diff --git a/scripts/touch-gestures.lua b/scripts/touch-gestures.lua
index 54e7576..7ce2aab 100644
--- a/scripts/touch-gestures.lua
+++ b/scripts/touch-gestures.lua
@@ -75,17 +75,27 @@ local function run_cmd(args)
   return res.stdout or ""
 end
 
+local function probe_cmd(args)
+  local res = utils.subprocess({ args = args, cancellable = false })
+  if res and not res.error and res.status == 0 then
+    return res.stdout or ""
+  end
+  return nil
+end
+
 local function pick_volume_backend()
   if state.volume_backend then
     return state.volume_backend
   end
-  local wp = run_cmd({ config.wpctl_path, "--version" })
+  local wp = probe_cmd({ config.wpctl_path, "status" })
+    or probe_cmd({ config.wpctl_path, "--help" })
   if wp then
     state.volume_backend = "wpctl"
     dbg("using wpctl for volume")
     return state.volume_backend
   end
-  local pa = run_cmd({ config.pactl_path, "--version" })
+  local pa = probe_cmd({ config.pactl_path, "info" })
+    or probe_cmd({ config.pactl_path, "--version" })
   if pa then
     state.volume_backend = "pactl"
     dbg("using pactl for volume")