Rogue Amoeba today announced the launch of Airfoil 5, introducing an updated version of its popular software that allows users to transmit any audio from their Macs or PCs to their home audio systems. Airfoil 5 includes a revamped interface with new Retina-compatible graphics and design improvements that include longer volume sliders in the main Airfoil window.

More importantly, Airfoil 5 introduces several new features, including Bluetooth support, a new Airfoil Satellite companion app, and Speaker Groups. With Bluetooth support, Airfoil is able to send audio to Bluetooth devices, including speakers and headphones, expanding Airfoil beyond the Apple TV, AirPort Express, iOS devices, and Macs.

airfoil5

That means users can send music to the thousands of different Bluetooth speakers, headphones, and headsets available! A music app like Spotify can be sent to a high-quality Bluetooth speaker (or multiple Bluetooth speakers!), while the rest of the computer's sounds come through the Mac's speakers.

Airfoil Satellite is a companion app that lets audio be sent to Macs, PCs, and iOS devices. Running Airfoil Satellite on one of these devices will turn them into audio receivers, and the software also allows for the remote control of supported apps like Spotify. It's possible to adjust volume, skip tracks, pause music, and more.

With Speaker Groups, it's possible to group up multiple speakers to send audio to more than one speaker at the same time. All the speakers in a home can be grouped together for house-wide music playback or organized into rooms for playing music in a specific area.

Other new features include silence monitoring, which will automatically disconnect Airfoil if there's no music being played, custom equalizer presets, sync adjustments, options to hide speakers, and an improved Instant On feature that will capture audio from already-running apps.

Airfoil for Mac or PC can be downloaded from the Rogue Amoeba website for $29. There's also a free trial for first time users who want to check out the software before purchasing.

Top Rated Comments

nardi Avatar
128 months ago
I'm having trouble understanding the utility of this app. Don't iMacs and all MacBooks come with Bluetooth? They can already send audio to Bluetooth devices and AirPlay devices.

Maybe I'm missing something.
You are right. But they can only send audio to one device at a time (unless you use iTunes to send to more then 1 airplay device?). I can use Airfoil to send music from Spotify playing on my Macbook Pro to my Apple TV connected to my home stereo, a speaker outside connected to an Airport Express and to two other speakers connected to two iPads in two different rooms (you can use an iPhone or iPad as a receiver with their companion app). The music is all perfectly synced on each device and speaker. It is really great software.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
tliede20 Avatar
128 months ago
I love AirFoil, and I'm happy to see it advancing, the UI is very nice! I like the ability to group now, I also like the fact that it allows me to stream to bluetooth and other sources too, that makes me never purchase sonos :P
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
PJL500 Avatar
128 months ago
($15- upgrade)
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
HopefulHumanist Avatar
128 months ago
I'm having trouble understanding the utility of this app. Don't iMacs and all MacBooks come with Bluetooth? They can already send audio to Bluetooth devices and AirPlay devices.

Maybe I'm missing something.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Xgm541 Avatar
128 months ago
This is a neat app. I've been using it for a few years. Glad to see the updates...
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

iPhone Pocket Short

iPhone Pocket is Now Completely Sold Out Worldwide

Tuesday November 25, 2025 7:16 am PST by
Apple recently teamed up with Japanese fashion brand ISSEY MIYAKE to create the iPhone Pocket, a limited-edition knitted accessory designed to carry an iPhone. However, it is now completely sold out in all countries where it was released. iPhone Pocket became available to order on Apple's online store starting Friday, November 14, in the United States, France, China, Italy, Japan, Singapore, ...
New Intel Logo

Apple and Intel Rumored to Partner on Mac Chips Again in a New Way

Friday November 28, 2025 7:33 am PST by
While all Macs are now powered by Apple's custom-designed chips, a new rumor claims that Apple may rekindle its partnership with Intel, albeit in a new and limited way. Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo today said Intel is expected to begin shipping Apple's lowest-end M-series chip as early as mid-2027. Kuo said Apple plans to utilize Intel's 18A process, which is the "earliest...
iphone black friday gold

The Best Black Friday iPhone Deals Still Available

Friday November 28, 2025 6:24 am PST by
Cellular carriers have always offered big savings on the newest iPhone models during the holidays, and Black Friday 2025 sales have kicked off at AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and more. Right now we're tracking notable offers on the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and iPhone Air. For even more savings, keep an eye on older models during the holiday shopping season. Note: MacRumors is...
apple store down feature

Here's Why the Apple Store is Going Down

Thursday November 27, 2025 1:01 pm PST by
Apple's online store is going down for a few hours on a rolling country-by-country basis right now, but do not get your hopes up for new products. Apple takes its online store down for a few hours ahead of Black Friday every year to tease/prepare for its annual gift card offer with the purchase of select products. The store already went down and came back online in Australia and New Zealand, ...
streaming black friday 2025

Best Black Friday Streaming Deals - Save Big on Apple TV, Disney+, Hulu, and More

Thursday November 27, 2025 1:14 pm PST by
We've been focusing on deals on physical products over the past few weeks, but Black Friday is also a great time of year to purchase a streaming membership. Some of the biggest services have great discounts for new and select returning members this week, including Apple TV, Disney+, Hulu, Paramount+, Peacock, and more. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When...
iphone air camera

iPhone Air Flop Sparks Industry Retreat From Ultra-Thin Phones

Thursday November 27, 2025 3:14 am PST by
Apple's disappointing iPhone Air sales are causing major Chinese mobile vendors to scrap or freeze their own ultra-thin phone projects, according to reports coming out of Asia. Since the ‌iPhone Air‌ launched in September, there have been reports of poor sales and manufacturing cuts, while Apple's supply chain has scaled back shipments and production. Apple supplier Foxconn has...
Cyber Monday Deals 2025

Best Cyber Monday Apple Deals Include Big Discounts on AirPods, Apple Watch, and More

Sunday November 30, 2025 7:33 am PST by
Now that Black Friday is in the rearview mirror, Cyber Monday discounts have begun appearing online, and you can find popular Apple products like AirPods, iPad, Apple Watch, and more at all-time low prices. In this article, the majority of the discounts will be found on Amazon. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may ...
maxresdefault

The MacRumors Show: Apple's Big Plans for iPad Mini 8

Friday November 28, 2025 8:39 am PST by
On this week's episode of The MacRumors Show, we talk through the latest rumors about Apple's upcoming iPad mini 8. Subscribe to The MacRumors Show YouTube channel for more videos The next-generation version of the iPad mini is expected to feature an OLED display, as part of Apple's plan to expand the display technology across many more of its devices. Apple's first OLED device was the Apple...