EarTrumpet vs SoundSource

EarTrumpet

• Windows users who want a different volume for each app
• People who switch often between speakers, headsets and other outputs
• Anyone who wants a free volume mixer that matches the Windows 10 and 11 look

SoundSource

• Mac users who want a separate volume level for each app
• Sending one app's sound to different speakers or AirPlay devices than the rest
• People who want an equalizer or Audio Unit effects on all Mac audio

EarTrumpet

• Windows only. The README lists Windows 10 version 1803 and later and Windows 11 as supported.
• When the app crashes it sends diagnostic details, such as exception, version and system settings, to Bugsnag, as its privacy document describes.
• Automatic updates are listed as coming through the Microsoft Store; winget and Chocolatey are offered as command-line installs.
• The license is the MIT License with a preface that bars three named companies from reproducing, distributing or adapting the software.

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.

EarTrumpet

Per-app volume

Controls the volume of both classic and modern Windows apps, app by app, from a flyout opened at the system tray icon.

Move apps between devices

An app's audio can be moved from one playback device to another, so different programs can play through different outputs.

Default device in two clicks

The flyout manages the default playback device, and the context menu keeps shortcuts to the legacy volume mixer and app volume preferences.

Standalone mixer with peak meters

A standalone volume mixer window is included, and audio activity is visualized with peak meters that are aware of multiple channels.

Hotkeys and scroll wheel

Hotkeys are configurable and can adjust several devices at once, and optional settings change the volume with the scroll wheel anywhere or over the tray icon.

Matches the Windows look

The flyout follows light and dark mode and every accent color, and the interface has been translated into more than 20 languages.

SoundSource

Per-app volume control

Sets the volume of each application relative to the others from one list, or mutes an app entirely.

Per-app output routing

Sends an individual app to a chosen output device, for example music to external speakers while everything else plays through the Mac's built-in output.

Audio effects

A built-in 10-band equalizer, Volume Overdrive, Magic Boost and Headphone EQ, plus Audio Unit plugins, applied to a single app or to all system audio.

AirPlay and output groups

Streams one app or all audio to AirPlay devices such as HomePods, Apple TVs and Sonos speakers. Output groups play to several devices at once.

System devices and volume keys

Volume, balance, input level and sample rate for the output, input and sound-effects devices. Super Volume Keys make the keyboard volume keys work with HDMI and DisplayPort outputs.

Shortcuts and Quick Configs

Actions for the Shortcuts app automate audio changes, and Quick Configs save a whole setup of devices, volumes and effects to switch to in one click.

EarTrumpet

• EarTrumpet$0

  The complete app. The Store terms allow installing it on up to ten Windows devices while signed in to a Microsoft account.

SoundSource

• SoundSource License Key$49

  one-time purchase, per user (USD; local taxes may apply)

  Unlocks the current version, SoundSource 6, for a single user on one or more personally owned Macs.

EarTrumpet

No public discounts listed.

SoundSource

• Education

  Academic discount for students and educators

  Rogue Amoeba gives an academic discount to students, educators and others affiliated with academia who enter a school email address. The page does not state the amount.

• Other savings

  $25 upgrade from SoundSource 4 or 5

  Owners of a SoundSource 5 or SoundSource 4 license can upgrade to SoundSource 6 for $25 instead of the $49 full price.

• Other savings

  50% off for Airfoil owners

  People who own an Airfoil license get 50% off when they move to SoundSource, applied after entering the Airfoil license key.

• Other savings

  Entire Rogue Amoeba Lineup bundle

  The deals page offers a discounted bundle of every Rogue Amoeba product, SoundSource included, and says mailing-list members receive exclusive discounts.