Best Noise Cancelling Apps for Mac in 2026
Compare six Mac noise cancellation options for live calls and recorded audio by cost, privacy, setup, and app compatibility.
For live calls, you need a tool that filters your microphone as you speak. For podcasts, interviews, or voiceovers you’ve already recorded, you need a tool that cleans audio files. The options below cover both jobs.
Quick picks
On a small screen, swipe sideways to compare every column.
| Option | Cost | Best for | Setup and processing |
|---|---|---|---|
| SoundVeil | 7-day trial; $5 monthly, $48 yearly, or $99 lifetime | One filtered microphone across Mac calling apps | Simple setup; audio stays on your Mac |
| macOS Voice Isolation | Free with macOS | Supported apps and mild everyday noise | Built in; availability varies by app |
| Krisp | 7-day trial, then paid plans | Calls plus notes, transcription, recording, and team features | Desktop app; noise cancellation runs on your Mac |
| Zoom, Teams, and Meet controls | Included with each app | People who primarily use one meeting platform | Configured separately in each app |
| MetalVoice | Free and open source | Apple silicon users who want to inspect the code | Requires a virtual audio cable; audio stays on your Mac |
| Hush | Paid Mac app | Cleaning spoken audio after recording | Processes files on your Mac |
How we compared the apps
We compared public documentation for pricing, platform support, where audio is processed, compatibility with calling apps, and setup requirements as of July 28, 2026.
SoundVeil is our product, so this guide is not an independent review. We have not assigned audio-quality or battery scores because we did not run a controlled test across every app. Results vary with the microphone, room, Mac, and type of noise. Before paying, test your shortlist on the same real call and ask another participant how you sound.
Live noise cancellation for Mac calls
1. SoundVeil: One filter across calling apps
SoundVeil works as a selectable microphone in Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, FaceTime, Slack, and Discord. Audio is processed locally on your Mac.
You can keep the same filter when switching calling apps. It only cleans your microphone; it does not remove noise from the audio you hear. It does not support Windows or include meeting bots, notes, transcription, recordings, cloud summaries, or team dashboards.
2. macOS Voice Isolation: Built into your Mac
Apple’s Voice Isolation filters background sound in apps that support Mic Modes. Try it first for mild room noise: you may get the result you need without installing anything.
Support varies by app. If the control is missing or you want the same microphone input across platforms, consider a separate noise filter.
3. Krisp: Noise cancellation and meeting tools
Krisp combines noise cancellation with transcription, recording, AI notes, integrations, and team features through its Core, Advanced, and Enterprise plans.
It suits people who need Windows support or use those meeting features. If you only need to remove noise from your microphone, a simpler tool may be enough.
If you’re considering switching, read our Krisp alternatives for Mac guide.
4. Zoom, Teams, and Google Meet: Use your app’s controls
Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet each provide their own noise controls:
- Zoom includes Noise removal and adjustable background-noise suppression.
- Microsoft Teams includes a Noise suppression control.
- Google Meet offers Noise cancellation for eligible accounts and devices.
These controls suit people who primarily use one meeting app. Switching platforms means maintaining separate settings in each.
See the exact steps in our Mac background-noise guide.
5. MetalVoice: Open source with manual setup
MetalVoice uses DeepFilterNet to remove noise on your Mac. It requires Apple silicon and a separate virtual audio cable, such as BlackHole, to send the filtered audio to calling apps.
Developers, audio hobbyists, and anyone who wants to inspect the code may prefer this option. Expect to configure audio routing yourself; choose another app if you want more guidance during setup.
Noise removal for recorded audio
6. Hush: Clean up recorded dialogue
Hush is a standalone macOS app for removing noise and reverb from spoken audio after it has been recorded. Creators can use it to clean podcasts, interviews, voiceovers, audiobooks, and video dialogue before publishing. It cannot act as a microphone filter during a live meeting.
What to test before you choose
Use the same Mac, microphone, room, and calling app for every option. During a 20- to 30-minute test call:
- Record a sample with no filter.
- Repeat with keyboard typing, a fan, and nearby speech.
- Ask the listener about both voice clarity and noise removal.
- Check Activity Monitor for CPU and Energy impact.
- Confirm that the microphone still works after sleep, reconnecting a headset, and switching apps.
FAQ
How do I remove background noise from Zoom on Mac?
In Zoom, open Settings, choose Audio, select Noise removal under Microphone modes, and adjust Background noise suppression. Use Auto first. Zoom notes that higher suppression may increase CPU use.
Does SoundVeil upload or record my audio?
No. SoundVeil processes your microphone audio locally on your Mac.
About the author
Kevin Ho writes SoundVeil's guides to Mac call audio, including privacy and meeting setup.
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