Switching Mac audio apps? Here's how they compare.

TuningMac is a system-wide equalizer and volume mixer with headphone controls, for $5 once. Here's an honest look at how it compares with the apps people usually switch from, including when they're the better choice.

Download for Mac
  • One-time purchase
  • No drivers
  • macOS 14.2 Sonoma or later

TuningMac

Output

AirPods Pro82%
Listening Mode
Equalizer Saved for AirPods Pro
31621252505001k2k4k8k16k
Preamp−1.5 dB
MacBook Pro Speakers
Studio Display
70%

Apps

Spotify100%
Safari64%
ZoomMuted
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TuningMac Settings…
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Pick your comparison

When another app is the better choice

  • eqMac: A free basic equalizer, presets for 4,600+ headphones, or Macs as old as macOS 10.13.
  • SoundSource: A separate EQ or Audio Unit plugins on each app, per-app output routing and AirPlay 2 speakers.
  • Boom 3D: 3D surround and 5.1, a 31-band EQ, internet radio, and one license across Mac, Windows and iPhone.
  • Sound Control: Effects per app and per device, per-app routing, Audio Unit plugins and MIDI control.
  • Background Music: Free, open source per-app volume that pauses your music, on macOS 10.13 and later.

TuningMac: one equalizer for all your sound with AutoEQ headphone corrections, per-app volume, multi-output, auto ducking for calls and noise control for AirPods and Sony headphones, with no driver, no account and no subscription. Free for 7 days.

Set it up in a minute

  1. 1

    Quit your current app

    Quit it and check your output in Sound settings is your headphones or speakers.

  2. 2

    Download TuningMac

    Get it from tuningmac.com and drag it to Applications. It runs on macOS 14.2 Sonoma or later.

  3. 3

    Pick a preset

    Allow audio access once, then choose a preset or paste your AutoEQ curve into Advanced EQ.

Questions

What is the best equalizer app for Mac?+

It depends on what you need. For a system-wide equalizer with per-app volume and headphone controls in one menu bar app, TuningMac ($5 once). For effects on each app separately, SoundSource or Sound Control. For surround effects, Boom 3D. For a free basic EQ, eqMac's free tier.

Is there a free alternative to SoundSource or eqMac Pro?+

Background Music is free and open source and gives you per-app volume, but no equalizer. eqMac's free tier has a system-wide 10-band equalizer, while its per-app volume needs eqMac Pro.

Which Mac audio apps work without installing a driver?+

TuningMac uses the system audio tap Apple added in macOS 14.2, so there's no driver or virtual audio device. eqMac and Background Music both route sound through their own audio device.

Can I run two of these apps at the same time?+

It's best not to. Two equalizers running at once stack their effects, and apps that add their own audio device can fight over which output is selected. Quit one before trying another.

Also seeeqMac alternative Also seeSoundSource alternative Also seeBoom 3D alternative Also seeSound Control alternative Also seeBackground Music alternative Also seeMac equalizer Also seePer-app volume on Mac

Everything TuningMac does

Multi-output, noise control, live spectrum and more, in one menu bar app.

See all features