SoundSource
SoundSource is a macOS menu-bar app for controlling audio on a Mac.
What SoundSource is
SoundSource is a macOS menu-bar app for controlling audio on a Mac. It lets you set volume separately for each app and send an app’s sound to another output device. A built-in 10-band equalizer and Audio Unit effects can be applied per app or across the whole system. Controls also cover system output and input, including volume, input levels, balance, sample rate, and sound-effects settings. SoundSource can stream audio from one app or the entire Mac to one or more AirPlay devices, including HomePods, Apple TVs, and Sonos hardware. Shortcuts workflows can trigger audio changes. The listed release, SoundSource 6.1.5, supports macOS 15 to 27. There is no free plan, but a full-featured trial overlays noise after 20 minutes until relaunch. A license costs $49, paid once; an upgrade for SoundSource 5 or 4 owners costs $25, paid once.
Good
- Per-app volume and output routing
- Built-in 10-band equalizer
- AirPlay streaming to multiple devices
- Shortcuts workflow support
- Supports macOS 15 to 27
Watch out
- No free plan
- Trial noise begins after 20 minutes
- macOS only
- Shared-use machines need separate licenses
Who it suits
It suits Mac users who need per-app volume, routing, equalization, AirPlay, or detailed input and output controls. It is also relevant to users who automate audio through Shortcuts.
Verdict
SoundSource combines per-app routing, equalization, device controls, AirPlay, and Shortcuts automation in one Mac utility. The paid license and trial noise limit are important considerations.
Plans and prices
From SoundSource's own pricing page, checked 7 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| SoundSource 6 Upgrade | $25, paid once | for owners of a SoundSource 5 or 4 license · local taxes may apply · one-time |
| SoundSource License Key | $49, paid once | single user · one or more personally owned Macs · one-time |
The facts
Each one read from SoundSource's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- AirPlay
- SoundSource can stream audio from individual apps or the whole Mac to one or more AirPlay devices, including HomePods, Apple TVs, and Sonos hardware.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Audio effects
- SoundSource offers a built-in 10-band equalizer and support for Audio Unit effects, both per app and system-wide.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Automation
- SoundSource supports workflows that trigger audio adjustments through the Shortcuts app.checked 7 Oct 2026
- License terms
- A single-user license covers one user on one or more personally owned machines; shared-use machines each need a license.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Privacy
- The maker says it does not sell or rent user data and collects only the minimum data it reasonably needs.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- SoundSource gives users audio control of their Mac from the menu bar.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Support
- The maker offers email support and says it strives to reply within 24 hours.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Version checking
- When version checking is enabled, the app sends its name, current version, and operating system version; the setting can be disabled.checked 7 Oct 2026
Where it runs
- Device settings
- The app can adjust system output, input, and sound effects settings, including volume, input levels, balance, and sample rate.checked 7 Oct 2026
- macOS compatibility
- The listed current release, SoundSource 6.1.5, supports macOS 15 to 27.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Per-app control
- Users can adjust each app’s volume and route its audio to a different output device.checked 7 Oct 2026
The company
- Founded
- 2002checked 28 Sep 2026
- Headquarters
- Boston, Massachusetts, USAchecked 28 Sep 2026
Money
- Trial limit
- The trial includes all features, but after 20 minutes it overlays noise on audio being adjusted until the app is quit and relaunched.checked 7 Oct 2026
