Comparison
Zoundry vs SoundSource
Both apps solve the same problem: macOS only gives you one system-wide volume slider. Zoundry and SoundSource each add per-app volume control, per-app output routing, and a per-app equalizer from your menu bar. Here's how they actually differ.
Quick answer
Zoundry is a $19.99 one-time purchase with per-app volume, per-app output routing, a 3-band EQ with presets, and per-device microphone control, plus Shortcuts, Siri, and Terminal automation. SoundSource is a $49 one-time purchase that covers the same core routing plus a deeper 10-band equalizer, Audio Units effects, and AirPlay streaming. If you want per-app volume, routing, and a simple EQ at the lowest price, pick Zoundry. If you want a deeper equalizer and audio effects, pick SoundSource.
Feature-by-feature comparison
| Zoundry | SoundSource | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $19.99 one-time | $49 one-time |
| Devices per license | 2 devices | Unlimited personal machines |
| Per-app volume control | Yes | Yes |
| Per-app output routing | Yes | Yes |
| Equalizer | 3-band (bass/mid/treble) with saveable presets | 10-band, deeper control |
| Audio Units / plugin effects | No | Yes |
| Per-app L/R balance | Yes | No |
| Per-device microphone control | Yes | No |
| AirPlay streaming | No | Yes |
| Shortcuts / Siri / Terminal control | Yes, see the Shortcuts & Scripting docs | Yes |
| Menu bar app | Yes | Yes |
| Minimum macOS | macOS Tahoe (26), Apple Silicon | macOS 15 |
| Refund window | 30 days | 14 days |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Zoundry if:
- You want per-app volume, output routing, a simple EQ with presets, and mic control at the lowest price ($19.99 vs $49).
- You want per-app L/R stereo balance control, which SoundSource doesn't offer.
- You want to control volume from Siri, Shortcuts, Alfred, Raycast, or Terminal out of the box.
- You're on an Apple Silicon Mac running macOS Tahoe (26) or later.
Choose SoundSource if:
- You want a deeper 10-band equalizer, Audio Units plugin support, or built-in effects like Magic Boost.
- You need AirPlay streaming from specific apps.
- You're on macOS 15 through 25, or an Intel Mac.
- You want one license to cover more than two of your own machines.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Zoundry and SoundSource?
Both give macOS per-app volume control, per-app output routing, and a per-app equalizer from the menu bar. The main differences are price and depth: Zoundry is a one-time $19.99 purchase with a 3-band EQ, sound presets, and per-device microphone control, while SoundSource is a one-time $49 purchase that adds a deeper 10-band equalizer, Audio Units effects support, and AirPlay streaming.
Is Zoundry cheaper than SoundSource?
Yes. Zoundry is a one-time $19.99 purchase. SoundSource is a one-time $49 purchase ($25 to upgrade from SoundSource 4 or 5). Both are one-time purchases with no subscription.
Does SoundSource have a better equalizer than Zoundry?
Yes. SoundSource includes a 10-band equalizer, Audio Units plugin support, and built-in effects like Magic Boost and Headphone EQ. Zoundry includes a simpler 3-band EQ (bass, mid, treble) per app with saveable presets and per-app L/R balance control, without Audio Units or third-party effects.
Which one should I buy, Zoundry or SoundSource?
Choose Zoundry if you want per-app volume, routing, a simple EQ with presets, and microphone control at the lowest price, with Shortcuts and Terminal automation built in. Choose SoundSource if you want a deeper equalizer, Audio Units effects, or AirPlay streaming, and don't mind paying more for the extra depth.
Try Zoundry free
Zoundry includes a 7-day free trial, no account or card required. See pricing or download Zoundry to get started.