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Head-to-head · Audio Equalizer Software

SteelSeries Sonar vs DeskFX Audio Enhancer

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 3 checks side by side
Higher score SteelSeries Sonar #4 in Audio Equalizer Software 9.0/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 4 features Visit SteelSeries
DeskFX Audio Enhancer #5 in Audio Equalizer Software 8.8/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 4 features Visit DeskFX

SteelSeries Sonar leads on 0 checks, DeskFX Audio Enhancer on 0, and 3 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 3 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreSteelSeries Sonar · 9.0/10
  • Free planboth
  • Most featuresDeskFX Audio Enhancer · 2 of 4

SteelSeries Sonar scores higher on our rubric for audio equalizer software: 9.0 against 8.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #4 and #5.

SteelSeries Sonar is the better fit for windows gamers and streamers. DeskFX Audio Enhancer is the better fit for windows and Mac users wanting many audio effects.

  • SteelSeries Sonar fits best

    Windows gamers and streamers

  • DeskFX Audio Enhancer fits best

    Windows and Mac users wanting many audio effects

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Side by side

Feature SteelSeries Sonar 9.0/10 Visit ↗ DeskFX Audio Enhancer 8.8/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.0 8.8
Ranking #4 in Audio Equalizer Software #5 in Audio Equalizer Software
Best for Windows gamers and streamers Windows and Mac users wanting many audio effects
Pricing model Free Free plan + paid
Starting price Free —
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop Desktop
Platforms Windows Windows, macOS
Integrations 5 integrations 7 integrations
Features SteelSeries Sonar 0/4 · DeskFX Audio Enhancer 2/4
System-wide control Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Per-app controls Not checked yet Not checked yet
Parametric EQ Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Device profiles Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Desktop operating systems Not checked yet Both
EQ band count Not checked yet 20 bands
Our review
Pros
  • Free access to EQ, spatial audio, routing, mixing, and AI noise cancellation
  • Routes applications into separate game, chat, media, and microphone streams
  • Works with any microphone and integrates with Discord, OBS, Twitch, and XSplit
  • System-wide EQ offers visual, graphic, and parametric modes with up to 20 bands
  • Unlimited effect layers include bass boost, reverb, filtering, and audio masking
  • Low-latency processing supports live streams, music, games, and video playback
Cons
  • Available only on Windows
  • Distributed through SteelSeries GG
  • Advanced audio controls may require more setup than basic equalizers
  • The free version is limited to non-commercial personal use
  • Commercial licensing requires a paid plan
  • It is desktop software for Windows and macOS rather than a mobile app
Our verdict

SteelSeries Sonar is Windows audio software for gamers and streamers who need more than a basic equalizer. It combines a parametric equalizer with up to 10 bands, 360° spatial audio, ClearCast AI noise cancellation, microphone processing,…

Read the review →

DeskFX Audio Enhancer is desktop software for changing audio played through computer speakers and headphones. It is suited to Windows and macOS users who want system-wide equalization, real-time effects, amplification, filtering, or audio…

Read the review →
  1. SteelSeries SonarAudio Equalizer Software 9.0Free plan
  2. DeskFX Audio EnhancerAudio Equalizer Software 8.8Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • SteelSeries Sonar — where it wins

    • Free access to EQ, spatial audio, routing, mixing, and AI noise cancellation
    • Routes applications into separate game, chat, media, and microphone streams
    • Works with any microphone and integrates with Discord, OBS, Twitch, and XSplit

    Where it doesn't

    • Available only on Windows
    • Distributed through SteelSeries GG
    • Advanced audio controls may require more setup than basic equalizers

  • DeskFX Audio Enhancer — where it wins

    • System-wide EQ offers visual, graphic, and parametric modes with up to 20 bands
    • Unlimited effect layers include bass boost, reverb, filtering, and audio masking
    • Low-latency processing supports live streams, music, games, and video playback

    Where it doesn't

    • The free version is limited to non-commercial personal use
    • Commercial licensing requires a paid plan
    • It is desktop software for Windows and macOS rather than a mobile app
  • SteelSeries Sonar9.0/10 · Free plan

    A free Windows audio suite with EQ, routing, spatial audio, and AI noise cancellation.

    Visit SteelSeriesFull verdict →
  • DeskFX Audio Enhancer8.8/10 · Free plan

    A flexible system-wide equalizer with extensive effects and a free personal-use tier.

    Visit DeskFXFull verdict →

More comparisons

All audio equalizer software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update