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Head-to-head · Audio Enhancement Software

SteelSeries Sonar vs Splitwave

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 6 checks side by side
Higher score SteelSeries Sonar #1 in Audio Enhancement Software 9.4/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 5 of 5 features Visit site
Splitwave #4 in Audio Enhancement Software 9.0/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 5 features Visit Splitwave

SteelSeries Sonar leads on 0 checks, Splitwave 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 scoreSteelSeries Sonar · 9.4/10
  • Free planboth
  • Most featuresSteelSeries Sonar · 5 of 5

SteelSeries Sonar scores higher on our rubric for audio enhancement software: 9.4 against 9.0 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #4.

SteelSeries Sonar is the better fit for windows gamers and streamers. Splitwave is the better fit for cross-platform open-source audio production.

  • SteelSeries Sonar fits best

    Windows gamers and streamers

  • Splitwave fits best

    Cross-platform open-source audio production

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Side by side

Feature SteelSeries Sonar 9.4/10 Visit ↗ Splitwave 9.0/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.4 9.0
Ranking #1 in Audio Enhancement Software #4 in Audio Enhancement Software
Best for Windows gamers and streamers Cross-platform open-source audio production
Pricing model Free Free
Starting price Free Free plan
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop Desktop
Platforms Windows macOS, Linux, Windows
Integrations 5 integrations 8 integrations
Features SteelSeries Sonar 5/5 · Splitwave 3/5
Noise reduction ✓ ✓
Equalizer ✓ ✓
Virtual surround ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Audio routing ✓ ✓
App-specific profiles ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Specs
Supported platforms windows macOS, Linux, Windows
Equalizer bands Not checked yet 10 bands
Our review
Pros
  • Free AI noise cancellation and microphone processing
  • 10-band EQ, spatial audio, presets, and keyboard shortcuts
  • Routing, submixes, and integrations with Discord, OBS, Twitch, and XSplit
  • 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
Cons
  • Windows-only support limits platform flexibility
  • Distributed through SteelSeries GG rather than as a standalone app
  • No paid tier for expanded features or service levels
  • 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
Our verdict

SteelSeries Sonar is free Windows audio software for gamers and streamers who want more control over game, chat, media, auxiliary, and microphone channels. It combines equalization, spatial audio, microphone processing, noise cancellation,…

Read the review →

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 →
  1. SteelSeries SonarAudio Enhancement Software 9.4Free plan
  2. SplitwaveAudio Enhancement Software 9.0Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • SteelSeries Sonar — where it wins

    • Free AI noise cancellation and microphone processing
    • 10-band EQ, spatial audio, presets, and keyboard shortcuts
    • Routing, submixes, and integrations with Discord, OBS, Twitch, and XSplit

    Where it doesn't

    • Windows-only support limits platform flexibility
    • Distributed through SteelSeries GG rather than as a standalone app
    • No paid tier for expanded features or service levels

  • 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
  • SteelSeries Sonar9.4/10 · Free plan

    A capable free Windows audio suite for gamers and streamers who want detailed control.

    Visit siteFull verdict →
  • Splitwave9.0/10 · Free plan

    A free, cross-platform audio router for live processing, recording, streaming, and DAW workflows.

    Visit SplitwaveFull verdict →

More comparisons

All audio enhancement software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update