Is there a volume booster for Android?
What is a Volume Booster App?
Volume booster apps for Android are apps that amplify or boost the maximum volume output of the device. Android devices have built-in limits that cap the maximum volume level, but volume booster apps “fool” the system to raise the volume ceiling above the normal limit (Source).
They do this by intercepting the audio signals coming out of other apps and amplifying the quiet sounds before passing them on to the speakers or headphones, making the output seem louder than the system volume limit (Source).
Volume booster apps are popularly used to increase the volume of music players, video players, games, and phone calls. They help make quieter audio more audible in noisy environments.
Reasons to Boost Volume on Android
There are several reasons why people may want to boost the volume higher than the built-in maximum volume level on Android devices:
Trouble hearing media at max volume: Some users have reported[1] trouble hearing podcasts, music, videos, etc. even at the highest built-in volume setting. A volume booster app can help amplify quieter audio.
Want louder volumes for parties/events: People hosting parties or events may want to play music or videos at louder volumes than the built-in maximum. Volume booster apps provide an easy way to achieve those louder volumes.
Hearing impairments require louder volumes: Those with hearing impairments often need volumes louder than standard built-in limits to properly hear media on their devices. Volume booster apps enable them to amplify volumes beyond usual restrictions.
Built-in Volume Limiters in Android
Android devices have built-in safety limits to prevent the volume from becoming dangerously loud for users’ hearing. The European Union’s Audiovisual Media Services Directive passed regulations in 2010 that set a limit on the maximum average sound volume for TV, radio, and online media at 85dB to protect consumers from listening at dangerously loud levels (Source).
Android uses these EU regulations as the basis for capping the maximum system volume level that can normally be reached on the device. So under normal everyday usage, Android devices will not allow the volume to exceed this 85dB limit in order to prevent potential hearing damage.
Volume Booster Apps Available
There are several popular volume booster apps available for Android devices, including:
Booster
Booster (https://linuxhint.com/5-best-volume-booster-apps-android/) is one of the top volume boosting apps on Android with over 50 million downloads. It features a volume slider to boost sound by up to 200% over the default maximum volume. The app works across music, videos, games, and other audio.
Volume+
Volume+ (https://beebom.com/best-volume-booster-apps-android/) is another highly-rated volume booster app for Android. It has over 10 million downloads and a 4.6-star rating. Volume+ provides finer volume control with 200 volume levels. It also has multiple presets for different use cases like movies or music.
Equalizer FX
Equalizer FX is an audio enhancer and volume booster with over 100 million downloads. It offers features like bass boost, surround sound, and reverb effects. The user interface provides precision control over the sound profile.
How Volume Boosters Work
Volume booster apps work by accessing an Android device’s low-level audio controls, which allows them to override or bypass the system’s default volume limits. Specifically, these apps are able to tap into the audio framework and make changes that result in louder sound output.
Many Android phones and tablets come with volume limiters built-in to prevent hearing damage from loud audio played over long periods. Volume booster apps bypass these limiters by taking control of the volume parameters and increasing the gain above normal levels.
In order to access these low-level system controls, most volume booster apps require the device to be “rooted,” which gives the app administrative privileges. Without root access, the volume boosters would not be allowed to make audio adjustments outside of what’s normally available through the system settings.
Once granted system permissions, volume booster apps can apply audio processing techniques like equalization, dynamic range compression, and limiting to selectively boost frequencies across the sound spectrum. This allows loudness to be increased without necessarily introducing audio clipping or distortion.
Cautions When Using Volume Boosters
While volume booster apps may allow you to increase the maximum volume output on your Android device, using them does come with some potential downsides to be aware of:
Potential Hearing Damage: The loudest Android device volumes that are achievable with a volume booster app can be up to 150 decibels according to one source. Volumes at or above 85 dB can damage hearing according to the CDC, so blasting audio using a booster app risks permanent hearing loss over time.[1]
Battery Drain: Pushing your speaker(s) to maximum volumes constantly drains battery faster. So relying on volume booster apps can reduce battery life between charges on your Android device.
Potential System Instability: Some users have reported crashes, freezes, or other bugs when using certain volume booster apps. They may not play well with your device or OS version leading to stability issues.
So while gaining louder volumes may sound appealing initially, proceed with caution if using volume booster apps. Consider adjusting volumes manually first before resorting to automated boosting apps which can stress device hardware.
Alternatives to Volume Booster Apps
There are a few alternatives to using volume booster apps on Android that can help increase your device’s audio volume without needing additional software:
Bluetooth Speakers or Headphones
Connecting your Android device to high-quality Bluetooth speakers or headphones can provide louder and better sound than your built-in speakers. Many Bluetooth audio devices have amplifiers built-in to boost the volume beyond your phone’s capabilities. Popular options like the Anker Soundcore Bluetooth Speaker and Samsung Galaxy Buds can maximize audio volume and quality.
External Amplifier Devices
There are portable amplifier devices like the FiiO BTR3K that can be connected to your phone’s headphone jack or via Bluetooth to significantly boost the audio signal before it reaches your headphones. These amplifiers clipping distortion while increasing volume.
Custom ROMs or Mods
Some Android devices allow installing custom OS software or mods that can disable the built-in volume limiters and enable louder sound. However, this involves advanced modification of your device’s software and could void the warranty.
Max Volume Levels Recommended
When boosting the volume on your Android device, it’s important to keep in mind safe listening guidelines recommended by health organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
For extended listening, the WHO recommends keeping volume below 85 decibels (dB). Exposure to noise above 85 dB over long periods of time may lead to noise-induced hearing loss. The CDC also recommends a max volume of 85 dB for prolonged exposure.
For brief listening sessions, sound levels up to 100 dB are considered safe. However, it’s best to avoid listening at maximum volumes even briefly if possible. The higher the volume, the less time is required before hearing damage can occur.
Volume booster apps can sometimes bypass Android’s built-in volume limiters and exceed these recommended safe levels. So it’s important to be mindful of your volume settings and aim to follow safety guidelines whenever using volume boosters or listening to audio on your Android device.
Optimizing Volume on Android
There are a few ways to optimize the volume output on your Android device without using a separate volume booster app.
One option is to adjust the media volume versus the system/notification volume. The media volume controls the volume for music, videos, games, and other media, while the system volume controls ringtone and notification sounds. Focus on turning up the media volume rather than the system volume to get louder audio for videos, music etc. without increasing the loudness of system sounds.
You can also use the built-in equalizer settings to boost certain frequency ranges and optimize the sound profile for different genres of audio. Open the Settings app, go to Sound > Equalizer and choose a preset like Rock or Pop to amplify the bass and treble ranges for louder, punchier sound.
Additionally, pay attention to the physical placement of your phone’s speakers. Don’t cover the speakers with your hand or place the phone speaker-down on a surface. Hold your phone with the speakers facing towards you for the clearest and loudest audio output.
With a few simple tweaks to the volume levels, EQ presets, and physical speaker direction, you can optimize the volume from your Android device without risky maximum volume boosts or unstable volume booster apps.
Conclusion
In summary, while Android does limit volume for safety reasons, using a third-party volume booster app can help increase volume beyond the normal maximum levels. These apps work by amplifying the audio signal digitally. However, use caution as they can potentially damage speakers or your hearing at excessively loud volumes. Consider alternatives like using wired headphones or external speakers first.
If you do choose to use a volume booster, opt for a reputable app and adjust the volume gradually to find an optimal level. Avoid going to the absolute maximum volume. Also be aware that background sounds and music may become distorted at very loud volumes. Overall, volume boosters can be useful but require responsible use.
The safest recommendation is to explore wired audio options before resorting to risky maximum volumes. However, if you need a volume boost for accessibility reasons, reputable volume booster apps provide a solution while being mindful of volume levels.