Comparison
Zoundry vs Loopback
Loopback and Zoundry both touch macOS audio routing, but they solve different problems. Loopback builds custom virtual audio devices for recording and streaming. Zoundry gives every app a volume slider and a one-click output, with nothing to build. Here's how they actually differ.
Quick answer
Loopback is a $99-and-up virtual audio device builder aimed at recording and streaming workflows: you combine or split audio sources into custom virtual devices. Zoundry is a $19.99 one-time purchase focused on a simpler job: per-app volume sliders, per-app output routing, a per-app EQ, and microphone control, ready to use with no setup. If you need custom virtual devices for production work, pick Loopback. If you just want to control and route the audio your Mac already plays, pick Zoundry.
Feature-by-feature comparison
| Zoundry | Loopback | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $19.99 one-time | From $99 one-time |
| Primary use case | Per-app volume and routing, ready to use | Building custom virtual audio devices |
| Setup required | None, apps appear automatically | Manual device and source configuration |
| Per-app volume slider | Yes, out of the box | Possible via manual device routing |
| Per-app output routing | Yes, one click | Yes, via virtual devices |
| Virtual device creation | No | Yes, this is its core feature |
| Per-app equalizer | 3-band, with saveable presets | No |
| Per-device microphone control | Yes | Indirect, via virtual devices |
| Shortcuts / Siri / Terminal control | Yes, see the Shortcuts & Scripting docs | No |
| Learning curve | Minutes | Steeper, built for production workflows |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Loopback if:
- You need to build custom virtual audio devices for recording, streaming, or podcasting.
- You want to combine multiple sources into a single input for another app.
- You're comfortable with a steeper setup process and a higher price.
Choose Zoundry if:
- You just want a volume slider per app and a simple way to send each one to a different output.
- You want a per-app EQ, presets, and microphone control without building virtual devices.
- You want the lowest price and a setup that takes minutes, not virtual device wiring.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Zoundry and Loopback?
Loopback is a virtual audio device builder from Rogue Amoeba: you wire apps, inputs, and outputs together to create custom virtual devices, mainly for recording and streaming setups. Zoundry is a simpler per-app volume mixer: it gives every app its own volume slider and lets you send each one straight to a real output device, with no virtual device setup required.
Is Loopback more expensive than Zoundry?
Yes. Loopback starts around $99 one-time. Zoundry is a one-time $19.99 purchase with a 7-day free trial.
Can Loopback control the volume of individual apps like Zoundry does?
Not directly the same way. Loopback focuses on building virtual audio devices that combine or split sources for recording and streaming, rather than giving each app a simple, ready-made volume slider. Zoundry is purpose-built for per-app volume control and routing, with sliders that work immediately and no virtual device configuration.
Which one should I buy, Zoundry or Loopback?
Choose Loopback if you need to build custom virtual audio devices for recording, streaming, or podcasting setups and don't mind a steeper learning curve and higher price. Choose Zoundry if you just want a simple slider per app, output routing, an EQ, and microphone control, at a fraction of the price.
Try Zoundry free
Zoundry includes a 7-day free trial, no account or card required. See pricing or download Zoundry to get started.