bad, maybe your signal needs a pep talk.
- Got quiet players? Maybe their voice server is shy.
- When someone’s too loud, just say, “Turn down for what? Turn down your mic, please.”
Final Thoughts
Setting up your own voice server with TeamSpeak or Mumble is a great way to boost your gaming experience. You get more control, better quality, and fun stuff you can customize.
I’ve been running a small Mumble server for years. It’s reliable, light on system resources, and my friends love the crystal-clear audio. It feels like we’re in the same room—even when we’re countries apart.
Give it a try. Pick one, follow the steps, and test it with friends. You might just become the team’s new tech wizard.
Need help? Drop a comment—or yell into your mic (just not too loud).
