MonitorControl vs SoundSource

MonitorControl

• Mac users whose external monitor ignores the keyboard brightness keys
• Setups with several displays that should dim together
• People who want a free, open-source display utility

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

MonitorControl

• macOS only. Version 4 runs on macOS 10.15 with limits, has full functionality from macOS 11, and needs v4.4.0 or newer for macOS 27.
• DDC control does not work over the built-in HDMI port of M1 Macs, the 2018 Intel Mac mini or the entry-level M2 Mac mini; USB-C or software dimming is the fallback.
• Most TVs, DisplayLink docks and some displays such as EIZO models get software dimming only, not hardware backlight control.
• XDR and HDR brightness upscaling and support for more Macs and displays are in BetterDisplay, a separate app from the maintainer.

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.

MonitorControl

Brightness, volume and contrast

Sliders in the menu bar adjust an external display's backlight, speaker volume and contrast over DDC/CI, which most modern LCD monitors support.

Apple keys and custom shortcuts

The brightness and media keys on Apple keyboards control external displays, or custom shortcuts can be set. Using the Apple keys needs Accessibility permission.

Native on-screen display

Brightness and volume changes show the same on-screen indicator macOS uses for Apple displays.

Hardware and software dimming

Software dimming continues below a display's minimum backlight level, down to full black, with smooth brightness transitions.

Brightness sync

Changes on the built-in or an Apple display, including those from the ambient light sensor, can be copied to other displays, and one slider can drive every screen.

Several control methods

DDC for external displays, Apple's native protocol for Apple and built-in screens, gamma tables for software dimming, and a shade overlay for AirPlay, Sidecar and DisplayLink.

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.

MonitorControl

• MonitorControl$0

  Brightness, volume and contrast control, native on-screen display, keyboard shortcuts, brightness sync and software dimming. MIT licensed.

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.

MonitorControl

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.