Comparison
Ekhio vs EQBase
These two are the closest: both equalize the whole system, switch presets on their own, bring back volume keys on HDMI monitors, and measure the room with the microphone. EQBase has a free version and runs on Intel Macs; room measurement and per-app volume are in its Pro tier. Ekhio includes everything in one payment for 3 Macs and reacts to your calls.
What you’re comparingEkhioEQBase
PriceEkhio$39 USD, onceEQBaseFree; Pro: $4.99/month, $39.99/year or $79.99 lifetime
LicenseEkhioUp to 3 Macs, forever, with version 1 updatesEQBaseMonthly and yearly: 3 Macs; lifetime: 1 Mac
Trial or free versionEkhioFull 14 days, no account and no cardEQBaseFree version with no time limit
Switches profiles on its ownEkhioYes: by the app that’s playing, calls, time of day and outputEQBaseYes
Knows when you’re on a callEkhioYes: switches to Voice, lowers everything else, restores it on hang-upEQBaseNot advertised on its site
Measures your room and corrects your speakersEkhioYes, with the Mac’s microphone, included in the priceEQBaseYes, in Pro
EqualizerEkhio32 bands plus parametric, per channelEQBase24-band parametric, dynamic and linear-phase, in Pro
Headphone curvesEkhioYes, from the AutoEq databaseEQBaseYes, 8,600+ models
Per-app volumeEkhioYes, plus each app’s outputEQBaseYes, in Pro
Volume keys on HDMI monitorsEkhioYesEQBaseYes
RequirementsEkhiomacOS 14.4 or later, Apple Silicon MacEQBasemacOS 14.4 or later, Intel and Apple Silicon
Pick EQBase if…
- Your Mac is Intel. Ekhio needs Apple Silicon.
- The free version is enough for you, and it doesn’t expire.
- You want dynamic or linear-phase EQ, or Audio Unit plugins.
Pick Ekhio if…
- You want room measurement and everything else for $39 once, on 3 Macs, instead of $79.99 for one.
- You spend the day on calls: Ekhio switches to Voice, lowers everything else and restores it when you hang up.
- You don’t want a subscription or to choose between plans.
Try it on your Mac for 14 days
No account and no card. If it doesn’t win you over, you don’t pay anything.
EQBase details taken from its official site on September 30, 2026. Prices change: confirm them there before buying. EQBase website