Play macOS Audio Through Multiple Speakers

You can play Mac audio through more than one speaker by creating a Multi-Output Device in Audio MIDI Setup, a utility included with macOS. This works with supported connected audio devices, such as USB speakers and AirPlay devices, though Bluetooth speakers may have a noticeable delay or may not be available for this setup.

What You’ll Need

A Mac with the speakers or audio devices you want to use connected and available in macOS.
Audio MIDI Setup, included with macOS.
For AirPlay speakers, both the Mac and speakers should be on the same Wi-Fi network, and the speakers must be available as AirPlay destinations.

Step-by-Step

Connect and check each speaker. Turn on your speakers and connect them by USB, audio cable, Bluetooth, or AirPlay as appropriate. For AirPlay, first select the speaker from the Mac’s Control Center or Sound settings so it becomes available. Confirm that each device appears in macOS before creating a combined output.
Open Audio MIDI Setup. Open Finder, choose Applications, then Utilities, and open Audio MIDI Setup. You can also press Command-Space, search for “Audio MIDI Setup,” and press Return. If the window shows only a list of devices, choose Window > Show Audio Devices.
Create a Multi-Output Device. In the Audio Devices list, click the plus button near the lower-left corner and choose “Create Multi-Output Device.” A new device appears in the list. Select it to show its settings.
Choose the speakers to include. In the device settings, check the “Use” box beside each speaker or output you want to play through. Leave unchecked any device you do not want included. The built-in speakers may also be selected if they appear as an available output.
Set the clock source and drift correction. Choose one device as the “Master Device,” if that setting is shown. For other devices, enable “Drift Correction” where available. Drift correction helps keep separate audio clocks aligned and can reduce gradual timing differences. If an AirPlay device is involved, its delay may still be audible.
Give the device a recognizable name. Double-click “Multi-Output Device” in the device list, type a name such as “Desk and Room Speakers,” and press Return. Naming it makes the next selection easier.
Make it the Mac’s output. Open Control Center from the menu bar, choose Sound, and select the new multi-output device. Depending on your macOS version, you can also select it in System Settings > Sound > Output. If it is missing from the menu, return to Audio MIDI Setup and check that at least two available outputs are selected.
Test playback and adjust volume. Play a short audio clip. Check that sound comes from every chosen speaker. Use each speaker’s own controls or its device settings to balance levels; the Mac’s regular volume keys may not control a multi-output device in the usual way. To return to one speaker, select that speaker directly in Sound settings or Control Center.

Common Mistakes

Expecting every Bluetooth speaker to work together automatically. Pairing multiple speakers with a Mac does not automatically combine them. They must appear as selectable outputs in Audio MIDI Setup, and compatibility can vary.
Forgetting to select the new output. Creating a Multi-Output Device does not switch audio to it. Choose it in Control Center or Sound settings after setting it up.
Leaving a speaker unchecked. A device can appear in the list without being part of the combined output. Confirm the “Use” box is checked for every speaker you want.
Assuming all speakers will be perfectly synchronized. Different connection types and wireless buffering can create a timing gap or echo. Drift Correction helps with clock differences, but it cannot eliminate every transmission delay.
Looking for one master volume control. macOS may not offer normal system volume control for a Multi-Output Device. Adjust the speakers individually, or use their own app or hardware controls.

Tips

For the most consistent timing, use wired outputs where practical and avoid mixing devices with very different wireless delays.
Connect AirPlay speakers to the same Wi-Fi network as the Mac, and make sure they are awake and available before opening Audio MIDI Setup.
If you often switch between a combined setup and one speaker, leave the named Multi-Output Device saved and select the desired output from Control Center when needed.
For video or games, test for lip-sync or gameplay delay before relying on multiple speakers. A setup that works well for background music may not suit latency-sensitive audio.

Troubleshooting

The Multi-Output Device is not listed: Reopen Audio MIDI Setup and confirm that the device was created and at least two outputs are checked. Disconnect and reconnect wired devices. For AirPlay, verify the speaker is available on the same network, then reopen Control Center or Audio MIDI Setup.
Only one speaker plays: In Audio MIDI Setup, select the Multi-Output Device and inspect the “Use” boxes. Make sure the silent speaker is still connected, powered on, and selected as an output in macOS.
There is an echo or audio is out of sync: Enable Drift Correction for secondary devices where available, then test again. If the delay remains, try using devices with the same connection type or remove the delayed wireless speaker. Some latency is inherent to wireless playback.
There is no sound after switching: Select the Mac’s built-in speakers or another known-good output temporarily. Check the app’s own audio output setting and volume, then reselect the Multi-Output Device. Quit and reopen the audio app if it continues using the previous output.
Volume keys do not work as expected: This can be normal for a combined output. Adjust each speaker separately, or select a single output when you need the Mac’s standard volume controls.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Mac play audio through two Bluetooth speakers at once?
Sometimes, if both appear as outputs in Audio MIDI Setup and can be selected in a Multi-Output Device. Support and synchronization vary by speaker and macOS setup.

Can I combine AirPlay and wired speakers?
You can select available AirPlay and wired outputs together when macOS lists them in Audio MIDI Setup. Expect possible delay between them, especially with wireless audio.

Will this work with every app?
Most apps that use the Mac’s system output should follow the selected device. An app with its own audio-output setting may need to be configured separately.

Can I control the volume for all speakers at once?
Not always. The system volume keys may be unavailable or may not adjust every device in a Multi-Output Device. Use each speaker’s controls where needed.

How do I stop playing through multiple speakers?
Select one speaker, such as MacBook Speakers, in Control Center > Sound or System Settings > Sound > Output. You can keep the Multi-Output Device saved for later.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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