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How to Use Two Headphones at the Same Time on Mac or Windows

March 2025 · 5 min read · Works with Bluetooth and wired headphones

Want to watch a movie with your partner, both using headphones, without buying a headphone splitter cable? Or maybe you have noise-canceling headphones but want a second pair ready for when someone joins? This guide covers every method — from the quick browser solution to the full operating system approach.

TL;DR: The fastest method for browser audio (YouTube, Netflix, Spotify Web) is a Chrome extension called Audio Splitter. For system-wide audio on Mac, use the built-in Multi-Output Device. For Windows, use Voicemeeter (free) or Virtual Audio Cable.

Method 1: Chrome Extension (Browser Audio Only)

Audio Splitter Easiest Free

Routes audio from any Chrome tab to multiple output devices simultaneously. Works with YouTube, Netflix, Spotify Web, Zoom, and any other browser audio — no extra hardware or software needed.

  1. Install Audio Splitter from the Chrome Web Store
  2. Click the extension icon in your Chrome toolbar
  3. Click Add Device and select your first headphones
  4. Click Add Device again and select your second headphones
  5. Click Start — both devices will now play the same audio

Supported: Any Bluetooth headphones, wired headphones, USB DACs, or speakers. Mix and match freely.

Method 2: Mac — Multi-Output Device (System-Wide)

macOS Audio MIDI Setup Built-in Free

macOS has a hidden feature that creates a virtual output device combining multiple outputs. This works for all audio — not just the browser.

  1. Open Audio MIDI Setup (search with Spotlight: ⌘ Space → "Audio MIDI Setup")
  2. Click the + button at the bottom left → Create Multi-Output Device
  3. Check both headphones you want to use
  4. Go to System Preferences → Sound → Output and select your new Multi-Output Device
  5. Audio now plays through both simultaneously

Limitation: You can't control volume with the keyboard when using a Multi-Output Device. Use the volume slider in each app instead.

Method 3: Windows — Voicemeeter (System-Wide)

Voicemeeter Banana Free

Voicemeeter is a free virtual audio mixer for Windows that can send audio to multiple outputs at once.

  1. Download and install Voicemeeter Banana
  2. Reboot your PC after install
  3. Set your default Windows audio output to VoiceMeeter Input
  4. In Voicemeeter, set A1 to your first headphones and A2 to your second
  5. Enable both A1 and A2 on the Master Section — audio now goes to both

Note: Voicemeeter has a learning curve. For browser-only use, the Chrome extension is much simpler.

Comparison: Which Method Should You Use?

MethodOSAudio scopeDifficultyCost
Audio Splitter (extension)Mac + WindowsBrowser only⭐ EasyFree
Mac Multi-Output DeviceMac onlySystem-wide⭐⭐ MediumFree
Voicemeeter (Windows)Windows onlySystem-wide⭐⭐⭐ ComplexFree (donationware)
Audio Splitter MaxMac + WindowsSystem-wide⭐ Easy$19.99

Frequently Asked Questions

Will both headphones play at exactly the same time?

Nearly — Bluetooth headphones typically have 50–200ms of latency, so there can be a slight offset between wired and wireless headphones. Audio Splitter lets you add a delay offset per device to compensate. Wired-to-wired combos are usually perfectly in sync.

Does this work with AirPods?

Yes. AirPods show up as a standard Bluetooth audio device. You can use AirPods as one output and any other headphones as the second.

Can I control the volume separately for each headphone?

Yes — Audio Splitter has individual volume sliders per device. The Mac Multi-Output Device and Voicemeeter also support per-device volume.

Do I need a headphone splitter cable?

No. All methods above are purely software — no 3.5mm splitter cable needed. This is especially useful if your laptop only has one headphone jack (or none).

Does this work with Spotify, Netflix, YouTube?

The Chrome extension works with any audio playing in a Chrome tab — that includes Spotify Web Player, Netflix, YouTube, Twitch, and Zoom. For the desktop Spotify app, you'd need the system-wide methods (Mac Multi-Output or Voicemeeter).

Try Audio Splitter — Free

The easiest way to use two headphones at once for any browser audio. No setup, no account required.

Install Audio Splitter →