1
Also covers macos and open source · same kind of open-source project
Amethyst automatically tiles windows on macOS, following a layout approach similar to xmonad.
Alternatives
The Best BackgroundMusic Alternatives in 2026
24 alternatives1 free · 24 open source
Looking for something like BackgroundMusic? Here are 24 alternatives, ranked by how closely they match it on purpose, features and platforms. Of these, 1 are free or have a free plan and 24 are open source.
About BackgroundMusicgithub.com/kyleneideck/BackgroundMusic
VisitBackground Music adjusts per-app volume on macOS and can pause music automatically.
Top picks at a glance
First suggestionAmethystAmethyst automatically tiles windows on macOS, following a…Free or freemium optionVirtualBuddyVirtualBuddy runs macOS 12 and later in virtual machines on…Another optionFineTuneFineTune controls per-app volume on macOS and supports…
Quick comparison
| # | Alternative | Pricing | Open source | Platforms |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Amethyst | — | Yes | macOS |
| 2 | FineTune | — | Yes | macOS |
| 3 | Kaset | — | Yes | macOS |
| 4 | Yabai | — | Yes | macOS, Windows |
| 5 | Nuage | — | Yes | macOS |
| 6 | VirtualBuddy | Free | Yes | macOS |
| 7 | NearDrop | — | Yes | Android, macOS |
| 8 | Osaurus | — | Yes | macOS |
| 9 | Yattee | — | Yes | iOS, macOS |
| 10 | MacThrottle | — | Yes | macOS |
All BackgroundMusic alternatives
2
Also covers macos and open source · same kind of open-source project
FineTune controls per-app volume on macOS and supports audio routing, multiple output devices, and a 10-band equalizer.
3
Also covers macos and open source · same kind of open-source project
Kaset provides a native macOS desktop client for browsing YouTube and YouTube Music.
4
Also covers macos and open source · same kind of open-source project
yabai tiles and manages windows on macOS using binary space partitioning.
5
Also covers macos and open source · same kind of open-source project
Nuage provides a native SoundCloud client for macOS built with SwiftUI.
6
Also covers macos and open source · same kind of open-source project · free
VirtualBuddy runs macOS 12 and later in virtual machines on Apple Silicon Macs.
7
Also covers macos and open source · same kind of open-source project
NearDrop provides a partial macOS implementation of Google's Nearby Share and Quick Share.
8
Also covers macos and open source · same kind of open-source project
Osaurus provides a native macOS environment for AI agents with different models and persistent memory, according to its repository.
9
Also covers macos and open source · same kind of open-source project
Yattee plays video on iOS, tvOS, and macOS, with its project describing a privacy-oriented design.
10
Also covers macos and open source · same kind of open-source project
MacThrottle monitors thermal pressure in the macOS menu bar and alerts users to thermal throttling.
11
Also covers macos and open source · same kind of open-source project
OpenMTP transfers files between Android devices and a Mac using a dedicated macOS file transfer application.
12
Also covers macos and open source · same kind of open-source project
Browserino selects a browser on macOS and supports default-browser setup and keyboard shortcuts.
13
Also covers macos and open source · same kind of open-source project
ClipPocket keeps a copy history on macOS and detects clipboard content types, according to its project description.
14
Also covers macos and open source · same kind of open-source project
Hot displays the CPU speed limit caused by thermal issues in the macOS menu bar.
15
Also covers macos and open source · same kind of open-source project
AeroSpace tiles windows on macOS using a window-manager approach modeled after i3.
16
Also covers macos and open source · same kind of open-source project
gibMacOS downloads macOS components directly from Apple and can build Internet Recovery USB installers from Windows.
17
Also covers macos and open source · same kind of open-source project
maclaunch lists and controls startup items and their policies on macOS.
18
Also covers macos and open source · same kind of open-source project
USBMap maps USB ports on macOS and creates a custom injector kext, addressing port limits described by the project.
19
Also covers macos and open source · same kind of open-source project
Mist downloads macOS firmware and installer files through a Mac utility.
20
Also covers macos and open source · same kind of open-source project
DisplayPlacer configures macOS display resolutions and arrangements from the command line.
21
Also covers macos and open source · same kind of open-source project
moonleaf manages wallpapers on macOS, according to its project description.
22
Also covers macos and open source · same kind of open-source project
ScreenTimeLapse creates timelapse recordings of screens and cameras on macOS.
23
Also covers macos and open source · same kind of open-source project
eul monitors macOS system status from the menu bar, with dark mode, widgets, and Bluetooth battery level listed.
24
Also covers macos and open source · same kind of open-source project
KeepingYouAwake prevents a Mac from sleeping through a menu bar utility.
No alternatives match this filter.
Alternatives to similar tools
Yabai24 alternativesMacThrottle24 alternativesKeepingYouAwake24 alternativesNuage24 alternativesHot24 alternativesgibMacOS24 alternatives
What is the best alternative to BackgroundMusic?
Based on features, tags and platforms, the closest alternatives to BackgroundMusic are Amethyst, FineTune, and Kaset.
Is there a free alternative to BackgroundMusic?
Yes. VirtualBuddy is free or offer a free plan.
Are there open-source alternatives to BackgroundMusic?
Yes: Amethyst, FineTune, Kaset, and Yabai.
Alternatives are suggested from the purpose and features described in our listings. Different pages for the same product appear once. Read each description to check whether it fits your task. How we choose alternatives · Suggest an alternative