← Browse all apps Utilities Utilities
ballast vs FineTune
Side-by-side comparison for macOS
ballast
7.0Status Bar app to keep the audio balance from drifting
FineTune
8.0Per-application volume mixer, equalizer, and audio router
| Metric | ballast | FineTune |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Utilities | Utilities |
| AI Score | 7.0 | 8.0 |
| 30-day Installs | 4 | 2.2K |
| 90-day Installs | 7 | 7.6K |
| 365-day Installs | 34 | 9.3K |
| Version | 2.0.0 | 1.6.0 |
| Auto-updates | No | Yes |
| Deprecated | Yes | No |
| GitHub Stars | 469 | 4.1K |
| GitHub Forks | 9 | 124 |
| Open Issues | 3 | 78 |
| License | MIT | GPL-3.0 |
| Language | Swift | Swift |
| Last GitHub Commit | 3y ago | 1mo ago |
| First Seen | Mar 8, 2019 | Jan 22, 2026 |
Reviews
ballast
Ballast is a status bar app that maintains audio balance, preventing drift. It's ideal for audio professionals and heavy listeners who need consistent sound quality.
Monitors and maintains audio balance in the status bar to prevent drift.
Pros
- + Small footprint and integrates seamlessly with macOS status bar
- + Addresses a specific audio stability need effectively
- + Free and open-source under MIT license
Cons
- - No auto-update feature
- - Limited community discussion and traction
FineTune
FineTune is a macOS menu bar app offering per-application volume control, equalizer settings, and audio routing. It's ideal for users managing multiple audio sources or needing precise audio customization.
Provides per-application audio control, including volume, equalizer, and routing options.
Pros
- + Offers comprehensive audio control features for individual applications.
- + Open-source with active maintenance and updates.
- + Swift-based for potential performance and compatibility benefits.
Cons
- - Confusing name leading to unrelated online discussions.
- - Some reported bugs, though actively addressed.