EarTrumpet Review 2026: Still the Best Free Per-App Volume Mixer for Windows?
Verdict: EarTrumpet remains the best free per-app volume mixer for Windows in 2026 when the stock flyout is too coarse and you need independent sliders, mute, and output switching without paying for a “pro audio” suite. There is no paid SKU — install from the Microsoft Store or GitHub releases, keep it updated, and treat it as open-source utility software rather than a subscription product.
Best for: Windows users juggling calls, games, browsers, and music who need per-app volume and device routing fast.
Not for: People happy with the default mixer, or buyers hunting for a commercial support contract and SLA.
Researched 2026 overview based on public eartrumpet.app, Microsoft Store listing, and GitHub File-New-Project/EarTrumpet — store availability and release channels can change. Confirm live before enterprise deployment.
What it is
EarTrumpet is an open-source Windows audio utility that replaces the weak default volume experience with a modern flyout: per-application volume, mute, peak meters, and moving apps between playback devices. It is distributed free via the Microsoft Store and GitHub. There is no Pro tier, no cloud sync, and no seat license — the “price” is trusting a maintained open-source project (historically associated with Microsoft Garage roots and community maintenance). Confirm the current installer on eartrumpet.app or the Store/GitHub pages.
Pricing (2026)
$0. Budget zero dollars and a few minutes for Store versus GitHub channel preference. Enterprises should still run standard software review (SmartScreen, update policy, accessibility) even when the sticker price is free. Do not invent paid add-ons — if a fork or unrelated “EarTrumpet Pro” appears in ads, verify it is not the official project.
Prefer the Microsoft Store build when your IT policy already trusts Store updates; use GitHub when you need a specific release note trail or winget-friendly packaging. Either way, pin the official publisher identity so you do not install a lookalike from a random search ad.
Strengths
- Per-app volume finally feels first-class on Windows without digging through legacy mixer UI.
- Output switching per application saves meetings when headphones and speakers fight.
- Free and open-source — no trial cliffs or upsell modals in normal use.
- Light footprint for something you leave running all day in the tray.
Limits
- Not a DAW, equalizer suite, or virtual cable replacement — keep expectations at “better mixer.”
- Support is community/GitHub issues, not a vendor TAM.
- Windows builds and audio stack changes can occasionally break edge devices — update deliberately.
- Multi-user locked-down images may need IT packaging beyond casual Store clicks.
Who should buy
Nobody “buys” it — install it if you live on Windows audio multitasking. Streamers, remote workers, and gamers benefit most. Mac users already have different tooling; Linux users need PipeWire/Pulse utilities instead. If you already solved routing with a hardware mixer or Voicemeeter-class stack, EarTrumpet may be optional — try it for a day of meetings before declaring the default Windows flyout “good enough.”
Bottom line
Best for Windows per-app volume control without paying. Not for people seeking commercial audio production suites. Install from the official Store or GitHub, keep it updated, and spend your software budget elsewhere — then confirm the live listing before wide deployment. Pair it with sensible defaults (mute browser tabs, dedicated call headset) and most “audio chaos” tickets disappear. Versus the stock Windows mixer, EarTrumpet’s job is speed and clarity — not studio-grade DSP — and that narrower scope is exactly why it stays free and useful.