Loopback, BlackHole and Soundflower Alternatives for Mac: The Full Comparison
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The Mac audio routing landscape is confusing. Here is every major tool explained and compared.
The Tools
Soundshine — $7.99 one-time
Menu bar app. Install, toggle on, pick your source. Works with Zoom, Discord, Google Meet, OBS, and any other app. No setup steps. No command line.
BlackHole — Free, open source
Works well but requires creating aggregate audio devices manually in Audio MIDI Setup. Roughly 20-30 setup steps depending on your use case. Right choice if you are comfortable with macOS system settings and want free.
Loopback (Rogue Amoeba) — $99
Professional-grade multi-source routing. Visual drag-and-drop interface for mixing microphone, system audio, and multiple app outputs into a single virtual device. Excellent for complex setups. Overkill for basic sharing.
Soundflower — Discontinued
No longer maintained. Does not work on modern Macs (Ventura and later). If you are still on Soundflower, you need to migrate.
SoundSiphon — around $35
Focused on recording and capturing system audio. Legitimate option for recording use cases.
Comparison Table
| Tool | Price | Setup | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soundshine | $7.99 one-time | 30 seconds | Sharing audio on calls |
| BlackHole | Free | 20-30 steps | Free + technical users |
| Loopback | $99 | Moderate | Professional multi-source routing |
| Soundflower | — | — | Discontinued — do not use |
| SoundSiphon | ~$35 | Moderate | Recording system audio |
Comparison Articles
- Best Loopback Mac Alternative in 2026 — Loopback vs Soundshine: price, setup, who should use which
- BlackHole Audio Mac: What It Is and When to Use a Simpler Alternative — When BlackHole is worth the setup, when it is not
- Soundflower for Mac Is Dead: The 3 Best Alternatives in 2026 — What to use instead of Soundflower
- What Is a Virtual Audio Cable? — The underlying technology explained
Not sure which one you need? Use the Mac Audio Routing Selector — 3 questions, straight recommendation.