Side by side
DTS Sound Unbound vs Helvum
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 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 UnboundHelvum provides a free visual patchbay for managing PipeWire connections on Linux. Note that the Flathub package is marked unverified and that volume control and debug mode are planned, not listed as current features.
Visit HelvumThe facts
| DTS Sound Unbound | Helvum | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | No | Not published |
| Runs on | Windows | Linux |
| Lowest paid plan | DTS Headphone:X: $19.99, paid once | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 2 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | consumer.dts.com | gitlab.freedesktop.org |
| On audio enhancement software | #7 of 30 | #11 of 30 |
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.
Helvum: what it does well
- Routes audio, video, and MIDI data.
- Available as a free Linux Flatpak.
- Builds listed for x86_64 and aarch64.
- Project README identifies GPL3 as its license.
What to know first
- Available on Linux only.
- Flathub package is marked unverified.
- Volume control and debug mode are planned features.
Alternatives to DTS Sound Unbound Alternatives to Helvum The whole list