Comparison
A 31-band Mac EQ with no driver to install
Boom 3D is a one-time purchase (listed at $49.99 on the Mac App Store, and often discounted) that installs an audio driver and a helper. Earwave delivers 31-band EQ, headphone correction, stereo width and room ambience through the audio taps macOS already has. It is a one-time purchase, with a 14-day trial key if you want to hear it first.
Boom 3D installs an audio driver and a helper app. Earwave covers the same ground through macOS audio taps, so there is no driver or helper on your system.
Boom 3D and Earwave, side by side
| What matters | Boom 3D | Earwave |
|---|---|---|
| EQ bands | 31 | 31 |
| Headphone profiles | Included | 812 measured, remembered per device |
| Stereo width and room | Included | Included |
| How it captures audio | Audio driver + helper | macOS audio taps |
| Price | $49.99 one-time (list price, often on sale) | One purchase, no subscription |
| Platforms | Mac and Windows | Mac |
Competitor details come from their public pricing and documentation, checked September 2026. If something is out of date, tell us.
Which one fits
Pick Earwave if
- You want the same effects without installing an audio driver.
- You want measured headphone profiles with per-device memory.
Keep Boom 3D if
- You use Boom's own 3D presets and want to keep them.
- You also need a Windows build.
Boom 3D vs Earwave FAQ
Does Earwave do everything Boom 3D does?
Earwave covers a 31-band EQ, headphone correction, stereo width and room ambience. Boom 3D bundles its own set of 3D effects. If you rely on those presets, compare them side by side.
Does Earwave install a driver or helper?
No. It uses macOS audio taps, so there is no driver, no admin password, and nothing extra loaded at startup.
What does Earwave cost?
One purchase, no subscription. A 14-day trial key if you want to hear it first.
Hear it for yourself.
Two minutes to set up. One file to remove.
Get a license keyPaid software · macOS 15+