Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Equalizer APO VS SteelSeries Sonar

Compare Equalizer APO VS SteelSeries Sonar and see what are their differences

Equalizer APO logo Equalizer APO

A system-wide equalizer for Windows 7 / 8 / 8.1 / 10 with channel remapping/copying capabilities

SteelSeries Sonar logo SteelSeries Sonar

SteelSeries Sonar is a free audio program for PC that lets you make real-time adjustments to sound being played or sound being recorded.
  • Equalizer APO Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-04-30
  • SteelSeries Sonar Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-02-21

Equalizer APO features and specs

  • Highly Customizable
    Equalizer APO offers a high level of customization, including support for multiple channels, various filters, and virtually unlimited number of filters. This allows for precise audio control and personalization.
  • Open Source and Free
    Being open-source and free, Equalizer APO provides a cost-effective solution for users needing an audio equalizer without the need for a commercial license.
  • Low System Resource Usage
    Equalizer APO is designed for low-latency processing and minimal CPU usage, making it suitable for running on a variety of system configurations without impacting system performance.
  • Wide Compatibility
    It is compatible with all major Windows versions, and supports various audio formats and devices, making it a versatile choice for many users.
  • Integration with VST Plugins
    The software supports integration with VST plugins, enabling advanced audio tuning and additional sound effects.

Possible disadvantages of Equalizer APO

  • Complex Setup
    The initial setup and configuration can be complex for users who are not familiar with audio processing or equalizers. There is a steeper learning curve compared to some other audio equalizers.
  • No Native GUI
    Equalizer APO does not come with a native graphical user interface (GUI) by default. Users may need to use third-party software like Peace Equalizer for a more user-friendly interface.
  • Windows Only
    It is only available for Windows platforms, which limits its usage for those using other operating systems such as macOS or Linux.
  • Potential Compatibility Issues
    There can be compatibility issues with certain sound cards and audio drivers, which may require additional tweaking or may not work at all.
  • Limited Support and Documentation
    While there is a community around Equalizer APO, the official support and documentation can be lacking, making troubleshooting and advanced configuration challenging without sufficient technical knowledge.

SteelSeries Sonar features and specs

No features have been listed yet.

Equalizer APO videos

Equalizer APO Overview/Tutorial Feat. Boosting a USB Microphone

More videos:

  • Review - Equalizer APO Preamp and Effects

SteelSeries Sonar videos

How-To: Use SteelSeries Sonar

More videos:

  • Review - SteelSeries Sonar Review
  • Review - #shorts custom eq in #steelseries Sonar 🔥🔥🎧 #pcgaming #gamingheadset #gaming #csgo

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Equalizer APO and SteelSeries Sonar)
Audio & Music
97 97%
3% 3
Sound Equalizers
96 96%
4% 4
Audio
97 97%
3% 3
Social Networks
92 92%
8% 8

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Equalizer APO and SteelSeries Sonar

Equalizer APO Reviews

Best FxSound Enhancer Alternatives (2023)
Microsoft Windows users can use Equalizer APO, a free graphic equalizer. You may get Jonas Thedering’s Equalizer APO for nothing. Equalizer APO is highly user-friendly and offers a ton of great features. You don’t need to worry about how much CPU is being used because Equalizer APO is very small and consumes very little system resources. This site has nothing to do with the...
Top 8 Alternatives to Soundpimp – Elevate Your Audio Experience
Equalizer APO is a free open-source audio enhancement software for Windows operating system. It offers a graphical user interface for adjusting the audio EQ settings, along with advanced features such as room correction and channel routing. Equalizer APO supports various audio formats and works with most audio players.
Top 11 Best Free Audio Sound Equalizer For Windows 10
The first program on our list of the best audio equalizer for Windows 10 and other OS is the Equalizer APO. What brought Equalizer APO to the top of our list is that the program is compatible with multiple channels. You’ll get more information about the product from the features, pros, and cons provided below.
11 Best Free Audio Sound Equalizer For Windows 10 In 2021
Loaded with several customization options, Equalizer APO is our first pick in the category of audio equalizer tool for windows 10. It operates as an Audio Processing Object.
8 Best Audio Sound Equalizers for Windows 10
Equalizer APO is a parametric/graphic equalizer for Windows. It is implemented as an Audio Processing Object (APO) for the system effect infrastructure introduced with Windows Vista. It’s our first Open Source entry. The strong footprint in the community makes it the best and easiest choice. The UI may seem too plain and all the options can overwhelm a new user, but you can...

SteelSeries Sonar Reviews

We have no reviews of SteelSeries Sonar yet.
Be the first one to post

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Equalizer APO seems to be a lot more popular than SteelSeries Sonar. While we know about 264 links to Equalizer APO, we've tracked only 8 mentions of SteelSeries Sonar. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Equalizer APO mentions (264)

  • GPD Pocket 4 Speaker DSP: Configuring PipeWire so laptop speakers sound better
    Under windows https://sourceforge.net/projects/equalizerapo/ >Equalizer APO can be used in conjunction with Room EQ Wizard (http://www.roomeqwizard.com/), because it can read its filter text file format. - Source: Hacker News / 22 days ago
  • Capitalize on your PC audio setup
    Equalizer APO- https://sourceforge.net/projects/equalizerapo/. Source: over 1 year ago
  • Microphone EXTREMELY quiet on new pc only.
    Https://sourceforge.net/projects/equalizerapo/ download this, open editor app, click ur mic, turn up knob top left. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Accessibility help: reduce volume of high frequency
    Have a look at https://sourceforge.net/projects/equalizerapo/ and its interface https://sourceforge.net/p/peace-equalizer-apo-extension/wiki/Home/. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Is there a way to change ALL computer audio (on Windows 11 Home Edition) to reduce bass tones, increase treble, et cetera?
    Equalizer APO with the Peace interface. Equalizer APO has to be installed first. Source: almost 2 years ago
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SteelSeries Sonar mentions (8)

  • Performance Guide by Volo
    SONAR is really helpful and free. There is a huge con it uses a lot of memory for some reason so keep that in mind if you feel there is a performance-related issue you can't quite pin down. I never had any issues myself. I've had a completely different audio experience after setting this up: https://youtu.be/YPruZFWGbd0?si=4hdj4q0K0b6IsCm_ Sonar Link: https://steelseries.com/gg/sonar Frankly, there is not too... Source: over 1 year ago
  • HyperX cloud 2 is too loud!
    There are different software you can use (I believe Steelseries Sonar is one of them) to EQ the audio output to hear certain sounds better. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • SteelSeries Sonar Software Question
    I was just wondering if it's worth downloading the Sonar software? Sonar | SteelSeries. Source: about 2 years ago
  • My Wireless, Lightweight, Gaming Earbud setup DIY for Bluetooth Earbuds/Headphones
    Download Steel Series Sonar Software to Get Immersive Gaming Audio free on any Audio Device and a decent, user friendly equalizer. Think of it like baby's first audiophile program https://steelseries.com/gg/sonar. Source: about 2 years ago
  • Please add an option to lower the sound of gunshots
    Sonar could be an option, you can limit specific frequencies etc. I have not used this AT ALL, but I just saw it, might help you. Hope you find what you need. Source: about 2 years ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Equalizer APO and SteelSeries Sonar, you can also consider the following products

Peace Equalizer - Download Peace Equalizer, interface Equalizer APO for free.

FxSound - Clearer Sound for Your PC. The new FxSound boosts your sound quality, volume, clarity and bass.

Nahimic - 3D audio software Nahimic is compatible with a list of computers and motherboards from different partners as MSI and Gigabyte/Aorus embedding a 8th Gen. Intel Processor.

Boom 3D - Audio enhancer with 3D surround sound

Hesuvi - Hesuvi imitates the binaural sound effect of many surround virtualizations by making use of...

Realtek Audio Control - "Realtek Audio Control" provides the best audio experience with the Realtek Audio Codec. You can adjust audio device effects and all the audio device settings in this App.