Which app is best for increasing volume on Android?
Many Android users want to increase their device’s volume above the max level set by the manufacturer for a few key reasons: To get louder audio when wearing headphones, to amplify the speaker when playing media out loud, or to increase call volumes if they have hearing difficulties. Manufacturers often set lower max volume limits to protect hearing, but users may need additional volume in certain use cases. While caution should be exercised, there are ways to safely boost volume above the set limits on Android devices.
System Volume Limitations
Android operating systems impose hardware volume restrictions for hearing safety reasons. Manufacturers set a maximum volume limit on Android devices to prevent potential hearing damage from excessive volume exposure (1). These built-in volume limits cannot be disabled through normal software settings and are hard-coded into the device hardware and OS.
According to Wired, Android 9 Pie introduced a software volume limit setting called Media Volume Limit that allows users to set a maximum volume below the device’s hardware limit (2). This feature gives users more control over max volume, for example to restrict children’s volume exposure. The Media Volume Limit setting is found in Sounds and Vibration under Settings.
While the hardware limit cannot be increased without root access, the Media Volume Limit setting gives users some ability to further restrict max volume. However, even at max volume, Android system volume is designed not to damage hearing.
Sources:
(1) https://www.soundguys.com/volume-limiter-guide-58264/
(2) https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-limit-phone-maximum-volume/
Top Volume Booster Apps
There are several volume booster apps available on the Google Play Store that can help increase the maximum volume output on Android devices. Three of the top options include:
Volume Booster
Volume Booster by GOODEV (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.goodev.volume.booster&hl=en_US&gl=US) is a popular free app with over 50 million downloads. It provides a simple interface to boost your speaker or headphone volume beyond the normal system limits. This app can amplify sound by up to 200% and also includes a five-band equalizer. Users mention Volume Booster delivers a noticeable volume increase without distortion or quality loss.
Volume Booster Pro
Volume Booster Pro by Abrar (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.abrar.volumeboost&hl=en_US&gl=US) is a paid upgraded version with advanced audio controls. It features a 10-band graphical equalizer, left/right balance, and limiter functions. The app helps optimize audio output for music, movies, podcasts, and games. Volume Booster Pro has a modern material design and includes custom presets and widgets. However, the free version provides the core volume boosting functionality.
Extra Volume Booster
Extra Volume Booster by GoAudio (not available on Play Store) is an ad-supported app for louder volume and enhanced audio. It can boost sound up to 200% louder and includes a user-friendly 5-band equalizer. Extra Volume Booster works well for boosting music, videos, games, and voice calls. However, without Play Store availability, the app requires sideloading and should be used with caution.
Volume Booster
Volume Booster is one of the most popular volume booster apps on Android with over 100 million downloads on the Google Play Store[1]. The free app provides a simple way to increase the maximum volume output on your Android device beyond the normal system limits.
Some key features of Volume Booster include:
- Boosts overall volume and loudness by up to 30%
- Works with headphones, speakers and Bluetooth audio
- Simple interface with just a power button and volume slider
- No root required
- Lightweight app at just 2MB
Volume Booster is able to boost volume by intelligently manipulating audio streams rather than just amplifying the output[1]. This avoids clipping or distortion at high volumes. The app works well for boosting volume on music, videos, games and calls.
The free version contains ads, but has no other limitations. A paid pro version is available for $2.99 which removes ads and includes a 5-band equalizer for audio tuning. Overall, Volume Booster is a great free option for safely increasing maximum volume on Android.
[1] https://en.softonic.com/downloads/volume-booster-for-android/10
Volume Booster Pro
Volume Booster Pro is a free app developed by Wait What that is highly rated on Google Play. Some of the key features of Volume Booster Pro include:
- Ability to boost volume beyond the system limitations by up to 400%
- Built-in 10-band music equalizer for customized sound
- Presets for music, movie, gaming, and calls
- Simple one-tap functionality
Volume Booster Pro is praised for being easy to use while providing a significant volume increase. However, some users report minor audio quality loss at the highest volumes. Additionally, the app contains ads, and a $2.49 pro version is required to remove them.
Overall, Volume Booster Pro is a solid free option for dramatically boosting volume on Android devices (Volume Booster Pro – App Review). But the presence of ads and slight audio degradation may frustrate some users.
Extra Volume Booster
Extra Volume Booster is a popular volume boosting app for Android with over 10 million downloads on the Google Play Store. Some key features of Extra Volume Booster include:
- Volume booster to increase sound up to 200% louder
- 10-band equalizer with presets
- Bass booster to enhance low frequencies
- Virtualizer effect for surround sound
- Simple, easy-to-use interface
A major pro of Extra Volume Booster is that the basic app is free to download and use. There is a paid “Pro” upgrade available via in-app purchase which unlocks additional features like no ads, more equalizer presets, and the ability to minimize the app.
In terms of cons, some users report audio distortion at max volumes. There are also complaints about too many ads in the free version. Additionally, the app hasn’t been updated since 2018 so it is not optimized for newer Android versions.
Overall, Extra Volume Booster is a highly rated and popular choice if you want a basic volume boost for free. But there may be better options for custom sound equalization and bass boosting effects.
Other Notable Apps
While Volume Booster and Volume Booster Pro are two of the most popular and highly-rated volume boosting apps, there are a few other decent options worth mentioning:
Extra Volume Booster is a free app with over 10 million downloads. It provides a simple interface to boost your device’s volume beyond the normal limit. Users praise its ease of use, lack of ads, and effectiveness at maximizing volume output.
Equalizer FX is a powerful equalizer & volume booster app with over 100 million downloads. Beyond just boosting overall volume, it offers a 10-band equalizer, bass booster, virtualizer effects, and karaoke-style vocal effects. The extensive customization makes it great for enhancing music and videos.
Choosing the Best App
When looking for the best app to increase volume on Android, the top options based on user reviews and effectiveness are Volume Booster, Volume Booster Pro, and Extra Volume Booster. Here’s an overview of each to help you decide:
Volume Booster – This free app offers a simple interface and the ability to boost sound up to 200%. It works well for music, videos, and games. The main drawback is it contains ads.
Volume Booster Pro – The pro version of Volume Booster removes ads and includes additional features like an equalizer and bass booster. It’s great for increasing volume without distortion. The $3 price tag is reasonable.
Extra Volume Booster – For those wanting to maximize volume, this app can boost sound up to 400% of normal levels. However, distortion is more likely at extremely high volumes. But it’s free and has lots of customization options.
Overall, Volume Booster Pro offers the best combo of effectiveness, features, quality, and value. But Volume Booster is a solid free option, while Extra Volume Booster is great for cranking sound as high as possible.
Boosting Volume Safely
When increasing your device’s volume, it’s important to keep hearing health in mind. Listening at high volumes for prolonged periods can lead to noise-induced hearing loss over time. Here are some tips to boost volume safely:
- Use headphones instead of speakers when possible – headphones direct sound right into the ears compared to speakers which project sound outward.
- Take regular breaks – give your ears a rest every so often by taking off your headphones briefly.
- Avoid maxing out the volume – find the lowest level that you can comfortably hear at.
- Limit high volume sessions – be mindful of duration when listening loudly.
- Watch out for sudden loud noises – turn volume down before playing something that may have spikes.
- Consider a volume limiter app – apps like Volume Limit can cap max volume to a safe level.
- Get your hearing tested – see an audiologist if you’re concerned about early hearing loss.
Being thoughtful about volume as you use these booster apps can help preserve your hearing health over time. Protect those ears!
Conclusion
Increasing the volume beyond your Android device’s built-in maximum has risks, so proceed carefully. Start with a free app like Volume Booster and watch for distortion or other issues. If you need more power, Volume Booster Pro offers greater amplification without ads. Extra Volume Booster also works well but has a dated interface. Whichever app you choose, be aware of your phone’s limits, keep an eye on battery and temperature, and avoid maxing out volume for long periods to protect your hearing. Moderation is wise when boosting loudness.
The best Android volume booster app ultimately depends on your needs and preferences. All three of our top picks offer simple controls, no ads or bloatware, and noticeable sound amplification. Volume Booster Pro edges out the competition with its clean design, detailed audio settings, and lack of trial limitations. But the free Volume Booster is great for basic use, and Extra Volume Booster fills a niche with its variable band equalizer. Emphasize safety when turning up your device’s sound, and you’ll enjoy your music, movies and games even more.
