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SoundSource

Per-app volume, output routing and audio effects for the Mac

Free trial · from $49 one-timeUtilitiesChecked Oct 9, 2026
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What is SoundSource?

SoundSource is a macOS menu bar app from Rogue Amoeba for controlling audio per application. Each app can have its own volume, its own output device and its own effects, and the same controls apply to the system's output, input and sound-effects devices. Version 6 adds output groups and AirPlay streaming, so one app or all audio can play on several speakers at once. It is sold as a one-time license.

SoundSource is a paid product with a free trial, starting at $49 one-time purchase. See every plan

Good for

  • 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

Worth knowing

  • 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.

Key features

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.

SoundSource pricing

Starts at
$49 one-time purchase
Free plan
None
Free trial
Free trial with every feature; after 20 minutes noise is overlaid on adjusted audio until the app is relaunched
SoundSource License Key$49one-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.

Read from rogueamoeba.com on Oct 9, 2026. Prices change, so confirm with SoundSource before you buy.

Pricing in detail

Ways to pay less

  • EducationAcademic 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.

    Stated on rogueamoeba.com
  • 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.

    Stated on rogueamoeba.com
  • Other savings50% 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.

    Stated on rogueamoeba.com
  • Other savingsEntire 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.

    Stated on rogueamoeba.com

Works with

SoundSource alternatives

All desktop utilities

Common questions

Is SoundSource free?

No, SoundSource is a paid product, but you can try it first. Free trial with every feature; after 20 minutes noise is overlaid on adjusted audio until the app is relaunched.

How much does SoundSource cost?

SoundSource lists one plan. SoundSource License Key: $49 one-time purchase, per user (USD; local taxes may apply). Prices were read from rogueamoeba.com on Oct 9, 2026.

What platforms does SoundSource work on?

SoundSource is available on macOS.

Does SoundSource offer any discounts?

SoundSource publicly lists the following: Academic discount for students and educators; $25 upgrade from SoundSource 4 or 5; 50% off for Airfoil owners; Entire Rogue Amoeba Lineup bundle.

Does SoundSource have an Android app?

No Android app was listed when its pages were read on Oct 9, 2026. SoundSource is listed for macOS.

Does SoundSource have an iPhone app?

No iPhone app was listed when its pages were read on Oct 9, 2026. SoundSource is listed for macOS.

Is SoundSource open source?

SoundSource is not described as open source on its own site, as read on Oct 9, 2026.

What does SoundSource integrate with?

SoundSource's listing names Apple Shortcuts, AirPlay, Audio Units, Sonos and HomePod. A listing names up to eight integrations, so it may connect to more.

Does SoundSource have a student discount?

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.

Who makes SoundSource?

SoundSource is made by Rogue Amoeba Software, Inc. It dates from 2002.

What are the alternatives to SoundSource?

The closest alternatives to SoundSource in our directory are MonitorControl and BetterDisplay. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with SoundSource.

Sources for this page

The prices, plans, platforms and features above were read from these pages on Oct 9, 2026.