The best FineTune alternatives for Mac
FineTune is one of the best free Mac apps around, and for many people the right answer is to keep using it. Here's what to look at if it doesn't run on your Mac or is missing something you need.
Short answer
- On macOS 14 Sonoma: SoundDial ($12.99, with an EQ) or Faders ($5.99, no EQ). Both run on 14.2 or later.
- On macOS 13 or older: Sound Control 3 ($15, macOS 11.4+).
- For calls: Faders or SoundDial. Both duck other apps automatically when a call starts.
- For effects, AirPlay and support: SoundSource ($49, macOS 15+).
- If FineTune runs on your Mac and does what you need, keep it. It's free.
Why people look for an alternative
- It needs macOS 15. It won't run on Sonoma or older.
- Call features. Automatic ducking during calls isn't listed, and neither is a global mic mute for every mic.
- Support. It's a community project. There's no one you pay, and no promise it keeps getting updates.
- Monitor volume. FineTune controls monitor speakers over DDC, which only works if the monitor supports it.
Quick comparison
| Price | macOS | EQ | Per-app output | Call ducking | HDMI volume keys | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FineTune | Free | 15+ | ✓ + AutoEQ | ✓ + multi-device | Not listed | Via DDC |
| SoundDial | $12.99 | 14.2+ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Not listed |
| Faders | $5.99 | 14.2+ | — (planned) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ any monitor |
| Sound Control 3 | $15 | 11.4+ | ✓ + AU | ✓ | Not listed | ✓ |
| SoundSource 6 | $49 | 15+ | ✓ + AU | ✓ + groups | Not listed | ✓ |
| Background Music | Free | 10.13+ | Not listed | Not listed | Auto-pauses music instead | Not listed |
“Not listed” means we couldn't find it on the app's own site, not that it's confirmed missing. Checked October 2026.
The alternatives
SoundDial
If you liked FineTune's EQ and routing but you're on Sonoma, SoundDial is the nearest thing. It has per-app volume to 200 %, a 10-band EQ with presets, per-app output, profiles and auto-ducking during calls. It's on the App Store, so refunds go through Apple.
Good
- EQ + profiles
- Auto-ducking
- App Store, Family Sharing
Not so good
- No AutoEQ or multi-device output listed
- HDMI volume keys not listed
- Not free
Faders
This is our app. Faders uses the same Apple audio taps as FineTune, so there's no driver, and it runs on Sonoma 14.2. Where it differs is calls: other apps duck automatically, one shortcut mutes every mic, and AirPods stay in high quality because Faders keeps the Mac's own mic in use. Volume keys work on any HDMI or DisplayPort monitor, DDC or not. It has no EQ, so if you used FineTune's EQ, this isn't a full replacement.
Good
- Call ducking, global mic mute
- AirPods quality fix
- Monitor keys without DDC
Not so good
- No EQ or AutoEQ
- One output per app
- Paid, no trial, no refunds
Sound Control 3
The only paid pick here that runs on macOS 11 through 13. It has per-app EQ with AutoEQ (like FineTune), Audio Unit effects, routing, device priority lists and virtual volume for HDMI displays. There's a trial, so you can check it on your Mac first.
Good
- AutoEQ, like FineTune
- macOS 11.4+
- Free trial
Not so good
- Direct and App Store purchases are separate
- Call ducking not listed
SoundSource 6
If FineTune runs on your Mac but you want Audio Unit plugins, AirPlay and Sonos streaming, and a company behind it, SoundSource is the step up. It's the most capable app here and also the most expensive.
Good
- Audio Units, AirPlay
- Long track record
- Free trial
Not so good
- $49
- Also macOS 15+
Background Music
The other free option, and one that runs on very old macOS. It has per-app volume and mute and pauses your music player when something else starts playing. It installs a virtual audio driver, can't boost, and its README warns that app volume above 50 % can clip.
Good
- Free
- Auto-pause music
Not so good
- Virtual driver
- No boost, stereo only
- Infrequent releases
Stick with FineTune if…
- You're on macOS 15 or later and it does what you need. Nothing here beats free.
- You rely on AutoEQ or sending audio to several outputs at once. Faders and SoundDial don't list those.
- You want open source code you can read and build yourself.
Questions
Is Faders open source like FineTune?
No. Faders is a paid, closed-source app. If open source matters to you, stay with FineTune or look at Background Music.
Why does FineTune need macOS 15 when Faders runs on 14.2?
Apple added audio taps in 14.2, and each developer decides which macOS versions to support. FineTune targets 15 and later. Faders and SoundDial support 14.2 and later.
On Sonoma, or living on calls?
Faders is $5.99 once at launch. Try the live demo on the homepage first.