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Head-to-head · Audio Equalizer Software

SteelSeries Sonar vs Equaliser

  • 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
Equaliser #6 in Audio Equalizer Software 8.7/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 4 features Visit Equaliser

SteelSeries Sonar leads on 0 checks, Equaliser 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 featuresEqualiser · 2 of 4

SteelSeries Sonar scores higher on our rubric for audio equalizer software: 9.0 against 8.7 out of 10; our editors rank them #4 and #6.

SteelSeries Sonar is the better fit for windows gamers and streamers. Equaliser is the better fit for mac users wanting a free high-band EQ.

  • SteelSeries Sonar fits best

    Windows gamers and streamers

  • Equaliser fits best

    Mac users wanting a free high-band EQ

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature SteelSeries Sonar 9.0/10 Visit ↗ Equaliser 8.7/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.0 8.7
Ranking #4 in Audio Equalizer Software #6 in Audio Equalizer Software
Best for Windows gamers and streamers Mac users wanting a free high-band EQ
Pricing model Free Free
Starting price Free Free plan
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop Desktop
Platforms Windows macOS
Integrations 5 integrations 2 integrations
Features SteelSeries Sonar 0/4 · Equaliser 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 Macos
EQ band count Not checked yet 64 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 processing across multiple applications
  • Up to 64-band parametric EQ with independent channel control
  • Room EQ Wizard and EasyEffects preset support
Cons
  • Available only on Windows
  • Distributed through SteelSeries GG
  • Advanced audio controls may require more setup than basic equalizers
  • Requires Apple Silicon hardware
  • Requires macOS 15 or later
  • Limited to macOS devices
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 →

Equaliser is a free, open-source audio equalizer for Apple Silicon Macs running macOS 15 or later. It processes audio system-wide, allowing sound from multiple applications to pass through one audio pipeline. The app runs from the macOS…

Read the review →
  1. SteelSeries SonarAudio Equalizer Software 9.0Free plan
  2. EqualiserAudio Equalizer Software 8.7Free 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

  • Equaliser — where it wins

    • System-wide processing across multiple applications
    • Up to 64-band parametric EQ with independent channel control
    • Room EQ Wizard and EasyEffects preset support

    Where it doesn't

    • Requires Apple Silicon hardware
    • Requires macOS 15 or later
    • Limited to macOS devices

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