Can SoundSource make my Mac louder?

It gives per-app volume control but isn't a dedicated booster with a published ceiling or limiter. For maximum clean loudness, Vlume is the specialist.

Yes - they do different jobs. Many people use a router like SoundSource alongside a booster like Vlume.

VLUME vs SOUNDSOURCE

Dedicated loudness vs per-app control

SoundSource is a superb per-app audio router and EQ. Vlume is a dedicated loudness booster - a bigger, cleaner boost (up to 800%, with a limiter) for a one-time £39.

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3-day free trial · no account, no card · macOS 14.4+

These solve different problems. SoundSource shines at routing and balancing audio per app and per device. Vlume is built to make everything genuinely louder than macOS allows, cleanly. If your core need is loudness, here's the comparison.

Vlume vs SoundSource, side by side

Feature

Vlume

SoundSource

Max volume boost

Up to 800% (8×)

Per-app volume (not a booster)

Built-in limiter (clean at high boost)

Per-app routing & volume

Equaliser

6-band (system)

Per-app EQ

Multi-speaker output

Pricing

£39 one-time

$49 one-time

Free trial

3 days, no card

Trial

Why people choose Vlume

Built for loudness

Vlume's whole job is getting past the macOS volume cap - up to 800% - not per-app balancing.

Clean at the top end

An always-on limiter keeps high boost free of distortion.

A little cheaper

£39 one-time vs SoundSource's $49 - both no subscription.

When SoundSource is the better pick

If you mainly want to route audio per app, give apps independent volumes, or send specific apps to specific devices, SoundSource is purpose-built for that and superb at it.

Questions

Hear the difference yourself

Free for 3 days. One payment to keep it forever - no subscription.

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