Maintain separate audio device priorities for different output types
The app categorizes output devices as speakers or headphones with independent priority lists, allowing users to set different preferred device orders for each category.
A
AudioPriorityBar
AudioPriorityBar
Priority-based audio switching for macOS menu bar
Overview
What it is
A native macOS menu bar app that automatically manages audio device priorities. Set your preferred order for speakers, headphones, and microphones - the app automatically switches to the highest-priority connected device.
Intent
I need it when
Manage audio devices that are frequently connected and disconnected
AudioPriorityBar remembers all previously connected devices with 'last seen' timestamps in edit mode, allowing users to reorder or forget old devices without losing the priority configuration.
Automatically switch to the best available audio device without manual intervention
AudioPriorityBar ranks audio devices by user-defined priority and automatically activates the highest-priority connected device, eliminating manual switching between speakers, headphones, and microphones.
Quickly override automatic audio switching when needed
Custom mode (hand icon) disables auto-switching, letting users manually select any connected device without affecting the underlying priority configuration.
Drop
Not a fit when
- User requires a commercial product with vendor support and SLA guarantees
- User needs audio management for Windows or Linux systems (macOS 13.0+ only)
- User wants a GUI-based audio mixer with advanced DSP effects and EQ controls
- User requires automatic audio routing based on application context rather than device priority
- User needs real-time audio monitoring, recording, or streaming capabilities
Commercials
Pricing
Free, open-source software