Side by side
BlackHole vs DTS Sound Unbound
Both stand on audio enhancement software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Choose BlackHole if you need a free macOS driver for passing audio between applications, with channel options and tutorials for common routing workflows. Look elsewhere if you need a Windows-ready version.
Visit BlackHoleChoose DTS Sound Unbound if you want DTS Headphone:X spatial audio on Windows, especially if your headset or PC includes a supported license. The free app also offers a trial period, but access to audio technologies may require in-app purchases. Look elsewhere if you need noise reduction, an equalizer, audio routing or app-specific profiles.
Visit DTS Sound UnboundThe facts
| BlackHole | DTS Sound Unbound | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | No |
| Runs on | Mac | Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | DTS Headphone:X: $19.99, paid once |
| Plans published | 1 | 2 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | existential.audio | consumer.dts.com |
| On audio enhancement software | #3 of 30 | #7 of 30 |
BlackHole: what it does well
- Passes audio between applications with zero additional latency.
- Free, with 2-, 16-, and 64-channel install options.
- Supports sample rates from 44.1 kHz through 192 kHz.
- Built for Intel and Apple Silicon Macs.
- Tutorials cover routing to FaceTime, Google Meet, Skype, and Zoom.
What to know first
- Available for macOS; the Windows version is not ready.
- The product page lists 2- and 16-channel versions; 64 channels use Homebrew commands.
DTS Sound Unbound: what it does well
- Headphone:X works with any pair of headphones.
- Custom tuning covers a database of more than 500 headphones.
- Spatial audio places game cues around, above and below the listener.
- The app can be installed on up to 10 devices.
- Some compatible headsets and PCs automatically license supported DTS features.
What to know first
- Audio technologies may require in-app purchases.
- Windows support requires version 10.0.18362.380 or higher.
- The current content focus is headphones and multichannel speakers connected directly to a PC sound card.
Alternatives to BlackHole Alternatives to DTS Sound Unbound The whole list