Roadie vs SoundSource.
Both apps can manage preferred system audio devices. Roadie focuses on that job; SoundSource 6 also offers per-app output routing, volume and effects. I make Roadie. Here is the scope difference to check before choosing.
Comparison by Yash Raj, published 15 September 2026. Updated 18 October 2026. SoundSource pricing and requirements were recorded on 15 September: version 6.1.2, $49, macOS 15 and later. Device-priority claims were corrected on 18 October against the SoundSource 6 manual and release notes.
The one-question version
Answer this: is your complaint that the wrong app is playing through the wrong device, or that macOS keeps changing your device?
- Wrong app, wrong device — music should stay on speakers while calls go to headphones, or one app needs an equalizer. That is SoundSource. Roadie cannot do it and never will.
- macOS keeps changing your device — your mic jumps to the webcam when the monitor wakes, or output jumps to display speakers. Both Roadie and SoundSource 6 offer device priority. Roadie is the narrower option if that is all you need.
The table
| Roadie | SoundSource | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $9.99 once, up to 3 Macs | $49 once, $25 upgrade from 5 or 4 |
| What it is | Device priority utility | Full audio control suite |
| Ranked device priority list | Yes, microphone and output | Yes, input, output and sound effects |
| Automatic system-default selection | Yes | Preferred Device Order when enabled |
| Per-app output routing | No | Yes |
| Per-app volume | No | Yes |
| Equalizer and Audio Units effects | No | Yes, 10-band EQ plus Audio Units |
| AirPlay to multiple devices | No | Yes |
| Exclude unwanted devices | Avoid list; last-resort fallback | Hidden devices excluded from defaults when possible |
| Notification with undo when a device changes | Yes | Not verified |
| Captures audio | No, sets the default device only | Yes, that is how per-app control works |
| Signed and notarized | Not yet | Yes |
| macOS | 13 or later | 15 to 27 |
| Trial | Full 7 days, no account | Free trial available |
Disclosure: Roadie is mine. The SoundSource column is taken from Rogue Amoeba's published manual, product page and store, not from a hands-on test of every feature.
What SoundSource adds
Alongside device priority, SoundSource offers broader audio controls. Rogue Amoeba has been making Mac audio software for two decades, SoundSource is notarized, mature, and version 6.1.2 shipped in August 2026. Per-app volume and routing, a 10-band equalizer with Audio Units support, AirPlay to multiple destinations, Shortcuts automation, volume keys for devices that do not support them, and a proper menu bar mixer. If you produce audio, stream, or want music and calls on different devices at the same time, $49 is not expensive for what it does.
Two things to check first: it requires macOS 15 or later, so it is out if you are on Ventura or Sonoma, and it works by capturing per-app audio, which means it installs an audio capture component and appears in the relevant privacy prompts.
What Roadie focuses on
SoundSource 6 has ranked preferences too. Roadie keeps its interface focused on system device selection, with manual overrides, correction notifications and undo.
In Roadie, you rank your microphones and outputs once. When devices connect, disconnect, wake, or you log in, the highest-ranked connected device wins. Devices on the avoid list — display speakers, webcam mics, a virtual device some app installed — are skipped when a non-avoided device is available. If every connected device is avoided, Roadie can use one as a last resort. Every correction posts a notification naming the device, with one-click undo. A device you pick by hand stays put until your connected devices change. Bluetooth gets a settling window so reconnecting AirPods do not cause a double switch, and if another app keeps fighting, Roadie stops after three attempts rather than looping.
It runs on macOS 13 or later, needs no microphone permission because it never opens an audio stream, and costs $9.99 once for up to 3 Macs. The honest gap against Rogue Amoeba: Roadie is not notarized yet, so first launch needs Open Anyway in System Settings → Privacy & Security.
Try Roadie free for 7 days No account, no audio access, $9.99 once after that.
Before running both
Both apps can change system defaults, so conflict-free operation is not established. Use one app to manage device priority and test your setup before relying on both. Per-app output routing can bypass the system default.
If you want both jobs in one app
Sound Control from Static Z Software has both device priorities and per-app volume and routing. The vendor offers a direct purchase and a separate Mac App Store subscription; the licenses are not interchangeable. Check current pricing and requirements for your edition. These purchase options were rechecked on 18 October 2026. More options, including free ones →
Related
Quick answers
Does SoundSource stop macOS switching my microphone?
SoundSource 6 includes Preferred Device Order for system input, output and sound effects. Enable it in Audio Devices and test your reconnect scenario; this comparison is based on vendor documentation, not a compatibility test.
Is Roadie a cheaper SoundSource?
Roadie is a narrower, lower-priced device-priority utility. Both can manage system device preferences; Roadie has no per-app routing, per-app volume or effects.
Can I use Roadie and SoundSource together?
Both apps can change system defaults, so conflict-free operation is not established. Use one app to manage device priority and test your setup before relying on both. Per-app output routing can bypass the system default.
How much does SoundSource cost and what macOS does it need?
A new SoundSource license is $49, with a $25 upgrade for owners of version 5 or 4. Version 6.1.2 requires macOS 15 or later. Roadie is $9.99 once for up to 3 Macs and runs on macOS 13 or later.
Is there something that does device priority and per-app routing for less?
Sound Control from Static Z Software includes device priorities and per-app volume and routing. It is sold directly and as a separate Mac App Store subscription; check the vendor for current pricing and edition requirements.