Our verdict: EarTrumpet is what the Windows volume flyout should have been. Every app gets its own slider in the tray, and you can move an app to another output device in two clicks. It only controls volume and routing, not sound quality.
About EarTrumpet
EarTrumpet is an open-source tray app developed on GitHub by File-New-Project. Its license is MIT, except for a few named companies that are excluded from it.
It adds a tray icon that shows all playback devices and every app making sound, each with its own volume slider. Right-clicking an app lets you send it to a different output device.
What it does well
- Per-app volume. Each app that plays sound gets its own slider in the tray flyout.
- Multiple devices. Shows all playback devices and their volumes at once.
- Move apps between outputs. Send a browser to headphones while a game stays on speakers.
- Default device switching. Change the default output device from the tray menu.
- Native look. Follows the Windows design, light and dark themes.
Who it is for
Good fit
Anyone who regularly adjusts app volumes or switches between headphones and speakers.
Look elsewhere
People who need an equalizer or audio mixing; use Equalizer APO or Voicemeeter for that.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Per-app volume in one click
- Easy output switching per app
- Free and open source
Cons
- Main download is through the Microsoft Store
- No equalizer or audio effects
How to install EarTrumpet
Install EarTrumpet from the Microsoft Store link on eartrumpet.app; that is the main distribution channel. After installing, drag its icon from the hidden tray area onto the taskbar, and optionally hide the original Windows volume icon in taskbar settings.
Questions about EarTrumpet
Is EarTrumpet free?
Yes. It is open source and free from the Microsoft Store.
Can EarTrumpet send one app to headphones and another to speakers?
Yes. Right-click an app in the flyout and choose its output device.
