EarTrumpet vs the Windows Volume Mixer

What the native Windows volume mixer offers

Windows 11 includes a Volume mixer under Settings > System > Sound > Volume mixer, reachable with Win+Ctrl+V. Windows 10 has a similar feature called 'App volume and device preferences' under Settings > System > Sound. Both let you set per-app volume and choose an output device per app, and both versions still include the older sndvol.exe legacy mixer.

What EarTrumpet adds

• A single tray-icon flyout for per-app volume, opened with one click or a hotkey, instead of navigating into Settings.
• Quick per-app output device switching and the ability to move an app's audio to a different device on the fly.
• Support for multiple audio devices shown together in one compact view.
• A right-click context menu with shortcuts to Playback devices, the legacy volume mixer, and Sound settings.
• A modern Fluent UI that follows the Windows light/dark theme, plus keyboard accessibility.

Speed and accessibility

Because EarTrumpet lives in the system tray, adjusting an app's volume typically takes fewer clicks than opening Settings. It's also fully keyboard-accessible, which can matter for users who prefer not to rely on the mouse.

When the built-in mixer is enough

If you rarely adjust per-app volume and don't need quick device switching, the built-in Windows volume mixer may be all you need — no extra install required. For Windows 11 specifics, see the Windows 11 volume mixer.

When EarTrumpet is the better fit

If you frequently switch outputs between speakers and headphones, manage several apps' volumes throughout the day, or just want a faster tray-based workflow, EarTrumpet's added convenience is the main draw. See EarTrumpet's features for the full list.

Setup and learning curve

The native mixer needs no setup at all since it's already part of Windows — you just open Settings the first time you need it. EarTrumpet requires a one-time install from the Microsoft Store, Chocolatey, or GitHub, after which it runs quietly in the tray. Neither option has a meaningful learning curve; both present sliders per running app, though EarTrumpet's flyout is reachable with a single click on the taskbar or a hotkey rather than a Settings navigation.

Multi-device households and workstations

If you regularly plug in different combinations of speakers, headphones, and monitors with audio, EarTrumpet's view of multiple devices at once can save time compared to switching output devices one screen at a time in Settings. For a broader look at switching tools built specifically for this, see the best Windows audio control apps.

Frequently asked questions

Does EarTrumpet replace the Windows volume mixer?

It layers on top of the same Windows audio system rather than replacing it. The legacy sndvol.exe mixer and Settings-based mixer remain accessible, and EarTrumpet even links to them from its right-click menu.

Does EarTrumpet require special drivers?

No. EarTrumpet uses standard Windows audio APIs and needs no additional drivers.

Which is faster to use day-to-day?

EarTrumpet's tray flyout is generally quicker for frequent adjustments since it avoids opening the full Settings app, though this depends on personal preference.

Is the Windows volume mixer different between Windows 10 and 11?

Yes, the interface differs: Windows 11 has a dedicated Volume mixer page, while Windows 10 uses 'App volume and device preferences.' See our Windows 10 and Windows 11 comparisons for details.

Does installing EarTrumpet remove the native Windows volume mixer?

No. Both remain installed side by side; EarTrumpet even links to the legacy mixer and Sound settings from its own right-click menu.

Is one option more resource-intensive than the other?

EarTrumpet is a lightweight tray application built on standard Windows audio APIs, and the native mixer is already part of the operating system, so neither adds significant overhead.