Unduck Pro vs CallLane: stop call ducking on a Mac
Unduck Pro and CallLane both stop macOS from ducking your music during calls; Unduck Pro is free and open source, while CallLane also locks your Mac's input to keep AirPods out of headset mode. Unduck Pro adds a per-app volume mixer and needs no audio driver. CallLane gives calls their own output device and keeps the system input on your Mac's mic.
I make CallLane, so weigh this with that in mind. Checked on against Unduck Pro README on GitHub and Unduck Pro releases.
Unduck Pro and CallLane side by side
| Feature | Unduck Pro | CallLane |
|---|---|---|
| Price model | Free (MIT license) | One-time purchase, 14-day refund |
| macOS requirement | macOS 14.2 or newer, Intel and Apple silicon | macOS 14 or later, Apple silicon and Intel |
| Stops call ducking | Yes. It notices calls on its own and resets macOS's ducking so media stays at full volume | Yes. Call apps play into the CallLane device, so macOS ducks only the call |
| Keeps AirPods out of headset mode (mic lock) | Not advertised. It has an output switcher, but its README says nothing about the mic or headset mode | Yes, for apps that follow the system input. Lock input keeps the system input on the Mac's mic (or a USB mic) and puts it back if macOS or an app moves it. An app set to the AirPods mic directly needs switching to System default once |
| Signed and notarized | No. Self-signed and not notarized, so the first launch needs Open Anyway in Privacy & Security | Yes, signed and notarized installer |
| Open source | Yes, MIT | The audio driver is (GPL-3, derived from BlackHole); the app is not |
| Extra setup | Approve Open Anyway once and allow microphone access. No driver to install | Admin password once for the driver, then pick CallLane as the speaker in each call app, once per app |
When to pick Unduck Pro
- You want it free. Unduck Pro costs nothing and has no account or paywall.
- You want to read or build the whole app. It is open source under MIT.
- You want a per-app volume mixer and a separate call volume slider in the same menu-bar app.
- You'd rather not install an audio driver. Unduck Pro uses Apple's Core Audio process taps instead.
When to pick CallLane
- You use AirPods or other Bluetooth headphones on calls. CallLane keeps the system input on your Mac's mic, so call apps on their default mic setting leave the AirPods in high-quality listening mode instead of dropping them to headset mode.
- You want an installer that is signed and notarized by Apple, with no Open Anyway step.
- You'd rather your music never pass through another app. With CallLane only the call audio takes a detour; music plays straight to your headphones.
- You're on macOS 14.0 or 14.1. CallLane needs macOS 14; Unduck Pro needs 14.2.
Questions
Is Unduck Pro free?
Yes. Unduck Pro is free and open source under the MIT license. CallLane is a one-time purchase with a 14-day refund.
Does Unduck Pro fix AirPods sounding bad on calls?
Its README doesn't mention it. AirPods sound bad on calls because the call app uses their mic and they switch to headset mode. CallLane's Lock input keeps the system input on the Mac's mic, so call apps that follow the system default stay off the AirPods mic. An app set to the AirPods mic directly needs switching to System default once.
Why does macOS warn me when I open Unduck Pro?
Unduck Pro is self-signed and not notarized by Apple, so macOS blocks the first launch. Its README tells you to click Open Anyway in System Settings, Privacy & Security. CallLane ships a signed and notarized installer.
Can I use Unduck Pro and CallLane together?
Pick one for call ducking. Both change how call audio and media are handled during a call, so running both at once is likely to fight. If you only need the AirPods fix, CallLane's Lock input covers that part.