SonoBus vs SESSION™ Playback
SonoBus is a free, open-source tool for audio exchange among devices. SESSION™ Playback provides a paid Mac sender with free browser listening for a stereo review session.
In this guide: SESSION™ Playback. Mac sender · macOS 14.2+ · AU, VST3 and AAX. Plans and requirements.
Published by Capiscana, Inc., maker of SESSION™ products. About these comparisons.
On this page 9 sections
Price and what you are buying
| Product / plan | Price and billing | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| SonoBus | Free and open source | See product limits |
| SESSION™ Playback | $9.99 a month or $59 a year | Sender subscription; free browser listeners |
Native participants configure their audio setup.
US dollars unless another currency is shown. Taxes may apply. Confirm current offers, renewal terms and requirements on the linked product pages.
The workflow difference
SonoBus runs as an application or plugin on its supported platforms and provides group mixing and quality controls. Its website explicitly states that its data communication is not encrypted. A group password and transport encryption are different protections; the former does not imply the latter.
For collaborators willing to install and configure an audio tool, SonoBus provides a different model from a browser listening link. For a client who only needs to listen, Playback's browser path avoids a listener plugin installation.
SESSION™ Playback at a glance
- Price
- $9.99 a month or $59 a year
- Requirements
- macOS 14.2 or later on Intel or Apple silicon. AU, VST3 and AAX sender plugins. A sender subscription is required; browser listeners are free.
- Input and setup
- Insert Playback Send on the stereo bus, choose the quality before starting, and share the listening link. A browser listener opens the link and presses play without creating an account or installing a plugin.
- Working with it
- Use the stream for listening and mix review, with a separate call for conversation. Playback Receive provides a native receiving route. Review the device and quality requirements before choosing the stream format.
- Before the session
- Up to five simultaneous listeners, with lower limits for the highest Studio formats. Each subscription includes 200 GB per monthly anniversary, counting delivery to each listener. Unused delivery does not roll over; streaming stops at the allowance until reset, without automatic overage charges.
Before the first session
Agree on who may hear the material and test the connection before sharing unreleased work. Any listener can record audio they receive, regardless of the transport used.
See the SESSION™ Playback workflow and product demonstration
Sources and scope
Product documentation reviewed October 17, 2026. These are comparisons of published capabilities, not independent performance tests. Prices and availability can change.
Related comparisons
Questions before choosing
Is a password-protected SonoBus group encrypted?
SonoBus's published page says its communication is not encrypted. The optional group password should not be treated as encryption of the audio transport.
When should I choose SESSION™ Playback instead?
Choose SESSION™ Playback when browser listening avoids asking the client to configure a native audio app. Choose SonoBus when its free, two-way native workflow fits everyone involved.
What does SonoBus cost compared with SESSION™ Playback?
SonoBus: Free and open source. Native participants configure their audio setup. SESSION™ Playback costs $9.99 a month or $59 a year.