Comparison
Ekhio vs SoundSource
Both control each app’s volume and equalize the whole system. SoundSource, by Rogue Amoeba, is built for setting up each app’s chain by hand: effects, Audio Unit plugins, which output it goes to. Ekhio is built so you don’t have to open it: it switches profiles based on what’s playing, reacts to your calls, and corrects your speakers by measuring the room.
What you’re comparingEkhioSoundSource
PriceEkhio$39 USD, onceSoundSource$49; upgrading from version 5 to 6 was $25
LicenseEkhioUp to 3 Macs, forever, with version 1 updatesSoundSourceOne-time payment per major version
Trial or free versionEkhioFull 14 days, no account and no cardSoundSourceFree download with limitations
Switches profiles on its ownEkhioYes: by the app that’s playing, calls, time of day and outputSoundSourceNot advertised; automatable with Shortcuts
Knows when you’re on a callEkhioYes: switches to Voice, lowers everything else, restores it on hang-upSoundSourceNot advertised on its site
Measures your room and corrects your speakersEkhioYes, with the Mac’s microphone, included in the priceSoundSourceNo
EqualizerEkhio32 bands plus parametric, per channelSoundSource10 bands, plus per-app effects and Audio Unit plugins
Headphone curvesEkhioYes, from the AutoEq databaseSoundSourceYes
Per-app volumeEkhioYes, plus each app’s outputSoundSourceYes, with per-app effects and output
Volume keys on HDMI monitorsEkhioYesSoundSourceYes (“Super Volume Keys”)
RequirementsEkhiomacOS 14.4 or later, Apple Silicon MacSoundSourcemacOS 15 or later
Pick SoundSource if…
- You want a different effects chain on each app, or to use Audio Unit plugins.
- You route each app to a different output and prefer to tune them yourself, one by one.
- You already use other Rogue Amoeba apps like Audio Hijack or Loopback.
Pick Ekhio if…
- You don’t want to open anything: join a call and it switches to Voice, play Spotify and Music is back.
- You want your speakers to sound right in YOUR room: Ekhio measures it with the mic and corrects it.
- Your Mac is still on macOS 14 (Sonoma).
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.
SoundSource details taken from its official site on September 30, 2026. Prices change: confirm them there before buying. SoundSource website