The Best Volume Mixers for Windows

The built-in Windows volume mixer

Windows 11's Volume mixer (Settings > System > Sound > Volume mixer, or Win+Ctrl+V) and Windows 10's 'App volume and device preferences' let you adjust per-app volume and assign output devices without installing anything extra.

The legacy sndvol.exe mixer

The classic volume mixer, launched by running sndvol, still exists on both Windows 10 and 11. It shows a simple list of sliders for system sounds and running apps, and is often used as a fallback when the modern Settings mixer has issues.

EarTrumpet

EarTrumpet is a free, open-source tray-based mixer that adds per-app volume, quick output device switching, and multi-device support in a single flyout, with a modern interface that follows the Windows theme. See what EarTrumpet does for details.

VoiceMeeter

VoiceMeeter is a virtual mixing console for routing multiple audio inputs and outputs, often used by streamers and podcasters who need more flexible signal routing than a simple per-app mixer provides.

Volume2

Volume2 is a lightweight alternative volume control utility offering customizable hotkeys and mouse-wheel volume adjustment from the system tray.

Choosing between them

For most people, the built-in mixer or EarTrumpet will cover everyday needs. VoiceMeeter is worth considering only if you need advanced audio routing beyond simple per-app volume. See the best Windows audio control apps for a broader comparison including switching and equalizer tools.

How these mixers compare on convenience

The built-in Settings mixer and sndvol.exe require no installation, which matters if you're on a locked-down or work machine where installing software isn't practical. EarTrumpet trades a one-time install for a faster tray-based flyout and easier per-app output switching. VoiceMeeter and Volume2 sit further from simple per-app mixing — VoiceMeeter for routing, Volume2 for hotkey-driven control — so they're worth adding only if the built-in options and EarTrumpet don't cover what you need.

Comparing against Windows sound settings directly

If you're deciding between EarTrumpet and the full Settings-based approach rather than just the mixer view, see EarTrumpet vs Windows sound settings for how they overlap and where each goes further.

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between the modern and legacy Windows mixers?

The modern mixer is integrated into Settings and looks different between Windows 10 and 11, while sndvol.exe is the older, simpler slider-based interface that still ships with both versions.

Is EarTrumpet better than the built-in mixer?

Neither is objectively better; EarTrumpet adds a faster tray-based workflow and multi-device features, while the built-in mixer requires no extra install.

Is VoiceMeeter a volume mixer?

Not exactly. VoiceMeeter is a virtual audio routing mixer, aimed at combining and directing multiple audio sources rather than simple per-app volume adjustment.

Do I need to install anything to use sndvol.exe?

No, it's already included in Windows 10 and Windows 11; just type sndvol into the Run dialog or Start search.

Which volume mixer requires no installation?

The built-in Windows Volume mixer (or 'App volume and device preferences' on Windows 10) and the legacy sndvol.exe are both already part of Windows and need no installation.

Is EarTrumpet a full replacement for the native mixer?

It builds on the same Windows audio APIs rather than replacing them, adding a faster tray flyout and extra device-switching convenience on top.