No. 15 of 23 ·Audio Equalizer Software

CoreEQ

Mac

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Freedom report

One barScore 5.4

Free tierNo free tier on record
Open codeNo open-source code on record
Runs widely1 of 6 device platforms
DocumentedPlans, terms and facts published

CoreEQ is ranked #15 of 23 in audio equalizer software on Freedom251. It runs on macOS.

Compared on audio equalizer software

Free plan: Yes
System-wide control: Yes
Per-app controls: No
Parametric EQ: Yes
Device profiles: Yes
Desktop operating systems: macos

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The record

Purpose: CoreEQ is a system-wide equalizer for macOS that processes audio from music, video, calls, games, and other applications.
Audio processing: It uses Apple’s Core Audio process-tap API without a virtual audio driver or kernel extension.
Equalizer controls: Its filter chain combines an eleven-band ISO octave graphic equalizer with up to sixteen parametric bells, shelves, and pass filters.
Presets: It includes 22 built-in presets and supports custom presets, automatic gain, and A/B comparison.
Preset compatibility: CoreEQ can import and export AutoEQ and EqualizerAPO presets.
Per-device settings: Settings can be saved per output device, and menu bar controls provide bass, mid, and treble adjustments over any preset.
Privacy: The maker says CoreEQ does not record, store, or transmit captured audio; its security policy describes it as a local app that opens no network sockets or listening ports.
System requirements: CoreEQ requires macOS 14.2 or later and permission to record system audio.
Distribution limitation: The maker says release builds are currently unsigned and unnotarized, so macOS may block first launch.
Support: The README directs users to the guide’s troubleshooting section and says Settings → Diagnostics creates a report to attach to a bug report.
Security reporting: The security policy asks users to report vulnerabilities privately through GitHub and says reporters will receive an acknowledgement within a few days.
License: The repository identifies CoreEQ as licensed under Apache License 2.0.
What it does: CoreEQ is a system-wide equalizer for macOS that processes audio from any application using Apple's Core Audio process-tap API.
No driver: CoreEQ says it uses no virtual audio driver or kernel extension, and passes audio straight back when it is quit.

Where it ranks on Freedom251

Best Audio Equalizer Software in 2026#15 of 23

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Sources

github.com/AndreyPudov/core-eq· checked 3 Oct 2026
github.com/AndreyPudov/core-eq/blob/master/SECURIT· checked 3 Oct 2026