Alternatives · Utilities
SoundSource alternatives
SoundSource compared with 3 alternatives: EarTrumpet, MonitorControl and BetterDisplay.
SoundSource is a paid product with a free trial, starting at $49 one-time purchase. All 3 alternatives are free or have a free plan.
3 tools · Listings checked up to Oct 9, 2026 · Where the facts come from
At a glance
| Tool | Price | Free plan | Runs on |
|---|---|---|---|
| SoundSourceThis tool | Free trial · from $49 one-time | Trial only | macOS |
| EarTrumpet | Free | Free | Windows |
| MonitorControl | Free | Free | macOS |
| BetterDisplay | Free plan · from $21.99 one-time | Yes | macOS |
How each one differs from SoundSource
- Free
EarTrumpet
Per-app volume mixer for the Windows system tray
- EarTrumpet is free. SoundSource starts at $49 one-time purchase.
- EarTrumpet has a free plan. SoundSource does not, though it has a free trial.
- Only EarTrumpet lists a Windows app.
- Only SoundSource lists a macOS app.
- EarTrumpet is open source, according to its own site.
Suits: Windows users who want a different volume for each app
- Free
MonitorControl
Free, open-source brightness and volume control for Mac displays
- MonitorControl is free. SoundSource starts at $49 one-time purchase.
- MonitorControl has a free plan. SoundSource does not, though it has a free trial.
- MonitorControl is open source, according to its own site.
- SoundSource can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- MonitorControl also covers display control.
Suits: Mac users whose external monitor ignores the keyboard brightness keys
- Free plan · from $21.99 one-time
BetterDisplay
Display scaling, brightness and DDC control for Mac
- BetterDisplay starts at $21.99 one-time purchase (Pro license, tax may apply). SoundSource starts at $49 one-time purchase.
- BetterDisplay has a free plan. SoundSource does not, though it has a free trial.
- BetterDisplay also covers display control.
Suits: Controlling an external monitor's brightness, volume and input from the Mac
Limits worth knowing in SoundSource
- macOS only. SoundSource 6 runs on macOS 15 to 27; older systems need a legacy download.
- There is no free version. In trial mode, noise is overlaid on adjusted audio after 20 minutes until the app is relaunched.
- A license covers the current major version; owners of SoundSource 4 or 5 pay $25 to upgrade to version 6.
- Refunds must be requested within 14 days of purchase and are issued case by case.
Common questions
What are the alternatives to SoundSource?
The alternatives to SoundSource in this directory are EarTrumpet, MonitorControl and BetterDisplay. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with SoundSource.
Is there a free alternative to SoundSource?
Yes. EarTrumpet and MonitorControl are free to use. BetterDisplay has a free plan alongside paid ones.
Which SoundSource alternatives work on Windows?
The SoundSource listing does not include a Windows app. EarTrumpet lists one.
Is there an open-source alternative to SoundSource?
EarTrumpet and MonitorControl are described as open source on their own sites.
When were these prices checked?
Each listing shows its own date. On this page they run from Oct 6, 2026 to Oct 9, 2026. Vendors change prices without notice, so confirm on their site before you buy.
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