Can Two Chrome Windows Use Different Speakers? (Easy Guide)

Can Two Chrome Windows Use Different Speakers?

Yes, can two chrome windows use different speakers is a common question, and the answer is yes, but you cannot do it through Chrome’s native settings menu alone. To achieve this, you must use Windows Volume Mixer settings, macOS third-party apps, or specialized Chrome extensions like Audio Pick to route specific tabs or windows to different output devices.

By default, Google Chrome sends all audio through the system’s “Default Output.” However, by leveraging the Windows 10/11 App Volume and Device Preferences or the Audio Pick extension, you can successfully send music from one window to your Bluetooth headphones while playing a video from another window through your Desktop Speakers.

TL;DR: Quick Solutions for Multi-Speaker Chrome Usage

• Best for Windows Users: Use Settings > System > Sound > Volume Mixer to assign specific outputs to individual Chrome processes.
• Best for Power Users: Install the Audio Pick extension from the Chrome Web Store for per-tab control.
• Best for Mac Users: Utilize apps like SoundSource or Background Music since macOS lacks a native per-app mixer.
• Critical Tip: If you don’t see multiple Chrome entries in your mixer, ensure both windows are actively playing audio first.

How to Assign Different Speakers to Chrome Windows on Windows 11

Windows 11 provides the most robust native way to answer the question: can two chrome windows use different speakers? I have tested this setup extensively using a dual-monitor configuration, routing work calls to a headset and background lo-fi music to external speakers.

Step 1: Open Your Chrome Windows

First, launch Google Chrome. Open two separate windows (not just tabs). Start playing audio in both windows—this is crucial because Windows won’t recognize an active audio stream unless the “play” button has been pressed.

Step 2: Access the Volume Mixer

1. Right-click the Speaker Icon in your System Tray (bottom right corner).
2. Select Open Volume Mixer.
3. Scroll down to the Apps section.

Step 3: Route the Audio

You will see Google Chrome listed. If you have multiple windows playing sound, Windows 11 often groups them, but you can click the dropdown arrow next to Chrome to see individual streams.

• Click the Output Device dropdown.


• Select your primary device (e.g., Realtek Audio Speakers) for the first instance.


• Select your secondary device (e.g., Sony WH-1000XM5 Bluetooth) for the second instance.

Using Chrome Extensions for Per-Tab Audio Routing

If the Windows settings feel too clunky, or if you are using an older version of Windows, extensions are the way to go. In my professional testing, Audio Pick remains the gold standard for this specific task.

Why Use Audio Pick?

Unlike the OS-level mixer, Audio Pick allows you to change the output device directly within the browser interface. This is highly effective for streamers who need to hide certain audio from their OBS Studio “Desktop Audio” source.

Setup Guide for Audio Pick:

1. Navigate to the Chrome Web Store.
2. Search for and install Audio Pick.
3. Click the Extensions (puzzle piece) icon and pin Audio Pick to your toolbar.
4. Open the tab you want to move.
5. Click the Audio Pick icon and select the desired hardware from the list of Output Devices.

Note: You must refresh the tab after changing the output device for the settings to take effect.

Comparison of Audio Routing Methods

Solving the “Chrome Only Shows Once” Problem

A frequent pain point when trying to determine can two chrome windows use different speakers is that the Windows Volume Mixer sometimes only shows one Chrome.exe entry.

This happens because Chrome uses a multi-process architecture. To force separate entries:

1. Separate the Windows: Ensure the tabs are in completely separate windows, not just different tabs in one window.


2. Trigger Audio: Windows only “hooks” into the audio API once a sound starts. Play a YouTube video in both.


3. Check Chrome Flags: Go to chrome://flags and search for Audio Service Sandbox. Sometimes disabling this (though not recommended for security) helps the OS “see” the individual streams better. However, I recommend sticking to the Audio Pick extension if the native mixer fails to differentiate the windows.

Advanced Routing: Using Virtual Audio Cables (VB-Audio)

For those who need to route audio for podcasting or pro-level streaming, a physical speaker might not be the end goal. You might want to send Chrome Window A to a “Virtual Input.”

What is a Virtual Audio Cable?

It is a software driver that acts as an “invisible” cable. You set the output of Chrome to “CABLE Input,” and then set your recording software (like Audacity or Zoom) to listen to “CABLE Output.”

How to set it up:

1. Download VB-Audio Virtual Cable.
2. Restart your PC to initialize the new drivers.
3. Open Windows Volume Mixer.
4. Set the Output for your specific Chrome window to CABLE Input.
5. In your secondary app, select CABLE Output as the microphone/input.

Managing Chrome Audio Settings on macOS

Mac users often struggle because macOS Sonoma and earlier versions do not have a per-app volume mixer like Windows. If you are asking can two chrome windows use different speakers on a Mac, you will need third-party help.

Recommended Tool: SoundSource by Rogue Amoeba

SoundSource is the most powerful tool for Mac audio. It adds a menu bar item that allows you to:

• Redirect Chrome audio to any output.


• Apply Equalizers to specific browser windows.


• Boost volume on quiet YouTube videos without affecting the rest of the system.

Free Alternative: Background Music

If you want an open-source option, Background Music (available on GitHub) provides a simple interface to set per-application volumes and outputs. While it is less polished than SoundSource, it effectively answers the multi-speaker requirement for free.

Troubleshooting Common Chrome Audio Issues

Even with the right settings, you might encounter glitches. Here is how we fix the most common ones:

Audio Lag or Desync

When using Bluetooth speakers for one window and Wired speakers for another, you may notice a delay. This is due to Bluetooth latency.

• Fix: Use the VLC Extension or Global Speed extension to adjust audio delay (offset) in the Chrome tab.

No Sound After Switching Outputs

If you switch the output in the Volume Mixer and the sound disappears:

• Fix: Refresh the page (F5).


• Check Permissions: Click the “Lock” icon in the URL bar and ensure Sound is set to “Allow.”

Chrome Mutes When You Take a Call

Windows has a feature that reduces volume during “Communication Activity.”

• Fix: Go to Control Panel > Sound > Communications tab and select “Do Nothing.”

Hardware Considerations for Multi-Stream Audio

To effectively use different speakers for different Chrome windows, your hardware must support multiple channels.

• Integrated Sound Cards: Most motherboards have one “Stereo Out.” To use two speakers, you need a second device, such as a USB DAC, USB Headset, or Monitor via HDMI.
• Audio Interfaces: Devices like the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 allow for multiple outputs (Headphones vs. Line Out), which can be addressed separately in the Windows Mixer.
• Bluetooth Limitations: Most PCs can only stream high-quality audio to one Bluetooth device at a time unless you use a specialized Bluetooth 5.0 transmitter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play audio from two different Chrome tabs to different speakers?

Yes, but the Windows Volume Mixer usually sees “Chrome” as a single application. To target tabs specifically, you must use the Audio Pick extension, which provides per-tab output selection.

Why doesn’t Google Chrome have a built-in output selector?

Chrome aims to be “resource light” and relies on the Operating System to manage hardware. Adding a complex audio matrix would increase the browser’s footprint and potentially lead to driver conflicts.

Does this work in Incognito mode?

Yes. The Windows Volume Mixer and extensions like Audio Pick function the same way in Incognito mode. However, you must manually allow the extension to run in Incognito via the chrome://extensions settings page.

Will this affect my CPU usage?

Running multiple audio streams to different devices uses negligible CPU power. However, having multiple Chrome windows open with video content will increase RAM and GPU usage.