The Best Audio Control Apps for Windows
"Audio control" covers several distinct tasks on Windows: adjusting per-app volume, switching output devices, routing audio between virtual channels, and shaping sound with an equalizer. No single app does all of these equally well.
Here's a categorized look at the best windows audio control apps, grouped by what problem they actually solve.
Per-app volume control
EarTrumpet and the built-in Windows volume mixer both handle per-app volume. EarTrumpet adds a tray flyout and quicker device switching; the built-in mixer requires no install. See Windows app volume control for a closer look.
Device switching
SoundSwitch and AudioSwitcher are both focused specifically on switching the default playback (and sometimes recording) device quickly via a keyboard shortcut or tray menu, which is handy if you regularly move between speakers, headphones, or a monitor's audio output.
Virtual routing and mixing
VoiceMeeter provides virtual mixing channels so audio from multiple sources can be combined, monitored, and routed to different outputs — a common setup for streaming or recording.
Equalization
Equalizer APO, often used with the Peace GUI front end, applies system-wide equalization and audio filters. This changes the tonal character of sound rather than controlling per-app volume levels.
Command-line and scripted control
Nircmd is a free command-line utility that can adjust Windows volume and other settings, which is useful for automation, scripts, or macros rather than manual day-to-day mixing.
Matching the tool to the task
If your main need is per-app volume, start with EarTrumpet or the built-in mixer. If you need routing, switching, or equalization, look at the specialized tools above instead of expecting one app to do everything.
Combining tools instead of picking just one
Because these apps solve different problems, many Windows users run more than one at a time without conflict. A common combination is EarTrumpet for per-app volume plus SoundSwitch or AudioSwitcher for fast default-device switching, or VoiceMeeter for streaming setups paired with Equalizer APO for tone shaping. None of these tools compete for the same job, so layering them is usually straightforward.
Where to start if you're not sure
If you've never used anything beyond Windows' defaults, start with the native Windows volume mixer or EarTrumpet for per-app volume, since both are free and cover the most common day-to-day need. Add a specialized tool only once you hit a specific limitation, such as needing faster device switching or virtual routing for streaming.
Frequently asked questions
Is there one app that does everything?
Not really — per-app volume, device switching, routing, and equalization are handled by different specialized tools, though some overlap exists.
Which app is best for quickly switching between speakers and headphones?
SoundSwitch and AudioSwitcher are both built specifically for fast default-device switching via hotkey.
Is Nircmd a graphical app?
No, Nircmd is a command-line tool intended for scripting and automation rather than a visual interface.
Does EarTrumpet include an equalizer?
No. EarTrumpet focuses on per-app volume and device control; equalization is handled by separate tools like Equalizer APO.
Can I run EarTrumpet and VoiceMeeter at the same time?
Yes, they address different jobs — per-app volume versus virtual audio routing — and can run together without conflict.
Do any of these tools require special hardware?
No. All the tools mentioned here (EarTrumpet, VoiceMeeter, Equalizer APO, SoundSwitch, AudioSwitcher, Volume2, Nircmd) work with standard Windows audio devices and drivers.
For simple, reliable per-app volume control, download EarTrumpet.