Head-to-head · Audio Enhancement Software
Splitwave vs FxSound
Splitwave leads on 0 checks, FxSound on 0, and 6 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 6 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreSplitwave · 9.0/10
- Free planboth
- Most featuresFxSound · 4 of 5
Splitwave scores higher on our rubric for audio enhancement software: 9.0 against 8.7 out of 10; our editors rank them #4 and #7.
Splitwave is the better fit for cross-platform open-source audio production. FxSound is the better fit for free Windows system-wide enhancement.
- Splitwave fits best
Cross-platform open-source audio production
- FxSound fits best
Free Windows system-wide enhancement
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Side by side
| Feature | Splitwave 9.0/10 Visit ↗ | FxSound 8.7/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.0 | 8.7 |
| Ranking | #4 in Audio Enhancement Software | #7 in Audio Enhancement Software |
| Best for | Cross-platform open-source audio production | Free Windows system-wide enhancement |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free plan | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop | Desktop |
| Platforms | macOS, Linux, Windows | Windows |
| Features Splitwave 3/5 · FxSound 4/5 | ||
| Noise reduction | ✓ | ✓ |
| Equalizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Virtual surround | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Audio routing | ✓ | ✓ |
| App-specific profiles | Not checked yet | — |
| Specs | ||
| Supported platforms | macOS, Linux, Windows | windows |
| Equalizer bands | 10 bands | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Splitwave is a desktop audio router for macOS, Linux, and Windows, designed for users who need more than basic volume or tone adjustment. Its node-based graph connects microphones, system audio, per-application audio, WAV files, effects,… Read the review → |
FxSound is free, open-source audio enhancement software for Windows. It processes system audio through a virtual audio driver, making it suitable for music listeners, gamers, transcriptionists, and people using low-quality speakers or… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Splitwave — where it wins
- Free and open source under the MIT license
- Routes microphones, apps, files, effects, and plugins in real time
- Supports macOS, Linux, and Windows with broad recording formats
Where it doesn't
- Virtual audio devices are available only on macOS and Linux
- The node-based workflow may require careful pipeline configuration
- Its wide feature set may exceed the needs of simple audio enhancement
FxSound — where it wins
- System-wide processing through a virtual audio driver
- EQ, effects, presets, bass, volume, and spatial controls
- Free and open-source with Intel/AMD and ARM64 installers
Where it doesn't
- Windows-only platform support
- No app profiles for separate application settings
- No paid tier for additional plan-based features
- Splitwave9.0/10 · Free plan
A free, cross-platform audio router for live processing, recording, streaming, and DAW workflows.
Visit SplitwaveFull verdict → - FxSound8.7/10 · Free plan
A free Windows system-wide enhancer with EQ, effects, routing, and spatial processing.
Visit FxSoundFull verdict →
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All audio enhancement software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update




