Guide
How to play different apps on different speakers on a Mac
Calls on headphones, music on speakers, all at once. Here is why macOS can't do it by default and the quickest way to route each app to its own output.
Last updated
Quick answer
macOS plays all apps through one output device at a time, so a call, a music player and a browser tab all follow whichever speakers or headphones you select. To send each app to a different output at the same time, use a per-app routing mixer. Zoundry lets you assign every app its own output, for example Chrome to AirPods Pro and Spotify to your MacBook speakers, from the menu bar. It costs a one-time $19.99 after a 7-day free trial.
Why this doesn't work out of the box
In System Settings you choose one output device. Switch to your AirPods and every app moves with it. The closest built-in feature is a Multi-Output Device in Audio MIDI Setup, but it mirrors the same audio to all selected devices instead of letting each app pick its own.
Common setups
- Calls on headphones, music on speakers. Keep a Zoom call private while Spotify plays quietly on your desk speakers.
- Reference audio on monitors, alerts on headphones. Editors and creators can keep system sounds out of the mix.
- One app on two devices. Play Spotify to your AirPods Pro and your MacBook speakers together.
How to route each app to a different output with Zoundry
- Connect your devices. AirPods, Bluetooth headphones, USB-C headsets, external DACs and built-in speakers all show up in Zoundry automatically.
- Open the panel. Click the Zoundry icon in the menu bar to see every app that is playing audio.
- Choose an output per app. Pick a different device for each app. You can also set each app's volume, EQ and L/R balance, and Zoundry remembers your choices.
You can also switch your default system output from the same panel, without opening System Settings.
Apps that can route audio per app
| App | Price | Per-app routing | More |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zoundry | $19.99 one-time | Yes | Overview |
| FineTune | Free, open source | Yes, with device priority and auto-fallback | Zoundry vs FineTune |
| SoundSource | $49 one-time | Yes | Zoundry vs SoundSource |
| Loopback | $99 one-time | Via virtual devices | Zoundry vs Loopback |
| Background Music | Free, open source | No | Zoundry vs Background Music |
Frequently asked questions
Can a Mac play different apps through different speakers at the same time?
Not with built-in macOS settings, which use one default output device at a time. A per-app mixer such as Zoundry, FineTune or SoundSource can route each app to a different output device simultaneously.
What does a Multi-Output Device do on Mac?
A Multi-Output Device, created in Audio MIDI Setup, plays the same audio on several devices at once. It sends everything to all of them, so it can't put a call on headphones and music on speakers.
Can I send one app to two devices at once with Zoundry?
Yes. Zoundry lets an app play to more than one device, for example Spotify to both AirPods Pro and your MacBook Pro speakers, while other apps use different outputs.
Does Zoundry work with AirPods, Bluetooth headphones, USB headsets and external DACs?
Yes. Every audio output device on your Mac, including AirPods, MacBook speakers, Bluetooth headphones, USB-C headsets and external DACs, appears in one panel and can be assigned to any app.
What happens when I plug in a new audio device?
It appears in Zoundry instantly and is ready to receive audio from any app.
Try Zoundry free
Zoundry includes a 7-day free trial, no account or card required, then a one-time $19.99 purchase. See pricing or download Zoundry to get started.