Both channels. Either ear.
Using one earbud? Turn on mono to combine left and right audio, so you don’t miss a voice or an instrument that lives on the other side.
A small app for your Mac
A little balance.
A little balance.
A better listen.
Two audio devices. Separate ear volumes. All in your Mac’s menu bar.
Share the same sound across connected outputs, or set left and right ear volumes independently on supported headphones. Free, with no account.
Free app. No ads inside. macOS 13 or later.
BalanceBarYour headphones
Interactive demoThe same sound in both ears
Position, not ear volume
Independent volumes on supported outputs.
Listen together
Two outputs. A volume for each.
Balance is disabled while sharing. Stop sharing to adjust it.
Preview only. Your Mac’s audio stays unchanged.
Little controls. Exactly where you need them.
Free to useNo accountNo audio recordingNo ads in the app
Less fiddling.
More listening.
Balance for solo listening. Separate device volumes when you share. Two clear tabs, one compact app.
Find your comfortable balance.
Adjust the balance, or turn on Separate ears for independent Left and Right volume sliders on supported outputs. Verified with AirPods Pro 3.
Same sound. Your own volume.
Choose two connected outputs in Share audio. Each listener gets their own volume slider where macOS supports it, without changing the other device’s level.
A clearer little window.
Version 1.1 adds Balance and Share audio tabs, a panel that fits its contents, and native Liquid Glass on macOS 26 or later—with a more solid surface for easy reading. Launch at login keeps it one click away.
What’s new in 1.1Your sound stays yours.
BalanceBar uses your Mac’s own sound controls. It doesn’t listen to you, record your audio or send your device settings anywhere. No audio driver to install. No account to create.
Read the privacy policyFind your sound setup.
Practical guides for the way you want to listen.
Listen together
Two audio devices, one Mac
Share playback and adjust each device’s volume.
Listen your wayDifferent volume in each ear
Learn when to use balance or independent channel volumes.
Choose your toolsWhich Mac audio control do you need?
BalanceBar, Audio MIDI Setup, Sound settings and per-app mixers.
BalanceBar for MacYour next small
Your next small
Mac improvement.
Free to download and use. No subscription, no paid unlocks, no in-app donations.
Requires macOS 13 or later. Built for Apple silicon and Intel Macs. Balance and device volume availability depend on your audio output. Liquid Glass requires macOS 26 or later.
BalanceBar 1.1
Download free for MacDMG installer · 1.9 MB · macOS 13+
For Apple silicon and Intel Macs.
Not notarized by Apple. macOS may block the first launch.
How to install ↗Verify download
SHA-256: b71a3b777197095ce3ccc9805f4551b25cc039505f90e2fe77d451cf351c1543
MARSYSIndependent software, thoughtfully made.Free software.
A little support goes a long way.
If BalanceBar makes your day a bit easier, you can help keep it going. Donations are optional and don’t unlock features. Advertising and donations belong on this website, never inside the app.
Support MarSys on Ko-fi
No pressure. The app is free either way.
A few things to know.
Does it work with AirPods?
BalanceBar has been tested with AirPods Pro 3 on our development Mac. It also targets built-in speakers and other outputs that expose a writable stereo balance control. Some Bluetooth call modes, HDMI devices and digital outputs do not. Unavailable controls are shown clearly.
Does mono change audio for the whole Mac?
Yes. Mono is a Mac-wide setting. Balance applies to your current output device. BalanceBar doesn’t offer separate volume controls for individual apps.
Can I send sound to two pairs of headphones?
BalanceBar 1.1 can create a shared output from two or more connected stereo devices. Open Share audio, choose the devices, then start sharing. Each device gets a volume slider when macOS exposes that control. Testing with two pairs of AirPods is still pending, and Bluetooth timing can differ between devices.
Do my settings reset when I quit?
Mono and balance stay as you set them. When sharing, BalanceBar restores your previous output before quitting if it is still connected. If it is unavailable, choose another output in Sound settings first.
Why is it free?
MarSys is making BalanceBar available without a purchase, subscription or feature unlock. Optional website donations and website advertising can support its development. The app itself stays ad-free.