Side by side
CoreEQ vs eqtune
Both stand on audio equalizer software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan Mac
Choose CoreEQ if you want system-wide macOS equalization, configurable filters, and output-device profiles without a virtual audio driver. Look elsewhere if you need controls for individual apps or cannot use software that requires system-audio recording permission.
Visit CoreEQ Free plan Mac
Choose eqtune if you want free system-wide EQ on a compatible Mac, with editable bands and presets. Look elsewhere if your output is mono, multichannel or another unsupported format, or if continuous processing’s battery cost is a concern.
Visit eqtuneThe facts
| CoreEQ | eqtune | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Mac | Mac |
| Lowest paid plan | Not published | Not published |
| Plans published | None | None |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | github.com | github.com |
| On audio equalizer software | #10 of 22 | #14 of 22 |
CoreEQ: what it does well
- Equalizes audio across applications system-wide.
- Offers an eleven-band graphic EQ and up to sixteen parametric filters.
- Includes 22 presets, custom presets, gain matching, and A/B comparison.
- Stores settings by output device and provides menu bar tone controls.
- Imports and exports AutoEQ and EqualizerAPO presets.
What to know first
- Requires macOS 14.2 or later and system-audio recording permission.
- Release builds are unsigned and unnotarized, which may block first launch.
- Does not provide per-app controls.
eqtune: what it does well
- Free to use.
- Applies system-wide EQ without a driver or kernel extension.
- Editable peaking and shelf bands, preamp and Q controls.
- Includes bright, mellow and pro presets.
- Follows changes to the default output device.
What to know first
- Requires macOS 14.2 or later.
- Processes only one supported stereo Float32 output stream.
- Continuous EQ processing can increase battery drain.
- First activation requires audio-capture permission.
Alternatives to CoreEQ Alternatives to eqtune The whole list