Welcome to Airfoil

Airfoil enables you to send audio from your Mac to remote speakers all around your house. Stream to thousands of different outputs, including hardware like the Apple TV, Google Chromecast, and Bluetooth devices, as well as iOS devices, Macs, and PCs with the free companion Airfoil Satellite apps.

Airfoil can send audio from individual sources, rather than being forced to transmit all of your Mac's audio. Stream music from apps like Spotify, as well websites like Pandora. You can even stream from hardware audio devices like USB radios or microphones. It's your audio, everywhere.

Getting Started

This manual provides you with a useful overview of the application, including an outline of the interface, as well as details on using the application. We recommend a quick read-through, but you can also just dive in if you like. Refer back to this online manual for assistance at any time, right from Airfoil's Help menu.

Additional Assistance

The following resources will supplement a read-through of the manual and help you get the answers you need.

Information for Users of Previous Versions

If you've used Airfoil before, this information should prove helpful.

Using Airfoil

Getting started with Airfoil is easy. Read on for information on the main controls in Airfoil.

Airfoil's Main Window

Airfoil's Main Window

Airfoil's main window contains all of the essential controls to make transmitting audio with Airfoil a snap. Airfoil continuously scans your network to find and show any available output devices to which it can send audio. You just need to select an input source from the Source popup at the top of the window, then click the Transmit button next to each output you'd like to hear audio through.

From the main window, you can also adjust the volume at which audio is sent to each output, access the Effects window (see below) and view audio activity for Airfoil's currently-selected source with the level meters.

Output Sections

Airfoil's Output Sections

All available outputs appear in Airfoil's main window by default. At the top, you'll always see the Computer output, which enables you to play audio locally in sync with remote speakers. Below that will be Groups, if you've configured any (see below). The last section contains individual remote outputs - all the supported devices that are visible on your local network.

Speaker Groups

A Speaker Group in Airfoil

A speaker group makes it possible to send to multiple outputs at once, with a single click. For instance, you might make one group for all the speakers on the first floor of your home, and another group for all the speakers on the second floor. When you click the Transmit button for a group, all the speakers in that group will be activated. Click it again, and they'll all be turned back off.

Note that you can still adjust individual speakers within a group, toggling them off or on individually, and adjusting their volumes. Making a group simply provides a fast way to turn multiple speakers on or off.

To create a group, open Airfoil's Settings and click the Groups tab. On the left side, you can click the + button to make a new group and give it a custom name. When you highlight a group in the list, the available outputs will show in the Speakers table on the right. Click the checkbox next to the speakers you wish to include in the group. You can edit or remove a group at any time using the Settings window.

Effects Window

Airfoil's Effects Window

Airfoil's built-in Effects let you adjust audio as it's transmitted. Click the Effects button on Airfoil's main window to adjust the 10 band Lagutin equalizer, tweak the balance and adjust the global transmission volume for all outputs.

It's also possible to save custom equalizer settings. Simply adjust the equalizer to your liking, then select Save Preset As… from the Preset menu. Once you've saved a preset, you'll find it in the Custom Presets section of that menu. You can also remove custom presets by selecting Delete Custom Preset from the Preset menu.

Supported Outputs

Airfoil can send audio to literally thousands of different devices around your home. These remote outputs fall into several categories.

AirPlay

Airfoil began life in 2005 as a tool to send audio to the AirPort Express, the very first AirPlay device. Now, Airfoil can send to any valid AirPlay output, including the Apple TV, HomePod, and AirPort Express, as well as third-party devices from manufacturers like Bose, Sony, and many more. Configure your AirPlay device so that Apple Music on your computer can see it, and Airfoil will as well.

Google Cast

With version 5.5, we’ve added support for sending audio to devices that support Google Cast. That includes all Google Chromecast and Google Home hardware, as well as many third-party televisions and steros. Just fire up Airfoil, and it will show all available Cast devices found on your network.

Sonos Hardware

Airfoil 5.8 added support for streaming to the newest Sonos hardware. If your Sonos device features AirPlay compatibility, it will automatically appear in Airfoil as an available output.

If you have older Sonos hardware, you'll be pleased to learn that adding a single AirPlay-compatible Sonos device is enough to enjoy audio on an entire system. Just group older speakers in with an AirPlay-compatible Sonos device like the Sonos One and they'll all receive audio sent from Airfoil.

Bluetooth

New in version 5, Airfoil can send audio to Bluetooth audio devices, like speakers, headphones, and headsets. Pair the device with your Mac via the Bluetooth System Setting, then make sure it appears as an audio output device in the Sound System Setting. Once it does, Airfoil will see it as well, and offer it as an output.

Software Outputs

To enable you to hear audio on other computers, we provide Airfoil Satellite, a free companion for Airfoil. You can run Airfoil Satellite on other computers, as well as iOS and Android devices. You can get more information and download free copies of Airfoil Satellite right from our site.

To get started, just run Airfoil Satellite on any device where you want to hear audio. Once it's running on another machine on your local network, that device will appear in Airfoil as an available output and you'll be able to send audio to it.

Airfoil Satellite for Mac is included as part of the Airfoil download. You can also download it separately from our site. Install it on any Macs on which you wish to receive audio.

Multiple Outputs Simultaneously

Airfoil isn't limited to sending to just one device at a time. In fact, it can stream audio to multiple output devices at once, all in sync. This works with any combination of devices, regardless of what type they are. Try it and hear for yourself!

Advanced Features

The basic functionality of Airfoil is fairly straightforward. However, some more advanced features exist, and they're detailed on this page.

Menu Bar Mode

Airfoil's Display Setting

If you like, Airfoil can run exclusively in your menu bar, with no icon in the Dock or application switcher. To adjust how Airfoil displays, open the Settings. From there, you can opt to have Airfoil appear in the menu bar, in the Dock, or in both.

Airfoil's Global Menu

When you opt to show Airfoil in the menu bar, Airfoil's global menu will provide access to its settings from any application. By default, you'll see the icon for the global Airfoil menu in the upper right of your screen:

Airfoil's Global Menu Bar Icon

Clicking this icon gives you access to Airfoil's most important functions no matter what application you're currently using.

Airfoil's Global Menu in Action

As you can see, the menu also shows information on what's currently being transmitted by Airfoil. Use the global menu to adjust and control Airfoil from anywhere on your Mac.

Advanced Speaker Options

The Advanced Speaker Options window can be accessed from the Speakers menu.

Airfoil's “Advanced Speaker Options” Window

Most users will not need this window, and are advised to leave it in its default configuration. However, it will prove useful for some users with advanced needs.

Hiding Speakers

Using the Hide Speaker checkbox, you can prevent an output from appearing in Airfoil's main window. This is useful if you regularly connect to a shared network which contains device you don't control. Simply turn that checkbox on, and they will no longer clutter up the main output list.

Adjusting Sync

Airfoil automatically keeps all outputs completely in sync, delaying audio to match all devices to the highest latency device. However, there may be rare situations where you wish to adjust this. For example, if an output is connected to a receiver which adds its own latency, you may wish to reduce the latency Airfoil applies slightly. It must be stressed that most users will not need to adjust this. It is generally advised to leave the Sync sliders in the default positions.

Statistics

The Advanced Speaker Options window also displays statistics for the current audio transmission to each active output. These can be useful for debugging problems. If you see a high attempted recovery number, or a high percentage, Airfoil is having difficulty reaching that device. This occurs when there's an issue on the network itself, and you may need to move your wi-fi router, or add extenders.

Settings

Airfoil's settings can be accessed from the Airfoil menu. The available options are divided into three tabs.

General Settings

Show Airfoil

Show Airfoil: This toggle determines how Airfoil's interface appears. By default, Airfoil appears in both the Dock and in the menu bar in the upper right of your screen. For more details, see the page detailing Airfoil's menu bar mode.

Play "Computer" Audio Through

Play "Computer" Audio Through: This setting adjusts the audio device through which audio from Airfoil's Computer output plays.

Remote Access

Allow remote speakers to connect to Airfoil: With this setting on, Airfoil Satellite will be able to request that Airfoil send it audio. Activate audio from where you want to hear it, instead of from Airfoil itself.

Allow remote control of Airfoil and audio sources: When this is active, commands can be passed from remote speakers to and through Airfoil. This will enable Airfoil Satellite to control Airfoil, toggling outputs on and off, adjusting their volumes, and even switching the selected audio source. As well, supported sources will be controllable, enabling you to remotely pause audio, skip tracks, or go back.

Software Update

Automatically Check for Software Updates: With this option activated, Airfoil periodically compares itself to the most current version available from our server and alerts you when a new version is available. Leave this on and Airfoil will help you stay up-to-date.

To initiate a check manually, click the Check for Updates… button.

Groups Settings

Groups Table: This table contains a list of all the groups you've created. From here, you can add a new group, remove a group, or adjust the speakers a group contains. For more information on Groups, see the Using Airfoil page.

Automation Settings

Automatically Transmit To

Automatically Transmit To: When launched, Airfoil will immediately begin transmitting audio from the last selected application to the selected speakers. To turn off automatic transmission of audio, just uncheck any and all boxes.

Silence Monitor

Automatically disconnect from all speakers after [X] minutes: Turn this control on to force Airfoil to disconnect from any outputs if it streams silence for the specified time. This can be useful in situations where multiple people send to an output. Ordinarily, if a user forgets to disconnect, other users will be prevented from sending audio to the output. This setting will automatically disconnect the user after the specified time, enabling others to connect.

Permissions

Airfoil’s Permissions window is shown on first launch, and can also be accessed from the Airfoil menu. It lists both required and optional permissions. For the best experience, we recommend enabling all permissions.

Airfoil’s Permissions window

System Audio Access Required

System audio access is required for Airfoil to operate, and you’ll be prompted to grant permission the first time you launch the app. This permission enables Airfoil to capture audio from other applications running on your Mac.

Microphone Access Optional

To stream audio from a microphone or other input device, Airfoil must be granted permission with MacOS. If Airfoil does not have microphone access when you attempt to stream from an input device, it will request it.

Relaunching To Provide Microphone Access

If you’ve previously denied Airfoil permission to access your microphone, you’ll see the following dialog when you try to enable the permission, or attempt to capture from an input device.

Click Relaunch Airfoil, then grant permission when the application relaunches.

Purchasing

Quick Link: To buy a license key for Airfoil, visit our online store.

Why should I buy Airfoil?

Put simply, you should buy Airfoil because it isn't free. We provide a free trial, so you can test out the program and all its features before you buy it. It's like test driving a car, for as long as it takes you to decide.

In trial mode, all of Airfoil's features are available to try, but it won't work for full-time use. During the trial, audio quality is degraded after ten minutes of transmitting.

If you use Airfoil and find you like it, please purchase a license key - support the software you use and love!

To purchase your license key, just visit https://rogueamoeba.com/airfoil/mac/buy.php.

What about upgrades?

If you purchased a license for Airfoil for Mac before November 1st, 2015 (your license key will start with KUTA-, TX40- or SSME-), you're eligible for a discounted upgrade to version 5.

Read about what's new in Airfoil 5 on our site, then purchase a heavily discounted upgrade.

Note: If your license key starts with BLUE-, you already own Airfoil 5 - enjoy!

After Purchase

How do I unlock the full version?

The download of Airfoil from our site contains both a free trial of the software and the full version. To unlock the full, unlimited version, you just need a valid license key. When you purchase through our store, you'll immediately receive a license key in your browser. It will also be sent to you via email. Simply enter this key into Airfoil to unlock it.

What's your upgrade policy?

While we don't have a hard and fast upgrade policy, our philosophy regarding paid upgrades is simple: We try to do what's right for you and what's right for us. We've got a great track record, with many years of very satisfied customers.

For more details on free updates and paid upgrades, please see this page.

What's your refund policy?

All Rogue Amoeba products are available to try before you buy. We believe that no customer should have to buy software in order to find out how well it works. Our software can be fully evaluated with no limitations in capabilities, prior to purchase. Customers are strongly encouraged to take advantage of these trials prior to purchase. You may also seek any needed technical support from us - we answer support emails rapidly and responsively for current and potential customers alike.

If you would like a refund, please contact our Support Team within 14 days of your purchase. Because we cannot recover the license key that was sold, refunds are issued on a case-by-case basis.

Etcetera

Installing & Uninstalling

Installing Airfoil

To install Airfoil, drag it from your download folder to the Applications folder, then double-click its icon to begin using it. Airfoil will guide you through enabling the permissions needed so you can stream audio.

Uninstalling Airfoil

If you wish to remove Airfoil, just quit the application, then place it in the Trash.

If you have any feedback to share, know that we’ll be glad to hear it. Contact us directly to make a feature request, report a problem, or to get assistance. We're always working to improve our products, so please don't hesitate to tell us what was missing or didn't work for you.

User License

Disclaimer

Airfoil (“The Software”) is provided as is. Rogue Amoeba Software (“The Author”) is not responsible for any damage to the user's computer system or data and in no event will The Author, its officers, directors, employees or agents be responsible to the user for any consequential, incidental, or indirect damages (including damages for loss of business profits, business interruption, loss of business information, and the like) arising out of the use or inability to use the The Software, even if The Author has been advised of the possibility of such damages. Because some locations do not allow the exclusion or limitation of liability for consequential or incidental damages, the above limitations may not apply to you. Further, the consumer agrees that using this software in any way illegal, or even for the purposes of assessing its viability for illegal usage, is prohibited.

What that said:

Be safe when you use the software. Be aware that it's simply a tool designed to make your life better. Don't use it to do illegal or evil things. If you do, be ready to take responsibility for your own actions.

Distribution

Unless explicitly stated in writing, Rogue Amoeba Software does not grant permission to sell The Software. Non-profit distribution of The Software in its trial form is generally acceptable, provided that The Software is not modified in any way, the complete works of The Software are included in the distribution package, and Rogue Amoeba has been contacted for confirmation.

What that said:

Don't sell this software. If you wish to distribute it in its trial state, get in touch with us to confirm permission.

Acknowledgements

Portions of this Rogue Amoeba software may utilize the following copyrighted material, the use of which is hereby acknowledged.

Sparkle

Copyright © Andy Matuschak

Permission is hereby granted, free of charge, to any person obtaining a copy of this software and associated documentation files (the "Software"), to deal in the Software without restriction, including without limitation the rights to use, copy, modify, merge, publish, distribute, sublicense, and/or sell copies of the Software, and to permit persons to whom the Software is furnished to do so, subject to the following conditions:

The above copyright notice and this permission notice shall be included in all copies or substantial portions of the Software.

THE SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED "AS IS", WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND NONINFRINGEMENT. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE AUTHORS OR COPYRIGHT HOLDERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY CLAIM, DAMAGES OR OTHER LIABILITY, WHETHER IN AN ACTION OF CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE, ARISING FROM, OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE SOFTWARE OR THE USE OR OTHER DEALINGS IN THE SOFTWARE.